Theater
- The Artistic Home presents Moira Buffini’s dark comedy “Dying For It.” Adapted from Nikolai Erdman’s “The Suicide,” a satire banned by Stalin, it’s Buffini’s take on the dark fallacies of post-revolution life as a young unemployed man obsesses about suicide as others team up to profit from his suicide. Monica Payne directs. From March 18-April 23 at The Den Theatre, 1313 N. Milwaukee. Tickets: $35. Visit thedentheatre.com.
- Promethean Theatre stages the world premiere of “A Town Called Progress,” Trina Kakacek’s comedy that considers the concept of utopia as a mayor hopes to create a society run by women, but the citizens have other ideas. Anna C. Bahow directs. From March 16-April 15 at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee. Tickets: $26. Visit thedentheatre.com.
- International Voices Project, in collaboration with Intercultural Music Production, presents “The Shroud Maker,” Ahmed Masoud’s black comedy about a Palestinian woman living in the Gaza Strip who has survived decades of war and oppression through making shrouds for the dead. Roxane Assaf-Lynn stars in the solo show; Marina Johnson directs. From March 16-April 8 at Chicago Dramatists, 798 N. Aberdeen. Tickets: $20. Visit ivpchicago.org.
Dance
The Joffrey Academy of Dance presents four world premieres from its Winning Works Choreography Competition: Natasha Adorlee’s “Momoda (Kiss, Kiss),” Christopher D’Ariano’s “Overture No. 7: Inter Nos,” Kameron N. Saunders’ “Warmer” and Mike Tyus’ “Sweet Science.” All are performed by academy dancers. At 7:30 p.m. March 16-17; 2, 7:30 p.m. March 18 and 2 p.m. March 19 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 200 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets: $30. Visit joffrey.org/winningworks.
Comedy
- Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Shamrock Shenanigans, which features a roster of Chicago’s Irish stand-up comedians. The lineup includes Adam Burke, Jeannie Doogan (March 17 only), Sean Flannery, Chelsea Hood (March 18 only), Joe Kilgallon and Kristen Toomey. At 7:30 p.m. March 17 and 7:15, 9:30 p.m. March 18 at The Den Theatre, 1313 N. Milwaukee. Tickets: $25. Visit thedentheatre.com.
Music
- Since the release of his debut 2021 album, “Due North,” 29-year-old Liam Kazar, a singer-songwriter who has performed with Tweedy and Kids These Days, has found his own steadily growing fan base. The Albany Park native’s joyful pop songs are irresistible. According to Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who has known Kazar since he was 12, “it’s a magic trick very few people can pull off: making something brand new sound like a cherished memory.” Kazar opens for the always wildly entertaining NRBQ at 8:30 p.m. March 16 at FitzGerald’s, 6615 W. Roosevelt, Berwyn. Tickets: $30. Visit fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.
- Chicago Sinfonietta’s March program salutes women with performances of Tania Leon’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning “Stride,” a work inspired by women’s rights pioneer Susan B. Anthony; Florence Price’s rarely performed “Violin Concerto No. 2” with violinist Rachel Barton Pine, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” a masterwork inspired by the storyteller and Persian queen. At 8 p.m. March 18 at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago, Naperville ($54, $67) and 7:30 p.m. March 20 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan ($27-$107). Visit chicagosinfonietta.org.
- Led by the husband-wife duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi — hailed as “two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation” — the 12-piece group Tedeschi Trucks Band is known globally for its unmistakable sound and world class musicianship that seamlessly blends distinctive genres of American music. At 8 p.m. March 17-18 and March 31-April 1 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Tickets: $36+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Museums
- “The Living Image of Sound: Notes on Jazz and Protest at Northwestern” explores the intersections of visual art, music and student-led social justice movements during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The exhibition features artwork and ephemera related to the trailblazing poet and musician Sun Ra and the Arkestra jazz ensemble. From March 16-July 9 at Block Museum of Art, Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston. Admission is free. Visit blockmuseum.northwestern.edu.
Movies
- Chicago Film Society’s Technicolor Weekend features screenings of rare Technicolor film prints including original release prints. The films are Victor Fleming’s “The Wizard of Oz,” Warren Beatty’s “Bulworth,” Phil Karlson’s “Gunman’s Walk,” Peter R. Hunt’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” Douglas Sirk’s “Interlude,” Frank Tashlin’s “Artists and Models” and a program of short films. From March 17-19 Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Tickets: $13. Visit chicagofilmsociety.org and siskelfilmcenter.org.
- Upcoming films from the Silent Film Society of Chicago include Constance Talmadge in “The Duchess of Buffalo” (March 22, Des Plaines Theatre, 1476 Miner, Des Plaines), Charlie Chaplin in “The Kid” (April 1, Blue Island Historical Society, 1380 Maple, Blue Island), Joan Crawford in “Spring Fever” (April 11, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main, St. Charles) and John Ford’s “Kentucky Pride” (April 15, Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport). Ticket prices vary. Visit facebook.com/silentfilmchicago.
Family Fun
- World-renowned ethologist and activist Dr. Jane Goodall presents her lecture series “Inspiring Hope Through Action,” in which she shares her reasons for hope by connecting everyday people to actions that make a difference for the future of people, animals and the environment. At 8 p.m. March 19 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Tickets: $45+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Show off your roller skating skills when the Chicago Park District opens Garfield Park’s Gold Dome (100 N. Central Park) for indoor skating from 5:30-8 p.m. on March 16, April 20 and May 18. Free roller skate rentals or bring you own; all ages are welcome. Admission is free. Visit chicagoparkdistrict.com.
- The public sculpture exhibit “Tuk Tuks on Devon” features 10 colorful sculptures by Chicago artists inspired by tuk tuks, the three-wheel vehicles that have gained popularity worldwide. Begins March 19 with a ceremony at 4 p.m. at 2559 W. Devon, plus free tuk tuk rides between Kedzie and Damen until 8 p.m. They’ll be on display through the fall. Visit ondevon.org.
- The Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan) celebrates its 125th anniversary with two new historic exhibits (“Art Alone Endures,” “Staging Ground”), a self-guided walking tour and special programming highlighting the artists and companies who have contributed to the building’s history. Plus, on the second Friday of the month, artists open their studios for gallery openings and demonstrations. For more information, visit fineartsbuilding.com.
