WED 6/13
Reel drama
On stage, timing is everything, so it’s fitting that the local premiere of Dori Berinstein’s documentary “ShowBusiness: The Road to Broadway” comes on the heels of Sunday’s Tony Awards. The flick offers a behind-the-scenes take on Broadway musicals “Wicked,” “Taboo,” “Caroline, or Change” and “Avenue Q.” See our Fast-Paised review of “ShowBusiness” online at metromix.com. 5:20 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:40 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. $9.25. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6604.
Go for seconds
People always say they want to be remembered with laughter instead of tears, but let’s face it: Snickering can be misinterpreted. But feel free to let loose your guffaws while lauding the career of late comedian and writer Jim Zulevic when the 55th season of Theater on the Lake opens with a world premiere sketch revue, “Apparently Heaven Can’t Wait … The Best of Jim Zulevic at The Second City.” 7:30 p.m. Through Sunday. $17.50. Theater on the Lake, 2400 N. Lake Shore Drive. 312-742-7994.
THU 6/14
Ciao down
“The Sopranos” finale left you with an unmarked suitcase full of questions. It also left you kind of hungry. Enter Festa Pasta Vino. The annual celebration fills that void you’ve been feeling with authentic Italian fare from South Oakley Avenue restaurants, cooking demos and live music from crooners such as Tony Ocean (9:15 p.m. Thursday) and Gigolo Johnny (10:15 p.m. Friday). 5 p.m. Thursday-Friday; noon Saturday-Sunday. Free. 24th Street and Oakley Avenue. 847-233-9966.
The Bronze age
There’s no shortage of local film fests this summer. Our pick this week: The Bronzeville Film Festival. See shorts, documentaries and features about the community at two screening locations. Opening day (Thursday) features a program on pioneering director Oscar Micheaux; a screening of “Displaced Persons” and discussion with actor Stan Shaw. Program starts at 2 p.m. $5 suggested donation benefits Third World Press Foundation. Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern Illinois University, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd. Complete schedule: bronzefest.com.
Hot air
From sipping a brew to catching a bus, everything is better when Chicago skies are blue and the sun is warm. Keep the alfresco party going at monthly mixer Play Chicago. This week, the series moves outdoors for the season. Includes live music by Cornmeal with Catfish Haven, one cocktail and the chance to explore museum exhibits. Cash bar. 5:30 p.m. $15-$20. Tickets: chicagohistory.org. (21+). Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St. 312-642-4600.
FRI 6/15
This is how we roll
Are you a weekend-only road warrior? Here’s an incentive to suit up and cycle during the week: the Bike to Work Day Rally. In exchange for relying on your own pedi-power to motor your way to the office, make a pit stop at Daley Plaza and rub helmets with other cyclists and get a free breakfast. Also features T-shirt giveaways, raffle prizes, live music and a farmers market. 7:30 a.m. Free. 50 W. Washington St. 312-744-3315.
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rkpalmore@tribune.com
