Arts & Entertainment
Sitcom Greats Hit the Stage and a Music Panel: 4 Arts Picks for Your Week
(L-R) Melanie Brezill, Andrea San Miguel, Shawn Pfautsch, Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Will Koski, Linda Mugleston and Donterrio in “Iceboy!” (Todd Rosenberg)
Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.
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This summer is flying by. The city’s been so alive with events and activities that it’s shocking we’re already in August. Before you start prematurely mourning the end of the warm weather and sunshine, you should keep your momentum going. Enriching your life with the arts is not a seasonal endeavor, but a lifelong source of inspiration, imagination and creativity. Below, we’ve compiled a small sample of how you can experience culture in Chicago.
Theater: “Iceboy!” — Goodman Theatre
Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally are a married couple who have both been beloved sitcom stars and comedic powerhouses. Offerman’s best known for his roles in “Parks & Recreation” and “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” while Mullally broke out with a star turn in “Will & Grace” and more recent appearances in “The Righteous Gemstones.” Together, they star in the musical “Iceboy!” which has been extended until Aug. 16 at the Goodman Theatre. Tickets are selling fast, but you can buy them here.
Art: John Wangendo | Stories From Africa — Evanston Art Center
The latest exhibit to hit the Evanston Art Center is a collection by local artist John Wangendo, whose “colorful and detailed portraits … [give] viewers a glimpse into stories from the continent of Africa, from its civil wars to its deep cultures and traditions.” His work is stunning and he primarily operates in pencil and charcoal. It opens Saturday and runs until Sept. 13. The opening reception is Sunday from 1-3 p.m. For more information, click here.
Performance: Hugh Jackman — Ravinia
You might know Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, the star of countless “X Men” movies and the talented actor in “The Prestige,” “The Fountain,” “Bad Education” and the 2012 film adaptation of “Les Misérables.” Movies aren’t the only forte for the multi-talented Australian: He’s also a Tony Award-winning stage presence and singer who is bringing a musical show to Ravinia in Highland Park on Sunday. He’ll be backed by the Chicago Philharmonic, so expect Broadway hits and an eclectic selection of musical numbers. Buy tickets here.
Talk: “Breaking Into Chicago’s Live Music Industry” — Hotel Zachary
Since 2005, Jaime Black has doggedly covered Chicago’s creative industries with his pioneering Dynasty Podcasts. On top of his in-depth interviews with notable locals, he also hosts informative and entertaining live events demystifying the industries he focuses on. The next one is titled “Breaking Into Chicago’s Live Music Industry,” where he’ll chat with the talent buyers and bookers behind local venues like Metro, Gman Tavern, Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Thalia Hall, Empty Bottle, Salt Shed, Epiphany Center for the Arts and more. It’s free and starts at 7 p.m. Monday. You can reserve your spot here.
WTTW News arts coverage is supported by the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund of the DuPage Foundation.
