Theater
- “Elvis Presley Was a Black Man Named Joe,” written and directed by Jackie Taylor, is a true story based on Taylor’s relationship with her brother Joe and their lifelong fascination with Elvis Presley. From March 1-April 20 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark. Tickets: $56.50-$66.50. Visit blackensembletheater.org.
- Jackalope Theatre presents “Dummy in Diaspora,” the U.S. premiere of one of the hits of the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Written and performed by Esho Rasho, it’s a coming-of-age story about a Middle Eastern American boy whose parents are refugees, and how he faces a country that doesn’t have a place for him. Karina Patel directs. From Feb. 27-March 23 at Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway. Tickets: $15-$35. Visit jackalopetheatre.org.
- “Theytriarch” is Darling Squire’s historical fiction that uses movement, music and poetry to explore the lives of queer people and their various roles in society over the centuries. At 8 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted. Tickets: $15. Visit steppenwolf.org.
- Still Point Theatre Collective presents the inaugural Social Change Theater Festival including “Behind the Mask” performed by Women of Grace House; Brian Beals “Jabril’s Chains,” Workers Teatro’s performance and workshop about labor struggles; and a screening and discussion of the documentary “Shakespeare Behind Bars.” From March 1-3 at Athenaeum Center, 2936 N. Southport. Tickets: $25, event passes also available. Visit stillpointtheatrecollective.org.
Dance
- Chicago Tap Theatre presents a program featuring new works by Lisa La Touche and Rich Ashworth as well as company members Mark Yonally, Sterling Harris, Molly Smith and Heather Latakas. At 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and 2 p.m. March 2 ($35-$75), with a 2 p.m. March 1 gala performance ($150-$250), at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee. At 6 p.m. March 3 there’s a free screening of La Touche’s film “Trax” at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton. Visit chicagotaptheatre.com.
- Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández, a company made up of 60 folk dancers and musicians in colorful costumes, explores the visually opulent history, culture, music and dance of Mexico. At 7:30 p.m. March 1 and 3 p.m. March 2 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $30+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org.
- Choreographer Nejla Yatkin performs her acclaimed solo piece “Ouroboros” at 8 p.m. Feb. 28-March 1 at Studio5, 1934 Dempster, Evanston. Tickets: $35. Visit studio5.dance.
Music
- The Chicago Flamenco Festival (March 1-24) kicks off with the Chicago debut of Spanish guitar phenom Pipo Romero, who performs a mix of flamenco, Spanish classical and other Spanish styles as well as a mix of genres from countries ranging from Mexico to Argentina. At 7 p.m. March 1 at Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio. Tickets: $30. For a list of complete festival offerings (concerts, workshops, lectures and films), visit chicago.cervantes.es.
- Music of the Baroque presents a performance of Handel’s oratorio “Theodora,” one of the composer’s great dramatic masterpieces. It centers on the virtuous martyr Theodora and her Roman protector, Didymus, in a story of love, faith and principles. Nicholas Kraemer conducts. At 7:30 p.m. March 2 at North Shore Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, and 7:30 p.m. March 3 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $25-$100. Visit baroque.org.
- On her recent release “After the Party,” Leslie Mendelson crafts a distinctive folk-rock, pop-Americana flavor, evoking the sounds of Laurel Canyon but with the downtown grit and sharp wit of Brooklyn, the borough she calls home. Co-headlining the show is Goldpine, a husband-and-wife duo known for striking vocals and bold harmonies. At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. Tickets: $15-$25. Visit evanstonspacemusic.com.
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Finnish conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali, is joined by 30-year-old pianist Seong-Jin Cho for a performance of Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto. The symphony also performs Tchaikovsky’s “Capriccio Italien” and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5. At 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27, March 1 and 3 p.m. March 2 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan ($49+), and at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College, 401 W. Franklin, Wheaton ($89+). Visit cso.org.
- The 14-piece Rock Orchestra by Candlelight returns with a new 90-minute concert, an unexpected union of classical music and metal performed in an ethereal candlelit setting. At 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Tickets: $67+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
- Tommy Castro & the Painkillers celebrate the release of a new album, “Closer to the Bone.” The blues-rock master’s sound is filled with dynamic energy and raw emotion. At 7:30 p.m. March 5 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. Tickets: $20-$25. Visit evanstonspacemusic.com.
- Masters of Hawaiian music — George Kahumoku Jr., Herb Ohta Jr. and Sonny Lim — bring their joyful sound to town for a performance at 8 p.m. March 4 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $28. Visit oldtownschool.org.
Movies
- Get ready for the upcoming Major League season with Play Ball! A Baseball Series, a monthlong run of seven classic films: John Badham’s “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings,” Tony Scott’s “The Fan,” Ron Shelton’s “Bull Durham,“ Penny Marshall’s “A League of Their Own,” Bennett Miller’s “Moneyball,” James Benning’s “American Dreams: Lost and Found” and John Sayles’ “Eight Men Out,” as well as a new release, Carson Lund’s “Eephus.” From March 1-23 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport. Tickets: $10, $11. Visit musicboxtheatre.com.
- Chicago Jewish Film Festival is a series of 19 movies that depict Jewish life, values and history with a mission of fostering an understanding of Jewish contributions to world culture. From March 1-23 at Wayfarer Theater, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park, and Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods, Skokie. Tickets: $15, $18. Visit jccchicago.org/films25/.
- Returning for its 26th season, the Chicago Irish Film Festival showcases 14 feature films and documentaries, along with 34 short films. The festival opens with the U.S. premiere of Paul Kennedy’s “Dead Man’s Money,” a twisted tale of love and greed. From Feb. 27-March 2 at AMC New City, 1500 N. Clybourn. Tickets: $12. For a complete list of films, visit chicagoirishfilmfestival.com.
Museums
- “Let’s Get It On: The Wearable Art of Betye Saar” looks at a pivotal moment in Saar’s career when a visit to the Field Museum in 1974 transformed the way she conceived of herself as an artist. More than 60 objects including costumes, jewelry, drawings, photos, archival materials and more cast a new light on the way Saar’s early career in costume design informed her pioneering work in assemblage and installation. To April 27 at Neubauer Collegium Gallery, University of Chicago, 5701 S. Woodlawn. Admission is free. Visit neubauercollegium.uchicago.edu.
Family Fun
- The Actors Gymnasium presents “Little Red,” its annual winter circus performance directed by Heidi Stillman with circus choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. Inspired by the fairytale “Little Red Riding Hood,” it explores the mysterious journey of Little Red who faces the biggest, baddest foe of them all. From March 1-30 at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes, Evanston. Tickets: $25+. Visit actorsgymnasium.org.
- International Carnivale celebrates the unique traditions of cultures across the globe with music, dance performances, elaborate costumes and art-making. Performers include Chicago Samba, Four Star Brass Band, Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society and more. From 1-5 p.m. March 1, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Admission is free. Visit navypier.org.
Out & about
- Menu options range from free saganaki and baklava with purchase, to lamb chop specials and discounted Greek wine and beer during Greektown Restaurant Week (March 1-7, greektownchicago.org). Diners can enjoy prix fixe, three-course lunch and dinner menus during Rosemont Restaurant Week (March 2-8, rosemontrestaurantweek.com). Nine North Side neighborhoods join together for North Side Restaurant Week (Feb. 27-March 9, northsiderestaurantweek.org). Check websites for details about participating eateries and menus.