Apollo Theater - Mainstage (Chicago, IL)

On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley to Memphis' Sun Records. The rock 'n' roll musical Million Dollar Quartet was inspired by this famed recording session -- the first and only collaboration among these legendary icons, each of whom had such a major influence on American music. This thrilling production brings audiences inside the recording studio with the four major talents who came together as a red-hot band for one unforgettable night, and features such enduring hits as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Great Balls of Fire" and "Hound Dog." A hit on Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet was nominated for 2010 Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Learn more...

Charter One Pavilion (Chicago, IL)

Two of alternative rock's most dynamic and enduring bands -- Counting Crows and The Wallflowers -- are joining forces for this exciting summer concert at Charter One Pavilion. Counting Crows became instant stars in 1994 with the release of their up-tempo single, "Mr. Jones." Drawn in by Adam Duritz' expressive vocals, fans soon fell in love with Counting Crows' dark and angsty mix of Van Morrison-style classic rock with alternative college radio attitude, ensuring the bands success throughout the '90s and beyond. Hot on the Counting Crows' heels, the Wallflowers came out big in 1996. Led by Bob Dylan's son Jakob, the Wallflowers have more in common with '70s roots rockers like Tom Petty than they do with '60s folk. Their first album on Interscope, Bringing Down the Horse, became a major success due to hit singles like "One Headlight," "The Difference" and "6th Avenue Heartache," the group's anthemic ballad which featured background vocals from Adam Duritz. Learn more...

Chicago Shakespeare Theater - Courtyard Theater (Chicago, IL)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater commemorates the Year of Italian Culture in America with its presentation of Inner Voices (Le voci di dentro) by Eduardo De Filippo, one of Italy's most popular and respected theater artists. Set in the dark post-World War II era, this black comedy follows a man who dreams so vividly about the murder of a friend that he believes his neighbors' family has actually committed the crime, setting off a devastating chain of events. First performed in Milan in 1948, the play's directed by and stars the award-winning Toni Servillo, who The New York Times calls "the best Italian stage and screen actor of his generation," and who's starred in such films as Il Divo, A Quiet Life and The Girl by the Lake. The production also marks the return of Piccolo Teatro di Milano, Italy's first and best-established theater, which last appeared in Chicago in 2005. Learn more...

The Artistic Home (Chicago, IL)

The Artistic Home Theatre presents the world premiere of Chicago Dramatist resident playwright Scott Woldman's Beaten. Focusing on three generations of women, the play examines how far a family will go to free each other from the seemingly never-ending spiral of abuse delivered in the name of love. At the center is Chloe Sinclair, a young woman who's suffering the after-effects of a physical confrontation with her former boyfriend. Further complicating matters is that she's recovering in a dysfunctional home with her tightly wound mother and cancer-stricken, alcoholic grandmother, who each have their own ideas about how Chloe should move forward. It's an intimate story of five people who refuse to give in to the idea that love may not conquer all. Beaten features ensemble members Kathy Scambiatterra and Kristin Collins, with guest artists Kathryn Acosta, Conor McCahill and Joe Wiens. Learn more...

Goodman Theatre - The Albert (Chicago, IL)

From chart-topping radio hits ("You're Sixteen") to award-winning Disney movie songs ("Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious") and beloved theme park classics ("It's a Small World"), Richard M. Sherman is one of the most prolific and acclaimed family-friendly song composers of all time. The Sherman Brothers songwriting duo, comprised of Richard M. Sherman and his late brother, Richard B. Sherman, was a veritable two-man Disney hit factory, crafting memorable melodies for numerous films including Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Winnie the Pooh, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and many more. Over the course of their nearly half-century songwriting career, the brothers were honored with two Academy Awards (for the music of Mary Poppins), three Grammy Awards and 24 gold and platinum albums. This conversation at Goodman Theatre, moderated by Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones, takes a look back at Sherman's astonishing career and achievements. Along with the illuminating discussion, you'll also be treated to a light breakfast buffet reception plus an exclusive sampling of some of Sherman's unforgettable songs. Learn more...

Court Theatre (Chicago, IL)

The Court Theatre's 2013 Molière Festival brings an all-new production of Tartuffe, one of the French playwright's best loved -- and funniest -- comedies. Few scoundrels are as roguish, charming or hilarious as the titular Tartuffe, a character whose name has become a byword for an exaggerated hypocrite. Watch as this impostor insinuates himself into the home of Orgon and his family, quickly throwing the entire household into chaos. As Orgon's infatuation with his guest's phony piety grows, Tartuffe's deception turns outright dangerous. Artistic director Charles Newell, who recently won a "Best Director" Jeff Award for Caroline, or Change, brings a contemporary approach to this classic comedy. Learn more...

Rosemont Theatre (Rosemont, IL)

Considering ABBA's last public performance was in 1982, Arrival -- the acclaimed tribute band from their home country of Sweden -- is more than worth taking a chance on, if you want to experience their great '70s music live in concert. In fact, Arrival is the only group in the world licensed to replicate ABBA's real costumes, and they've also performed alongside multiple members of the original backing band, making this show about as authentic as it gets. Touring together for more than a decade, Arrival plays note-perfect renditions of the Swedish supergroup's hits, including "Waterloo," "Fernando," "Dancing Queen," "Take a Chance on Me," "SOS" and of course, "Mamma Mia," which spawned the hit musical and movie. They've wowed audiences in more than 35 countries, and even appeared at such classic venues as Wolf Trap, Ravinia, Red Rocks and with almost every major symphony orchestra in the US. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic and music of ABBA through Arrival. Learn more...

Charter One Pavilion (Chicago, IL)

Barenaked Ladies went on the road last summer with their hugely popular Last Summer on Earth Tour in anticipation of the impending apocalypse. Turns out the Mayans were off in their calculations, so the Canadian pop-rock superstars are celebrating with a reprise, the 2013 Last Summer on Earth Tour. The tour also marks their 25th anniversary and the release of their latest album, titled Grinning Streak. Their resume boasts four multi-platinum albums, and their hits include "One Week," "If I Had $1,000,000," "Pinch Me," "The Old Apartment" and the theme from CBS's The Big Bang Theory. Joining them in Chicago will be Ben Folds Five ("Brick," "Army") and comedian-musician Boothby Graffoe. Learn more...

Drury Lane Theatre (Oakbrook Terrace, IL)

A 2008 Tony Award winner for Best Revival, Marc Camoletti's classic farce Boeing, Boeing comes in for a landing, courtesy of Drury Lane. This high-flying comedy follows a French architect who's secretly engaged to three different flight attendants. He has all three relationships carefully balanced so that he always has "one up, one down and one pending." When the new, faster Boeing jet goes into service, his fiancées' schedules get jumbled, and things turn turbulent as all three of them descend on his Paris apartment at the same time, along with an old schoolmate. Learn more...

Theater Wit (Chicago, IL)

Chicago's own Lance Baker returns in the role that netted him a Jefferson Award for Best Solo Performance, as Theater Wit revives Will Eno's critically-acclaimed paradox of a play. A finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, Thom Pain (based on nothing) is a one-man show involving the entire audience, a hilarious coming-of-age comedy and a heart-rending drama, and a self-reflexive theatrical experience that somehow leaves you both filled with despair and thrilled to be alive. Baker stars as the titular man searching through the wreckage of his life to uncover the remains of his childhood. Gradually, his biting humor gives way to a moving portrait of desire and lost innocence. The New York Times calls playwright Eno the "Samuel Beckett for the Jon Stewart generation," and this exciting existential production proves it. Learn more...

Cadillac Palace Theatre (Chicago, IL)

Take a musical trip back in time and rock out to the golden oldies at the Cadillac Palace Theatre as the upbeat biographical musical, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story comes to Chicago. This hit show follows Holly's childhood in Texas, his musical beginnings with the group of high school friends who later gained fame as the Crickets, his meteoric rise to fame and his tragic early death -- all set to a soundtrack of some of rock 'n' roll's biggest hits, including Buddy Holly's "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace" and many more. Learn more...

Athenaeum Theatre (Chicago, IL)

Come out and watch A Few Great Men, Nomi Dance Company's (formerly NoMi LaMad) program of works past and present created by some of Chicago's finest male artists and an up-and-coming talent from Washington, D.C. In its sixth season, this marks the company's first all-male choreography show. Highlights include a piece by Nomi's own award-winning dancer/choreographer Paul Christiano and the debut of its newest Latin ballroom set by the company's resident expert Alex Arteaga. The beautiful and historic Athenaeum Main Stage will explode with raw passion, pure athleticism, crafty humor, grittiness and brawn. Learn more...

The Annoyance Theatre & Bar (Chicago, IL)

Annoyance Productions presents a new comic musical that goes behind the scenes of the Secret Service. Everybody knows the Secret Service protects the president, but not every agent gets to be with the Pres all the time and it's not as glamorous as it might seem. For most agents, it's a lot of guarding parade entrances, watching crowds for suspicious faces, and dreaming of greatness. Trust and Confidence: A Secret Service Musical follows a group of agents that strives to reach the top and hits ... somewhere closer to the middle. They also have secrets of their own, including a spicy bromance, delusions of grandeur and a sensual lust for murder. Despite their quirks, by the end of the show, they just may prove that they're, as the Secret Service's official motto says, "Worthy of Trust and Confidence." Learn more...

Pheasant Run Resort (St. Charles, IL)

In the rocking '60s musical Why Do Fools Fall in Love?, Millie's getting married and her three girlfriends are throwing her a bachelorette party. There's boy-crazy Sally, very shy Florence and young tag-along Dee Dee. As the festivities roll on -- after tequila shots and candy sugar highs -- the girls end up sharing more than good times. They throw around age-old questions about romance, marriage and the overwhelming dating game. This uplifting comedy about love and friendship rocks along to classic '60s songs, like "My Boy Lollipop," "I Will Follow Him," "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" and more. Learn more...

Royal George Theatre (Chicago, IL)

Set in Vienna in 1938 and London during the blitzkrieg, The Pianist of Willesden Lane tells the true story of noted pianist and author Mona Golabek's mother, Lisa Jura. As a young Jewish pianist, Lisa dreams of a concert debut at the storied Musikverein concert hall. When Lisa is swept up in the Kindertransport to London in an attempt to protect her from the Nazi regime, everything about her life is upended -- except her love of music. Golabek performs some of the world's most beloved piano music in this poignant tribute to her mother's experience in wartime Europe. Adapted and directed by local favorite Hershey Felder, The Pianist of Willesden Lane is a riveting tale of hope that is a powerful testament to how music can help us survive through the darkest of times. Learn more...

Hoover-Leppen Theater at Center on Halsted (Chicago, IL)

Celebrate pride and love for all people with this concert from Lakeside Pride. Their shhh...OUT! Jazz Ensemble will perform favorite cuts from Frank Sinatra to Grease while you munch on wedding cupcakes at the Hoover-Leppen Theater. The band features members and friends of the LGBT community from a variety of musical backgrounds who will play songs including "What a Wonderful World," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Fever" and "MacArthur Park." You're invited to be a member of the bridal party, dress up and make toasts while enjoying libations from a cash bar. Please see the description field for a full set list for the concert. Learn more...

Piccolo Theatre (Evanston, IL)

McKay Arts presents Donald Margulies' Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Dinner With Friends at Piccolo Theatre. Gabe and Karen introduced their friends Tom and Beth to each other. Tom and Beth hit it off, eventually getting married, and the two couples go on to be friends for decades. Then one day, everything changes: Tom and Beth's marriage is on the verge of imploding, and Gabe and Karen find themselves forced to pick sides while at the same time analyzing the cracks in their own marriage. Friendships, marriages, confidences and intimacies are stressed and tested in this funny yet poignant drama. Learn more...

The Cornservatory (Chicago, IL)

One part sketch comedy show, one part riotous drinking game, Drink! takes original comedic sketches by Corn Productions' talented team of writers and pairs them with an assortment of unique drinking games. The seven person cast, aided by a luminescent "Drink!" sign, will guide you through the drunken haze so you can follow along in the fun. Sketches include "David Letterhen," in which an oversized chicken hosts a late night variety show, "Drunk Rappers Anonymous," the story of recovering addicts who can't rap unless they imbibe, plus "Poopmore," which highlights the scatological puns of everyone's favorite butler. All drinks are BYOB, but the laughter -- and nonstop excuses to drink -- will be provided. Learn more...

House of Blues (Chicago, IL)

Alternative rock quartet Diamond Youth brings their infectious rock melodies to Chicago's House of Blues. Part of the Q87.7 Queued Up Series, the Baltimore natives combine an up-tempo pop rock sound with introspective lyrics in the vein of alt-rockers Weezer, Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age, which the group cites as major influences. Centered around singer-songwriter Justin Gilman and featuring members of several hardcore outfits (including Trapped Under Ice, Down to Nothing and Terror), Diamond Youth has released three EPs since their 2010 formation. Their most recent, Orange, pushes the group's power chord-centric, '90s-influenced rock sensibilities to new heights. Learn more...

House of Blues (Chicago, IL)

From its beginning, Chicago has taken something good and made it great. It transformed pizza into deep-dish. The humble hot dog became the Maxwell Street Polish. Now, a local band has taken Metallica and turned it into Blackened, the "Ultimate Metallica tribute." Blackened is all the music and mayhem of Metallica ramped up to 11. Lights, pyro foggers, lasers, confetti cannons, T-shirt launchers, balloon drops, giveaways, a fire breather and a snow machine make for a concert experience like no other. Experience Metallica done Chicago-style as performers John Dent, Vince Ochwat, James Snedeker, Jr., and Mike Streicher take the stage in honor of the 30th anniversary of the band's debut studio album, Kill 'Em All . Learn more...

House of Blues (Chicago, IL)

Mickey Hart, who as the "rhythm devil," put the beat behind the Grateful Dead for nearly four decades, brings his band and (literally) electrifying style of percussion to the House of Blues. Celebrating his upcoming album Superorganism -- which incorporates the natural rhythms of the human body into original music -- Hart will perform wearing an EEG cap on his head. This remarkable device will allow the Rock and Rock Hall of Famer to amplify the sounds of his own throbbing brain and "play" his thoughts and feelings in real time. Joining him on stage will be the Tea Leaf Trio (Trevor Garrod, Reed Mathis, and Scott Rager from the San Francisco jam band Tea Leaf Green). Experience the truly "inner" music of this legendary, Grammy Award-winning innovator and performer. Learn more...

Ravinia Pavilion (Highland Park, IL)

Eight-time Grammy-winner Anita Baker owns one of the most powerful voices in music, and it will be on display during what promises to be a stirring, soulful concert under the stars at the Ravinia Festival. With four platinum albums and countless hit singles, Baker has a veritable bounty of material from which to perform, and her sultry compositions can set either a romantic or playful mood. From R&B-tinged hits like "Giving You the Best That I've Got" and "Caught Up in the Rapture" to jazz standards, Baker will bring her A-game to create a special night of music and memories. Learn more...

Chopin Theatre Mainstage (Chicago, IL)

Nationally renowned magician Dennis Watkins takes on the role of the world's most famous escape artist in Death and Harry Houdini, a revival of House Theatre's first hit show, remounted in celebration of their 10th anniversary. An engaging mix of illusion, storytelling, original music, dance, and even film, the play's received rave reviews from the Chicago press for Nathan Allen's "ingenious" writing and directing, and features numerous feats of magic, including Watkins' recreation of Houdini's most famous stage escape: The Water Torture Cell, in which he's locked upside down in a liquid-filled tank. Learn more...

Music Box Theatre (Chicago, IL)

Beloved by audiences of all ages, this 1978 high-energy musical starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John follows the romance of innocent ingenue Sandy and bad-boy greaser Danny Zuko. Now you can sing along with all the songs thanks to animated on-screen lyrics. From "Summer Nights" to "You're the One That I Want" to "We Go Together," you too can be a part of the movie that immortalized the 1950s generation of teens. Come dressed in your best poodle skirt and saddle shoes or biker jacket and shades so you can take part in the pre-show costume parade and contest. Learn more...

Royal George Theatre (Chicago, IL)

The critically-acclaimed production of Smokey Joe's Cafe that played to sold-out houses at the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in 2012 is now at The Royal George, with the same cast and crew that made the show a Chicago hit. Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are virtually synonymous with pop-rock songwriting, having penned many of the greatest hits ever recorded. Smokey Joe's Cafe collects almost 40 of their classic tunes from the '50s and '60s, including "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Potion #9," "Yakety Yak," "Stand By Me," "Charlie Brown" and many more, and turns them into an unforgettable musical revue. The cast of nine talented performers and an incredible four-piece band creates a fun-filled, celebratory night out at the theater. Learn more...

Music Box Theatre (Chicago, IL)

Called "astute, funny and hugely enjoyable" by London's Financial Times, James Graham's new play goes behind-the-scenes, West Wing-style, to the British House of Commons in the mid-'70s. This House follows the fierce back-office maneuvering after a miner's strike sets off a political crisis, pitting two parties against one another in a bitter power struggle that threatens to upend the current Cabinet. The "superb new drama" (Daily Telegraph) debuted in 2012 to stellar reviews and continues to play to packed houses. The performance is taped live and broadcast to theaters worldwide. Learn more...

Pepsi Skyline Stage (Chicago, IL)

With the largest cast ever to visit the United States, Cirque Shanghai returns in triumph to Chicago with Cirque Shanghai: Dragon's Thunder, its latest and most dazzling show. Watch some of the finest acrobats in the world leap, tumble and juggle with a flexibility and precision that borders on the unbelievable. The outright daring of acts like "The Chinese Flex Bar" and "Gravity Swings" will take your breath away, while the thunderous beat of the "Dragon Drums" will stir your soul. Back from last year's show are fan-favorite features like the "Wheel of Destiny" as well as Imperial Thunder, China's finest daredevil motorcycle troupe. Be amazed, amused and ultimately enchanted by human skill pushed to the limits and beyond in Cirque Shanghai: Dragon's Thunder. Learn more...

Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)

Bon Jovi brings the Because We Can -- The Tour back to the U.S. for the summer, and one of its stops is Soldier Field in Chicago. Come and rock out with these international superstars as they return from a trip around the world. There's no place like home, so it's sure to be an exciting show where you can expect to hear all your favorite Bon Jovi hits along with songs from the band's new album. The band's What About Now release debuted at No. 1 in March 2013, making it their fifth No. 1 position on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart. The new album's first hit single, "Because We Can," was the biggest single launch in the iTunes era of the band's storied career, hitting the iTunes Top 5 in 24 countries and reaching No. 1 in 12 countries. Learn more...

Apollo Theater - Mainstage (Chicago, IL)

On December 4, 1956, a twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley to Memphis' Sun Records. The rock 'n' roll musical Million Dollar Quartet was inspired by this famed recording session -- the first and only collaboration among these legendary icons, each of whom had such a major influence on American music. This thrilling production brings audiences inside the recording studio with the four major talents who came together as a red-hot band for one unforgettable night, and features such enduring hits as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Great Balls of Fire" and "Hound Dog." A hit on Broadway, Million Dollar Quartet was nominated for 2010 Tony and Drama Desk Awards. Learn more...

Provision Theater (Chicago, IL)

Provision Theater for Young Audiences invites you and your family on a journey of magic, wonder and imagination. Princess Amber has fallen asleep under the spell of the evil fairy, Magenta. Prince Hunter and the Palace Sisters of Color Land must climb a mountain, sail across the ocean and face a fiery dragon in order to save her. Only time will tell if this brave and determined bunch of adventurers will be able to break the spell and save the princess before it's too late. Find out if love really conquers all in Provision Theater's enchanting production of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. Learn more...