Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

The Impact of Design!

Architecture & Design Film Festival

The Chicago Architecture Center is hosting the 14th edition of the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF) at the Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive. This festival showcases a diverse program of 15 global films that investigate the impact of design on the worlds of art, fashion, architecture, urban planning and housing. Founded in 2009, the Architecture & Design Film Festival celebrates the creative spirit that drives architecture and design. Through a curated selection of films, events and panel discussions, ADFF creates an opportunity to educate, entertain and engage all types of people who are excited about architecture and design. Tickets are $20 per film ($15 for CAC members). For a full schedule of the February 1 - 5 event, information on each film, and to purchase tickets, visit filmfest.architecture.org

She'll Take You There!

Mavis Staples with special guest Celisse

Chicago’s own Civil Rights icon and living legend Mavis Staples returns to Orchestra Hall at 220 S. Michigan Ave. for one night only, at 8 p.m. Saturday, February 4. Staples will bring her iconic smoky sound to a scintillating evening of soul, gospel and her signature brand of R&B. Celisse, the phenomenal singer/songwriter and spoken word artist, opens the program with a “powerhouse voice, infectious personality and guitar shredding that has earned her standing ovations” (Minneapolis Star Tribune). Tickets for the 150-minute concert are $40+ cso.org/performances/22-23/scp-specials/mavis-staples/

Figaro!

‘The Factotum’

Grammy-nominated baritone Will Liverman and DJ King Rico have created a new work, “The Factotum,” that updates Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” to a Black barbershop on Chicago’s South Side. Commissioned jointly by Lyric Opera and Houston Grand Opera, and running five performances February 3-12, the world premiere of this irresistibly upbeat work celebrates the strength of community. “The Factotum” blends diverse musical styles to create a soul opera; moving from gospel and funk, to hip-hop, classic barbershop quartet, to R&B. Those styles connect brilliantly with classical singing in a very human comedy that redefines everything that opera can be. Liverman is an alumnus of Lyric’s Ryan Opera Center, and is rapidly rising to national prominence. He recently triumphed at the Metropolitan Opera. Sung in English with projected English supertitles, “The Factotum” runs 140 minutes with one intermission at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets $35+ at lyricopera.org

No Business Like Show Business!

‘The Book of Merman’

Visit the Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie, for “The Book of Merman," where Broadway’s biggest star collides with one of Broadway’s biggest hits in this hilarious new musical comedy filled with original songs. After a frustrating day of canvassing the neighborhood for prospective converts, two Mormon missionaries knock on the door of legendary belter Ethel Merman. Mistaking the two young men for door-to-door salesmen, Ethel welcomes them in, resulting in a clever and witty journey about being true to oneself and embracing who you really are. Playing at 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, February 3 - 26. Tickets are $38 - $45 at skokietheatre.org/book-of-merman.html

The Dawn of a New Year!

Lantern Festival Celebration

Close out the Chinese New Year season as The Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St., is transformed into a lively Chinese marketplace. It will feature a lion dance, music, and more by some of Chicago’s most illustrious performers, as well as food, calligraphy, puppets, a selfie booth, trinkets and more. The noon - 4 p.m. event on February 5 is free and open to the public.

Pop Art Fiction!

‘Andy Warhol’s Tomato’

In anticipation of the upcoming exhibition “Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America Collection” hosted by the Cleve Carney Museum of Art and McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents Vince Melocchi’s “Andy Warhol’s Tomato.” Guest director Steve Scott directs this 80-minute fictitious tale of unlikely friendship and inspiration running February 2 – March 5. It is 1946 in Pittsburgh. An 18-year-old Andy Warhol finds himself in the basement of a working-class bar. Over a summer, Andy gives and gets inspiration, guidance, and friendship from a surprising source. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $42 at atthemac.org

Chicago Scenes!

‘SPEAK EASY’: Will Armstrong

The Jackson Junge Gallery, 1389 N. Milwaukee Ave., will be kicking off its 2023 season with a solo exhibition featuring the work of Will Armstrong. Armstrong is well known for his layered technique and dedicated portrayal of places he holds dear; his new collection builds on his love of layers, favorite places and storytelling. Inspired by American legends, Armstrong’s work has taken a turn to include figures and text as he explores the underbelly of American history in SPEAK EASY. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily through February 26, FREE.

Coming of Age!

‘The Great Khan’

Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., announces the world premiere of “The Great Khan,” written by Michael Gene Sullivan and directed by Jamal Howard. Jayden is a high schooler struggling with what he wants to be, a nerd who loves video games and fantasy, and a strong man who doesn’t need to fear anyone. Ant is a young woman rediscovering herself after tragedy and trying to define herself against society’s expectations. Gao Ming is a precocious YouTuber, committed to helping people fully express their authentic selves. W hen Jayden looks for answers from his most recent homework assignment, the friends’ lives are upended by the arrival of Genghis Khan, the Great Khan himself. Playing Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. & Sundays at 3:30 p.m. through February 26. $40 at redtwisttheatre.org

Toot Toot Beep Beep!

‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!’

The Young People’s Theatre of Chicago presents the Chicago premiere of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!” at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Adapted by Mo Willems from his own 2004 Caldecott Honor Award-winning book, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” is the story of an irrepressible Pigeon who wants everyone to know that he never gets to have any fun. But one day the neighborhood Bus Driver is running late (gasp!) and Pigeon believes his dream to drive the bus might actually come true! But can Pigeon actually drive a bus? And more importantly, should we let Pigeon drive the bus? Willems’ innovative and high-octane musical turns into an interactive romp about finding your own special, feather-filled place in life! Playing at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. on Saturdays, and 1 p.m. on Sundays, February 4 - 26. Tickets are $21 for children, and $27 for adults at yptchi.org/dont-let-the-pigeon-drive-the-bus

Compiled by Dave Hamilton