Chicago Calendar
By Kathy Russell October 19, 2012 5:00PM
Updated: October 19, 2012 5:00PM
Chicago Event Calendar
The Featured Five
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Superior Donuts: Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. presents the return of“Superior Donuts,” by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts. It’s the story of Arthur Przybyszewski, an aging anti-war activist and the proprietor of a rundown donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. When Arthur hires Franco Wicks, a fast-talking African-American kid with big dreams and bigger troubles, Arthur’s world is quickly changed—quite possibly for the better. The play runs Oct. 31 through Nov. 25 at The Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St. Tix on sale now at the Box Office or through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. More info at www.maryarrchie.com.
Navy Pier’s Really Big Halloween Party: From animal rides and the petting zoo, to feats of daring magic and illusion, costumes, contests, trick or treating and more. The event runs Fridays through Sundays, Oct. 19 - 28, plus the party will run on Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31. For a full schedule, please visit www.navypier.com. Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, east of the downtown area, at 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437.
Backyard Monsters: At the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, spiders, butterflies and beetles take center stage every day. The new exhibit, Backyard Monsters opens Oct. 20. Come face to face with local and exotic insects as you walk into a larger than life backyard. As you’re shrunken down to bug size, robotic carpenter ants, praying mantis, scorpions, butterflies and a dragonfly with a wingspan of six feet will enchant even the most fearful guest. Notebaert Nature Museum is at 2430 N. Cannon Drive. www.naturemuseum.org or 773-755-5100. Just off Lake Shore drive across Fullerton from Lincoln Park Zoo.
A Wrinkle in Time: The Theatre School at DePaul University proudly presents “A Wrinkle in Time,” by Madeleine L’Engle, adapted by John Glore, and directed by Ernie Nolan, as the first installment of the 2012-2013 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series. This production runs Tuesdays through Saturdays, Oct. 23 through Dec. 1. At DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan Ave. Recommended for ages 8 and up. More info at www.theatre.depaul.edu. Tix $10 available at www.theatreschool.depaul.edu or the Box Office, 312-922-1999.
Leon Russell: The legendary musician and songwriter performs two concerts at Mayne Stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 2. Leon led the famous Joe Cocker’s ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ tour and performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert For Bangladesh. Leon has toured with Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, Edgar Winter, The New Grass Revival, Willie Nelson, and Sir Elton John. Leon was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and given the Award for Musical Excellence in March, 2011 and inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in June, 2011. Must be 21. $75 reserved seats only on Oct. 31. $40 standing room only on Nov. 1. Mayne Stage is at 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix and info at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.
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Quick Notes
ENDS SOON — Sweet Bird of Youth: “Sweet Bird of Youth,” with Diane Lane and Finn Wittrock, will end its run on Oct. 28. Extended through Oct. 28 in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre. Tix are $27 to $88 and are available at www.GoodmanTheatre.org, 312-443-3800 or at the box office, 170 N. Dearborn.
ElectionFest 2012: Pine Box Theater Company Presents “ElectionFest 2012” — twelve bold, ten-minute plays exploring the issues driving the divide in today’s political landscape and the upcoming election. The four-night festival will be presented Oct. 22-23 and 29-30 at Theatre Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tix are $13 and available at www.theatrewit.org or the Theatre Wit Box Office at 773-975-8150.
Halloween
The Murder at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt: A murdered curator has left behind a cryptic trail of clues connected with secrets in works of art at the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s a Watson Adventure, and they are back this fall. This hunt is available Nov. 3 and Dec. 1. Other scavenger hunts include all ages. Tix are $36 and includes museum admission. Advance purchase required online and more info at www.WatsonAdventures.com or by phone at OvationTix at 866-811-4111.
Boo! at the Zoo: This Halloween season, the annual Boo! at the Zoo at Brookfield Zoo is a more-fun-than-scary event that has something for everyone. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 20-21 and 27-28. Daylong activities including the Costume Parade at 1 p.m. and ZooChats throughout the day. Costume contests in the scariest, best animal theme, most original, and best group theme will be judged. General admission is $15/adults and $10.50/kids 3 to 11 and seniors 65 and older. Boo! at the Zoo activities are free, with the exception of admission to Xtreme Bugs, The Carousel, and the hayride. Parking is $10. For further information about Boo! at the Zoo activities, visit www.CZS.org/Events or call (708) 688-8000.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live: Mayne Stage is hosts the show Live, as performed by Awkward Pause Theatre. Shows on Oct. 20, 26, 31 are at midnight, Oct. 21 is at 8 p.m. Lobby Doors open an hour early. Mayne Stage is at 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix are $20 and, with info, are available at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.
Spooky Science at MSI: Through 31, the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, will showcase spooky chemistry magic. All activities are included in the Museum’s general admission and happen at various times throughout the day. The Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. 773-684-1414 ext. 8800. Visit http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/events/spooky-science/ for more details.
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Metra’s $7 Weekend Pass: Weekend passes are good for unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday for all stations. Weekend parking is available at all stations. Note: Boat taxis are available from Union Station to Navy Pier and/or the museum campus, Chinatown and other points along the river or lakefront. Reasonable pricing and fun.
Comment at beaconnewsonline.com.
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