Howard Reich recommends
Kevin Nabors
Even as a teenager in Ernest Dawkins’ Live the Spirit big band, saxophonist Nabors stood out for the presence and ambition of his nascent art. Now a pro who works busily in the city and tours widely, as well, Nabors has emerged as a leading young tenor saxophonist building on the work of past Chicago masters.
When: 5, 6 and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Andy’s Jazz Club,
11 E. Hubbard St.
Price: $10; 312-642-6805, andysjazzclub.com
Chris Jones recommends
“For the Boys”
Early in this premiering stage musical based on the 1991 Bette Midler movie, a young woman named Dixie arrives in World War II London to perform with her new partner. The power on the base goes out. But the troops watching this song-dance-and-comedy duo come up with their own solution. At the Marriott Theatre, it seems as if thousands of flashlights have filled the room with light, a deeply emotional moment. Aaron Thielen has written a very promising and intriguing new musical, now in Lincolnshire under Marc Robin’s typically fluid direction. But it has yet to figure out how to take what was basically a plot-heavy movie with songs and turn it into a stage musical. As it now stands, this is a jukebox musical in which the songs (“You Are My Sunshine,” “What a Wonderful World”) are mostly wallpaper when they should be carrying us along.
When: 4:30 and 8 p.m. (also 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday) through Oct. 16
Where: Marriott Theatre,
10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Price: $41-$49; 847-634-0200 or 800-745-3000, ticket
master.com
John von Rhein recommends
Chamber Opera Chicago
The company presents the world premiere of artistic director Barbara Landis’ musical theater adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Persuasion.” Landis and Nick Sandys have featured roles, with staging by Sandys, Nyela Basney conducting the orchestra (including Celtic instruments) and dancers from the Trinity Irish Dance Company. For more information go to chamber
operachicago.org.
When: 7:30 p.m. (also 3 p.m. Sunday) through Sept. 18
Where: Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave.
Price: $20-$30, $15 for seniors; 773-935-6860 or 800-745-3000, ticketmaster
.com
