Arts & Entertainment
A Local Musical Getting a Movie Adaptation and Sketch Comedy: 4 Arts Picks for the Week
“Octet” production photo. (Joe Mazza)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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Whenever it’s summer in Chicago, there’s always so much going on. You walk through your neighborhood, and there’s a solid chance you’ll stumble upon a massive street festival happening nearby. There’s Ravinia, the free concert series at Grant Park, theater and art gallery openings and more. We get it: Yes, it’s sometimes overwhelming but it’s better to say yes and try something new than to sit at home debating whether to go out and explore the city. Below, I’ve compiled a handful of events that all seem like a nice time.
Theater: “Octet” — Goodman Theatre
Being into art, it’s best to have an open mind. If you don’t, then the pitch of a new musical called “Octet” might scare you away: “an acapella musical about internet addiction.” While some might be turned off by the words “acapella,” “musical” or “internet addiction,” the Chicago Tribune and others have been raving about it. “Octet” premiered as the first musical in Edgewater’s Raven Theatre’s 43-year history and critic Chris Jones called it “astonishing.” It’s now at the Goodman Theatre for an extended run that goes through Aug. 2. Buy tickets here. Also: It’s becoming a feature film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda starring Amanda Seyfried, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jonathan Groff.
Literature and Music: Loose Leaf Fest — Dovetail Brewery
Behind every thriving local music community is a passionate, industrious and creative collection of fans making zines, covering the scene and supporting independent artists. “Loose Leaf Fest,” which is happening Saturday evening at Dovetail Brewery, is at the intersection of zine-making and underground music. It’s hosted by Elgin’s Pink Slip Press and the great blog the Ugly Hug, and will feature musical performances by excellent acts like Hollow Bastian, Mold Gold, Abel and more along with DIY zine makers selling their work. It’s pay-what-you-can and doors open at 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Comedy: “Pandemonium, Please Hold” — Second City
One of the best-reviewed shows happening in Chicago is Second City’s latest mainstage revue, “a high-energy night of sketch and improv” called “Pandemonium, Please Hold.” It’s going to run until February 2027 and shows happen several times a week, but don’t let that stop you from taking in what Curtain Call Chicago says is “smart, hysterically chaotic and a triumph of mainstage shows.” Buy tickets here.
Art: Six Exhibition Openings — Epiphany Center for the Arts
The West Loop event space, music venue and art gallery Epiphany Center for the Arts will be hosting six exhibition openings at 2 p.m. Sunday. Among the presentations featured are painter Laleh Motlagh’s “The Jade,” sculptor Max Li’s “Temple Toys” and painter Benjamin Holmes’ “SAIC Diploma Pickup! Reminder.” Peruse what’s on offer here and RSVP to any opening that strikes your fancy. All will run until Sept. 20.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
