ART
THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO – 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, (312) 443-3600: The recently opened “Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917″ is on exhibit through June 20.
This exhibit examines what is considered the most innovative, momentous and yet little-studied time in the artist’s long career. Nearly 120 of his most ambitious and experimental paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints from the period are on view.
Matisse acknowledged the significance of these years when he identified two paintings, “Bathers by a River” and “The Moroccans,” as among his most pivotal. These monumental canvases from the collections of the Art Institute and the Museum of Modern Art, New York, inspired the collaborative work of this exhibition and serve as major touchstones within it.
This is billed as the first exhibition to offer an in-depth investigation of Matisse’s art from this time, revealing information uncovered through extensive new art-historical, archival and technical research.
Other exhibits include “Heart and Soul: Art from Coretta Scott King Award Books, 2006-2009,” which is on display through Sunday.
The museum is open until 8 p.m. Fridays.
BEVERLY ARTS CENTER GALLERY – 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: “Life in the Way of Living – Digital Photography by Mark Randazzo” will be on display through May 2.
In a time when people are burdened with the realities of bills, mortgages and the economy, the little pleasures of life can be easily overlooked. “So take time to smell the roses or watch the sunset on the horizon. Just don’t let life get in the way of living,” officials said.
“7 Landscape Painters” will be on exhibit through May 9. Exhibiting artists include Tina Engels, Walter King, William LaChance, Damon McArthur, Frank Spidale, Tom Tomc and Barbara Major-Weaver.
“East Meets Midwest: New Visions of Figure Painting” will be on exhibit through May 9. Exhibiting artists from the East include Don Beal, Simon Carr, Henry Finkelstein, John Goodrich, Al Kresch, Mark LaRiviere, Stanley Lewis, Ying Li, Ruth Miller and Thaddeus Radell.
Midwest exhibiting artists include Bob Brock, Glen Cebulash, Philip Hale, Timothy King, Lynette Lombard, Jeremy Long, Michael Neary, Don Southard, Ron Weaver and Megan Williamson.
A gallery talk for this exhibit will take place at 2 p.m.
ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM LOCKPORT GALLERY – 201 W. 10th St., Lockport, (815) 838-7400: “On & Of Paper: Selections from the Illinois State Museum Collections” is on exhibit through July 30. With its various weights, surfaces and grades, paper has served as a versatile and readily available material for the artist for centuries.
Paper is a core element, whether it be folded, molded, painted, torn, glued or otherwise altered to create the finished piece. Paper serves as a support, with its texture, weave and color contributing significantly to the final image. Paper plays a critical role in the creative process, too, offering a surface on which to sketch and test.
MCCORD GALLERY & CULTURAL CENTER – 9602 W. Creek Road, Palos Park, (708) 671-0648: “Collage Collective” will run through Saturday. Exhibiting artists include Barbara Arntzen, Harry Brown, Mary Beth Miller Lies , Eve Ozer, Jim Pavlatos, Jeanne Sulik, Maria DeCaprio Sunta and Laura Lein-Svencner.
This does not feature cut-and-paste from the old days. Collage is an art form that is endlessly intriguing with textures, layers, memories, glitz, earthiness, handmade papers and image transfers. The featured artists exhibit their senses of style as they invite the viewers on an artistic journey into their minds.
ROBERT F. DECAPRIO ART GALLERY – Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills, (708) 608-4231: “Shaila Christofferson: Here and There” is on exhibit through April 22. “These works comment on our material culture and everyday lives in both the forms that are represented as well as the means of their production,” the artist said.
UNION STREET GALLERY – 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights, (708) 754-2601: “Marian Catholic High School Studio Art Exhibit” will be on display from 6 to 9 p.m. April 16. Emerging artists planned the entire exhibit and learned about the business of art along the way.
COMEDY
PAUL KELLY’S FOSSIL FUEL – Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: There will be hilarious Chicago-style comedy when Kelly, Bill Gorgo, James Wesley Jackson and Scott Wickman perform at 8 p.m. April 16.
RIDDLES COMEDY CLUB – 5055 W. 111th St., Alsip, (708) 422-5055: Ken Sevara will perform April 15 through Sunday.
Dinner-show packages are available with Jenny’s Steak House & Pub, 11041 S. Menard Ave., Chicago Ridge. The cost is $35 per person for dinner from a select menu at Jenny’s, tickets to Riddles and two drinks at the show. Reservations: (708) 229-2272.
ZANTE LOUNGE & EATERY – 8888 W. 159th St., Orland Park, (708) 364-0100: Tony Carr Comedy presents Zante’s Comedy Wednesdays through at least April 28.
MUSEUMS
ADLER PLANETARIUM – 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 922-7827: Charter One Discount Day on Tuesday will feature free museum admission. Visitors can extend their visit by paying $7 for an additional show, $3 for the Historic Atwood Sphere Experience and $3 for the Special Guided Tour.
“Planet Explorers” recently opened. The permanent interactive exhibit offers a space adventure packed with excitement and fun. Each child will become a space explorer and embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the universe to the mysterious Planet X.
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT NAVY PIER – 700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 527-1000: Kraft Free Family Night will take place from 5 to 8 April 15. Admission will be free, but groups of 15 or more must register by calling (312) 464-8249.
The Allstate Foundation presents “Play It Safe,” a permanent exhibit developed in partnership with the Chicago Fire Department.
“Step into the boots of a firefighter and discover a whole new way to ‘Play It Safe!’ Take charge in the firehouse, hook up the hoses, steer the truck and more in a new exhibit that explores fire safety through play,” the exhibit description reads.
“Ready, Set… Move!” will run through May 16. “Run, romp, skip and scamper into the ultimate indoor adventure,” the exhibit description reads. ” ‘Move’ features large-scale pieces you can configure in countless ways to create a one-of-a-kind playscape that will get your heart – and imagination – racing.”
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM IN OAK LAWN – 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn, (708) 423-6709. A pajama theme will be in effect from April 15 to Sunday for a UNICEF fundraiser.
Earth Day activities will include making a hairy caterpillar. Attendees will use potting soil, a stocking and some grass seed for their creations. Events will take place from Tuesday to April 23.
Exhibits include “Dream a Dream Theatre,” “Friendly Market and Cafe,” “Treemendous Tunes Treehouse,” “Camp Take-A-Break,” “Build It!, ” “Safe Haven Animal Shelter,” “Air Maze,” “The Race Is On!,” “Tummy Time,” “Health Quest,” “Water Adventure and Beachcomber Island” and “Go Fly a Kite.” There is also an Explore Art Studio.
THE DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY – 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, (773) 947-0600: “The Soul of Bronzeville: The Regal, Club DeLisa and the Blues” will be exhibited through June 27.
Through instruments, original photographs, personal memorabilia, concert collectibles and music and moving footage, this exhibition salutes Chicago as the home of many legendary musicians. Gregg Parker curated the exhibit.
THE FIELD MUSEUM – 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 922-9410: “Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age” is on exhibit through Sept. 6. Visitors can journey back to the Ice Age through monumental video installations, roam among saber-toothed cats and giant bears, and wonder over some of the oldest human artifacts in existence.
JOLIET AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM – 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet, (815) 723-5201: “Oz and Ends: An Oz-sessed Collection” will be on exhibit through May 23. There are more than 100 items from private collector Walter Krueger, who has collected memorabilia for 23 years.
The display includes Judy Garland and Scarecrow composition dolls produced when the movie “The Wizard of Oz” debuted in 1939, the 1922 Parker Bros. the Wonderful Game of Oz and signed ruby slipper replicas.
The permanent exhibit “The Soaring Achievements of John C. Houbolt” celebrates the historic 1969 moon landing and honors the namesake former Joliet resident and key proponent of the lunar orbit rendezvous concept.
The 500-square-foot, two-story exhibit features interactive panels, diagrams and maps, audio-visuals, flat-screen narratives and period dioramas to tell the story of the race to the moon, the Apollo 11 mission, the moon landing and Houbolt’s vision.
A step-in Lunar Lander Simulator challenges visitors to begin their daring journey of space exploration. Once inside, visitors see the same controls used by the first lunar explorers during their missions. Using a throttle and a joystick, guests use skill and wit to guide their craft to the approaching lunar surface.
KIDSWORK CHILDREN’S MUSEUM – 11 S. White St., Frankfort, (815) 469-1199: There will be free financial fun for the whole family during Money Smart Week. “Learn more about money and how to manage it,” officials said.
Sponsored by Harris Bank, special events include Family Day on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to noon, one can meet Hubert, the Harris lion, and win prizes on the Harris Wheel of Fun.
Limited space also is available for the 10:30 a.m. Saturday “Savings for College with a 529 Plan” session, which will provide parents with information while children can explore the museum and engage in Money Smart activities designed for kids. Space is limited, and RSVPs can be done at kidsworkchildrensmuseum.org. Child care is free with paid admission of $5 for adults and $4 for children.
Money Smart Week will continue with a free Teen Night on Tuesday. At 7 p.m., “The Financial Benefits of Going to College & How to Make It Cost Less” will offer information on how college will improve one’s financial outlook and how to cut the cost of college. At 8 p.m., “Strategies for Improving Your College Applications and Essays” will take place.
A free Youth Night will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. April 22, when “Money Smart for Kids” will feature games and activities for ages 5 to 14. The program is designed to help children understand needs vs. wants and also to learn concepts of personal finance.
Visitors can enjoy free admission and free programming from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY – 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (773) 684-1414: “Science Storms” is billed as an unprecendented and dramatic permanent exhibit in the newly named Allstate Court. The new exhibit reveals the science behind some of nature’s most powerful and compelling phenomena – tornados, lightning, fire, tsunamis, sunlight, avalanches and atoms in motion.
“Smart Home: Green + Wired has reopened with a dramatic new look from Midwest Living. This exhibit, which now reflects the lifestyle of an empty-nester couple, features soft, organic textures and colors fused with a contemporary style. Tours will run through Jan. 2.
1950S PARK FOREST HOUSE MUSEUM – 141 Forest Blvd., Park Forest, (708) 747-3571 (Jerry Shnay): The Park Forest Hall of Fame induction will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday at Freedom Hall, 410 Lakewood Blvd., Park Forest.
The museum, which is decorated for Easter through April, is open from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays and also at other times for groups by appointment.
Decorations include Easter die cuts, honeycomb rabbits and baskets, plastic and tin decorations, children’s books, Easter baskets with candy that was available in the 1950s, and a display of hand-blown, hand-painted eggs from World War II Japan.
The donation is $5 for adults. Ages 12 and younger with a paying adult can visit for no charge.
SHEDD AQUARIUM – 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, (312) 939-2438: The Polar Play Family Breakfast will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday. Attendees can see a penguin, meet a penguin and be a penguin. Cost is $39.95 per person and includes the new “Fantasea” show at 10:30 a.m. and the “Happy Feet” 4-D Experience. Registration: (312) 692-3355.
Shedd Explorers Weekend will feature “On the Reef” at 1 p.m. Saturday. Attendees can get an aquarist’s view, try equipment and explore the “Caribbean Reef” exhibit. Cost is $15 per person. Registration: (312) 692-3206.
SINGLES SCENE
GOOD TIME CHARLEY’S SINGLES – (708) 445-4450: For both area dances this weekend, first-time guests can attend free. Also, each member who brings a totally new single will receive free admission for himself or herself and the guest. Both events will include a cash door prize and free snacks.
An April 16 dance, with DJ Mad Man Mark, will take place at Willowbrook Ballroom in Willow Springs. Another dance will take place Saturday at Glendora House in Chicago Ridge.
SOUTHWEST SUBURBS SPORTS, OUTDOORS & SOCIAL MEETUP GROUP – Events include trivia April 15 at Jordan’s Pub & Eatery in Orland Park, a 5K run-jog-walk on Saturday at Yankee Woods in Oak Forest, poker night on Saturday at Centennial Entertainment Center in Tinley Park, sand volleyball on Sunday at Community Volleyball Courts in Tinley Park, and golfing on Wednesday at White Mountain Recreation Center in Tinley Park. Information: swburbssos.com.
THUNDERBIRD DANCE PARTIES – Nikos, 7600 S. Harlem Ave., Bridgeview, (708) 496-0300: A free house party will take place April 16 with DJ Mike and the live band Groove Dynasty.
THEATER
“THE CURIOUS SAVAGE” – Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet, (815) 722-1001: This show will run from April 16 to 25, with a special-needs family show at 1 p.m. April 24. Southlanders involved in the production include Sarah Gibbons, of Homer Glen.
This uproarious yet touching 1950 classic, written by John Patrick, will be directed by Jan and Tom Novotny and produced by Brenda Gilmore. The show is the third entry in the Joliet Drama Guild’s 77th season.
“ENDGAME” – Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago, (312) 335-1650: This comic show by Samuel Beckett will run through June 6. Ensemble member Frank Galati will direct the show, which features ensemble members Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, Martha Lavey and William Petersen.
Beckett’s absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything.
Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. “Endgame” is a compelling exploration of the stories people construct to make sense of their lives.
“HENRY & MUDGE” – Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 S. Gougar Road, New Lenox, (815) 462-2307: Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 and TheaterworksUSA will present this production at 11 a.m. Saturday. The show will feature classic children’s literature brought to life on stage. Tickets are $6.
“THE PATRICK PEARSE MOTEL” – Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, (708) 687-9323: This spring production of the hysterical bedroom farce by Hugh Leonard will continue at 8 p.m. April 16 and Saturday and April 23 and 24 and at 3 p.m. Sunday and April 25.
Tickets, which are non-refundable, cost $12 for the show only or $25 for the dinner-theater package that is available on Sundays only. Reservations are a must for the dinner-theater package.
“RAGTIME” – Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, (630) 530-0111: Frankfort resident Ann McMann plays the mother of legendary magician Harry Houdini in this musical, which continues through May 23. Lunch and dinner-theater packages range from $45.75 to $68 depending on the day of the week.
“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE” – Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College, 15800 State St., South Holland, (708) 210-5741: This SSC Playhouse production will run from Wednesday to April 25. Bobbie Saltzman will direct this classic play by Tennessee Williams.
The cast includes Bianca Borras, Marcus Hendricks, Jeannda Welton, Debra Walker, James Freeman, Dean Scalzitti, Debbie Burt-Frazier, Will Franklin, Leffie Martin Jr., Mike Ross and Torrick Hall.
“THE TAMING OF THE SHREW” – Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, (312) 595-5600: British director Josie Rourke returns after her spring production of “Twelfth Night” to bring William Shakespeare’s fiery courtship in “The Taming of the Shrew” to the Courtyard Theater’s stage.
The show will run through June 6. The playfully provocative battle of the sexes pits the shrewish Katharina against the fortune-seeking Petruchio, but even now the verdict is still out on who tames whom.
“A TRUE HISTORY OF THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD” – Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, (312) 443-3800: Robert Falls directs this show by Rebecca Gilman. The production runs through Sunday.
In this provocative world premiere, the Baxter Theatre Troupe – siblings James, Richard and Fanny – has been summoned to perform at an exclusive resort next to a man-made lake in the Pennsylvnia mountains.
Although the troupe’s repertoire consists of the romantic trifles typical of the era, James envisions a different kind of play, exposing the true struggles of common people.
When a violent rainstorm compromises the lake’s shoddily constructed dam, the resulting disaster lays bare the tragic inequities of the rigid class system – and paves the way for a seismic change in both theater and society.
“THE THREE LITTLE PIGS” – Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, (773) 445-3838: Chicago Kids Company will present this show, which is geared for ages 2 to 12, through May 8. In this original one-hour version, a trio of clever pigs outwit a huffing-and-puffing wolf. Tickets are $10, and group rates are available.
VARIETY
TALL GRASS ARTS ASSOCIATION’S BEAUX ARTS BALL, “NEO-RENAISSANCE” – Calumet Country Club, 175th Street and Western Avenue, Homewood, (708) 748-3377 (Tall Grass): This annual event set for Saturday will feature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. a tribute to honoree Valerie Nicholson at 7 p.m., dinner, music, dancing and a silent auction.
Tickets are $90 per person and will include a cash bar. Costumes are encouraged, and black tie is optional. A portion of the ticket price is tax-deductible.
Event listings may be sent, with “Events” in the subject line, to .
Items must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the desired Thursday publication date in order to be considered for publication.
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