21 things to do in Chicago Aug. 13-19

Theater

Missy Wise Vanderzee and Kevin Webb star in “Sunday in the Park” running Aug. 13-Nov. 11 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St.

Kyle Bode

Kokandy Productions presents Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s masterpiece, “Sunday in the Park with George.” The musical considers poignant truths about life, love and the creation of art in a moving study of enigmatic painter Georges Seurat. Derek Van Barham directs. From Aug. 13-Nov. 11 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. Tickets: $55.20, $65.87. Visit kokandyproductions.com .

Matthew Libby’s drama, “Sisters,” explores the familial bond between Matilda and her AI sister Greta as their relationship begins to be tested like never before. Brenda Barrie and Chloe Johnston star; Jessica Thebus directs. From Aug. 13-Nov. 8 at Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe. Tickets: $75+. Visit writerstheatre.org .

“Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” is a tribute to the life and music of the rock and roll pioneer from his start in Texas to his meteoric rise and untimely death at the age of 22. Joey Chelius stars as Holly; Matthew D. Carney directs. From Aug. 19-Oct. 18 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. Tickets: $85-$150. Visit drurylanetheatre.com .

Luke Nowakowski and Isabella Ruano star in “West Side Story,” running from Aug. 13-30 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie.

Steven Townshend/Distant Era

Music Theater Works stages Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical, “West Side Story.” Set in 1950s New York, it’s the story of two warring gangs — the Jets and the Sharks — and the young lovers caught in the middle. From Aug. 13-30 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets: $19.50-$106. Visit musictheaterworks.com .

The Sweetest Season: A Gathering of Indigenous Creativity is a celebration of Chicago’s native and indigenous artistic community. Features a diverse array of events for all ages including a workshop for children and families, panels, a plant-pressing workshop, a poetry reading, an art exhibition and a performance of Arigon Starr’s “The New Adventures of Super Indian,” about a reservation boy with super powers who fights evil forces. From 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Admission is free except for “Super Indian” ($10). For a full list of events, visit goodmantheatre.org .

Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman took inspiration from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in creating the musical comedy, “I Love You Because,” a modern-day version of looking for Mr. Right. Scott Shallenbarger directs. From Aug. 14-Sept. 13 at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Rd., Glenview. Tickets: $55. Visit oillamptheater.org .

Over the course of one night in Tim Venable’s “Adolescent Salvation,” three teens banter, bicker and push each other to the edge of danger. Guillermo Cienfuegos directs. From Aug. 14-Oct. 3 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $18-$46. Visit theaterwit.org .

Nova Entertainment presents RJ Silva’s “Hail Mary/Maria,” a Filipino coming-of-age story about a shy kid who seeks help navigating his first crush. Adam Reed directs. From Aug. 14-22 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets: $25-$60. Visit theaterwit.org .

Dionna Griffin-Irons stars in “This Is My Moment,” running from 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-15 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St.

Lesa Rowe

“This Is My Moment” is Dionna Griffin-Irons’ solo show blending essays, satirical songs and poetic prose to tell the real life story of a woman who has experienced the best life has to offer. Anthony Irons directs. At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-15 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theater, 1700 N. Halsted St. Tickets: $38. Visit steppenwolf.org/lookout .

Music

Gregory Alan Isakov performs at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park.

Glen Ross

Since the release of his 2023 album, “Appaloosa Bones,” singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov has been recording a series of song collaborations with fellow artists including Sylvan Esso, Noah Kahan, Nathaniel Rateliff, Shovels & Rope and Jeremiah Fraites (of The Lumineers). For his Ravinia performance, he’ll be joined by the Chicago Philharmonic for an evening of music and storytelling. At 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at 201 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $59-$134. Visit ravinia.org .

The Salt Shed and the Empty Bottle present the return of the World’s Largest Karaoke Party, an event that gives audience members the chance to live out their rock star dreams. Singers are chosen at random through an on-site sign-up process. From 4-10 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. Admission is free. RSVP at saltshedchicago.com .

Hometown Celebration is a benefit for the Lin Brehmer Scholars Fund featuring performances by The Linburgers (Matt Spiegel and Curt Morrison of Tributosaurus), Ike Reilly, Dag Juhlin, Michael McDermott, Heather Lynne Horton and more. At 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St. Tickets: $26, $31. Visit metrochicago.com .

Red Wanting Blue performs at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park. Tickets: $25, $35. Visit robertswestside.com .

Jenna Pace

Hailed as “Midwestern rock heroes” by American Songwriter, indie rock band Red Wanting Blue has spent the better part of the last three decades on the road. The songs on the quintet’s 13th studio album, “Light It Up,” are equally gritty and uplifting and an ode to hope and perseverance. At 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park. Tickets: $25, $35. Visit robertswestside.com .

Fridays on the Green

Courtesy of Black Ensemble Theater

Black Ensemble Theater presents Fridays on the Green, a free outdoor music series featuring the soul-jazz sounds of The McNary Experience featuring Qiana McNary (Aug. 14), jazz saxophonist Mark Allen Felton (Aug. 21) and the Black Ensemble All-Stars featuring performers from the theater’s many productions (Aug. 28). From 6:...

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