Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Compiled by Dave Hamilton

A Life's Work!

‘Gary Simmons: Public Enemy’

Running June 13 - October 1, “Gary Simmons: Public Enemy” is the first comprehensive career survey of the work of multidisciplinary artist Gary Simmons. The exhibition covers 30 years of the artist’s career, encompassing approximately 70 works. Since the late 1980s, Simmons has played a key role in situating questions of race, class, and gender identity at the center of contemporary art discourse. In this timely exhibition—accompanied by a major exhibition catalogue and slate of related programs—visitors will gain a holistic understanding of the complex and profoundly moving work of this groundbreaking and influential artist at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave. The MCA is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. Admission is $15; $8 students/teachers/seniors.

See Me Feel Me Touch Me Heal Me!

The Who’s ‘Tommy’ Myth and spectacle combine in a fresh reinvention of The Who’s exhilarating 1969 rock concept album, "Tommy"—including the unforgettable anthems “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation” and “Pinball Wizard.” After witnessing his father shoot his rival, the young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this iconic story for today. Playing June 13 - July 23 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Tickets start at $30 at goodmantheatre.org

'Ulysses' Celebrated! 'Bloomsday'

“Bloomsday” returns to Chicago at two different venues on June 16, the anniversary of the day that Leopold Bloom wandered Dublin in 1904 in the book “Ulysses” by James Joyce.

At 7 p.m., Puddin’head Press will present a “salon in a saloon” hosted by playwright and author Jeff Helgeson on the second floor of The Galway Arms, 2442 N. Clark St. This year’s is the 20th since commemorations began on the centennial of the day on which the novel is set; it will feature readings by local actors, writers, scholars and James Joyce fans. $7 cover at the door. More info at www.Facebook.com/BloomsdayChicago or www.puddinheadpress.net/bloomsday-in-chicago-june-16th/ The Cliff Dwellers will also celebrate Bloomsday with food, drink, song and readings, from 5-8 p.m. at 200 S. Michigan Ave. More information is at cliff-chicago.org. Banned in the U.S. for its sexual content when it was first published in 1922, the book is filled with al lusions, extended passages of stream of consciousness, and word play. The Modern Library selected "Ulysses" as the best novel of the 20th century.

Lunchtime Moves!

See Chicago Dance: Live at Lunch!

This FREE lunchtime event offers a chance to experience a curated hour of dance classes and performances. Over 10 weeks this summer, a different dance genre and artist will be featured at each session. Performances will be at The Green, 320 S. Canal St., noon to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through September 13. Whether one is a professional or just looking to try something new, "Live at Lunch!" is the perfect way to get your dance fix. Part performance, part class, and totally fun, the Live at Lunch! dances will leave participants invigorated and energized. Upcoming performances include RE|Dance Group (June 14), Dance Avondale (June 28), Utkalaa Center for Odissi (July 12) and more.

Ballet at Ravinia!

‘Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends’

Ruth Page Center of the Arts presents its annual Ruth Page Festival of Dance at Ravinia with two performances of “Ruth Page Civic Ballet and Friends,” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15 and 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at Ravinia's Bennett Gordon Hall, 201 St. Johns Ave. This program shares the stage with fellow Ruth Page Center resident Hedwig Dances, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, and Chicago Human Rhythm Project artistic director Jumaane Taylor. $25 at ravinia.org

Falling In and Out of Love!

‘Another Marriage’

You meet. You marry. You have kids. That’s the way it always goes. Or is it? W hat if your story changes? W hat would it cost? "Another Marriage" is an intimate and beautifully rendered portrait of an ever-evolving relationship that may never be quite finished. Steppenwolf ensemble member Kate Arrington’s playwriting debut upends time and the typical romantic comedy to explore the liabilities of falling in and out of love. Playing June 15-July 23 at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., tickets start at $70 at steppenwolf.org

Make It Happen!

‘Being Seen’

"Being Seen" was voted Fan Favorite at the New York International Fringe Festival. Written by Richard Gustin and starring Will Clinger and Kelly Ann Clark, the play has its Chicago premiere June 14-July 2 in the Crosby Theatre at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. An actor answers the audition notice of a highly acclaimed director and finds herself navigating his outlandish creative process. This tour-de-force comedy asks the question: "W hat would you do for a dream?" Tickets $35; $20 seniors/industry/students at TheDenTheatre.com

Jazz Meets Dance!

‘Memoirs of Jazz in the Alley’

Witness the combustible fusion of jazz music and dance for one night only with Chicago’s rising star choreographer Kia S. Smith, and saxophonist Isaiah Collier and the Chosen Few. Making an Auditorium Theatre debut, South Chicago Dance Theatre presents the world premiere of “Memoirs of Jazz in the Alley,” in which Smith celebrates the legacy of her father, the renowned saxophonist Jimmy Ellis. 7:30 p.m. at Auditorium Theatre, 50 W. Ida B. Wells Drive. Tickets start at $25 at auditoriumtheatre.org

The Blues is Back!

Chicago Blues Festival

The largest, free Blues festival in the world returns June 8-11 with top-tier talent performing across three stages in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Noon-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Headliners include: Los Lobos, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bobby Rush, Mud Morganfield, John Primer & The Real Deal Blues Band, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, the Jimmy Burns Band, Sugaray Rayford, and many more. Guests can enjoy a Blues-inspired food and drink pop-up in the park, titled “Wally’s BBQ Pit” catered by Eleven North Hospitality, in addition to a large-scale, historic Blues photography installation curated by Praize Productions.

A Classical Tradition!

Grant Park Music Festival

For nearly 90 years, the Grant Park Music Festival has been Chicago's summer musical sensation, demonstrating that classical music, performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, can have a transformative impact on the city. The season begins with “Schumann Symphony No. 4 6:30 p.m. at June 14, and closes with “Rachmaninov Symphonic Dances” on August 19, at the Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Performances are every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. FREE seating in the Great Lawn, or reserved seats for members ($99+ for the season). See the full schedule or become a member at grantparkmusicfestival.com