June is bustin’ out with fine music and theater

The following is looking forward and back to some most intriguing Chicago music and theater.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Riccardo Muti led the CSO in an extraordinarily well-played program ending with a magnificent performance of Rachmaninov's ultra-romantic Symphony No. 2. 

The strings were awesomely rich, and the woodwinds, brass, and percussion were at their famous best. The program opened with a solid and stately overture to "Tannhauser." It featured the world premiere of a CSO commission: "Transfigure to Grace" by Jessie Montgomery.

Muti's final programs as CSO Music Director will include Schubert's 9th Symphony on June 15, 16, and 17 and Beethoven's Missa Solemnis on June 23, 24, and 25. Visit cso.org

Lyric Opera: Following their splendid "Carmen," Lyric is now presenting Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's classic "West Side Story" at 1:30 p.m. June 4, 8, 10, 14, 17, 18, 21, 24, and 25; and at 7 p.m. June 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, and 24. Visit lyricopera.org

The Grant Park Music Festival: One of the real gems in Chicago's cultural crown begins the new season on June 14 with a program including Schumann's Symphony No. 4. The fine Grant Park Symphony Orchestra will play Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. through August 19. Visit grantparkmusicfestival.com

Jazz Showcase: Since 1947, the famed club has presented the best in jazz, and they're now drawing large and happy audiences to their club in the South Loop. With no food, the club is dedicated to just listening; with no drink minimum, you can drink or not drink as you prefer.

Their current location is their most comfortable, in the big red brick building with the clock tower at Dearborn and Polk. The Showcase is on the Plymouth Court side of the building, with a parking lot next door.

There is jazz nightly at 8 p.m., and the popular Sunday matinee at four has discounted admission for seniors, with kids 12 and under free with an adult. Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court. (312) 360-0234,  jazzshowcase.com

Second City: This renowned improvisation-based company is opening its brand-new 111th review titled "Don't Quit Your Dream." The cast is fresh, and new material is worked into the show every night. Laughter from the audience helps shape the final performance. Tuesdays-Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays-Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. Second City, 1616 N. Wells. (312) 337-3992, secondcity.com

Raven Theater: Presenting the fast-paced, Chicago-based family drama "The October Storm" through June 25 at Raven Theater, 6157 N. Clark St. (773) 338-2177, raventheattre.com

Red Twist Theater: The tiny black box theater presents the powerful drama "Agnes of God" by John Pielmeier, directed by Clare Brennan and featuring company members Jacqueline Grandt and Debra Rodkin through July 9. 1044 W. Bryn Mawr, (773) 728-7529. Check out redtwisttheatre.org

Black Ensemble Theater: Presenting the rousing musical "The Real Housewives of Motown," written and directed by Michelle Renee Bester and spotlighting what life was like for the women married to the stars, through July 9 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St. (773) 769-4451. Visit blackensembletheater.org

Steppenwolf Theater: Concluding its 47th season with Harold Pinter's "No Man's Land," directed by Les Waters. Performances begin July 13. Hit up steppenwolf.org