Things to do in Chicago Jan. 18-24: The Mix

Theater

Courtesy of Indonesia Papermoon Puppet Theatre

• The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, the largest event of its kind in North America, returns Jan. 18-28 with performances, special events and exhibits at venues big and small around the city. The roster is loaded with national and international performers and intriguing productions including Wakka Wakka’s “The Immortal Jellyfish Girl,” Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins’ “The Hip Hopera of SP1N0K10,” Papermoon Puppet Theatre’s “A Bucket of Beetles,” Alex and Olmsted’s “Marooned! A Space Comedy,” Basil Twist’s “Book of Mountain and Seas” and much more. For tickets and a complete roster, visit chicagopuppetfest.org.
• In October 2012, actress Dana Delany begins corresponding via Twitter with a 13-year-old fan who was in a desperate medical situation. The online friendship, which also included his family members, is relayed in “Highway Patrol,” a new play culled from the digital archive of hundreds of tweets, direct messages and emails. Co-created by Delany, playwright Jen Silverman, director Mike Donahue and set designer Dane Laffrey, the production stars Delany, Dot-Marie Jones and Thomas Murphy Molony. From Jan. 20-Feb. 18 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Tickets: $25-$90. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
• Rossini’s retelling of “Cinderella” adds some operatic twists to the classic fairy tale. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle’s lush, candy-colored staging is a treat for audiences of all ages. Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, in her U.S. operatic debut, portrays Cinderella with Jack Swanson as her prince. From Jan. 21-Feb. 10 at Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker. Tickets: $39+. Visit lyricopera.org.
• Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick’s Tony Award-winning musical “Fiddler on the Roof” revolves around the story of Tevye, in the village of Anatevka, who is intent on maintaining Jewish traditions but must cope with the evolving desires of his three older daughters. The heartwarming story stars Mark David Kaplan as Tevye; Elizabeth Margolius directs. From Jan. 24-March 24 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets: $85.75-$96.25. Visit drurylanetheatre.com.
• Marriott Theatre begins a new season with Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes’ Tony Award-winning “In the Heights,” a musical that explores three days in New York’s Washington Heights, where change is in the air. James Vasquez directs. From Jan. 24-March 17 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr., Lincolnshire. Tickets: $60+. Visit marriotttheatre.com.

Leo Llanos

• “The Broads’ Way” features longtime collaborators Ginger Minj (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) and Gidget Galore on a musical comedy journey through some of the great Broadway shows. From Jan. 18-Feb. 4 at The Venus Cabaret, 3745 N. Southport. Tickets: $40-$75. Visit mercurytheaterchicago.com.
• Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children” (1939) is considered by many to be one of the greatest plays of the 20th century. A statement against war, it follows Mother Courage, a 17th century itinerant trader, as she pulls her wagon of wares through the blood and carnage of Europe’s religious wars. Max Truax directs. From Jan. 18-Feb. 24 at Trap Door Theatre, 1655 W. Cortland. Tickets: $30 with 2-for-1 admission on Thursdays. Visit trapdoortheatre.com.
• MPAACT presents “Tad in 5th City,” Orron Kenyetta and Carla Stillwell’s drama which explores, through the eyes of 10-year-old Tad, the aftermath of the violence that erupted after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stillwell directs. From Jan. 19-March 3 at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $42-$48. Visit greenhousetheater.org.
• Remy Bumppo Theatre presents “Readings on Ravenswood,” a series of play readings: Sarah Ruhl’s “Dear Elizabeth” (Jan. 22), Caryl Churchill’s “Far Away” (Jan. 29), a show TBA (Feb. 5), Branden Jacobs-Jenkins “Everybody” (Feb. 12), Nilo Cruz’s “Two Sisters and a Piano” (Feb. 19) and Will Arbery’s “Heroes of the Fourth Turning” (Feb. 26). Free, donations appreciated. Visit remybumppo.org.

Comedy

Apple TV+

If you can’t get enough of “Ted Lasso,” check out Brett Goldstein, the scene-stealing brash but lovable Roy Kent on the beloved series. He’s in town for three nights of stand-up and stories; “TL” is sure to be mentioned. At 8 p.m. Jan. 18 and 7 p.m. Jan. 19-20 Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State. Sold out but check resale sites. Visit ticketmaster.com.

Music

Photo by Sulyiman

• Jazz drummer Makaya McCraven and his ensemble — Marquis Hill (trumpet), Greg Ward (alto sax), Brandee Younger (harp) and Junius Paul (bass)— are joined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello for an illuminating evening of music. At 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan. Tickets: $35+. Visit cso.org.
• Singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash celebrates the 30th anniversary of her landmark album “The Wheel.” The critically acclaimed album recorded in the early ’90s sparked a reinvention of Cash’s sound and career. At 8 p.m. Jan. 19-20 at Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln. Sold out but tickets sometimes become available before the show. Join the wait list at oldtownschool.org.

Getty Images

• Broken Social Scene co-founder Kevin Drew performs dark, melodic tunes from his solo album, “Aging.” Paste says of the album: “It is the clearest portrait of [Drew’s] own interiority; rich and brooding, yet painfully blunt.” Zoon opens at 8 p.m. Jan. 23 at Space, 1245 Chicago, Evanston. Tickets: $25-$30. Visit evanstonspace.com.
• In the midst of the pandemic, jazz guitarist Donovan Mixon began “Donovan’s Garage,” which featured performances in his Evanston garage and grew to be a popular jazz series in a new venue. Brazilian jazz is the focus of a concert with Mixon, Heitro Garcia (drums), Jim Barbick (sax), David Chelimsky (cavaquinho, a small Portuguese guitar) and Geoffrey Lowe (bass). At 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at Second Church of Christ Scientist, 2715 Hurd, Evanston. Admission is free, donations appreciated. Visit donovanmixon.com.
• For three and a half decades, Big Head Todd and the Monsters have built a solid rock sound and a love of classic blues that has drawn legions of fans. The easygoing band — Todd Park Mohr (vocals, guitar), Brian Nevin (drums), Rob Squires (bass) and Jeremy Lawton (guitar, keys) — is known for its exciting live shows. Rock band Cracker opens at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at Riviera Theatre, 4746 N. Racine. Tickets: $45-$95. Visit jamusa.com.
• On her debut album, “I’m Green,” Nashville-based artist Mali Velasquez seamlessly blends elements of grunge and indie pop into lush, raw-edged folk songs. Sluice and Minor Moon open at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport. Tickets: $20. Visit lh-st.com.

Museums

National Museum of Mexican Art/Gift from the Carlos Cortéz Estate

• “Carlos Cortéz 100 AÑOS” is a centennial exhibition celebrating the legacy of the renowned printmaker, one of Chicago’s most important social justice artists of the 20th century. Featured are works by Cortéz plus photographs of him in his studio, at marches, with family and other artists. Plus 37 additional works show the scope of Cortéz’s influence on other artists who continue creating artworks with social justice themes. To Feb. 18 at National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th. Admission is free. Visit nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

Courtesy of the artist

• “The Paglees: Between Reason and Madness” features the work of The Paglees, a feminist collective of artists of South Asian origin living across the United States. In their debut exhibition, the seven artists investigate the impact patriarchy, religion, white supremacy, colonialism, violence and capitalism have on women. From Jan. 18-April 27 at South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan. Admission: $10. Visit saichicago.org.

Family Fun

Feld Entertainment

• Disney on Ice presents “Magic in the Stars,” a new production filled with Disney characters from Mickey to today’s favorites plus high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts and thrilling special effects. From Jan. 18-21, Feb. 1-4 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim, Rosemont. From Jan. 25-28 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison. Tickets: $20+. Visit ticketmaster.com.
• Explore a wide range of eateries around the city during Chicago Restaurant Week, Jan. 19-Feb 4. The event, celebrating its 17th year, features more than 381 participating restaurants showcasing prix fixe menus with prices set at $25 for brunch or lunch, and $42 and/or $59 for dinner. For a complete list of restaurants, visit eatitupchicago.com.