WED 5/7
Strong offense
Australian stand-up comic Jim Jeffries puts the accent on brash in his R-rated solo show. See his signature mix of confrontation and charm in action during three shows this week at the Lakeshore Theater alongside local funnyman Hannibal Burress. 8 p.m. Through Friday. $15-$25. 3175 N. Broadway. 773-472-3067. Tickets: lakeshoretheater.com
Scare tactics
Need something to jolt you out of the midweek lull? Try a nice, scary flick. The Beverly Arts Center screens “The Cry” as part of its weekly BACinema series. The 2007 horror flick directed by Bernadine Santistevan takes place in New York City, where supernatural spirit La Llorona terrorizes the city. 7:30 p.m. $5-$7. 2407 W. 111th St. 773-445-3838.
THU 5/8
Join the club
A John Hughes movie is the gift that keeps on giving — particularly if you’re looking for comic fodder. Case in point: New comedy “Brat Pack: The Musical” takes inspiration from a crop of Hughes’ flicks, including “Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Pretty in Pink” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Audience participation also fuels the improv musical. 8 p.m. Through May 29. $10. Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-598-4549. Tickets:
gorillatango.com
Jane says …
Reach out to southern Sudan by way of Wicker Park when Columbia College Chicago students present Jammin’ with Jane at Pint. The annual benefit raises funds for the Lost Boys of Sudan, a group of orphaned refugees who aim to construct a library for the people of Sudan’s Panyijar district. Includes drinks, food, a silent auction and live music by The Swing Crew and DJ Mike D. 7 p.m. $20. 1547 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-217-5263.
FRI 5/9
Play time
If a government check has already stimulated your wallet, here’s a quick way to move the cash before it burns a hole in your pocket: Buy two tickets ($300 each) to Victory Gardens’ annual Chicago Stories benefit, featuring three world-premiere plays by attending celebs Stuart Dybek, Jeff Garlin and Allen Turner. Bonus: Garlin performs his own work, a monologue titled “That Jeff Garlin Thing.” Includes appetizers, cocktails and dinner. 6 p.m. Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Pl. 773-549-5788 ext. 2140.
Rock solid
Don’t want to hand off another tired bouquet for Mother’s Day? Make Mom a gift that won’t wilt at Cocktails and Clay, the Hyde Park Art Center’s monthly open studio party. Sculpt wet clay into a creative gift for Mom and sip drink specials from the cash bar while DJs spin. Includes supplies. 8 p.m. $15 suggested donation. 5020 S. Cornell Ave. 773-324-5520.
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