Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Dave Hamilton

Berlin Before Hitler!

Pride Program: 'A Night at the Eldorado' In the early 20th century, Berlin was the center of LGBTQ+ life. LGBTQ+ people frequented a variety of clubs, bars, and cafes, where they could gather and socialize openly in affirming spaces. Berlin’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ haven soon became a staple of tourist literature, and became a destination for those seeking community and the freedom to be in public spaces as their true selves. The Eldorado was one of the most famous clubs, and was frequented by both LGBTQ+ people and their allies, who were drawn to its festive atmosphere that attracted artists, celebrities, locals, and tourists alike. The Eldorado was shut down 90 years ago, soon after the Nazi regime came to power. Join Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, in partnership with OUTspoken! for a celebration of LGBTQ+ life, in the spirit of the Eldorado and Weimar-era Berlin, before the Nazis came to power. The evening will feature six Chicago LGBTQ+ storytellers, music by DJ Stryfe, free signature cocktails, and food. This program is FREE to the public! Registration is required: https://ihm.ec/pride2023

Moe, Moe, Moe, Moe & Moe!

‘5 Guys Named Moe’

"Five Guys Named Moe" follows the story of down-on-his luck Nomax: he’s broke, brokenhearted, and drowning his sorrows in booze. Out of his 1930s-style radio, five guys named Moe (Big Moe, No Moe, Eat Moe, Little Moe, and Four-Eyed Moe) appear to help him get his life back on track. Through song and dance, they comfort him, teach him about life and love, and set him on the straight and narrow. This electrifying musical revue features the songs of Louis Jordan, one of the most revered talents of the 20th century, whose music brought a popular new slant to jazz that paved the way for the rock-and-roll of the 1950s. You’ll be dancing in the aisles to instantly recognizable classics such as “Early in the Morning,” “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” and “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby.” Playing June 15-17 at 7:30 p.m., and June 17 & 18 at 2 p.m. at Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Tickets start at $40 at thebeverlyartscenter.com/event/5-guys-named-moe/

Sneakers Required!

Chicago Dance Crash ‘Sneaker Ball’

The biggest celebration of the year for Chicago Dance Crash adopts a "sporty" feature, as Oxfords and high heels are out and a smart pair of gym shoes are in on June 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N. Rockwell St. Along with a few surprises, the evening will include special performances by the 2023 Chicago Dance Crash performance ensemble, open bar, photo opps, DJs, dancing & mingling, early info on this year's primary performance season (along with opportunities to support) plus some of the BIGGEST announcements in Dance Crash’s 20+ year legacy of concert/street-style dance art. $50 at chicagodancecrash.com/events/ the-2023-sneaker-ball/

An Ideal American!

‘Pretty Shahid’ Jackalope Theatre Company presents the world premiere of “Pretty Shahid,” at Jackalope Theatre in the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway, June 16 – July 23, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. “Pretty Shahid” shares the story of the Kazem family, who emigrated to Chicago from Iraq and who are attempting to assimilate when 9/11 happens. This romantic comedy uses classic film tropes to examine identity and which knots one chooses to untie to become the ideal American. It is a play about self-discovery that was born and developed at Jackalope and is the company’s first production centered in the Muslim, SWANASA (South West Asian, North African, and South Asian) diaspora. Tickets start at $37.50 at jackalopetheatre.org

Build Your Library!

60th Chicago Book and Paper Fair

On June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Plumbers Hall, 1350 W. Washington Blvd., book dealers from across the Midwest will offer a wide range of books, maps, prints, and ephemera, including autographed books and manuscripts, limited editions, collectible collaborations between writers and visual artists, modern first editions, African American history and literature, exploration, milestones of science, antique and leather-bound books, Chicago and local history, demonstrations of book marbling, military, Americana, radical literature, LGBTQIA, and more. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students with ID. Children 12 and under are FREE.

A New Americana!

‘What the Constitution Means to Me’

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and guttingly human debate-meets-play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the relationship between four generations of women—all while grappling with the founding document that, for better and worse, shapes their lives. Playing through July 2 at TimeLine Theatre Company, 615 W. Wellington Ave. Tickets start at $47 at timelinetheatre.com/events/what-theconstitution-means/

A Chicago Landmark!

Willis Tower 50th Anniversary Open House

Visit Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, for a celebration befitting a Chicago icon… the Willis Tower itself! On June 15 from 3-8 p.m., the event is bringing music, art, live performances, giveaways to the heart of the Willis Tower in the newly renovated space, Catalog (pictured). Named for the Sears Catalog produced in the building 50 years ago, the anniversary open house will be anchored in the newly redeveloped space, spotlighting several dining and entertainment options. Celebrate the building’s rich past and bright future at this free event. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Youth Art!

21Minus | What Was, What Is

Designed by Chicago youth and curated and hosted by the MCA’s Teen Creative Agency (TCA), 21Minus is the MCA’s annual exposition of youth creativity. This year’s theme, "W hat Was, W hat Is," engages our pasts, our histories, and ourselves in order to recognize the realities of our experiences and environments. Gather at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., from 1–6 p.m. June 17, for performances, workshops, art installations, film screenings, and more! The event is free for people ages 21 and under and their families, though all are welcome to attend.

Pitch Perfect!

Chicago a cappella ‘Cabaret Night’

Chicago a cappella’s fun-filled tradition returns, as its singers bring you solos from the worlds of Broadway, jazz, pop, cabaret, and more, accompanied by Paul Langford. 8 p.m. June 15 at Fitzgerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Tickets start at $45 at www.chicagoacappella.org/concert-event/cabaret-night. Proceeds from the event support Chicago a cappella’s artistic and educational programs.

Yummy, Yummy!

Taste of Randolph

Commemorating the iconic street festival’s 26th anniversary, Star Events and WLCO brings together the biggest and brightest names in Chicago dining, featuring over 16 restaurants exemplary for delectable menus and irresistibly unique flavors. StarEvents has curated a list of the nation’s hottest up-and-coming bands and musicians and the biggest names in Chicago house music, performing on two stages and a DJ stage to entertain guests. At the same time, they embark on the culinary adventure of the Summer. June 16 5 - 10 p.m.; June 17 & 18 Noon - 10 p.m. Entrance at 900 W. Randolph St. Suggested donation of $10 benefits the West Loop Community Organization.