Things to do Feb. 23-29: Chicago Golf Show, cat show, ‘The Magic of Motown’ and more

Ongoing

“Downton Abbey — The Exhibition”: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through March 31 at Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center, 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. See never-before-seen elements from the show, including original costumes, production-used props and exclusive footage from “Downton Abbey.” $27-$64. downtonexhibition.com.

Cantigny Winterfest: 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 29 at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Ice skate on the new outdoor rink and buy food and drinks at the Oak Lodge. Skating: $7; skate rental: $3; parking: $5. cantigny.org.

Starts before Friday

Winter Open Dancesport Competition: Various hours Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 22-25, at Loews Chicago O'Hare, 5300 N. River Road, Rosemont. Dancers from across the globe take part in competitive ballroom dancing. $25-$150; $15 for kids 14 and younger. winteropen.net.

Friday, Feb. 23

Chicago Golf Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. The largest golf show in Chicago with over 180 vendors, a 4,500-square-foot demo area and special appearances from top PGA professionals. $7 Friday, $10 daily Saturday and Sunday for adults, $4 for kids 12-15. chicagogolfshow.com.

International Gem and Jewelry Show: Noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. Event showcasing gems, accessories, jewelry making and more. $8, $6 online. intergem.com.

Back Country Roads Acoustic Concert: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Sycamore Public Library, 103 E. State St., Sycamore. Back Country Roads performs a three-piece acoustic concert. Free. sycamorelibrary.org.

Al Spears & The Hurricane Project: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet. Live blues and rhythm and blues. $12, $10 for museum members. jolietmuseum.org.

Black Tulip Period Instrumental Ensemble: 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. A multinational ensemble that combines dramatic cantatas and songs for solo voice and obbligato instruments with virtuoso instrumental works. $15 students, $35 adults. gortoncenter.org.

Billy Elton in Concert: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Madison Street Theatre, 1010 Madison St., Oak Park. Led by Reid Spears on the piano and lead vocals, this eight-piece band performs songs by Billy Joel and Elton John. $20 online, $25 at the door. madisonstreettheater.org.

Elaine Hagenberg, Chicago Master Singers: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Glenview Community Church, 1000 Elm St., Glenview. A new initiative to support the next generation of composers and singers. Meet composer Elaine Hagenberg and hear a concert of her works, including her new major work “Illuminare,” performed by CMS and the Metropolis Symphony. $15-$50. chicagomastersingers.org.

“Take Two, The Improvised Movie” at Second City: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at The Second City, 230 W. North Ave., Chicago. See two never-before-seen, made-up-on-the-spot movies based on song lyrics supplied by the audience. $25. secondcity.com.

Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, and Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Includes Shostakovich’s “Ninth Symphony,” Uzbek pianist Behzod Abduraimov in his debut with the CSO in Tchaikovsky’s “First Piano Concerto,” Mussorgsky’s “Khovanshchina” prelude and Saariaho’s “Winter Sky.” $45-$250. cso.org.

UChorus & Women's Ensemble: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Logan Center Performance Hall, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago. Two of the University’s choral ensembles showcase their approach to repertoire with an eclectic mix of works spanning various historical periods and selections that showcase different singing styles. Free. music.uchicago.edu.

An Evening with Haken: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. London-based progressive rock band Haken performs. $39-$59. arcadalive.com.

Maddie Zahm: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Pop performer Maddie Zahm on her “Now That I've Been Honest” tour with Leanna Firestone. $25. thaliahallchicago.com.

Mud Morganfield: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Mud Morganfield, blues singer and son of blues legend Muddy Waters, will perform. $15-$25. evanstonspace.com.

Saturday, Feb. 24

Chopin on Piano and Strings: 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Featuring Michal Drewnowski and 3 Cellos. Part of the eighth Chopin in the City Festival. Free. soundsandnotes.org.

Lincoln State Cat Club benefit show: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24-25, at the DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. Features up to 225 pedigreed and household pet cats being judged in 10 rings, vendors of cat-related products, a cat food drive, local rescue and shelter cats available for adoption and more. $15 for adults, $10 for those 60 and older and kids 6-11, free for kids 5 and younger, and $40 for a family four-pack. lscats.org.

FanFest: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. Calling all Whovians, book nerds, Swifties and more for a family-friendly celebration dedicated to fandoms. Features arcade games, video games, trivia, cosplay runway, bingo, VR, scavenger hunt, face painting, trivia, crafts and more. Free. mppl.org.

Rock and Roll Playhouse: 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Rock and Roll Playhouse plays the music of Talking Heads and more for kids. $15. thaliahallchicago.com.

The Great Migration and the Great War: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Glen Ellyn History Center, 800 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn. Historian Clarence Goodman explains why the African American population gravitated toward the industrial North and away from the Jim Crow South. $10 adults, $8 members, $5 students. (630) 469-1867 or gehs.org.

Hoffman Estates Black History Month Celebration: 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Hoffman Estates Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. Hanover Park Trustee Herb Porter will be the keynote speaker for this free event, which also includes entertainment by the Funkbrotherz and the Hoffman Estates Majorettes. Free. hoffmanestates.org.

Music for the Whole Family with Wendy and DB: 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Lake Forest Library, 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest. An afternoon of original songs with multicultural Grammy award-winning children’s music duo Wendy and DB. Free. lakeforestlibrary.org.

Academy of the Arts Naperville’s 2024 Gala: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. Academy of the Arts annual fundraising concert and gala with the theme “A Night On Broadway.” Special guest performers from Broadway productions will perform, including Meecah, Kayla Davion and Samantha Pauly. Tickets start at $50; dinner and concert package $250. illinoisartsacademy.org.

“Cadillac Crew”: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg. On the day of a much-anticipated speech by Rosa Parks during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, four activists working in a Virginia civil rights office wonder whether the proclamation of equality among mankind includes women. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. prairiecenter.org.

Chicago Comics: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Gorton Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest. Chicago-based comedians will share their collective wacky thoughts. Each comedian will perform a short set, followed by a comedy jam where all the comedians will be on stage for an improvisational exchange with the audience. $25. gortoncenter.org.

Cornerstones of Rock: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. Reunites four Chicago-area bands that influenced a generation: The Ides of March, The Buckinghams, The Cryan' Shames and New Colony Six. $35-$85. geneseetheatre.com.

Donovan's Garage Jazz: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Second Church of Christ Scientist, 2715 Hurd Ave., Evanston. Donovan's Garage Jazz presents “Perseverance, The Tenacity of Black Americans,” a Black History Month event supporting the Evanston chapter of the NAACP, featuring a quintet comprised of top Chicago jazz artists playing as the “Justice Ensemble.” $25. donovanmixon.com.

Fortune Feimster, “Live Laugh Love!” comedy tour: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. $29.50-$65. chicagotheatre.com.

Magic & Mischief with The Amazing Bibik: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Buffet-style dinner at 7 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. with magician Jeff Bibik. $40. arcadalive.com.

“The Princess Strikes Back”: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock. “The Princess Strikes Back,” starring actress and comedian Victoria Montalbano, tells the story of the star’s search for love in the shadow of her first crush: Han Solo. Followed by a screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope” and a Star Wars costume contest. For ages 15 and older. $15. woodstockoperahouse.com.

Chicago a cappella presents “Cambridge Concert”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at St. Josaphat Church, 2311 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Chicago a cappella presents a program of rich, vibrant English choral masterworks performed in resonant cathedral-like spaces. $38-$48. chicagoacappella.org.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Ozinga Chapel Performance Venue at Trinity Christian College, 6601 W. College Drive, Palos Heights. IPO presents the work of Arlene Sierra, George Gershwin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. $37-$82. ipomusic.org.

“The Magic of Motown”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. A group of 15 power vocalists backed by a six-piece band delivering hits from The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and more. $43-$113. auditoriumtheatre.org.

Sam Hunt’s “Outskirts Tour 2024”: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont. With special guests Brett Young and Lily Rose. $40.75-$100.75. rosemont.com/allstate.

4 Grandes 2 Historias: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Rosemont Theatre, 5400 N. River Road, Rosemont. The lineup includes Banda Machos, Mi Banda El Mexicano and Montez De Durango. $49-$119. rosemont.com/theatre.

Jonathan Richman: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Singer/songwriter Jonathan Richman performs with Tommy Larkins on the drums. $30. thaliahallchicago.com.

Time Traveller, Tribute to The Moody Blues: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main St., St. Charles. Time Traveller performs music of The Moody Blues that includes a full rock and multimedia experience with a full orchestra. $29-$49. arcadalive.com.

University Symphony Orchestra: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St., Chicago. The USO presents Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in D minor and Richard Strauss’ poem “Don Juan.” Suggested donation: $10, $5 for students. music.uchicago.edu.

Sunday, Feb. 25

Bethel New Life Church Black History Celebration: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Bethel New Life Church (Hope Presbyterian Church building), 1771 S. Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton. Service will feature special music, poetry and dance to celebrate Black History Month. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Michael Wright, pastor at True Freedom Ministries, Oak Park. Immediately following service there will be a Taste of Bethel soul food buffet. Free. bnlcwheaton.org.

A Concert for Elgin: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin. Featuring Pedro Diaz on English horn. Free. eccartscenter.org.

Miscellany and Mirth of the Midwest: 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Crystal Lake Public Library, 126 W. Paddock St., Crystal Lake. Musician and storyteller Dave Martin performs traditional and original songs while infusing quixotic anecdotes about his family’s place in America’s heartland. Free. Register at clpl.org.

Classical Concert-Folias Duo: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook. This flute and guitar duo combines European classical music with jazz, world music and improvisation. Advance registration required. Free. Register at northbrook.info/events.

Handel Week Festival: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake St., Oak Park. Three Sonatas for Solo Soprano, Suite for Harpsichord, and Two Sonatas for Oboe and Cello. $35-$40. handelweek.com.

Pierre-Laurent Aimard: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Chicago Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Pierre-Laurent Aimard presents an exploration of four of Mozart’s kaleidoscopic fantasies, the intricacies of Dutch Baroque master Sweelinck, Beethoven’s Op. 77 and Benjamin’s 1985 Fantasy on Iambic Rhythm. $29-$150. cso.org.

MCC Faculty Recital: 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at McHenry County College, 8900 Hwy. 14, Crystal Lake. Free. mchenry.edu.

The Agape Ringers Concert: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at First Congregational Church of Western Springs, 1106 Chestnut St., Western Springs. The Agape Ringers handbell ensemble will perform arrangements of Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye”; “Flight of the Bumblebee,” arranged as “Bumble Boogie”; “For Good” from the Broadway hit “Wicked” and more. Freewill donations. agaperingers.org.

Music at The Fort Recital: 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Midwest Young Artists Conservatory, 878 Lyster Road, Highwood. The MYAC Jazz faculty performs a mix of original music and favorites. Complimentary reception. $10, free for MYAC students. mya.org.

It Was A Very Good Year, Sinatra '54: 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Venus Cabaret Theater, 3741 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Frank Sinatra tribute artist Gary Thomas returns to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the release of two seminal Frank Sinatra albums, "Songs for Young Lovers” and “Swing Easy.” $30. mercurytheaterchicago.com.

Yakuza 25th Anniversary Show: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. Straddling the realms of metal and experimental music, Yakuza performs with Oxbow and Sybris. $10-$240. thaliahallchicago.com.

Monday, Feb. 26

Speed Rack Chicago: 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago. A global high-speed bartending competition hosts the Season 12 Midwest Regional. Proceeds will go to breast cancer education, prevention and research. 21 and older. $25. thaliahallchicago.com.

Petra van Nuis + Andy Brown Duo and Don Stiernberg Quartet: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Jazz vocalist Petra van Nuis and guitarist Andy Brown will perform along with the Don Stiernberg Quartet. $15-$25. evanstonspace.com.

Readings on Ravenswood: 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Remy Bumppo Rehearsal Space, 1751 W. Grace St., Chicago. A reading of “Far Away” by Caryl Churchill, directed by Core Ensemble member Linda Gillum. Suggested donation: $15. RSVP required. remybumppo.org.

Senior Percussion Recital: 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton. Wheaton College senior Emma Cho performs a percussion recital in Edman Memorial Chapel. Free. wheaton.edu.

Tuesday, Feb. 27

ANAD Presents “This Is My Brave”: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the McCormick Auditorium at Northwestern University, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. Twenty-one individuals are set to share and perform their stories of eating disorder recovery through poetry, dance, song, comedy and personal essay. $5-$25. anad.org/brave.

Ravinia on Tour: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. Jazz alumni from the Steans Music Institute will perform. $25. ravinia.org.

Blue Tuesday, Joey J. Saye: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Joey J. Saye will showcase his love of the blues. $12. evanstonspace.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 28

Night of Ideas: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Explore the Chicago Architecture Center after hours during this drop-in event. Engage in intellectual talks, performances and more that explore topics like the future of the Great Lakes, food deserts, urban farming, gentrification and housing policy against the backdrop of Chicago at night. Free with registration. architecture.org.

Emergence and Evolvement of Blues Music in American Culture: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Elk Grove Village Public Library, 1001 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. Musician and oral historian Fruteland Jackson explores blues music in America, from its West African roots to its spread from the Mississippi Delta up to northern cities like Chicago, and becoming the roots for another genre of music: rock ’n’ roll. Free. egvpl.org.

A Girls Rock! Chicago Benefit Show: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. An evening of music benefiting Girls Rock! Chicago, including performances from local groups Waltzer, Oux and Macie Stewart. $15. evanstonspace.com.

Instrumental Showcase: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at the Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, 1020 W. Sheridan Road, Chicago. Featuring the music of Gershwin, Boyce and Arnold. $5-$15. luc.universitytickets.com.

Widespread Panic: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 28-March 1, at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Rescheduled from Feb. 15-17. Tickets start at $49.50. chicagotheatre.com.

Thursday, Feb. 29

The H Foundation’s Comedy for Cancer: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. The evening will feature a comedic conversation with writer and actor Andy Richter and stand-up comedians Jim Flannigan and WGN TV’s Mike Toomey and Ana Belaval to support basic science cancer research at the Lurie Cancer Center. Tickets include tastes from local restaurants. $75. hfoundation.org.

A Diplomat For Humanity, A Concert For Sugihara: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. World-renowned cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper and accompanist Zac Zinger perform a musical concert in tribute to Chiune Sugihara. Reservations required. $18; free for museum members. ihm.ec/sugihara-concert.

Music on Tap at Alter Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Alter Brewing Company, 2300 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 213, Downers Grove. Local musicians perform in a variety of genres. Free. fb.me/e/3zWlWAIkc.

Enter the Haggis with 6’10: 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Space, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Toronto’s Enter The Haggis combines bagpipes and fiddles with a rock rhythm section to create a distinctly eclectic sound. $15-$27. evanstonspace.com.

The Love Hard Tour: 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at Wintrust Arena, 200 E. Cermak Road, Chicago. Keyshia Cole, Trey Songz, Jaheim and K. Michelle will perform. $69.50-$149.50. wintrustarena.com.

On stage

Marriott Theatre’s “James and the Giant Peach”: 10 a.m. various dates, through March 20, at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Roald Dahl’s beloved story is brought to musical life. $15.75. marriotttheatre.com.

“Golden Girls, The Laughs Continue”: 1 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21; 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22; 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. A parody and tribute to the “Golden Girls” sitcom. $26.50-$71.50. broadwayinchicago.com.

“In the Heights”: 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 5 p.m. Sundays through March 17 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. The musical explores three days in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood. Tickets start at $60. marriotttheatre.com.

“Selling Kabul”: 1 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21; 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 22-24; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. After serving as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, Taroon spends his days in hiding and must choose between staying concealed or risking his life to see his newborn child. $39-$59. northlight.org/events/selling-kabul.

“Billy Elliot”: 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 3 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 and 5:30 p.m. Sundays through March 24 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. The music of Elton John brings to life the story of an 11-year-old English boy who stumbles upon a ballet class during his weekly boxing lesson. $28-$79. paramountaurora.com.

The Joffrey Ballet presents “Studies in Blue”: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 22-23; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. A program with original work choreographed by Liam Scarlett and Andrew McNicol, rounded out with a world premiere by Stina Quagebeur. $36-$179. joffrey.org.

“Shakespeare’s R & J”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 24, plus 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago. Four young female prep school students take turns reading “Romeo and Juliet” aloud and become swept away as the play-acting turns serious. $35. pridearts.org.

“Silent Sky”: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 17 at Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, which explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. $40-$45. citadeltheatre.org.

“Mother Courage and Her Children”: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 22-24, at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland St., Chicago. Wartime virtues become fatal in this stark music-filled play. $15-$30. trapdoortheatre.com/mother-courage-and-her-children.

“The Outgoing Tide”: 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 3 at the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. The humorous, sensitive and uplifting story of one family’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Contains adult themes and language. $42-$44. atthemac.org.

“Topdog/Underdog”: 7 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through March 31 at the Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. A darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity, about Lincoln and Booth, two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretelling a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. $25 previews and Mondays, $45 Fridays through Sundays. invictustheatreco.com/topdog.

“Filumena, A Marriage Italian Style”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Eighth Floor, Elgin. Elgin Theater Company presents a comedy about family, forgiveness and reinvention. $18-$20. cityofelgin.org/calendar.aspx?EID=12199.

“On Golden Pond”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie. MadKap Productions presents this play that illustrates the hilarious yet heartbreaking human moments of life. $34-$38. web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1157835.

“The Play that Goes Wrong”: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 23-24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Three Brothers Theatre, 115 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. This comedy mystery follows the Cornley University Drama Society presenting its newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” when everything goes wrong. $15-$25. threebrotherstheatre.com.

“Love Letters” — A Benefit for Steel Beam Theatre: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 23-March 3, at Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. Limited engagement fundraiser stars Rikki Lee Travolta and Deborah Swinford. $22-$28. steelbeamtheatre.com.

“The Smuggler”: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays through March 16 at Edgewater’s Berger Park, 6205 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago. The Chicago premiere of this solo performance thriller in rhyme. $15-$25. jackalopetheatre.org/the-smuggler.

“Native Gardens”: 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays, Feb. 23 through March 16, at the Raue Center for the Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake. Cultures and gardens clash, turning well-intentioned neighbors into feuding enemies in this comedy by Karen Zacarias. $27.65-$39.50. Rauecenter.org.

“Living All Alone”: 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Arie Crown Theater, 2301 Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. A new musical based on the life of an iconic songstress who recounts how her life was filled with creative accomplishment and personal success, only to be tainted by terrible circumstances that led to her premature death. $49-$125. ariecrown.com.

“Dancing At Lughnasa”: 7 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 24 and March 2, and 3 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 25 and March 3, at the Devonshire Playhouse, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie. Devonshire Theatre's performance of this Tony Award-winning drama. $15-$20. skokieparks.org.

“Mrs. Doubtfire”: 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 27 through March 10 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. A musical comedy based on the beloved film. $26-$86. broadwayinchicago.com/shows/mrs-doubtfire.

Blue Man Group: Various times and dates at the Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago. The iconic performance art group featuring percussion and other types of music and art. Recommended for kids 3 and older. $49-$69. blueman.com/chicago.

Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes”: Various times and dates through March 10 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Porchlight’s 29th season launches with a 90th-anniversary production of the Cole Porter classic. $20-$69. porchlightmusictheatre.org/Anything-Goes.