Arts & Entertainment
From An Exhibit Opening in the North Suburbs to a New Play at A Red Orchid Theatre, Here are 4 Arts Picks For Your Week
A Red Orchid Theatre's 'Birds of North America' Cast: Ensemble Member John Judd and Cassidy Slaughter-Mason (Travis A. Knight)
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 city collectively exits its post-holiday hangover and turns its attention to the Chicago Bears’ playoff run, the arts community is ramping up production too. In January’s final half, expect a comeback of epic proportions with new theater offerings, comedy shows, film screenings, and gallery openings galore. Below, we’ve compiled a quartet of sure bets to keep your winning streak alive in 2026.
Theater: Birds of North America — A Red Orchid Theatre
Starring Red Orchid ensemble member John Judd and the talented rising local actress Cassidy Slaughter-Mason, the Anna Ouyang Moench-penned play “Birds of North America” begins its preview run at A Red Orchid Theatre. It homes in on the relationship between a father and daughter, using their love for birding as a way to hopefully develop understanding, healing and love. Tickets can be found here.
Culture: News Night – Mouse Arts & Letters Club
The Mouse Arts & Letters Club is a new co-working space and community events building in Bridgeport that opens its doors on Friday. It promises to be a “warm, friendly space that defies national borders, political reaction, and cultural philistinism while allowing you to enjoy and partake in the best cultural programs and projects.” Co-founded by WTTW News reporter Blair Paddock, its first event is News Night, which features journalists talking about their work, biggest scoops, and the stories affecting Chicago. Speakers include Injustice Watch’s Maya Dukmasova, the Chicago Tribune’s Alice Yin and the Illinois Answers Project’s Casey Toner. The event starts at 7 p.m. at 555 W. 31st St.
Comedy: Irene Tu — The Den Theatre
Irene Tu is a Chinese American stand-up comedian from the Chicago suburbs. Now based in Los Angeles, she started her career as a Northwestern University student and has since appeared on “After Midnight,” Netflix Is a Joke and more. Expect observational humor and a quick wit at a homecoming show in Wicker Park on Friday. Tickets can be found here.
Art: Michael Ireland: Different Strokes — Evanston Art Center
Painter and artist Michael Ireland hails from Chicago’s west suburbs and excels at watercolors. His vivid and masterful work will be shown from Saturday until Feb. 11 at the Evanston Art Center in an exhibit called “Different Strokes.” For more information, click here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
