Arts & Entertainment
From an ‘Amélie’ Musical to Arthur the Aardvark, Here Are 7 Picks for Local Arts Events
‘Amélie’ opens at the Chopin Theatre and runs through Sept. 28, 2025. (Collin Quinn Rice)
Do you remember the song “One of These Things (Is Not Like the Others)” from “Sesame Street”? They showed four objects: three animals and one hat, or three boats and a tree. Kids flexed their brains and learned to identify objects. In this week’s diverse set of picks, none of the things are much like the others — except that every choice is a chance to flex and learn. The kid in you would approve.
“Amélie” – Chopin Theatre
This musical adaptation of the beloved French film promises to be a sunny adult fairy tale. Leading actor Aurora Penepacker is a bright light, and if the show captures even part of the charm of the 2001 movie, it’ll be as welcome as a summer breeze in Paris. Now in previews, so see it before those infernal critics. From Kokandy Productions. Through Sept. 28
“Re-Bop!” – Beverly Arts Center
Collage is cool and accessible – anyone can do it. In the hands of experienced artists and makers, collage can be next-level fascinating. Here, 60 creatives from around the city, country and globe assemble things in surprising ways. Re-Bop! is the third chapter in a series of collage exhibitions started by Tony Fitzpatrick. More, please. Through Aug. 22
“Rhythm World – Grand Finale” – Studebaker Theatre
Tap dance just feels good, whether you’re doing it or watching it. The Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents “JUBA! Masters of Tap and Percussive Dance” in the final show of “Rhythm World,” celebrating their 35th anniversary season. The Eric Hochberg Trio performs, and dancers move to “Fly Me to the Moon” and more. It’s the Studebaker Theatre in the Fine Arts Building, and it’s free. July 18
“Queen for a Day” – Bramble Arts Loft, Andersonville
The designer Halston is suffering a personal crisis when Queen Elizabeth I enters. Soon Liza Minelli joins them and it’s summer camp, high camp. The latest from the reliably ridiculous Hell in a Handbag Productions is about all kinds of royalty. Cross-dressing and cross references rule in a comedy that wears the crown and sometimes a pantsuit. Through Aug. 3
“We Lit the Fire and Trusted the Heat” – Gallery 400, University of Illinois Chicago
Named after a quote from Angela Davis, this heady project features a sonic sculpture constructed of glass rods salvaged from a prison. Artist Maria Gaspar enlists vibraphonist Thaddeus Tukes to actually play the sculpted instrument. Projected in the background is a video documenting the demolition of a building in the Cook County Jail. July 23
“Arthur and Friends Make a Musical” – Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire
A shining knight of PBS, Arthur and his friends hit the stage to put on a musical as only they can do. Here’s one for the dramatic children in your life — a song-and-dance filled show that brings the Marc Brown books and TV series to three dimensions on stage. With Buster, Brain, D.W. and everyone’s favorite anthropomorphic aardvark. Through Aug. 1
Music from 16th century English composer William Byrd will be performed by The Gesualdo Six amid candlelight. (Mark Allan)
“Secret Byrd” – Salvage One
Concert Theatre Works present a Chicago premiere in a candlelit setting inside a salvage warehouse. They’ll perform music from 16th century English composer William Byrd. Byrd was a Catholic who worshipped in secret because his faith was illegal. Here, the British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six, accompanied by strings, interpret the moving music of “Mass for Five Voices.” Sunday and Monday, July 20 and 21, two performances per day
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.
