This weekend in the performing arts

"All the Way Live," Donny's Skybox Theatre, Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago: Mad Highentists presents a two-man show about the power of love, friendship and thick thighs. 9 p.m. $10-$12. (312) 337-3992.

Chicago Comedy Theater Weekend, Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St., Chicago: As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, The ComedySportz Theatre has invited other Chicago comedy theaters to take part in its main stage show. Each theater will send three or four of its ensemble members to participate in a show of short-form games. The audience will decide the winner. Tonight: ComedySportz versus the iO Theater at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $19. (312) 773-6000.

"Fancy Knights," Donny's Skybox Theatre, Piper's Alley, 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago: Fast-paced improv and sketch comedy show; ranging from ultra psychedelic absurdist to down-to-earth, kitchen-sink humor. 10:30 p.m. $10-$12. (312) 337-3992.

The Pajama Men in "Stop Not Going," Storefront Theater, Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago: The Second City presents the return of the international comedy duo of Shenoah Allen and Mark Chavez who create oddball characters who are woven in and out at lightening speed. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. $15-$20. (312) 742-8497 or www.dcatheater.org.

"There Are Worse Things We Could Do," Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles: Soapbox Theatre Company presents its Second Annual Soapbox Comedy Revue. 8 p.m. $15. (206) 984-9219 or www.SteelBeamTheatre.com.

Tracy Morgan, The Improv Comedy Showcase, 5 Woodfield Road, in Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg: 7, 9:15 and 11 p.m. $24-$27. (847) 240-2001 or www.improv.com.

Walt Willey, Zanies at Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles: 7:30 p.m. $25. Meet-and-Greet session from 6 to 6:45 p.m. $50 for Meet-and-Greet session (includes 7:30 p.m. show). (630) 584-6342.

Zanies, 230 Hawthorn Village Commons, Vernon Hills: Charlie Wiener. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $22 plus a two-item food/beverage minimum. (847) 549-6030 or www.zanies.com.

The August, The Spares, Red Moon, Martyrs', 3855 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago: Pop/roots/country rock. 9 p.m. $8. (800) 594-8499.

Bitter: Sweet, The Young Sea, Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., Chicago: Indie/pop/electronic rock/trip-hop. 10 p.m. $12. (866) 468-3401.

Grant Park Orchestra and Chorus with Jonita Lattimore, soprano, and Nathan Gunn, baritone, Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, near Columbus Drive and Randolph Street, Chicago: "Grant Us Peace," Carlos Kalmar conducts a program inspired by the words of Walt Whitman and dedicated to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, with works by Britten, Adams and Vaughan Williams; part of the Grant Park Music Festival. 7:30 p.m. Free. (312) 742-7638 or www.grantparkmusicfestival.com.

John Kimler, Bautista, Josh Kalmus, Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave., Chicago: Folk/Latin jazz/blues. 10 p.m. $10. (773) 525-2508.

Mad Hornet After Hour, Raised on Zenith, Favorite, Jukebox Candy, Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago: Indie/pop/progressive rock. 9 p.m. $7. (312) 559-1212.

Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago: Cabaret, vocal jazz, pop and show tunes; part of the "On Stage With ..." Cabaret Series. 8 p.m. $50-$75. (312) 902-1500.

Midstates, Telephone Jim Jesus, Magical Beautiful, Ultra Sonic Edukators, Change!, Nymph, All Smiles, Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St., Chicago: Experimental/indie/psychedelic/electronic rock; part of A/V XPLO 2007. 6:15 p.m. $10-$12. (866) 777-8932 or www.abbeypub.com.

Nicole Mitchell and the Black Earth Ensemble, James Perkins Ensemble, Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Ave., Chicago: Flute jazz/African/classical. 6 p.m. Free. (773) 522-5303.

Kelly Willis, Jesse Sykes and The Sweet Hereafter, Old Town School of Folk Music Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago: Alt.country/folk. 7 and 10 p.m. $16-$20. (773) 728-6000.

Piper Road Spring Band, Congregational Unitarian Church, 221 Dean St., Woodstock: Bluegrass. 8 p.m. $12. (815) 338-5164.

Portugal. The Man, The Photo Atlas, Noelle Matthews, Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago: Indie/pop/post-rock/electronic. 7:30 p.m. $10-$12. (866) 468-3401.

Rockfest 2007 featuring The Dog and Everything, Inept, Starter Kit, The Felix Culpa, Logan Square, Stone Descendant, Rumbubber, For Your Eyes Only, Team Rockit, Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles: Pop/indie rock/emo/punk. 3:30 p.m. $12. www.myspace.com/rockfestrocks or www.thearcada.com.

Shameless Hours 2007 featuring The Lawrence Arms, Spitalfield, Flatfoot 56, Dead Town Revival, Holy Roman Empire, Ryan's Hope, The Frantic, After the Fight, The Scissors, Four Star Alarm, The Adversaries, The Brokedowns, Michaelane, Rule 22, The Hallow, X is For Eyes, Stage 83, 10900 Archer Ave., Lemont: Punk/pop/hard rock/emo. Noon. $13. (888) 690-9875.

Those Darn Accordions, FitzGerald's, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn: Pop rock/polka. 9:30 p.m. $12. (312) 559-1212 or www.fitzgeraldsnightclub.com.

"Dance for Life," Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago: The 16th edition of the Midwest's largest performing arts fundraiser for HIV/AIDS charitable organization in and around Chicago. Featuring performances by Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, River North Chicago Dance Company, BAM! and Luna Negra Dance Company. Dean Richards of WGN-TV hosts. 5 p.m. reception, 7:30 p.m. performance. $75-$500. (312) 922-5812 or www.danceforlifechicago.com.

Ballroom Dancing, Leaning Tower YMCA, 6300 W. Touhy Ave., Niles: Dancing to recorded music in the Skyline Room 9th Floor. Singles and couples welcome. 7 to 10 p.m. $7 members; $10 nonmembers. (847) 410-5108.

130th German American Summerfest, Schwaben Center, 301 N. Weiland Road, Buffalo Grove: Authentic German band, food, soccer games, children's activities and more. 3 p.m. to midnight. $4-$5; children younger than 12 admitted free. (847) 364-0775 or www.schwabenverein.org.

Bristol Renaissance Faire, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, Wis.: "Feast of Fooles" festival. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $9.50-$18.95. (847) 395-7773.

Chicago Air & Water Show, North Avenue Beach, Chicago: U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Nights headline the show along the lakefront from Fullerton Parkway to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Water show begins at 9 a.m., and air show runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.cityofchicago.org or (312) 744-3315.

Edison Park Fest, 6700 N. Olmstead Ave., Chicago: Rock and jazz, with carnival games, parade, bingo, remote control car races, dog show, food and vendors. 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free admission. (773) 631-0063.

Elburn Days, Elburn Lions Park, 500 S. Filmore St., Elburn: 78th annual festival runs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Features 5K and 1-mile fun run at 8 a.m. Truck and tractor pull at 11 a.m. (630) 365-6315 or www.elburnlions.com.

Grayslake Summer Days, west of Route 83 and Center Street, Grayslake: Music, rides, food and games. Events open at 11 a.m. Free admission. (847) 223-6888.

Long Grove Art Festival, Routes 53 and 83, Long Grove: Features a variety of artwork, including watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings, jewelry, photography, sculpture, ceramics, glass, fiber and mixed media. Cash awards for winners. Live music, food and drink. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (847) 634-0888 or www.longgroveonline.com.

Medinah Family Fest, Thorndale Recreation Center of Medinah Park District, 22W130 Thorndale Ave., Medinah: Live entertainment, petting zoo, children's games, animal shows, demonstrations, food, beverages, free hot dogs and sodas (while supplies last). 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (630) 893-2560 or www.medinahparkdistrict.org.

Oak Park Avenue-Lake Arts and Crafts Show, Scoville Park, Oak Park Avenue and Lake Street, Oak Park: 33rd annual event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. (312) 751-2500.

South Elgin Riverfest Express, Panton Mill Park, on North Water Street, South Elgin: Carnival rides, trolley rides, concerts, craft show, car show and model railroad exhibit with food and beverages. Noon to 10 p.m. Free admission. (847) 774-1151 or www.riverfestexpress.com.

Trolley Fest, Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Route 31), South Elgin: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum joins the village's celebration, South Elgin Riverfest Express, along the Fox River with food, music, carnival rides, fireworks, and trolley rides viewing historic railcars and exhibits. $2-$3.50; children younger than 3 ride for free. (847) 697-4676 or www.foxtrolley.org.

Ukrainian Fest 2007, Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand Ave., Chicago: Noon to 10 p.m. Ukrainian music, folk dancers, ethnic food, arts and crafts and children's activities. $5; children younger than 12 admitted free. (312) 742-7534.

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour, Lincoln Park Lot, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago: A traveling exhibit in semitrailer trucks that re-creates nature habitats with simulated animals. Coincides with the Chicago Air & Water Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. www.wildkingdom.com/adventure_tour.

Bicycle Film Festival 2007, Stan Mansion, 2408 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago: Films celebrating all styles of the bicycle and biking, its environmental soundness and its ability to bring people together. Programs at 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 p.m. $8 per program; $27 for festival pass. www.biyclefilmfestival.com.

"Singin' in the Rain," Festival Park, 130 S. Grove Ave., Elgin: Classic musical starring Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor as silent film veterans adjusting to "talkies." Begins at dusk. Free admission. www.cityofelgin.org.

Cubby Bear North, 21661 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire: Rock Candy. Pop/Rock. 10 p.m. $5. (847) 541-4700 or www.cubbybear.com/lincolnshire.

Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago: Patty Elvis Band. Pop/Rock. 8 p.m. $15. (773) 278-1830.

The House Cafe, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb: Art of the Flesh, Unvisioned, Southview, Desolate Sky. Pop/Rock. 8 p.m. $7. (815) 787-9547 or www.thehousecafe.net.

Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago: Little Arthur Duncan and the Backscratchers with Little Al Thomas (live CD/DVD recording). 10 p.m. $12. (773) 342-0452.

Walter Payton's Roundhouse, 205 N. Broadway Ave., Aurora: Wedding Banned. Pop/Rock. 9:30 p.m. $7. (630) 892-0034 or www.walterpaytonsroundhouse.com.

"Beast Women 2007," Peter Jones Gallery, 1806 W. Cuyler, Chicago: Clove productions presents an all-woman performance cabaret involving hula-hoops, belly dancing, music and stand-up comedy. 8 p.m. $15-$17. (773) 914-3330.

"Cirque Shanghai: Bai Xi," Skyline Stage at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago: The celebrated troupe of Chinese acrobats return to Navy Pier for a new show that promises "100 stunning acts." 2, 4 and 8 p.m. $12.50-$29.50. (312) 902-1500.

"On With the Show!" Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake: Vaudeville event for the entire family includes ventriloquist and comedian Dale Brown, juggler and variety family performer Jason Kollum, magician Tomas Medina and cabaret artist Suzanne Petri. 7 p.m. $18-$20. (815) 356-9212.

Opera in Focus, Park Central, 3000 Central Road, Rolling Meadows: Rod puppets choreographed to recorded opera music. Scenes from Bizet's "Carmen," Puccini's "Gianni Schicci" and "Tosca," Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," and Rodgers and Hammerstein's "South Pacific" play at 1:30 p.m. Final day for these scenes. $7-$12. (847) 818-3220.

"Reasons for Moving," National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago: Striding Lion Interarts Workshop presents a mixed blend of art, performance and other multidisciplinary theater. 8 p.m. $15. (773) 327-7077.

"Bitter Sweet," Cahn Auditorium at Northwestern University, 600 Emerson St., Evanston: Light Opera Works presents Noel Coward's operetta about a 1920s woman who hears about her grandmother's own dilemma in love during her youth. 8 p.m. $28-$45. Half-price tickets for ages 21 and younger. (847) 869-6300 or www.light-opera-works.org.

Appraise the Past Appraisal Fair, Arlington Heights Historical Museum and Heritage Gallery, 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights: Generalists Karl Gates and Judith Martin and fine art appraiser Joe Salvato provide oral appraisals and information for collectibles, china, silverware, artwork and small furniture; with bake sale. 9 a.m. to noon. Admission $2; appraisals $5 per item or for small collections of 20-25 items. Limit 3 items per person. (847) 255-1225.

"August: Osage County," Steppenwolf Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago: Siblings must return to Oklahoma to take care of their ailing mother when the patriarch vanishes in this world premiere drama. 3 and 7:30 p.m. $20-$65. (312) 335-1650 or www.steppenwolf.org.

"The Color Purple," Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago: A hit 2005 Broadway musical adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about an African-American woman's journey to find inner strength, love and freedom from an abusive husband. 2 and 8 p.m. $28-$85. (312) 902-1400 or www.broadwayinchicago.com.

"Disney's High School Musical," LaSalle Bank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago: Disney Theatrical Productions presents a professional tour of the stage musical (based upon the hit TV musical) about kids who break out of their expected cliques to audition for the high school musical. 2 and 8 p.m. $20-$78. (312) 902-1400.

"Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde," Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago: Bohemian Theatre Ensemble presents Moises Kaufman's award-winning drama examining the three trials of Oscar Wilde with actual courtroom testimony and newspaper accounts. 8 p.m. $18-$20. (773) 791-2939.

"Honus and Me," Goodman Theatre, Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago: Chicago Children's Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of Steven Dietz's adaptation of Dan Gutman's novel. Sean Graney of The Hypocrites directs this story of a boy who discovers a valuable and magical Honus Wagner T-206 baseball card while cleaning a neighbor's attic. 2 and 6 p.m. $15-$38. (312) 443-3800.

"How Now, Brown Couch?" Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago: Brown Couch Theatre Company presents its fifth annual 10-minute play festival; 10 new scripts feature a brown couch and one hand prop. Also featuring appearances by local improv troupes. 8 p.m. $5-$15. (773) 327-5252 or www.theatrebuildingchicago.org.

"Little Women," Jedlicka Performing Arts Center at Morton College, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero: A 2005 Broadway musical adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel of four sisters growing up during the American Civil War. 7:30 p.m. Final night. $15. (708) 656-3948.

"Married Alive," Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire: A new musical by composer Leah Okimoto and lyricist Sean Grennan that celebrates the highs and lows of marriage; a young newlywed couple learns from a veteran couple. 5 and 8:30 p.m. $42-$45 excluding taxes and fees. Dinner packages available. (847) 634-0200 or www.marriotttheatre.com.

"Measure for Measure," Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., 8th Floor, Elgin: Janus Theatre presents William Shakespeare's problem play about a nun who tries to save her brother's life after a replacement leader has enforced old laws on a contemporary society, reset in 1920s Vienna. 8 p.m. $12-$15. (847) 931-0637 or www.janustheatre.org.

"The Odd Couple," Drury Lane Oak Brook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace: Neil Simon's classic 1965 comedy about a distraught neat-freak who moves in with his sloppy friend after a messy divorce. 5 and 8:30 p.m. $25-$50. Lunch and dinner packages available. (630) 530-0111.

"Play On!" P.M.&L. Theatre, 877 Main St., Antioch: Rick Abbott's farce about the disastrous going-ons behind the scenes of a community theater production. 8 p.m. $10-$12. (847) 395-3055.

"Treasure Island," Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle: Theatre-Hikes presents an outdoor version of Robert Louis Stevenson's pirate tale involving hidden treasure. 1 p.m. $15. (630) 968-0074 or www.mortonarb.org.

"School House Rock," Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort & Spa, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles: Noble Fool's Youth Ensemble performs the hit musical revue based upon the ABC-TV Saturday morning educational cartoon series. 10:30 a.m. Final day. $13. (630) 584-6342.

"Sleeping Beauty," Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette: Chicago Kids Company Theatre for Children presents a modernized re-telling of the classic fairy tale about a cursed princess who is destined to sleep for 100 years. 10 and 11:30 a.m. Final day. $10. (847) 484-1881 or www.wilmettetheatre.com.

-- Compiled by Laura Stewart