Arts & Entertainment
Shakespeare in a Park and a Car-Themed Film Series: 4 Arts Picks for Your Weekend
A still from "The French Connection" (Provided)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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This is the annual summer weekend where Lollapalooza, the massive music festival, takes over Grant Park. Walk around downtown and you’ll see scores of attendees trekking to the four-day event (it usually draws 115,000 people each day). If dealing with throngs of young music fans and a general admission four-day pass that costs $439 aren’t on your list this week, don’t fret because there are tons of other, much more relaxed arts and culture events happening this week. From a Shakespeare production in Rogers Park to a well-curated car-themed film series, here’s what’s on offer.
Museum: Unheard Voices of Care: Filipino Nurses in America — International Museum of Surgical Science
Throughout the summer, Gold Coast’s International Museum of Surgical Science has displayed an exhibit highlighting the history of Filipino nurses in America. It highlights the “tangled history of colonialism, misogyny and racism powering this unique migration story” with “hospital uniforms, medical equipment, awards, immigration documentation, photographs and personal mementos” and more. The closing reception is Sunday, Aug. 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but you are encouraged to RSVP here.
Theater: Midsommar Flight’s “As You Like It” — Touhy Park
One of Chicago’s best-reviewed theater shows is Midsommar Flight’s take on Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” For instance, the Chicago Reader raved of the Beth Wolf-directed production with, “anyone who toddles over to see this free production during this year’s run will be lucky.” This summer, the company has been staging performances across local parks and this weekend, they end their season at Rogers Park’s Touhy Park. This event is free to all, but it’s recommended that you reserve your spot for one of three shows happening July 31, Aug. 1 and Aug. 2.
Film: “Vroom, Screech” — Gene Siskel Film Center
From the dawn of cinema, car chases have been a staple of film. You’ve seen them in silent Buster Keaton movies to the more modern version of the trope with 1968’s “Bullitt.” If you’re a fan, head to the Gene Siskel Film Center for “Vroom, Screech,” a well-curated series of films with the best chase scenes, cars, and car-centric storylines. It opens Friday with a screening of “Bullitt” and runs until Aug. 27. For a list of movies and showtimes, click here.
Theater: “The Notebook” — Nederlander Theatre
Four years ago, the modern classic romance movie (and best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks) got a musical stage update that premiered at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater. After runs on Broadway, it returns for a limited engagement at the Nederlander Theatre. It opens Tuesday, Aug. 4 and runs until Aug. 16. For tickets, click here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
