Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
Drama
The Chicago-based dance-R&B duo lights up the Salt Shed this weekend with new tunes from their just-released album, “Platonic Romance.” Via Rosa and Na’el Shehade call their work “happy sad music” — and it’s just what you need right now. Grab your friends and go.
8 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; tickets from $46.50 at saltshedchicago.com
Martha Graham Dance Co.
The Martha Graham Dance Co. performs in Chicago for the first time in 20 years as part of its centennial celebration. Expect classics by the iconic choreographer — “Diversion of Angels” and “Chronicle” — as well as the Midwest premiere of “En Masse” by Hope Boykin. Boynkin’s work features music by Leonard Bernstein, believed to have been composed by Graham but never used until now.
7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $40.98 at auditoriumtheatre.org
“Salome”
For the first time in two decades, the Lyric Opera of Chicago performs “Salome.” Set in pre-war fascist Italy, the production stars soprano Elena Stikhina in the role of the young femme fatale. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play, the Lyric promises a “decadent” version of Richard Strauss’s adaptation.
Jan. 25 to Feb. 14 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive; tickets from $47 at lyricopera.org
“Crafting Character: The Costumes of Paul Tazewell”
Forget Spider-Man (although that exhibit still runs through Feb. 8). The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is staging an exhibit of Paul Tazewell’s costumes. Think Glinda’s bubble dress and Elphaba’s Emerald City gown from “Wicked,” Anita’s yellow dress in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” and costumes from the Broadway smash hit “Hamilton.” See how Tazewell’s sketches transform into character-defining fits.
Through Sept. 7 at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive; tickets included in general admission at griffinmsi.org
“The Land of Oz: Beyond the Page”
And if those “Wicked” dresses put you in “The Wizard of Oz” mood, head to the Driehaus Museum to see an exhibit chronicling the work of costumers and production designers who translated L. Frank Baum’s classic into the beloved 1939 film. You’ll see costumes for a flying monkey and a resident of the Emerald City as well as replicas of Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the Cowardly Lion’s badge of courage. An early script and more are also on display.
Through March 15 at the Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St.; tickets included in general admission at driehausmuseum.org
Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
You’ve got a week to catch something truly special. This year’s installment of the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival features the Chicago premiere of Manual Cinema’s “The 4th Witch,” inspired by “Macbeth”; Plexus Polaire’s eerie take on Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House”; the 25th anniversary of Laura Heit’s “Matchbox Shows,” featuring tiny puppets; the Chicago premiere of KT Shivak’s “Rhynoceron,” and much more. Check out the full schedule for free and kid-friendly events as well.
Through Feb. 1 at various venues; tickets and details at chicagopuppetfest.org
Paula Poundstone
More than 40 years after Paula Poundstone first appeared on late-night, the comedian is still performing her sharp-witted brand of comedy. You may know her as a panelist on “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me,” but this weekend, she’s got the stage to herself.
Postponed to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn; tickets from $40 at atthemac.org
Doughboys
Ostensibly about fast food and chain restaurants, the “Doughboys” podcast marked 10 years last spring — due in large part to the chemistry between hosts Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. See them live this weekend at the Den Theatre.
7:15 p.m. Jan. 23-24 at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.; tickets from $22 at thedentheatre.com
“Disney on Ice: Jump In!”
Can’t wait for this summer’s live-action “Moana”? She’s one of the stars of the latest iteration of Disney on Ice, along with characters from “Inside Out 2,” “Frozen,” “Toy Story” and “Encanto.” Stitch also gets in on the action as well as a “parade of Disney princesses” and of course Mickey and Minnie.
Various times through Feb. 8 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $23.55 at rosemont.com. Then Feb. 12-15 at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; www.disneyonice.com.
Elle Orlando
Chicagoland native Elle Orlando plays a two-night stand at Zanies Chicago. Now based in New York, the comedian hosts the podcast “The Elle Diablo Show.” Check it out — or her Instagram feed — for a taste of her low-key humor.
7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Jan. 23-24 at Zanies Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St.; tickets (ages 21+) from $37.95 plus two-item minimum at chicago.zanies.com
NewberryFest: All About Maps
Escape the cold and explore the Newberry. Pegged to its latest exhibits, “Mapping Outside the Lines” and “From Page to Pixel: Discovering the Digital Newberry,” this weekend’s open house offers an opportunity to learn about the library’s map collection. Learn how to find maps and related materials in the collection, make map-inspired art, or shop the used book sale.
Noon-3 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton Place; register for the free event at newberry.org
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com.
Update: This story has been changed to note a weather-related postponement of Paula Poundstone’s performance at College of DuPage.
