Best Bets: Chicago Cabaret Week and Bad Momz at Zanies
Celebrating cabaret
Hey Nonny, 10 S. Vail Ave., Arlington Heights, and the Second Church of Christ Scientist, 2715 Hurd Ave., Evanston, are among the 16 Chicago-area venues hosting more than 60 performers including Dee Alexander, Lynne Jordan and Claudia Hommel, among others, as part of the 10-day Chicago Cabaret Week. Tickets start at $20; some events are free. chicagocabaretweek.org. Friday, May 10, through Sunday, May 19
Morton Arboretum photo exhibit
Members of The Morton Arboretum Photographic Society contributed more than 150 nature-themed fine art photographs as part of the arboretum’s photographic exhibition this weekend at 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. The works feature images from the arboretum, as well as national and international locations. The exhibition is included with arboretum admission of $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for kids 2-17. mortonarb.org. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 11-12
Tom Dreesen in person
Stand-up comedian and suburban native Tom Dreesen performs his show “Tom Dreesen: From Harvey to Hollywood” at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. $25-$70. (773) 697-3830 or thedentheatre.com. 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11
‘To Mom With Love’
The National Museum of Mexican Art and the Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago present “Para Mamá con Amor — To Mom With Love” at the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. The music and folk dance showcase includes performances by the Sones de México Ensemble, Cuerdas Clásicas, and Mariachi Perla de México. $40-$50. athenaeumcenter.org. 6 p.m. Saturday, May 11
Art Institute salutes Chicago artists
The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., highlights Chicago artists as part the new exhibition “Four Chicago Artists: Theodore Halkin, Evelyn Statsinger, Barbara Rossi, and Christina Ramberg.” Drawings, sketchbooks, prints, photograms, quilts and ephemera by each artist comprise the exhibition honoring artists committed to “personal authenticity who also have a talent for inventing original, imaginative compositions inspired by the world around them.” $32 for adults; $26 for seniors, students, teens; free for kids 13 and younger. artic.edu. Saturday, May 11, through Aug. 26
Laugh it up with Bad Momz
Zanies comedy clubs in Rosemont and Chicago celebrate Mother’s Day with the Bad Momz of Comedy featuring emcee Orly K.G. and comedians Mo Good, Avril Granato, Eunji Kim and Jeanie Doogan. $30, plus a two-item minimum. (847) 813-0484 or rosemont.zanies.com; (312) 337-4027 or chicago.zanies.com. 7 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at 5437 Park Place, Rosemont, and 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, at 1548 N. Wells St., Chicago
‘Golden Girls’ return
The national tour of “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” a stage parody of the popular 1980s sitcom about four older single women sharing a home in Florida, returns to the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. $26.50-$81.50. Recommended for ages 18 and older. broadwayinchicago.com. Wednesday, May 15, through June 9
Fun in the sun
This spring and summer, The Old Town School of Folk Music brings The Wiggleworms, an early childhood music program, to Gallagher Way, adjacent to Wrigley Field at 3635 N. Clark St., Chicago. Children are encouraged to sing and dance during the free, interactive concert. Families are invited to stick around for free movies beginning at 11 a.m. gallagherway.com. 10 a.m. Tuesdays, May 14, through Sept. 24
Latino playwright fest
The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance hosts Inicios, the 2nd Chicago Latine Playwright Festival, showcasing new plays by Chicago Latino writers in free staged readings. The plays include “No one cares (about you)” by Ale Castillo on Wednesday, May 15, at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; “Sacrificios” by Carolina Herrera on Thursday, May 16, at The National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St.; and “Sex, Alchemy and Mayan Mischief” by William Gregory on Friday, May 17, at The Aguijón Theater, 2707 N. Laramie Blvd. clata.org. 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, May 15-17