Road kill
We’ve had bad road trips, but the time we ran short on cash in Wisconsin and had to eat Ho Hos and beef jerky from the Kwik Trip for breakfast, lunch and dinner doesn’t even compare to “Arm Soup: the Story of How Five People Went West and Ate Each Other.” This parody of the infamous 1846 Donner Party expedition will have you laughing in horror as a modern-day George Donner, his goth brother, his ex-girlfriend and other quirky characters take a road trip in a covered wagon to avoid paying high gas prices. Previews 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; open run. $15. The Annoyance Theatre, 4840 N. Broadway. 773-561-4665.
Life in the slow lane
Last time you went bowling, you wowed your pals with a stellar score of 48. We know you’ve got at least a 50 in you, so get rollin’ at the Gutter Ball Derby. Your entry fee includes bowling and shoe rental, beer, wine, mini-burgers, pizza, dessert and more. The best part? It’s all for a good cause. 7 p.m. Saturday. $60-$70. Proceeds benefit CARPLS, a legal aid hotline serving Cook County. 10pin Bowling Lounge, 330 N. State St. 312-421-4014.
We heart art
Some wear their emotions on their sleeves, others prefer to hang them on the wall. See several variations, including paintings and photographs, at Revolution Tattoo and Gallery’s “Love is a Four Letter Word” exhibit. The collection is based on interpretations of the word love and includes works by artists Risk, Kingdom Kilpatrick and Flash. Opening reception 8 p.m. Saturday. Noon Mondays-Saturdays through Feb. 24. Free. 2221 N. Western Ave. 773-486-8888.
Red bottle day
First dibs on a just-released wine? Count us in. You too can get in on a wine premiere when vintner Peter Fraser of Santa Barbara’s Kinton Winery debuts his new syrah and discusses the winemaking process at the Hotel Intercontinental’s new wine bar, Eno. If you’d rather stick to what you know, flights of Fraser’s Australian Yangarra Wines also are available, with optional cheese pairings. 6 p.m. Friday. Prices vary. 505 N. Michigan Ave. 312-321-8738.
Kick, the habit
Haven’t ditched your New Year’s resolution to get in crazy-good shape yet? We’re impressed. Keep the streak going with a 60-minute circuit contact kickboxing workshop led by certified personal trainer Will Carmichael. The class incorporates kickboxing combos, punching and self-defense techniques. 11 a.m. Saturday. Registration recommended. Soulistic Studio & Spa, 805 N. Milwaukee Ave. Ste 200. 312-226-7685.
This old house
While the other kids were outside playing kickball, you were indoors building replicas of Prairie-style architecture with your Lincoln Logs. We’re not saying you’re a nerd . . . but may we suggest a Geek’s Guide to Wright’s Robie House? The tour, which focuses on cantilevers, lighting and other technology, gives Frank Lloyd Wright fans a chance to learn about the science, engineering and mathematics behind Wright’s architecture. 3:30 p.m. Saturday. $14-$16. Advance tickets: wrightplus.org. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave. 708-848-1976.
Screen dreams
Between your efforts to brush up on your movie knowledge before the Golden Globes this week and your preparations for the Academy Awards in February, you’ve hardly set foot outside the multiplex lately. Take a break from the blockbusters with the Apichatpong Weerasethakul Shorts Program, a sampling of lesser-known work by the award-winning Thai filmmaker who gave us “Mysterious Object at Noon.” 8 p.m. Saturday. $4-$8. Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark St. 773-293-1447. Next, catch the latest in the Cinema Legacy Sundays series, featuring films about African-American history and culture. This week’s pick: “Twelve Disciples of Nelson Mandela.” 2 p.m. Sunday. Free. DuSable Museum of African-American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. 773-947-0600.
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kpratt@tribune.com
