THU 9/6
Sneak peek
Wouldn’t it be great if plays had trailers like movies? Well, season previews are sort of theater’s trailers — just without all of the slick editing and sound effects. Get a glimpse of what’s in store at one local theater at Victory Gardens Season Preview Night, where actors preview five upcoming plays and local singer-songwriter Michael Smith performs songs from his musical, “The Snow Queen.” Stick around after the show for a wine reception with the artists. Free. 6 p.m. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-871-3000.
Brazil nuts
Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day (Friday) by moving your feet to Brazilian beats by DJ Joe Bryl at Sonotheque’s Braziliance. This month’s event, Favela Freedom, features sounds inspired by the raw energy of Brazil’s favelas. Dine on a special Brazilian menu at Flo (1434 W. Chicago Ave.) beforehand and show your dinner receipt for free admission to the club. No cover before 10 p.m., $5 after. 9 p.m. 1444 W. Chicago Ave. 312-226-7600.
Cool cats
Need to add a little variety to your social calendar? Check out Gorilla Tango Theatre’s monthly revue “Three Cat Thursday: The Cabaret Variety Hour.” This week, show creators Rob Dorn and Jason Paul Smith, comic Cameron Esposito and cabaret artist Jeffrey Roscoe perform. Warm up with a preshow dinner (6 p.m.) around the corner at Vella Cafe (1912 N. Western Ave.). $10; dinner and show $35. 8 p.m. 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549.
Dance revolution
Pull your best designer hoodie out of the closet and put on your dancing shoes, because Dance Party Magic, Empire Liquors’ ecclectic monthly party featuring DJ Matt Roan, is back. E6 and B$ also spin, and special guests perform. 9 p.m. No cover. 1566 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-278-1600.
FRI 9/7
Blades of steel
We’d love to see what he could do with 60 minutes and a dozen sea urchins, but we’ll settle for more practical displays of talent when chef Masaharu Morimoto (of “Iron Chef” fame) swings into town to demo recipes from his book “The New Art of Japanese Cooking.” The star chef’s appearance includes a sparkling wine reception, a question-and-answer session and a book signing. $39. 2 p.m. Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St. 708-383-7543. Tickets: chicagourmets.org.
Just your style
Even after a four-day workweek, Friday can never come too quickly. Kick off the weekend in fine fashion at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where this month’s “Style Star”-themed First Fridays party includes a best-dressed contest. While you strut your stuff, check out the latest installment of the 12×12 New Artists/New Work exhibition, “Heat Sink” by sound artist Nathan Butler; sip cocktails (cash bar); and sample Wolfgang Puck appetizers. DJ Karl Meier spins. 6 p.m. $7-$15. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Tickets: ticketweb.com or 312-397-4010.
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KPRATT@TRIBUNE.COM
