The following is a look ahead to some of the best Chicago music and theater.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: The CSO is finalizing a new contract and welcomes returning Conductor Emeritus for Life Riccardo Muti. What a thrill for Chicagoans to know that they could luxuriate in the rich sonorities and exquisite subtleties of Liadov’s “The Enchanted Lake,” Stravinsky’s Suite from “The Firebird,” and Brahm’s majestic Symphony No. 2.
October highlights include James Gaffigan conducting Barber’s “School for Scandal” overture; Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F with Conrad Tao; Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from “West Side Story; and the Revueltas “Sensemaya” at 7:30 p.m. on October 19, 20, 21, and 24. Visit cso.org
Lyric Opera: Lyrics exciting Music Director Enrique Mazzola makes his North American Wagner debut in Wagner’s thrilling “The Flying Dutchman” with a cast including Polish-born bass-baritone Tomas Konieczy and American-born soprano Tamara Wilson at 2 p.m. October 1 and 4 and at 7:30 p.m. on October 7. Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment '' begins November 3. For more information, visit lyricopera.org
Remy Bumppo’s “Blues for an Alabama Sky,” with Ajax Dontavius and Tiffany Renee Johnson
The 59th Annual Chicago International Film Festival will show movies from around the world at multiple Chicago theaters October 11-22. Visit chicagofilmfestival.com or call (312) 332-3456.
Joffrey Ballet, performing at The Lyric Opera House, dances “Frankenstein,” based on Mary Shelley’s gothic classic, October 12-22—call (312) 386-8905 for ticket information.
Harris Theater for Music and Dance presents Sir John Eliot Gardiner leading the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists in Bach’s Mass in B minor and Handel’s “L’Allegro” Oct. 20-21 only. Check them out at 205 E. Randolph or call (312) 334-7777.
Tomasz Konieczny as the Dutchman, Mika Kares as Daland, and the Company of The Flying Dutchman
Goodman Theatre is presenting their highly anticipated comedy “The Nacirema Society” by Pearl Cleage, praised for her outstanding roles for women, through October 15. Call for tickets (312) 443-3800 or order online via goodmantheatre.org
Remy Bumppo Theatre is also presenting the work of Pearl Cleage in “Blues for an Alabama Sky” through October 15 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Visit their website, remybumppo.org or call 773) 975-8150.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present “Twelfth Night,” directed by Tyrone Phillips, a first-generation Jamaican-American, as if in the Caribbean in an exuberant production. The production will be October 25-November 26. Visit chicagoshakes.com or call (312) 595-5600.
Broadway in Chicago presents the smash “Hamilton” through December 30 at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph. For tickets and information, check out broadwayinchicago.com or call (800) 775-2000.
Broadway in Chicago will also present Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical comedy “Company” at the Cadillac Palace Theater, 151 W. Randolph, October 31-November 12. And if that’s not enough…
TimeLine Theatre, in conjunction with Broadway in Chicago, is presenting the Tony Award-Winning drama “The Lehmann Trilogy” through October 29 at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut. Tickets are on sale via broadwayinchicago.com or timelinetheatre.com
Black Ensemble Theater presents “A Taste of Soul” with songs from Lou Rawls, Barry White, Bobby Caldwell, Al Green, Gladys Knight, Peaches and Herb, and more. Playing now through October 15 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. Call (773) 293-3682 or head over to blackensembletheater.org for more information.
Raven Theatre, in time for Halloween, presents the dramatic mystery “Night Watch,” by Lucille Fletcher, October 5-November 12 at 6157 N. Clark St. Check out raventheatre.com or call (773) 338-2177.
Dennis Watkins’s The Magic Parlor is an intimate classic magic and mind-reading show designed for grown-ups (kids 12 and over can attend). Now in an open run at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. Dial (312) 300-6803 to learn more. And speaking of magic . . .
The Chicago Magic Lounge bills itself as “part speakeasy, part magic theater, 100 amazing!” With up-close shows, drinks, and food, they routinely present a special night out. On Wednesday, October 11, at 7 p.m., they’ll present “An Honest Living,” a one-person comedy show by magician Justin Powell. 5050 N. Clark St. Get your tickets at chicagomagiclounge.com or call (312) 366-4500.
Loyola University presents Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” at the Newhart Family Theater, 1020 W. Sheridan Road, October 18-19. Call (773) 508-8400 or visit luc.universitytickets.com
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