Arts & Entertainment Recommendations

Compiled by Emma Murphy

The Golden Girls Kitchen

This custom dining experience is inspired by the girls' favorite iconic Miami hangouts, as well as other memorable moments from the beloved TV show. Photo opportunities are also available, including Blanche’s Boudoir, complete with shag carpet and a palm print bedspread, and the girls’ yellow kitchen phone. Each ticket includes a 90-minute reservation as well as your choice of entree and a slice of cheesecake. Additional sides, desserts, beverages, and merchandise available. The Golden Girls Kitchen will be at 1367 N. Milwaukee Ave., with reservations required. Tickets are $30+ and available May 10 - August 6 at bucketlisters.com/experience/golden-girls-kitchen-chi?

Finding Common Ground!

Film Screening: ‘Stranger at the Gate’

After 25 years of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, a U.S. Marine returned home to Indiana, with complete hatred towards those he fought overseas. He decided to bomb the local mosque, but when he came face-to-face with a welcoming community, his plans took an unexpected turn. The film will be followed by a discussion between its leading subjects and the director, Josh Seftel. The panel will be moderated by Michael Gray, partner at Jones Day and member of Illinois Holocaust Museum’s board of directors. The This screening will be at 6 p.m. May 9 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. FREE. Registration at www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/events/

Art By All!

‘SHIFT’ at the Museum of Contemporary Art

"SHIFT" amplifies the presence of Black neurodiverse, people who are disabled, by occupying spaces at the Museum of Contemporary Art, both physically and digitally. The new commission will feature a live event and video installation in one of the MCA's public stairwells, from May 2-June 19. During the live premiere, 1-5 p.m. May 6, disability community members will traverse inaccessible staircases, recalibrating the flow of activity within the museum and challenging simplistic depictions of Black bodies with disabilities. The MCA is at 220 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets are $15 at visit.mcachicago.org/events/barak-ade-soleil-shift

Kitchen Showdown!

‘The Cook-Off’

Chicago Opera Theater and Vanguard Opera present "The Cook-Off," a one-act comic opera. The setting is a fictional TV cooking competition, "America Loves Food," in which Ivy, Kendra and Alvaro vie to make the nation's favorite comfort food, mac 'n cheese. Host Kenny Kincaid and celebrity judge Beryl Bennett learn some truths about food, history, an d legacy. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. May 11 at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave. General admission $50; "after-party" package with signature cocktails, a photo booth and a chance to vote on your favorite mac 'n cheese, $150 at chicagooperatheater.org/season/cookoff

Wine Your Way Around A'Ville!

The 17th annual Andersonville Wine Walk

This year’s event includes two wine routes plus an all-new cheese route, featuring cheese, meats and other charcuterie board favorites. Participants will get a wine tasting glass and route card to keep highlighting each wine before embarking on a tour of local businesses transformed into tasting destinations. The walk includes more than 25 local businesses and will be at 3 p.m. May 7 in Andersonville. Routes and directions will be emailed to ticket holders. Tickets are $20+ at andersonville.org/events/wine-walk

People Say We Monkee Around!

The Monkees' Micky Dolenz

Micky Dolenz led The Monkees to a dozen Top 20 singles, four #1 albums, and two Emmy awards. He brings a one-of-a-kind presence to the stage, drawing on his background in television, film broadcasting, and Broadway. This is the only stop in Illinois for his tour. For one night only, May 5 at 8 p.m., he will be performing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Fans can expect to hear all of The Monkees’ classic songs. Tickets are $65+ at northshorecenter.org/event/micky-dolenz

The Power of Forgiveness!

‘The Scorpions' Sting’

While lost in the desert, a group of archaeology students uncovers the Lost Temple of Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of healing, and a mythic tale unfolds as they read ancient hieroglyphics. Through the story of Isis, the students learn the importance of knowledge and the power of forgiveness. Recommended for ages 7-12. Tickets are only $5 each, for children and adults. The 45-minute show will be at the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., at 7 p.m. May 12. Get tickets at www.lyricopera.org/shows/upcoming/2022-23/ the-scorpions-sting

Up-and-Coming!

‘Rising Stars in Concert’

The FREE concert is a celebration of the 2022/23 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble’s many accomplishments during their tenures and a unique showcase for these soon-to-be world-renowned artists. The entire ensemble has performed in minor roles in "Carmen" and "Proximity." The free concert is at 7:30 p.m. May 6 at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Tickets can be reserved at www.lyricopera.org/shows/upcoming/lyric-opera/rising-stars-in-concert-23

To Your Health!

Hyde Park Art & Centered: A Wellness Event

For Mental Health Awareness Month, Hyde Park Art Center is offering a free day of wellness activities including art, sound meditation, yoga, and workshops. Workshops include flow yoga, sound meditation, creating mantra art cards, and a standup comedy special, all presented and led by professionals. Each workshop is designed to promote health and healing. Workshops are between noon - 4 p.m. May 6 at Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Registration and more details are at www.hydeparkart.org/event/hyde-park-art-centered-a-wellness-event

Superheroes in the Park!

Art in Wilder Park

Art in Wilder Park was relaunched last year with over 7,500 visitors. It is one of the season's first outdoor fests. Programming will include over 125 booths for art, food vendors, hands-on kids' activities, and the introduction of a newly commissioned superhero sculpture by area artists and youth groups. The festival is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 6 and 7 at 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. Admission is free. More information at www.elmhurstartmuseum.org/ events/art-in-wilder-park/