Theater
In Rajiv Joseph’s drama, “Mr. Wolf,” a 15-year-old abducted years earlier is returned to a family that had nearly given up hope of seeing her again. The reunion sets the stage for provocative conversations. This is “a truly daring play that showcases the kind of acting Steppenwolf is known for,” says artistic directors Glenn Davis and Audrey Francis. K. Todd Freeman directs. From Sept. 11-Nov. 2 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $20+. Visit steppenwolf.org.
Theodore Ward’s “Big White Fog,” a 1938 drama funded by the Federal Theatre Project and influenced by the South Side Writers Group, is set during the Great Depression as a family struggles with economic issues and racial violence on Chicago’s South Side. Ron OJ Parson directs. From Sept. 12-Oct. 12 at Court Theatre, 5535 S Ellis Ave. Tickets: $60-$90. Visit courttheatre.org.
Idle Muse Theatre presents “The Blood Countess,” Michael Dalberg’s play, which delves into the true story of 16th century countess Erzsebet Bathory, and the blood-soaked rumors that have followed her to this day. Tristan Brandon directs. From Sept. 11-Oct. 11 at The Edge Off-Broadway Theatre, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave. Tickets: $30. Visit idlemuse.org.
“Ghost Fetus” is Suz Evans’ new play about two queer teens reckoning with faith, fear and desire. Anna Klos directs. From Sept. 11-27 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St. Tickets: $22+. Visit trapdoortheatre.com.
Jim Jacobs’ and Warren Casey’s classic musical “Grease” is a trip back in time to Rydell High via one unforgettable soundtrack. Dina DiCostanzo directs. From Sept. 17-Oct. 19 at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. Tickets: $29-$55. Visit metropolisarts.com.
Music
The sister trio Haim tours in support of “I Quit,” the group’s first new album in five years. The new songs have “a more raw, visceral sound” than their previous work but “remain perfectly in tune with their strongest assets.” At 8 p.m. Sept. 12 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Tickets: $35+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
Access Contemporary Music’s The CheckOut, Chicago’s newest venue and music school, opens its doors with a 12-concert festival. Located in a former 7-Eleven (thus the name), the venue’s focus is on contemporary classical music. Plus there are plans to include cabaret, listening parties, film screenings and more. The opening concerts include Black Oak Ensemble, Kontras Quartet and Wicked Drawl among others. From Sept. 13-28 at 4116 N. Clark St. Tickets $18-$25. Visit acmusic.org.
Grammy Award-winning songwriters Joe Henry and Mike Reid tour behind their new collaborative album, “Life & Time.” Along with a backing band, they’ll share new songs as well as selections from their separate catalogs. At 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets: $50. Visit oldtownschool.org.
Lady Gaga comes to town for a three-night stand showcasing her recent album, “Mayhem.” The New York Times says the show is “a crowning moment” for “a performer operating at the peak of her powers.” At 8 p.m. Sept. 15, 17-18 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Tickets: $339+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
This year’s Englewood Jazz Festival celebrates the 60th anniversary of the legendary Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) with new works from Renee C. Baker, Adegoke Steve Colson and Ernest Dawkins plus appearances by many other performers. From Sept. 16-20 at Hamilton Park and Cultural Center, 513 W. 72nd St. Admission is free. Visit englewoodjazzfestival.org.
Museums
“Tiffany Lamps: Beyond the Shade” explores how the artisans at Tiffany Studios used a range of materials, including bronze, enamel, ceramic and glass, to bring Tiffany’s innovative lighting designs to life. Also includes a selection of decorative objects produced by the studio. From Sept. 12-March 15 at Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St. Admission: $20. Visit driehausmuseum.org.
Roberto Clemente is seen working in the offseason with kids in Carolina, Puerto Rico, in 1962. “¡PLEIBOL! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling bilingual exhibit that will be at National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture from Sept. 16-Feb. 28, explores the history of Latinos and their impact on American culture and society through the lens of baseball.
Courtesy of The Clemente Museum
“¡PLEIBOL! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling bilingual exhibit, explores the history of Latinos and their impact on American culture and society through the lens of baseball. From community teams to the major leagues, the exhibit highlights how the game can bring people together. From Sept. 16-Feb. 28 at National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. Admission is free. Visit nmprac.org.
Movies
Chicago Underground Film Festival returns with screenings of unique films by independent artists plus panel discussions, workshops, filmmaker Q&A’s and after parties. The festival opens with “Room Temperature,” the third collaboration between cult author Dennis Cooper and filmmaker Zac Farley, about a family’s annual tradition of transforming their home into a DIY haunted house. From Sept.17-21 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St.; and Harper Theater, 5238 S. Harper Ave. Tickets: $13, $15, $100 all-access pass. For a list of films, visit cuff.org.
Family fun
Charles M. Schulz’s beloved characters spring to life with interactive displays and activities in the exhibit “Take Care with Peanuts,” which focuses on self-care, empathy and environmental stewardship. Make music with Schroeder, visit Lucy’s psychiatric booth, learn about composting with Pigpen and more. From Sept. 13-Jan. 4 at Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. Admission: $21. Visit chicagochildrensmuseum.org.
Festival fun
Ravenswood ArtWalk highlights the hub of artisans, manufacturers and brewers along the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Enjoy an art market, music, a children’s area, pop-up performances and food while also getting a peek inside the spaces (studios, galleries) that define Ravenswood. From 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 13-14 on Ravenswood Avenue from Irving Park Road to Lawrence Avenue. Admission: $5-$10 suggested donation. Visit ravenswoodchicago.org.
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts features juried artists, family attractions, music (Steve Dawson and Diane Christiansen, Gerald Dowd, Nelson Street Revival, Mr. Blotto and more) and food. From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 13 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 14 on Broadway from Belmont Avenue to Hawthorne Place. Admission: $5 suggested donation. Visit lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com.
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