Arts & (Home) Entertainment

Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time.

To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of things you do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org

A Reliable Perspective!

Journalism and Police Accountability: Perspectives from the Chicago Reader and the Chicago Torture Justice Center

Inspired by the Chicago Reader's extraordinary, decades-long reporting on police torture in Chicago, this program explores the role of journalism in uncovering police violence. How has such coverage influenced actual practices and policies related to policing? Join the Newberry for a virtual conversation at 6 p.m. on January 19, with Reader publisher Karen Hawkins, former Reader reporter John Conroy, Aislinn Pulley, co-executive director of the Chicago Torture Justice Center, and Mark Clements, an activist and police torture survivor. Since its founding in 1971 as a free and independent weekly newspaper, the Chicago Reader has become the place Chicagoans look for cuttingedge criticism, long-form investigative journalism, and much more. Co-sponsored by the Chicago Reader, this program is being held in connection with The Chicago Reader at 50, now on view in the Newberry exhibition galleries. Register for free at https://www.newberry.org/programs-and-events

B I N G O !

Bible Bingo

Now in its 11th year, Bible Bingo is a long-running, interactive comedy play, written by Vicki Quade. The premise is that Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, a former nun, is here tonight to raise money with bingo. It’s a crazy night of bible trivia, audience interaction, and the funniest quiz about the Holy Family you’ve ever seen. Add to that a box of wacky prizes, fun bingo cards, and a lot of Catholic humor for a night of entertainment you’ll never forget. And in this interactive bingo show, you’ll actually play bingo. All ticket buyers will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The Greenhouse follows the City of Chicago mandate that masks are to be worn indoors in public places. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through March 12. Tickets are $35, with group rates available at greenhousetheatercenter.com.

Live Literature!

2022 Fillet of Solo Festival

Former Lifeline Theatre Artistic Director Dorothy Milne and former Live Bait Theater Artistic Director Sharon Evans are pleased to announce the 25th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival, presented virtually by Lifeline Theatre. Celebrating the breadth of Chicago’s enduring storytelling and live-lit scene, Lifeline virtually brings 10 storytelling collectives and 28 solo performers together from all over the country in a three-week online gallery of powerful, personal stories. The 2022 Fillet of Solo Festival will stream from January 21–February 13, online via a password-protected website where ticket holders will have access to the full lineup of stories until the Festival concludes. Ticket prices are “Name Your Price” (suggested $45) for access to the gallery for the full three weeks PLUS live virtual extras including panel discussions and storytelling workshops with Festival artists. Tickets are now available for purchase by calling the Lifeline Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Classical Lunch Hour!

Dame Myra Hess Concert

The International Music Foundation presents the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert. Enjoy free weekly classical concert in-person at the 17th Church of Christ, Scientist, 55 E. Wacker Drive, Wednesday, January 19, at 12:15 p.m. In accordance with the Chicago mask mandate, all attendees will be required to wear a face mask throughout the performance, regardless of vaccination status. This week, the Avalon String Quartet performs music by Ludwig van Beethoven and Libby Larsen. Concerts may also be viewed at imfchicago.org or listened to on 98.7 WFMT.

The Field for Free!

Field Museum Free Admission Day

Free Admission Day is the perfect opportunity to explore the Field Museum’s general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Or, use these days to check out special ticketed exhibitions or a 3D movie with a discounted Discovery or All-Access Pass. Tickets for Free Day on January 19 are only available on-site to Illinois residents and cannot be reserved in advance. Please ask a Guest Relations staff member about it when you arrive at the museum and be ready to show your Illinois proof of residency. The Field Museum is located at 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'!

OKLAHOMA!

This is "Oklahoma!" as you’ve never seen or heard it before—Tony Award Winner for Best Revival of a Musical reimagined for the 21st century. Direct from an acclaimed run on Broadway comes an "Oklahoma!" that looks and sounds like America today. "Oklahoma!" tells a story of a community banding together against an outsider, and the frontier life that shaped America. Upending the sunny romance of a farmer and a cowpoke, this production “lets us experience Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatness anew.” (The New Yorker). Without changing a word of text, this visionary production allows the classic musical – and our country – to be seen in a whole new light. Running through January 23 at the CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., with showings at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday - Friday, 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets start at $27 at broadwayinchicago.com.

A Celebrated Writer!

'Ray Bradbury: Inextinguishable'

"Ray Bradbury: Inextinguishable" honors the incredible writing and enduring impact of one of America’s most celebrated writers, the author of “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Martian Chronicles,” and “The Illustrated Man.” Featuring personal artifacts from Bradbury’s life like his desk, typewriter, paintbrush set and more, this exhibit illustrates his worldwide influence on everything from Disney to NASA to the Russian Space Program. Special exhibit included with museum admission. Discounted group rates available. On view at the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., or virtually at americanwritersmuseum.org through May.

Be the Change!

Chicago Scholars

Chicago Scholars is seeking candidates for its college class of 2027: current juniors in high school who would be first-generation college students, who are demonstrated leaders and who are committed to furthering their education. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, and include basic personal information, two short essay responses, a letter of recommendation and transcript from high school counselor. Chicago Scholars creates a 7-year relationship with students that extends beyond the last year of high school. According to its website, 83 percent of Chicago Scholars complete college in six years, compared to 48 percent of Chicago Public School students overall. The program does not award financial scholarships, but connects students to resources from its college partners, as well as local and national scholarship organizations. Once enrolled, scholars receive a College Success Team staff member who connects them with supports on campus, assists them with financial aid and checks in to make sure they are adjusting to the academic and social atmosphere of their campus. More information at chicagoscholars.org

Nature on Film!

National Geographic Live - Wild Hope

Photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale shares her personal odyssey — from documenting the heartbreaking realities of war to witnessing the inspiring power of an individual to make a difference. Hear her awe-inspiring stories of the reintroduction of northern white rhinos and giant pandas to the wild, as well as the first elephant sanctuary in Kenya that is owned and run by indigenous people. Join us as she shares the incredible images and adventures that have transformed her into a celebrated global storyteller, photographer, and filmmaker. At the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B Wells Drive, at 2 p.m. on January 23. Tickets start at $51 at auditoriumtheatre.org.

-Compiled by Dave Hamilton & Suzanne Hanney