Friday 11/29 – Thursday 12/5
Marshall Field’s ZooLights Festival at Lincoln Park Zoo features juggling elves, more than 100,000 lights, a laser-light show, appearances by Nutcracker characters, carolers, the world’s largest cup of hot chocolate (335 gallons), ice sculptures, and enough activities to make you wonder what the long-term effect will be on the inhabitants’ nervous systems. It kicks off tonight from 6 to 10 at the zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, and runs through December 31. Tickets are $6, $4 for children 4 through 12, and free for kids under 4. Call 312-742-2283.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
When Louise Seger first heard Patsy Cline, she called her local Texas radio station ten times a day to request her songs. When Cline came to her town in 1961, Seger was the first person inside the concert hall. Cline saw her and the two struck up a conversation that resulted in a correspondence that lasted until Cline’s death in 1963. Their friendship provides the framework for Northlight Theatre’s Always…Patsy Cline, a musical tribute to the singer featuring a four-piece country and western band and Megon McDonough in the lead role. Tonight’s preview at 8 is pay-what-you-can night; it’s at Northwestern University’s Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 1979 South Campus Drive in Evanston. Call 847-869-7278.
The Chicago Historical Society observes World AIDS Day with its sixth annual A Day Without History, an event honoring people with AIDS or HIV who’ve had an impact on Chicago. The program includes readings by authors Ana Castillo and Achy Obejas, theater director Edward Thomas-Herrera, and poet Cin Salach. It’s at 2 today in the Arthur Rubloff Auditorium of the Chicago Historical Society, Clark and North. It’s free with museum admission ($3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, $1 for children). Call 312-642-5035, ext. 383. For more on area observances of World AIDS Day, see the Section Two listings under Galleries & Museums.
5 THURSDAY With avant-garde vocalist Diamanda Galas, the band Wire, musician Lenny Pickett, and fashion designer Manolo among the wide range of artists who’ve collaborated with choreographer Stephen Petronio, it’s no surprise that the rebellious Petronio is known for a skewed, hard-hitting choreography that has more in common with rock culture than modern dance. The Stephen Petronio Company performs tonight at 8 at the Dance Center of Columbia College, 4730 N. Sheridan. Tickets are $14 and $16. Call 773-989-3310 for more.
