Suburb and city events
Melodious Moor
Acting out the tragedy of "Othello" is tough. Think how difficult it would be to sing it out in "Otello," Verdi's passionate 1887 opera adaptation of Shakespeare's original. DuPage Opera Theatre and the New Philharmonic aim high in their first-ever attempt to produce this late Verdi masterpiece about a noble Moor whose extreme jealousy is used against him to destroy the woman he loves. It's sung in Italian, but you'll be able to follow along with projected English translations above the stage.
When: 8 p.m. today, Thursday and Feb. 2 and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
Cost: $33-$43
Info: (630) 942-4000 or www.cod.edu/ArtsCntr
Shell game
Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman have been "Happy Together" working with artists in rock groups such as the Turtles and Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention. Nowadays they're known by their personas of "Flo" and "Eddie." See this dynamic duo perform hits including "You Baby," "Elenore" and more in concert at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets cost $15-$45 (tickets for Dec. 1, 2007, will be honored). (847) 931-5900 or www.hemmens.org.
7 p.m. today
World so wide
Want to try on that scuba gear before buying a plane ticket to snorkel off the coast of Mexico? Or how about getting the latest information on the world's more fashionable travel destinations if you're still undecided on vacation plans? Then go experience the exhibits, seminars and more at the Adventures in Travel Expo at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Admission costs $15; free for children younger than 16. (847) 692-2222 or www.adventureexpo.com.
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday
Venue for voyeurs
Playwright Robert Schneider knows that people are curious to peek into the lives of others. So he's written the play "17 Tolbiac" for audience members to bring along binoculars to watch actors playing characters in all sorts of odd situations through mock apartment windows. Get peeping at Northern Illinois University School of Theatre and Dance's O'Connell Theatre, located near Castle Drive and College Avenue, DeKalb. Tickets cost $14; $10 for seniors; $7 for students. (815) 753-1600.
7:30 p.m. Thursday; runs through Feb. 10
Wayans' world
Kids might only know Damon Wayans from his family-friendly ABC family sitcom "My Wife and Kids." But older fans remember Wayans from his wildly successful 1990s TV sketch comedy revue, "In Living Color," and his scathing stand-up comedy routines. So watch out for the uninhibited Wayans when he takes to the stage of the Improv Comedy Showcase and Restaurant, 5 Woodfield Road, Schaumburg. Tickets cost $40. (847) 240-2001 or www.improv.com.
8 p.m. Thursday, 8 and 10:15 p.m. Feb. 1, and 7 and 9:15 p.m. Feb. 2
City events
Lunar new year
In Chinese mythology, the rat "cheated" to win its place as the first animal of the lunar calendar by stowing away on the ox's horns and jumping across the race's finish line before the other animals. So follow in that wily rodent's tradition by celebrating the Year of the Rat two weeks early with the Chinese New Year Spectacular before the actual date on Feb. 7. This internationally touring show features dazzling costumes, choreography and a huge cast of more than 70 performers to celebrate 5,000 years of Chinese history.
When: 8 p.m. today and 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday
Where: Arie Crown Theater at McCormick Place, 2301 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Cost: $28-$128
Info: (312) 559-1212 or www.chicagosoh.net
Wowing wheels
The 46th annual World of Wheels show features more than 300 custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. Also in the mix are appearances by celebrities such as cast members from "Happy Days" alongside performers including the USA Breakdancers and the BMX Extreme Team. Get up close and personal with a life-size tow truck made up to look like Mater from the Disney/PIXAR animated film "Cars." Speed on down to McCormick Place East, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Tickets cost $16; $5 admission for children ages 6 to 12. www.worldofwheels.com.
3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Art against AIDS
The Illinois Institute of Art Chicago continues its preview exhibition of "Art Against AIDS" before a fundraising benefit for Heartland Alliance's extensive network of supportive HIV/AIDS services. A reception allowing the chance for patrons to purchase artwork and meet with several of the artists (including Roland Kulla, who provides the exhibit's poster image) takes place today at Gallery 180 at the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago, 180 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago. No charge. (312) 280-3500.
5:30 to 8 p.m. today; exhibit runs through Feb. 14
My fair jazzy
The Jazz Institute of Chicago's 30th annual Jazz Fair features free performances today by celebrated ensembles such as the Edwin Sanchez Project, Chuck Hedges' Swingtet and the Von Freeman Quintet. Then catch a series of significant jazz films tomorrow. It takes place at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 744-6630 or www.cityofchicago.org.
7 p.m. to midnight today and 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Sails sale
Is the 13th annual Strictly Sail Chicago Boat Show going to prove unlucky for some? Who knows? What is known about this indoor show is that it features the latest in boat designs, sailing gear, accessories, games, music and more. Sail on down to Navy Pier's Festival Halls A and B, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. Admission costs $12-$15; $24 for any two days; free for ages 15 and younger. (401) 841-0900, ext. 28, or www.strictlysailchicago.com.