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Chicago Calendar

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Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunt: The hunts are back for the summer, including some new themes. The Munch Around Lincoln Park Scavenger Hunt features opportunities to taste many of the neighborhood’s culinary delights as part of a unique game on June 18. Sharpen your detective skills and solve a murder on The Murder at the Art Museum Scavenger Hunt, at the Art Institute on June 25. There are hunts weekly. Advance purchase is required via www.WatsonAdventures.com and exact hunt meeting locations are provided upon RSVP. Participants with questions may call Watson Adventures at 877-9-GO-HUNT (877-946-4868). Call this phone number. The venues do not have the info about the hunts.

A Girl With the Sun in her Eyes: Pine Box Theater returns from a three-year hiatus with the world premiere of A Girl With the Sun in her Eyes by Chicago writer Joshua Rollins. “A Girl...” is a re-invention of the police procedural. It’s 6 a.m, and an undercover female police officer has been reported missing for several hours on Chicago’s South Side. The last person to see her is now the primary suspect in her disappearance. Officers with complex ties to the missing officer—and each other—lead the interrogation. Runs Thursdays thru Sundays, June 25 through Aug. 7 at The Second Stage, 3408 N. Sheffield. Tix are $35 at www.pineboxtheater.org.

Vice to Nice: Transformation of the South Loop walking tour. An area known for vice, gangsters, a few famous madams and a lot of abandoned railroad tracks has transformed into today’s thriving South Loop. This 90-minute walking tour explores the architecture and history of an area that has undergone dramatic transformation. Tours on selected days — June 19, June 30, July 14, July 28. Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., 312-922-3432 or www.architecture.org.

Chinglish: Tony Award winner and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist David Henry Hwang (M. Butterfly) makes his Goodman debut with the world premiere of Chinglish, a A razor-sharp new comedy about the challenges of doing business in a culture worlds apart from our own. Chinglish is performed in a blend of English and Mandarin (with English surtitles). June 18 through July 24 in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tix $25 to $73 (prices are subject to change) at the box office or www.goodmantheatre.org. 312-443-3800. Hwang’s semi-autobiographical “Yellow Face” runs concurrently with Chinglish at Silk Road Theatre Project, June 14 through July 17 at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W. Washington. www.srtp.org.

Welcome Vietnam Vets: June 17 to 19 has weekend of activities in store to honor those who served or are currently serving in Vietnam. Included are the Moving Wall Exhibit, dinner, concert, various other exhibits and more. Info and/or tix for the banquet or the concert at www.serviceandhonor.org or 312-925-5506. Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, east of the downtown area, at 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437 or www.navypier.com.

Chicago Attractions

Brookfield Zoo: Brookfield Zoo is located at First Ave. between Ogden Ave. and 31st St., Brookfield. Metra stop is Hollywood. 866-GoToZoo or 800-201-0784. www.czs.org.

• Stingray Bay: Get up close to cownose rays at the zoo’s seasonal Stingray Bay exhibit with more than 50 cownose rays housed in a 16,000-gallon saltwater touch pool that is landscaped with its own waterfall. Through September. Additional admission.

Lincoln Park Zoo: 2001 N. Clark St. 312-742-2246 or www.lpz.com.

• Garden Tour: From April through September zoo visitors can enjoy a free garden tour at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Different plants and areas will be highlighted with tips and information about care and maintenance.

• Nature Boardwalk: Free daily seasonal educational programs are offered at Nature Boardwalk. Learn more at www.lpzoo.org/nature-boardwalk.

Chicago Botanic Garden: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Open every day except Dec. 25. Admission free. $15 parking. (847) 835-5440 or www.chicagobotanic.org.

Garfield Park Conservatory: 300 N. Central Park Ave. 312-746-5100 or www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Green Line.

Navy Pier: Visit Navy Pier on Lake Michigan, east of the downtown area, at 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-7437 or www.navypier.com.

• Let the Shows begin! Summer fireworks back at Navy Pier: Fireworks every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m., sponsored by Fresh FM, and every Saturday at 10:30 p.m., sponsored by B96. Navy Pier is the exclusive site of the 4th of July fireworks at 9 p.m. The grand stage on Chicago’s beautiful Lake Michigan has been set to salute America on its 235th birthday with a patriotic soundtrack.

• Chicago Children’s Museum: At Navy Pier at 700 E. Grand Ave. For more info, visit www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/hours.html. Admission charged. Special dates:

— Kraft Free Family Night: Thursday evenings: 5 to 8 p.m. Free admission for everyone.

— Target Free First Sundays: Free admission for children 15 and under the first Sunday of every month.

— Is it Rocket Science?: When you experiment with the museums giant catapult or launch your homemade rocket, you’ll experience the laws of physics and perhaps come to understand how rocket scientists do their job. 2:30 p.m. daily, June 15 through Sept. 5.

The Second City’s Neighborhood Tour: This humorous and historic walking tour begins at 1 p.m. every Sunday at 1 p.m. and Wednesday at 4 p.m. through Sunday Oct. 30. The Tour both entertains and informs while highlighting the architecture, history and development of Old Town as well as various Second City alumni haunts and the stories that go with them. The tour begins at the theatre on Wells St., winds through the neighborhood and ends in the lobby of the theatre. $15/person available at the Box Office, 312-337-3992 or www.secondcity.com. Reservations recommended.

Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO. 312-744-6630. www.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/.

• Urban Excursions: Explore Chicago, showcasing hundreds of treks, tours, itineraries and other urban adventures downtown and throughout the neighborhoods, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Complete schedules at www.ExploreChicago.org/summer.

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.

Visitor Information Centers: At Chicago Water Works, 163 E. Pearson St. at Michigan Ave. and the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Toll free hotline 1-877-CHICAGO.

Shows/Fests/Events

Toast of the Town — Chicago: June 17th 2011! Hosted by Wine Enthusiast, the Toast of the Town brings together more than 500 wines, spirits and beers and 35 local restaurants with thirty-five signature Chitown dishes, at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Field Museum’s educational progam. Tickets are $109/$169 ages 21 and older, and are available at www.ToastoftheTown.com.

The Professor Theophilis P. Lemming Medicine Show: Piccolo Theatre performs inside the Evanston Arts Depot and on several stages outdoors at the 40th Annual Custer Street Fair. Theatre, puppets, juggling, clowns, magic and more in the true Wild West sense. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 18 and 19 at The Main Street Station Shopping District, Chicago and Main Streets. Custer’s Last Stand and the Piccolo Theatre Theophilis P. Lemming Medicine Show are free. www.custerfair.com. www.piccolotheatre.com.

Kraft Great Kids Hoopla: Kraft Foods Foundation treats families to free music, dance, fun and games at four summer festivals. The fests are at four venues. The series kicks off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 19 at Ravinia Festival, Lake Cook and Greenbay Road, Highland Park. Concert by the Dirty Sock Funtime Band, 1 p.m. Lawn seating is free. Other fests are in July, August and September. www.kraftgreatkids.com.

Art Preview Benefit: Meet artists and curators and preview the over 30 visual exhibitions of the 2011 Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. June 20 at Logan Square Kitchen, 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer from Logan Square businesses. Suggest donation of $10 to $100 to support the Fest on July 29-31 along N. Milwaukee Ave. between California and Kimball in Logan Square. www.iamlogansquare.com. www.milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org.

Mommy and Me Tea: The Palm Court, Tea Room and Lounge of the Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, is hosting Mommy and Me Tea from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. June. Also, a spring and summer runway fashion show from Odile, Luxury Children’s Boutique and a performance from the Rocky Mountain Children’s Choir. Reservations or info at Shaun.Rajah@hilton.com or 312-787-2200.

Chicago’s Ultimate Athlete: 3rd Annual Men’s Fitness National Ultimate Athlete Event from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 18 at North Avenue Beach. Participants have the chance to show off their skills in a series of timed challenges including football, basketball, baseball and the ultimate obstacle course. $5,000 and bragging rights to the winner. Additional prizes and merchandise will be gifted to all competitors and attendees. Free and open to the public. Register for the Ultimate Athlete event at www.mensfitness.com/uachicago or download the free Digi-Mag from Men’s Fitness on the iPad.

Music

Some Enchanted Evening — The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein: Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s revue includes Austin Cook working with 36 of their songs, singing and playing his own white baby grand piano at the No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood. Now extended through July 3. The original cast will stay intact through July 3. Tix are $25 on Fridays and Sundays and $30 on Saturdays and can be purchased online at www.theoubique.org or www.theo-u.org or by calling the ticket service at 800-595-4849. Dinner (optional) is $20 for three courses plus beverages, tax and tip and can be reserved when purchasing a ticket. Tix are $25/$35. Three-course dinner available for $20. Free parking available. Red Line — Morse Stop. Theo Ubique Information Line: 773-347-1109. www.theoubique.org.

Mayne Stage: Mayne Stage is at 1328 W. Morse Ave. Red Line stop is “Morse.” Tix and Info at www.maynestage.com or 773-381-4554.

• Luciano Antonio: Brazilian guitarist, singer, composer and percussionist. 9 p.m. June 17. $15/$25.

• THAT Damned Band and Mazel Tov Kocktail Hour: THAT Damned Band is an accordion driven group who pay musical tribute to eastern European, yiddish, and old-tyme vaudevillian era music and styles. Mazel Tov! Kocktail Hour plays village style pre-holocaust Yiddish and Romany tunes. 8 p.m. June 22. $10/$15.

• The Man Behind the Sun: Grazyna Auguscik Project — Tribute to Nick Drake. Auguscik is a Polish singer, composer, and producer ith a unique project that pays homage to the late Nick Drake. 9:30 p.m. June 25.$25.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. 312-294-3000. www.cso.org. All concerts are at Symphony unless otherwise noted.

• Tribute to the Motor City: The all-star tribute focuses primarily on the jazz, rock, and R&B scene of yesterday and today in Detroit. 8 p.m. June 17. Tix $25-$70.

Ravinia Summer Series: Festival grounds, Lake Cook and Greenbay Road, Highland Park. Box Office: 847-266-5100. at www.ravinia.org.

Theater

Aces: In the summer of 1975 Saigon has fallen, the Watergate scandals continue, and Bobby Fischer refuses to play chess, but in Vegas, casino employees still run their scams. Blackjack dealer named Samantha comes around and these losers are forced to take a close look at their lives. Ends June 18. Signal Ensemble Theatre, 1802 W. Berenice Ave. Ends June 18. Street parking available. Brown line EL stops Irving Park and Addison. Tix and info at 773-347-1350 and www.signalensemble.com.

Murder for Two—A Killer Musical: A mix of Agatha Christie mystery, old-fashioned musical comedy and modern panache, this whodunit comes with a killer twist — one actor investigates the crime, the other plays all 13 suspects, and they both play the piano. Ends June 19. Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare in the The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5600. www.chicagoshakes.com.

Middletown: Steppenwolf Theatre Company concludes its 2010/11 season with Middletown. Mary Swanson just moved to Middletown to enjoy small town life, but it is not as she hoped it would be. June 16 through Aug. 14 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tix $20 to $73, available at the box office, 312-335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.

Supernatural Chicago: True Chicago stories of the paranormal, and blended with a array of elements: improv comedy, psychic demonstrations, magic shows, and haunted houses. An intimate and critically acclaimed one-man performance with Neil Tobin, Necromancer. 7:30 p.m. Fridays in the basement of Excalibur nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn at Ontario. $25, includes two free beverages and general admission to Excalibur nightclub for the evening. Seating is limited to 50 people. Check availability at Zerve and purchase tickets at www.SupernaturalChicago.com or 800-979-3370. Good value. Recommended.

Comedy

South Side of Heaven: The Second City, 1616 N. Wells St. opens its 99th Mainstage revue, “South Side of Heaven,” at 7 p.m. April 10 at The Mainstage Theatre, 1616 N. Wells St. South Side of Heaven is a thought-provoking, irreverent and hilarious new show exploring the many fates that propel our world and universe. Tix are $22/$27 and are available at the Box Office, 312-337-3992 or www.SecondCity.com.

Fair and Unbalanced: Every Monday night and Saturday afternoon at The Second City Chicago Mainstage. Featuring original and some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from their fifty year history, No institution escapes the satiric eye of The Second City — from the blowhards of the Beltway to the Hollywood elite. Ripped from the stages of Second City’s legendary theatres in Chicago and Toronto. Tix $16/$22 at 312-337-3992. or www.secondcity.com.

Zanies Comedy Club: 1548 N. Wells St. 312-337-4027 or www.ZANIES.com.

• Russ Williamson and Andrew Norelli: June 19. $22.

• 10 Comedians for $10: June 17, 18. $10.

• All-Female Funnies: June 20. $10.

• Larry Reeb: June 21 thru 26. $23.

• Doug Benson: June 25. $20.

• Crystal Pistol Showcase: Hot new Chicago Comedians. June 27. $10.

The Chicago Improv: 5 Woodfield Rd., Schaumburg, (inside Woodfield Mall). 847-240-2001 or www.improv.com.

• Pauly Shore: June 16, 17, 18, 19. $24/$27.

Comedy Sportz Theatre: An interactive improv experience. Most of the shows are for all ages. 929 W. Belmont (Belmont and Sheffield). 773-549-8080, www.comedysportzchicago.com, www.Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000.

• Smashed! The Improvised Bachelorette Party: Opening May 6 at midnight and closing Sept. 2. Tix $10. 18 and older. Replaces The Nightcap in the Friday at midnight slot.

• ComedySportz: Open run, Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m.and 10 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.. Tix: $22

• The Hot Karl: Open run, Saturdays at Midnight. In its 11th year. For adults. Tix $10.

Museums/Galleries

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum: 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-7827 or www.adlerplanetarium.org.

• 3-D Vision — Imaging the Universe: 3-D Star Show in the 3-D Universe Theater.

• Journey to the Stars: Images from telescopes on Earth and from space, the program is a journey through time to experience the life and death of stars in the night sky, including the Sun. Open May 21 at Definiti Space Theater.

Art Institute of Chicago: At 111 S. Michigan Ave. 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 312-443-3600 or www.artic.edu.

• Highlights of Italian Art: Free gallery guide to direct museum visitors to the more than 20 Italian paintings on display in the permanent collection. Produced in Partnership with the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy

Russell Bowman Art Advisory, 311 W. Superior, Suite 115. 312-751-9500. www.bowmanart.com.

• Vivian Maier Photography Exhibition: A recently uncovered collection of vintage photographs by Chicago street photographer Vivian Maier (1926 ‐ 2009) reveals an intimate portrait of midcentury life in New York and Chicago, where she moved to in 1956. She died at 83 in a nursing home in 2009. 10 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Ends June 18.

Chicago Architectural Foundation: CAF, Santa Fe Building, 224 S. Michigan Ave. at Jackson Blvd. 312-922-3432 or www.architecture.org.

• Segway Experience of Chicago: Trace the development of the lakefront park system from a whole new perspective — on a segway. Stops include Grant Park and the Museum Campus. Brief training on how to use the Segway Human Transporter. 10 a.m. Mondays and Saturdays through October. $85/$75. 2 and a half hour tour. Reservations recommended.

• Chicago’s First Lady: The CAF River Cruise aboard the Chicago’s First Lady fleet begins the tours on April 30 and continues into the fall. Tix are now on sale at $35 for the ninety minute tour. Special pricing available for school groups and groups of 20 or more. 312-922-3432 or grouptours@architecture.org. Highly recommended.

Field Museum: 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-922-9410. www.fieldmuseum.org.

• Whales—Giants of the Deep: Explore the amazing world of whales through a unique blend of science and storytelling. The new exhibit opens May 20 and runs through Jan. 16, 2012.

• Waking the T.Rex — The Story of Sue: 3-D film. Additional fee.

• Ernst and Young 3D Theater: Chicago’s only completely digital 3-D theater. Permanent Exhibition. Recommended for kindergarten through adults.

• Whodunnit — Solving a History Mystery: At about 25 tons, the Stone of the Sun holds the story of the Aztec’s world, cosmos and beliefs. Children 2 to 6 can learn the story as they help to create a three-foot replica in the Crown Family PlayLab art studio. Free with basic admission.

Frank Lloyd Preservation Trust: Wright’s Home and Studio, 951 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave. 708-848-1976. www.GoWright.org.

• Pedal Oak Park Bike Tour: Experience Oak Park’s wealth of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings with the Pedal Oak Park two-hour Bike Tour at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday, June 4 through Aug. 27. The bike tour includes stops at 22 Wright-designed structures in Oak Park and at other structures designed by Wright’s contemporaries. $30/$35 at GoWright.org or at the Home and Studio Museum Shop. Participants must provide their own bicycle. Tix available at www.GoWright.org or at the Home and Studio museum shop.

Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph, second floor. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 312-814-5322 or www.museum.state.il.us.

• Father’s Day Art Spree: Thirteen artisans. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 16 and 17.

• Luminous Ground—Artists With Histories: The exhibition highlights the work and careers of eleven elder Chicago artists who are, or were, creatively active into their later decades. April 4 through Aug. 26.

International Museum of Surgical Science: 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-642-6502 or www.imss.org.

• pulling.reaching./onging: A large-scale, site-specific installation by contemporary artist Elissa Cox, ends June 24. This exhibition, the latest in the Museum’s ongoing “Anatomy in the Gallery” program, conjures a fantastical dreamscape of the body’s interior that is both grand and grotesque.

Museum of Science and Industry: 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive. Extra charge on some exhibits. 773-684-1414 or www.msichicago.org. New: www.facebook.com/msichicago and twitter at msichicago.org/podcast.

· General Extended Summer Hours: From May 27 - Sept. 5, 2011, the Museum will offer extended summer hours, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. every day.

•• Suited for Space: See the creativity and ingenuity behind of the spacesuit. Through rare photography, inluding unique xray images, learn about this modern invention that keeps astronauts alive in outer space. April 6 through Sept. 25. Included in general admission.

• OMNIMAX: “Tornado Alley,” March 11 through the end of 2011.

• Body Worlds and The Cycle of Life: The US premiere at the MSI opens March 18 and runs through Sept. 5. Requires an additional timed-entry ticket.

Notebaert Nature Museum: 2430 N. Cannon Drive. naturemuseum.org or 773-755-5100. Across the street from Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission, including special exhibitions, is $9/adult, $6/child 3-12, $7/seniors and students. Thursdays are suggested donation days. Open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Nature’s Architects: A new interactive, self-curated exhibition that investigates the creative, industrious and skillful craftsmanship of animal builders, in our own urban environment and around the world. Included in admission.

• A Watercolor Journal — The Art of Philip Enquist: Enquist is an acclaimed Chicago artist, architect and more who connects with nature’s open lands through art. Student artwork project, My Natural Neighborhood, will be displayed adjacent to the Enquist exhibition during the same time period. Ends June 19.

The Shedd Aquarium: Aquarium at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive. 312-559-0200. www.sheddaquarium.org.

• Jellies: Beginning April 15, Shedd Aquarium guests will be mesmerized by a new exhibit showcasing pulsing, translucent sea jellies and their mystifying natural history. More than 10 species of jellies throughout the new temporary special exhibit.

• Penguin Encounter: Have a penguin waddle up to meet you, and even touch its sleek, slick feathers during Shedd Aquarium’s new 30-minute penguin encounter. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Penguin Encounter admission and packages start at $30.

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