WED 5/2
Free cheers
Get in gear for this weekend’s bounty of bashes — Cinco de Mayo, Derby Day and Polish Constitution Day — in three easy steps: one, make an afterwork beeline to Zocalo; two, sip Reposado and other Mexican tequilas; three, nibble appetizers prepared by chef Saul Roman. Sounds easy, huh? Even better, it’s all complimentary. 6 p.m. Free. 358 W. Ontario St. 312-302-9977.
Pick up
Revisit your college days — or escape them — with the Midwest premiere of dark comedy “Scab.” The tale of discovery and self-destruction explores a love triangle between two female grad students, Christa and Anima, and their womanizing classmate Alan. 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Through May 19. $10-$15. Collision Theatre Company at EP Theater, 1820 S. Halsted St. 312-281-8041.
THU 5/3
Spring it on
You can’t keep a good man down. Or in this case, you can’t keep the host of a trashy talk show down. Brace yourself for “Jerry Springer — The Opera,” an Olivier Award-winning musical making its American debut. The mock episode of “The Jerry Springer Show” boasts its own roster of desperate “guests” seeking their 15 minutes of fame. 7:30 p.m. Previews continue through May 13. Opens May 14. Through July 8. $20-$50. Bailiwick Repertory Arts Center, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090.
Wine not?
Looking to start the weekend in style? Say “Cheers!” to Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Toast of the Town. More than 60 wine and spirits companies pour 500-plus bottles at the Field Museum, while 30 top local restaurants dish up food. VIP access ($185) includes a tasting of reserve and estate wines at 6 p.m.; Grand Tasting ($95) begins at 7:30 p.m. 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. 800-847-5949. Tickets: wineenthusiast.com/TOT07.
Run this way
Remember show-and-tell time? The Art Institute of Chicago’s fashion design program takes it to a whole new level this week with SAIC Fashion 2007. A showcase of student works kicks things off Thursday. $125 tickets (Thursday only) include cocktails, appetizers and a discussion with the designers. 5:30 p.m. Thursday; additional shows at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday; 5 p.m. Saturday. $50-$125. Tickets: ticketmaster.com. Macy’s, 111 N. State St. 312-899-5168.
FRI 5/4
Instant appeal
Just because you want money, fame, beauty and, um, more money, doesn’t mean you’re greedy. OK, maybe it does. Go whole hog at the MCA’s First Fridays bash, sporting a greed theme this month. Don’t miss the iMac digital dating bar and makeovers by Polish. Also: Groove to beats from DJ Kate Simko and peek at a new exhibition of photos by Melanie Schiff. 6 p.m. $10-$15. Tickets: ticketweb.com. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. 312-397-4010.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
