Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Chicago Premiere!

‘Describe the Night’

Ensemble member Rajiv Joseph’s thriller ricochets through time, following the unlikely lives of seven individuals –soldiers and poets, KGB agents and grandmas – as they unearth mysteries buried by decades of history. In 1920, Jewish writer Isaac Babel begins a journal while serving in war. Ninety years later, this same journal is found in the wreckage of a suspicious plane crash. W hat did Babel write, and why does it matter? Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday March 2 - April 9 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $20 - $86 at steppenwolf.org

Brewing up History!

Midland Authors Presents - ‘Distilled in Chicago: A History’

The Midland Authors presents David Witter, author of “Distilled in Chicago: A History,” in conversation with Bill Savage and Gerry Plecki. His book follows the trickle of alcohol through Chicago’s history – starting with the town’s first three permanent businesses –and explores how liquor has influenced nearly two centuries of Chicago’s existence. Cocktails and appetizers will be available from 6-7 p.m., with the talk beginning at 7 p.m. March 14 at The Cliff Dwellers, 200 S. Michigan Ave., 22nd floor penthouse. The event is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. More information can be found at midlandauthors.org/events-upcoming/

Discovering Our Past!

‘The Great Chicago Fire in Focus’

This exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center is part of a citywide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. Photographic prints from this era have deteriorated over time, but the original negatives from the cameras have stored details that never showed in print copies – until now. Historian and collector David R. Phillips has reprinted these photographs with modern technology to show the devastation of the Chicago Fire as never seen before. Admission to this exhibit is free through April 9 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. More information at chicagoculturalcenter.org

New Works x3!

‘Proximity’: A Trio of New American Operas

“Proximity” is a gripping trio of new works that confronts head-on some of the greatest challenges affecting us as a society: yearning for connection in a world driven by technology, the devastating impact of gun violence on cities and neighborhoods, and the need to respect and protect our natural resources. The story zooms in and out from the individual to the community to the cosmic, giving a snapshot of 21st century life in three parts. Performances are at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, from March 24 - April 8. Tickets are $40+ with more information at lyricopera.org

Piano in the Afternoon!

Alexander Reyes in Concert

The Bezazian Branch of the Chicago Public Library will host Alexander Reyes, a Chicago-based classical pianist, for a free concert. Reyes studied piano at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with acclaimed Greek pianist Maria Asteriadou. He is interested in 20th century classical music, and his performances often include jazz and popular songs. This event will feature compositions by Philip Glass, Carla Bley, Frederic Chopin, and more. Join the Bezazian Branch, 1226 W. Ainslie St., at 2 p.m. March 18 to enjoy this free event!

A Tragic Tale

‘The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing’

Chicago Opera Theater continues its 50th year with this world premiere about one of the most fascinating figures in modern history. Alan Turing was a renowned computer scientist ahead of his time. He saved England from Nazi U-boats during World War II, but despite his innovative feat, he was chemically castrated after being found in a homosexual relationship. Two years later, he was found poisoned alongside a cyanide-laced apple. This retelling of Turing’s life is at 7:30 p.m. March 23 & 3 p.m. March 25 at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets are $50+ at chicagooperatheater.org/season/turing

Choose Your Own Adventure!

‘Think Fast, Jordan Chase!’

The play “Think Fast, Jordan Chase!” follows Jordan as she navigates the difficulties of making a decision that may jeopardize her relationship with her best friend, Mahari, and possibly harm the new student, Ryan. Jordan will rely on the audience to help her choose the right path through her magical adventure. Performances are 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays March 11 - April 16 at the Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. The play is intended for audiences ages 8+ with tickets $10-15 at filamenttheatre.org/thinkfast/

Gone Missing

‘MIA’

“MIA ‘Where Have All The Young Girls Gone?’” is an original theatrical production taken from interviews and research on girls and women who have vanished into the world of the missing in America. The play goes beyond the statistics to portray the crisis in personal and human terms, mirroring the plight of the missing and their loved ones trying to solve the mystery of their disappearance. The show, produced by Her Story Theatre, will run at 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 2 p.m on Sundays from March 9 - April 9 at the Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $26 at greenhousetheater.org

Classic Irish Theater!

'The Shaughraun'

“The Shaughraun” is a must-see classic filled with surprises and one unforgettable vagabond-turned-hero. After a string of betrayals, brawls, romances, and red herrings, the main characters are met with marriage, arrest, and the edge of a cliff. The play was one of the most popular of the 19th century and is credited with giving birth to Irish Theatre, where playwrights wrote for their own people to celebrate their heritage. At the Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport Ave., from March 9 - April 2 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays. $30 at athenaeumcenter.org/events/

The Stories We Tell Ourselves!

‘A Town Called Progress’ - World Premiere

On a dusty road between Backwards and Conspiratorial is a town called Progress, where Ida, the mayor, hopes to create a utopia where women are on top. But - the water pump doesn't work, the tumbleweeds have eyes, and the new citizens have other notions. Chicago playwright Trina Kakacek's modern-day fable explores the stories we tell ourselves about gender, economics, and family in this world premiere comedy. Performances will be 8 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays March 16 - April 15 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. Tickets are $20+ at prometheantheatre.org/project/a-town-called-progress/

Compiled by Emma Murphy