There’s so much to see and do when it comes to entertainment options throughout the Chicago area.
Here are some highlights in the week ahead:
Soul-stirring gospel
One of the more memorable moments at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding was the show-stopping performance by The Kingdom Choir with its gospel rendition of the classic soul tune “Stand by Me.” Led by Karen Gibson, the gospel choir is made up of artists from various Christian traditions in the South East region of England. At 3 p.m. Oct. 6, McAninch Art Center, 425 Fawell, Glen Ellyn. Tickets: $65, $70. Visit atthemac.org.
Before the Emmys
Many may not know that Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Emmy Award-winning TV series “Fleabag” was first a one-woman live show that debuted in 2013 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. As part of the National Theatre Live series, a film of a recent performance is being shown at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, starting Oct. 5. No tickets remain for the October run but the film will return Nov. 18 at several local theaters. (Meanwhile, if you want some Waller-Bridge pre-“Fleabag,” check out “Crashing” available on Amazon.) Visit siskelfilmcenter.org.
Inspired by legends
Texas singer-songwriter Jesse Dayton tours in support of his new album “Mixtape Volume 1,” a collection of “deep cut” songs by legendary artists infused with Dayton’s Texas-and Louisiana-influenced style, a blend of rock, blues, old-school country, punk and zydeco. There are rockabilly interpretations of Bruce Springsteen’s “State Trooper” and Dr. Feelgood’s “She Does It Right” and a classic Southern two-step take on The Cars’ “Just What I Needed,” as well as versions of The Clash’s “Bankrobber” and Jackson Browne’s “Redneck Friend.” Painted Canyon and Justin Moyar open the show at 8 p.m. Oct. 4, Reggie’s, 2105 S. State. Tickets: $10 in advance, $13 day of show. Visit reggieslive.com.
Dance master
One of the most versatile, popular and widely seen choreographers is saluted at A Celebration of Lar Lubovitch. Nearly every major dance company has performed his work, and he launched the Chicago Dancing Festival, which ran for 10 years beginning in 2007. The program features companies performing works from his repertoire: “Othello” by The Joffrey Ballet, “Legend of Ten” by Martha Graham Dance Company, “Dvorak Serenade” by Ballet Austin and Jonathan Alsberry (Lar Lubovitch Dance Company), Craig Black and Andrew Murdock (both from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago). At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 and 2 p.m. Oct. 6, Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $35-$150. Visit harristheaterchicago.org.
Contemporary art
Japanese artist Tetsuya Ishida (1973-2005) is known for his surreal depictions of contemporary Japanese life amidst the sense of disorientation and alienation that permeated its consumer culture during and after the recession in the 1990s. Now the expansive exhibit, “Tetsuya Ishida: Self-Portrait of Other,” brings more than 70 paintings and works on paper to this country for the first time. A concurrent exhibit, “Tadao Ando: Museums and Galleries,” features models, drawing and photographs documenting some of the Pritzker Prize-winning architect’s work. To Dec. 14 at Wrightwood 659, 659 Wrightwood. Admission is $16, reservations are required; a limited number of free general admission tickets will be released each Monday for the current week. Visit wrightwood659.org.
Award-winning magic
Indulgence with Lucy Darling features the return of a magician known for her semi-improvised magic that infuses comedy, storytelling and old Hollywood. The quick-witted and very sassy Darling is the alter ego of award-winning magician Carisa Hendrix, a co-host of Shezam, a weekly feminist podcast about the world of magic and variety entertainment. From Oct. 9-Dec. 18, Chicago Magic Lounge, 5050 N. Clark. Tickets: $35, $45. chicagomagiclounge.com.
Music transcends borders
With her jazzy, soulful vocals, the popular French singer Zaz (aka Isabelle Geffroy) has been compared to the likes of Edith Piaf and Ella Fitzgerald. The recent release “Effet Miroir (Mirror Effect)” features original songs filled with elements of chanson, South American guitars, pop, salsa and rock. The late French legend Charles Aznavour said Zaz “can sing anything and stirs your soul.” At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10, Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport. Tickets: $35-$75. Visit jamusa.com.
Mary Houlihan is a local freelance writer.