ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Cora Saddler

A Classic Reborn!

'Of Mice and Men'

Join the Joffrey Ballet for its presentation of the world premiere of John Steinbeck’s classic novel “Of Mice and Men” with choreography by Cathy Marston and first-ever original score for ballet by Academy Award-nominated Hollywood composer Thomas Newman, plus a premiere of George Balanchine’s first ballet in America “Serenade” created in 1934 and set to the score by Peter Tchaikovsky. “Of Mice and Men” is a tender and timeless tale of friendship, perseverance, and sacrifice written during the Great Depression and relevant to our own time. The story follows George Milton and Lennie Small, two drifters looking for work on the farms of Depression-era California. W.hen tragedy strikes, the two men’s friendship is put to the test. The ballet will run April 27-May 8 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Tickets are $35+. For times, visit joffrey.org

¡Viva la Revolución!

The Art of Race in Revolutions / La Raza en el arte de las revoluciónes

¡Viva la Libertad! The National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., hosts the Newberry’s library production of “The Art of Race in Revolutions” led by Delilah Montoya, Chicana photographer, printmaker and installation artist working and living in New Mexico and Texas, and Mia Lopez, curator, writer and educator of contemporary art with specializations in Latinx art, socially engaged artists, and identity politics. The art reflects themes of reinforcement and rebellion against racial hierarchies from the US to South America. The program will be followed by National Endowment for the Humanities (NMMA) staff members and docentguided tours and is part of “¡Viva la Libertad! Forming More Perfect Unions Across Americas,” a series of public programs that bring together scholars, writers and artists to reflect on the struggle for independence in the Americas as well as racial justice and democracy. Free to the public, this in-person event will be 11 a.m.-noon April 30. Register at newberry.org

Inner Workings!

Colin Mustful Presents on the King’s Anatomist and Andreas Vesalius

On April 27, visit the International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive, to hear Colin Mustful's presentation on The King’s Anatomist and Andreas Vesalius. Vesalius published “De humani corporis fabrica,” a seminal work in the study of human anatomy, in 1543. Centuries later, Ron Blumenfeld wrote his novel “The King’s Anatomist.” Join Mustful, founder and editor of History Through Fiction (an independent press publishing high-quality fiction rooted in historical research) as he explores the challenges of printing and publishing “De humani corporis fabrica” and draws parallels to his own experience as publisher of Blumenfeld’s novel. The event will take place from 6-7 pm, and the museum will stay open till 8 pm. Tickets are $17-$28 at Eventbrite.

Down the Rabbit Hole!

'Lookingglass Alice'

For another fantastical trip down the rabbit hole, join the Lookingglass Theatre, 835 N. Michigan Ave., for a circus-infused adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” After a seven-year hiatus, “Lookingglass Alice” returns April 30- July 31. Lookingglass is an ensemble-based company founded in 1988 by Northwestern University graduates. A nationwide leader in the creation and presentation of cutting edge theatre, it received the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Lookingglass also offers summer camps, school programs, and workshop and training sessions to engage and give back to the community. The performance is 90 minutes and tickets are $50. For more information, see lookingglasstheatre.org.

A Bach Fortnight!

Bach: Sacred and Secular Masterworks

The Bach Week Festival will feature "Bach: Sacred and Secular Masterworks" on April 29. The program will feature Johann Sebastian Bach's "March for 3 Trumpets and Timpani"; "Cantata 212: Mer hahn en neue Oberkeet "Peasant Cantata"; and "Magnificat." The Bach Week Festival was founded in 1974 to celebrate the genius of the Baroque-era composer. It explores a few 20th century icons as well. The concert will be 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Anderson Chapel, 5149 N. Spaulding Ave., on the campus of North Park University. General tickets are $35 (students $15). Two more concerts will be May 10 and 12. More information at bachweek.org

A Seat at the Table!

Making Mexican Chicago: Meet the Author Mike Amezcua

On April 28, head over to the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., for a conversation with author of “Making Mexican Chicago” and Assistant Professor of History at Georgetown University Mike Amezcua and Newberry’s Curator of Maps and Director of the Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography James Akerman. The conversation will center on Amezcua’s powerful multi-racial account of the history of Chicago that sheds new light on urban inequality and how Windy City working-class communities like Little Village and Pilsen have become postwar Latinx neighborhoods, despite white resistance. Amezcua recounts the diverse strategies used by those communities to fight segregation, economic predation and gentrification. The in-person event will be 6-7 p.m. with a book signing to follow in Ruggles Hall. The event is free to the public, with registration at newberry.org.

Won't You Be My Neighbor!

'Desde Mi Barrio' by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s Latin Music Program

For an evening celebrating the rich and vibrant music of Puerto Rico and other Latinx cultures, join the "Desde Mi Barrio" (From My Neighborhood) concert series presented by the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance’s Latin Music Project, including local and national musicians. Cuerdas Clasicas, a performing arts not-for-profit, will be featured on April 30. With troubadour and bohemian influences, Cuerdas Clasicas interprets classical and semi-classical melodies with Latinx flare. The concert will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Juan and Gladys Mendez Hall of the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, 2958 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit the youth arts program and community artists. More info at praachicago.networkforgood.com

Show Resumes!

Lifeline Theatre Resumes Halted 2020 Production of 'Middle Passage'

The “Middle Passage,” directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan and adapted by Duncan and David Barr III, is back in production from April 25 - June 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. After its interruption in 2020, “Middle Passage” will resume its tale of personal growth within one of the darkest periods of American history. Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed Illinois slave in 1830s New Orleans, finds himself on a slave ship bound for Africa. The play builds on the traditions of African American storytelling and challenges the perception of American identity and issues such as racism, classism, poverty, and the meaning of freedom. “Middle Passage” is based on the National Book Award-winning novel by Charles Johnson. To purchase tickets and see times, visit lifelinetheatre.com. Tickets are $45.

Shop 'til You Drop!

One of a Kind Spring show

The 6th annual One of a Kind Show April 29-May 1 at the Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, will showcase 300 artists selected by jury from across the U.S. Products for sale will span 20 categories, from fashion to fine arts to homeware, accessories and gourmet goods. There will also be live music, hands-on workshops and the opportunity to meet with the artists. Tickets are $10 at oneofakindshowchicago.com