Arts & Entertainment
From a Tony Nominee Debut to a New Art Institute Exhibit, Here Are 4 Picks for Your Weekend
DRUMLine Live (Provided)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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As the first month of 2026 comes to a close, this city has already packed a year’s worth of must-see cultural offerings into the calendar. With these four events, it’s clear that there’s no stopping Chicago’s arts communities from delivering enriching shows, exhibits, concerts and more for your viewing pleasure. From a four-time Tony Award-nominee premiering on the North Shore, to two must-see exhibits from veteran artists and a raucous percussion performance at the Auditorium Theatre, dive into a new memory and a thrilling experience below.
Theater: “Mary Jane” — Northlight Theatre
“Mary Jane,” a Tony-nominated play that premiered in 2017 and was penned by Pulitzer finalist Amy Herzog, makes its debut at Skokie’s Northlight Theatre this weekend. It stars Lucy Carapetyan as the titular protagonist, and its story follows a “determined mother caring for her chronically sick child.” For tickets and showtimes, click here.
Art: Carroll Dunham, “Drawings: 1974-2024” — Art Institute of Chicago
Painter Carroll Dunham has been a working artist for the past five decades, beginning in New York City in the 1970s. On Saturday, a massive collection of his drawings will be put on exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago. It marks the first time a museum has made an exhibit exclusively highlighting Dunham’s drawings. For more details, click here.
Art: “Eli Williamson: Fellowship” — Evanston Art Center
South Side native and photo essayist Eli Williamson is unveiling a collection called “Fellowship” in Evanston. It “visually explores the sacred spaces where Black men and boys learn, grow, and heal in each other’s presence.” The series has been on display since Jan. 24 but will run until March 1. On Sunday, Feb. 1, you can RSVP for an opening reception at the Evanston Art Institute from 1-4 p.m. For more information, click here.
Concert: DRUMLine Live — Auditorium Theatre
On Sunday at 3 p.m., the first day of Black History Month, head to the Loop’s Auditorium Theatre for a one-time performance of DRUMLine Live, “an international tour based on the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band tradition.” Yes, it’s from the same team behind the 2002 Nick Cannon-starring film “Drumline.” Buy tickets here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
