Arts & Entertainment
From Expo Chicago to a Karaoke Fundraiser, Here Are 5 Arts and Culture Picks for the Weekend
Expo Chicago. (Courtesy of Expo Chicago)
Want to sing your karaoke version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in front of actual talent agents? Ponder the rise of fascism in Germany? How about visit the year’s biggest art fair, view short films or learn a new definition of “Black magic?” April ends with a shower of cultural possibilities, so run around out there.
“Berlin” – Court Theatre
This world premiere is one of the most anticipated shows of the season. Based on a series of graphic novels, “Berlin” stages a kaleidoscope of human drama set during the last days of the Weimar Republic. Charles Newell returns to Court Theatre to direct an adaptation by the marvelous Mickle Maher. Another must-see from Hyde Park’s Tony Award-winning theater. In previews, through May 11
“Chicago’s Got Talent” – Collaboraction Theatre Company at Sidekick’s
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A theater for social change, Collaboraction doesn’t forget to have fun. Here, the Chicago ensemble presents a modestly priced ($35) karaoke fundraiser with a neat twist, because this “karaoke spectacular” is hosted by real talent agents. It’s an opportunity to sing out, impress big shots and support the theater’s summer youth program and new home in the Kimball Arts Center. April 29
Magician Walter King Jr. (Courtesy of Chicago Magic Lounge)
“Diary of a Black Illusionist” – Chicago Magic Lounge
Chicago is loaded with magic acts, yet it’s still rare to see an African American magician on the stage. In a Wednesday night residency, magician Walter King Jr. — also known as Spellbinder — presents “Diary of a Black Illusionist.” King, a native of the city’s West Side, appears Wednesdays through June 25
CineYouth Film Festival – Facets
This year, Facets celebrates 50 years of cinema in Chicago, and the CineYouth Film Fest marks 20 years of showcasing the next generation of filmmakers. Seventy-nine short films made by young people dig into documentary, animation and stories of Chicago. There are also workshops and Q&As with the youthful creatives, who are all aged 22 or younger. And it’s free. April 25-27
Expo Chicago – Navy Pier
Every April, this contemporary art fair blooms at Navy Pier. If you’ve got dough, you can even buy the art. 170 galleries from 30 countries convene in Festival Hall for the one weekend a year where you can see what’s happening around the world, art-wise, in one eye-opening setting. There’s always plenty to love and a few things to hate, and the people-watching is off the charts. April 24-27
Marc Vitali is the JCS Fund of the DuPage Foundation Arts Correspondent.