Evan Hanover photo
Chicago Musical Theatre Festival: See February 3 - 23
FEBRUARY 3 - 23
Chicago Musical Theatre Festival When: Various Where: The Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway; Off Broadway, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave. What: The Chicago Edgewater neighborhood is welcoming a festival with eight brand-new musicals, two staged readings and one showcase of 10- minute musicals. This was created to exhibit and support the growing field of musical theatre creators from Chicago and beyond. The festival will be performed simultaneously on two stages. Each full production will have at least five performances. More information at cmtf.org. $25 per ticket, but $15 during Chicago Theatre Week. However, the readings and the showcase are suggested donation of $10. The sneak preview on Feb 3 at 8 p.m. will feature a sampling of songs from the festival.
FEB 5 - MARCH 25
Magician Trent James When: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. Where: Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark St. What: “Pure Lies” is a comedic show that will play on your senses. Trent James is quickly becoming one of the top magicians working today. At a very young age, Trent has received over 20 awards recognizing his skill in magic and is one of
the youngest recipients of the Milbourne Christopher Award, a distinction that was previously given to David Copperfield and Penn & Teller. Tickets start at $35, at chicagomagiclounge. com.
FEBRUARY 6 - 9
The Boys in the Band When: Thurs 7:30 p.m.; Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 3:30 & 8 p.m.; Sun 1:30 & 6 p.m. Where: Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road What: The Playhouse invites audience members to sit inches from the characters who helped spark a revolution by putting gay men’s lives onstage during the pre-Pride era. Fresh off its Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, this show comes to Chicago for the first time in 20 years. Tickets start at $75 at windycityplayhouse.com.
FEBRUARY 7
Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity When: 7 - 11 p.m. Where: McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Dr. What: Be the first to see the nation’s largest auto show and support local charities. Black-tie attire required. Food, beverages, and entertainment are included. Over the past 28 years, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity has raised more than $50 million for local charities. Tickets are $275 at chicagoautoshow. com.
FEBRUARY 7 - 8
FEBRUARY 7 - 15
B Movie Festival When: Fri 6 p.m. - Sat 6 p.m. Where: Northwestern University's Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Dr., Evanston What: B-Fest is an annual 24hour marathon of B-movies. It has been likened to an audience-participation version of an episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000." Viewers are encouraged to voice their opinions of onscreen events, especially if such comments provide entertainment for the other festival attendees. Additional staples of B-Fest gatherings are the midnight screening of Ed Wood's “Plan 9 From Outer Space,” door prizes from sponsors, the Northwestern B-Fest Players, and the singalong version of “The Wizard of Speed and Time.” $30 student / $40 general admission at b-fest.com.
Valentine’s Day in the Parks What: The Chicago Park District celebrates Valentine’s Day with numerous dances and parties throughout the city. Most events feature music, refreshments, photo opportunities and games. Also, most are kid-friendly. Schedule of events and locations at chicagoparkdistrict.com. Some events have fees.
FEBRUARY 7 - 9
FEB 7 - MAY 3
Motorcycle Show When: Fri 1 - 8 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont What: Find sport bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, expert advice, live entertainment and family activities at this international show. Tickets start at $19 on motorcycleshows.com/ chicago.
FEBRUARY 7 - 28
Love Me Tinder When: Friday’s 7:30 p.m. (all ages) & 9:30 p.m. (adults only) Where: 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg What: From Tinder to tenderness, this improv comedy pokes fun at dating, romance and everything in between. $20 at laughoutloudtheater. com.
The Allure of Matter: Material Art from China When & Where: Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Tue & Wed 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thurs 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri & Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Wrightwood 659, 659 W. Wrightwood Ave., Thurs & Fri 12 - 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. What: From gunpowder to human hair, and silk to cigarettes, the materiality
