ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Cora Saddler

The Way You Make Me Feel!

Janelle Monáe: The Memory Librarian

To celebrate its fifth year anniversary, the American Writers Museum will host a discussion with artist, rapper, singer, actor and now author of her debut book “The Memory Librarian and Other Stories of Dirty Computer,” Janelle Monáe. Monáe has received eight Grammy Awards nominations, won an MTV Video Music Award and the ASCAP Vanguard Awards in 2010. Her book brings to life the world of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality and love—are entangled with memory, time, and the future and the cost of that freedom. “Whoever controls our memories control the future” and Monáe’s book offers a glimpse into a totalitarian society in which thoughts can be controlled and erased by a select few. The event will be at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, on April 22 from 7-9 pm. Tickets are $45-65 and can be purchased at harristheaterchicago.org.

Barbra, Can You Hear Me?

Hello, Gorgeous! A Barbra Streisand Birthday Celebration

Hello, Gorgeous! Head over to the Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., for a Barbra Streisand birthday celebration. Streisand is the first woman to win an Oscar for composition, the only artist to have a number one album in six consecutive decades, the first woman to write, direct, produce, and star in a movie since the silent era and more. On April 24, Streisand will turn 81, but you can celebrate early at Chicago’s premier location for an intimate music showcase on April 22 and 23 at 8 pm. Hosts include Scott Gryder, Adam Hibma and Kimberly Lawson, with musical direction by Jimmy Morehead and arrangements by Nick Sula. For more information, see DavenportsPianoBar.com. Cover is $20 plus a two-drink minimum.

It's in the Stars!

Astronomy Day

Travel to infinity from 5:30-9 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Harper College, 1200 W. Algonquin Road in Palatine. Experience the magic of telescopes of all different shapes and sizes for solar and nighttime viewing (weather permitting) as well as NASA mission updates, astro imaging and youth crafts. The event is presented by the Harper College Department of Physical Sciences and the Northwest Suburban Astronomers’ (NSA) club. With over 150 members, the NSA is one of the largest astronomy clubs in the Midwest. This FREE event is designed for young astronomers and seasoned amateurs alike. More info at nsaclub.org.

A Steve Martin Comedy!

Picasso at the Lapin Agile

What happens when Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso walk into the same Parisian cafe in 1904? To find out, visit the Citadel Theatre Company, 300 South Waukegan Road in Lake Forest. Written by actor and screenwriter Steve Martin, this long running Off Broadway absurdist comedy is Martin’s first comedy for the stage and muses on the century’s achievements and prospects with an infectious dizziness and hilarity that Martin is known for. Taking place just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the painter challenged the art world with cubism, the play follows two geniuses on the verge of breakthrough and the momentum behind their greatness. Play begins April 20 and runs through May 22. Tickets are $40-45. For more information on times and dates, see citadeltheatre.org.

A History Maker!

Peter Nolan 'CAMPAIGN! The Election that Rocked Chicago' Author Talk

When Richard J. Daley died unexpectedly on Dec. 20, 1976, he had not anointed a successor. Former reporter Peter Nolan of WMAQ-TV (now NBC5) covered the power struggles that followed Daley's death, and finally, the rise of Mayor Harold Washington, in his book, “Campaign! The Election That Rocked Chicago.” Nolan will discuss the book with Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune April 20 at the Society of Midland Authors. The meeting will be at Cliff Dwellers, 220 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd floor penthouse. Free appetizers and cash bar will be available 6-7 p.m., with the discussion 7-8 p.m. Free to the public, no reservations required.

Step Right Up!

Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival

The all new Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival will celebrate Chicago's diversity. The show will include traditional circus activities, avant-garde sideshows, burlesque, juggling and clowning, and boundary-pushing dance and circus acts. Themes of queer friendship and trans-masculinity will be explored through acrobatics, juggling, arielas, and dance, and more. The festival will be in the Bookspan Theatre and Theatre 2b of the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Festival times will be 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, 3:30-11 p.m. Saturday, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10-35, plus some pay-what-you-can prices for certain performances. More info at ccpaf.org.

No Need to Ask for Directions!

'Quamino’s Map'

Chicago Opera Theater will present the world premiere of "Quamino's Map," the story of Juba Freeman, who arrives in London after winning his freedom by fighting for the British in the Revolutionary War and meets Amelia Alumond, a member of the British Black gentry. Together, they connect with former slaves who are struggling to build new lives. Inspired by historical events, the opera challenges assumptions about life in 18th century London for a person of color.“Quamino’s Map” was composed by Belize-born and British-based Errollyn Wallen CBE, with a libretto by American playwright Deborah Brevoort. The 90-minute performances, in English with English surtitles, are 7:30 p.m. April 23 and 29 and 3 p.m. May 1 at the Studebaker Theatre, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $45+ at chicagooperatheater.org

Preserving Nature!

Maintaining Traditions of the Ancestors and Restoring to Health the Natural Environment

Joseph Standing Bear Schranz is a member of the White Earth Band Minnesota Ojibwe Nation and president of the not-for-profit Midwest SOARRING Foundation (Save Our Ancestor’s Remains & Resources Indigeneous Network Group), whose mission is to protect and restore local plants, animals and sites that are sacred to indigenous people. Schranz will offer a virtual discussion at 7 p.m. April 21 on Midwest SOARRING and its role in establishing a bison herd, protecting more than 1,900 acres throughout Illinois and designating Plum Island in the Illinois River near Starved Rock as a bald eagle sanctuary. Sponsored by the Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield Zoo), the lecture is FREE, but a $10 donation is appreciated. Online reservations are required at CZS.org/Lecture Series.

A Family's Legacy!

'Relentless'

After selling out this winter, Tyla Abercrumbie’s world premiere play, “Relentless” is at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., extended through May 8. Set in the Black Victorian era, “Relentless” weaves a mother’s past with her daughters’ present over the course of this century-spanning tale of family, legacy, progress, and the secrets we keep to protect the ones we love the most. The play follows two sisters in 1919 Philadelphia as they settle their mother's estate. Annelle is a socialite desperate to maintain her illusion of a happy life with her husband in Boston, while Janet is a single professional nurse determined to propel Black women in history. The two sisters find themselves confronted with their late mother's shocking diary entries. The play was developed through the TimeLine Theatre Company’s Playwrights Collective. Tickets are $15+. For more information, see goodmantheatre.org.