Metcalf, Mexico, Muppets and Mike ... all for you!

DEAR READERS, 
I am so sorry but somehow this blog file got corrupted. I have spent hours trying to fix it but will have to key it in again in an all-new blog posting over the next several days. Meanwhile, this is not spaced well, but every item is heading by all caps. I hope you find it interesting as this fall season kicks off with energy across the region.
Myra


TWO MINI REVIEWS BEFORE LISTINGS ...

Backyard barbecues head out of control ... and raunchy

 Now playing at what has been billed as the nation's finest ensemble theater, Chicago's own Steppenwolf, is the riotous "Detroit," by brilliant playwright/perfornance artist Lisa D'Amour. Directed by company member Austin Pendleton, the all-star Steppenwolf cast including (see photo) Laurie Metcalf (on the ground, going clockwise), Kate Arrington, Ian Barford, Kevin Anderson and unseen, Robert Breuler, takes "Detroit" into and out of wild swings of mixed-up marriage action.

     Imagine an absolutely hysterical, and much shorter "Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf?" set in the much trendier and tech-linked 21st century. 

     Not the leather-elbow-patch-on-tweed 1960s university types and their wives of "...Wolf," "Detroit" features a blue collar, middle-aged couple whi invite their no-collar, no ambition young neighbors who also have no furniture to the first of several wacky backyard barbecues.

     "Detroit" will have you laughing from the outset and ultimately realizing, 'Hey, these could be our neighbors and in some ways, they could be us, me."

   The last line of the play, which I won't reveal, stands as one of the catchiest I've heard. It's one you'll remember and think about, possibly every time you welcome new folks into you life.

     The play symbolically represents Detroit's first post-war suburbs but could be anywhere, particularly in the Midwest. In short, the entire production dazzles. Show details below under Steppenwolf listing. Incidentally, parking in the Steppenwolf lot/structure just south of the theater is only $10, mega cheap for Old Town and for that matter, almost anywhere in the city.

STABLES THEATRE OF ENGLAND, GUESTS OF DRAMA GROUP

                Get out, William! You're barred!

    Last week's Drama Group guests, a group of actors and support staff fro  Stables Theatre of Hastings, England, presented Stables member Peter Mould's brilliantly hysterical tribute to The Bard, "Celebrating Shakespeare" for four glorious performances.

     Spouting off everyday phrases from Willie and even telling Shakespeare jokes (maybe you can guess what happened to him at the pub), the four-person cast won the hearts and tickled the minds of hundreds of theater-goers. 

     The second half was an abridged "Macbeth,"staged as a radio play with the actors' "behind-the-scenes" shenanigans and musician/sound effects specialist Steve Rivington sending the audience into raucous fits of hysterics. 

     In addition to the Brits, including Susannah Mayor (at left), Mould  and Ian Klemen, two DG regulars were cast in the juicy roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the only parts played straight. 

     Jeannie Rega-Markionni was the evil wife-turned-pyscho and Tony LaBriola took his wacked-out-king to the max and clearly relished his sword fight to the death with Macduff. As for the Weird Sisters ... I wouldn't even try to describe them. They were a hoot.  If you missed The Stables performance, you might want to give serious thought to crying.

    Note: The Drama Group and Stables have been involved in an extraordinary exchange program for more than 10 years. But that is a story in itself.

DEAR READERS --- THIS EDITION OF "And now presenting ..." goes long past this weekend, well into most of October. Commitments and my BIG high school reunion coming up have meant and will mean little blogging time, but I hope to have another edition out in a month. After that, my goal is to hop back on a every two-to-three week schedule.

    For the last several months I have been meaning to thank Frann Carnivale-Sidlow, artistic director of the Orland Park Theatre Troupe and Improv group for her weekly theater updates that have contributed many listings to this blog. Incidentally, Frann is the woman to go to for the 411 on local auditions so leave a message for her at Orland Park Village Hall if you want to contact her.

     

    Brief notes: One of my all-time get-me-stomping-and-screaming performers, Mojo (at right) and his Bayou Gypsies, make a special, previously unannounced benefit appearance on Oct. 16. If you've seen Mojo, I need not say more. If you haven't, get up and go and you will fly home on Mojo's Zydeco airlines. 

      

      By the way, if your favorite theater or gallery in the blog, ask the people there to send me releases at myrasharon@comcast.net. This is a freebie, no charge to venues or anyone. We just want you to know what's happening .... and there is never a lack of excitement around here.

    Also, I welcome -- no, I love your comments and suggestions and absolutely please send me any corrections immediately, about typos and more importantly, information.

    
   Keep on passing the blog around. More and more people are reading it and letting me know, a great feeling for this this labor of love.

    Myra

WHAT FOLLOWS:

Theater, Music and Dance, Potpourri of Galleries, Museums and Animals

THEATRE

CHICAGO DRAMATISTS, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., presents the premiere production of playwright Steven Peterson's "The Invasion of Skokie," through Oct. 11. Almost every Chicagoan old enough to remember the episode cannot forget the neo-Nazis' successful 1978 Supreme Court fight to win the right to march in Skokie. The event touched off a firestorm of opposition across the country, especially in Skokie where an eclectic and sizable Jewish community, including many Holocaust survivors and children of survivors, had settled. "Invasion ..." is described as the story of a Jewish man, Morry Kaplan, who scrambles to locate a gun and confront the marchers. Mixing both comedy and drama, the story unfolds on a backyard patio on the infamous day of conflict. Tickets are $32; student tickets at $15 are available on Thursdays; (312) 633-0630 and www.chicagodramatists.org.

CURTAIN CALL COMMUNITY THEATRE stages a dinner theater event, "The Fatal Fifties Affair" Oct 16-23 at Jenny's Steakhouse, 20 Kansas St. Frankfort. Tickets are $35 for dinner and show, (815) 464-2685.

DRAMA GROUP will rock the Bloom High School Theater stage Nov. 6-8 with the "Footloose." Tickets are $18, $17 seniors and students at (708) 755-3444 and www.dramagroup.org. These tix sell out fast so this is the time to buy.

DRURY LANE THEATRE, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace continues lights up the town through Oct. 3 with a spectacular production of David Bell's "Hot Mikado." This award-winning, clever and riotous take-off on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic will leave you laughing, exhilarated, stunned and reluctant to leave your seat until you've seen it again. Tickets are $31-$45, dinner packages available; special rates for seniors and students, (630) 530-0111 and Ticketmaster or visit www.drurylaneoakbrook.com.

Opening Oct. 14 and going through Dec. 19, Drury Lane presents the wonderful, though like the times back then, not very politically correct in terms of women, period musical, "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." The all-star cast includes many of our favorite Chicagoland actors, including multi-Jeff ward winning Renee Matthews as Mrs. Bixby and Don Forston as Mr. Bixby. (Remind me to tell you a riotous Matthews/Forston story next time you see me.)

ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARTS CENTER, 1700 Spartan Drive, presents a new musical, "Under the Streetlamps," a retrospective of great hits from the 1950s and '60s woven into an intimate show by the Chicago cast of "Jersey Boys." The production will be staged Nov. 13, 14; tickets are $48 at (847) 622-0300 and at tickets.elgin.edu.

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE  presents the all-ages play about peer pressure and friendship, "Three Hundred Dresses," based on the 1944 book of same title, on Oct. 15, 16 at the park district Auditorium, 2010, Homewood. Tickets are $7 adults, $5 for children at (708) 957-0300.

ILLINOIS THEATRE CENTER, 371 Artists Walk, Park Forest, presents Eugene O'Neill's "Anna Christie," its first production of the 35th season, from Sept. 24-Oct. 10. The plot revolves around the Swedish-born Anna who grew up in Minnesota with her mother's family and later goes to New York to reunite with her father, a barge captain who abandoned her as a child. Anna joins her father on his boat, and when she falls in love with a crew member, trouble erupts. Tori Buckley stars in the title role. Tickets are $20-$22, $1 discount for students and seniors; (708) 481-3510.

MARRIOTT THEATRE in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, continues its sparkling and innovative production of "Chorus Line," the iconic Broadway narratives of dancers auditioning for a show. Don Snider, former Star Newspapers arts and entertainment editor, saw "Chorus Line" mid-month. "It is indeed, 'One Singular Sensation,'" he wrote. "'A Chorus Line,' the longest running American musical in Broadway history, continues its revival here through Oct. 31. Directed by Mark Lococo, the show brings the classic musical up close and personal as only Marriott's theater-in-the-round can. "Chorus Line" may be 35 years old but it is as relevant today as ever as the diverse cast of 17 dancers pour their hearts into 'auditioning' for a spot in a Broadway show. Their passionate pleas for a job, 'I Hope I Get It,' will resonate with people in these tough economic times. But for sheer entertainment, the curtain-closing 'One' number under the intimate stage's glittering lights and mirrors will leave you breathless. Choreographer Rachel Rockwell, incidentally, played Cassi a decade ago. Mara Davi (above), who starred in the Broadway revival, plays Cassie here. Tickets are $35-$48 at (847) 634-0200 and www.MarriottTheatre.com.

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACADEMIC THEATER, presents "Arsenic and Old Lace," Oct. 28-31 at the Dorothy Menker Theater, Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students, (708) 974-5500.

ORLAND PARK COMEDY IMPROV brings down the house, well actually the Old Village Hall, 14413 Beacon, on Sept. 24, Oct. 22 and Nov. 19 an into 2011. Showtimes 8 p.m. and material geared to audiences 16 and older. Tickets are $6 at (708) 403-7275 and at www.orland-park.il.us

PHEASANT RUN RESORT MAINSTAGE, home of Noble Fool Theatricals at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles kicks off the fall with award-winning playwright Michael Hollinger's who-dunnit, "Red Herring," Sept. 2 - Oct. 24. Tickets are $29-$39 at www.noblefool.org. and at (630) 584-6342. Look for an all-new theater company name next year!

PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, STAGE 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago, continues  the Stephen Sondheim classic musical, "Sunday in the Park with George," through Oct. 31. Tickets are $38 with discounts for seniors, students and groups; (773) 327-5252 and at www.stage773.com. Incidentally, the musical was inspired by Georges Seurat's masterpiece, "A Sunday on La Grande Jatte," a treasure owned and exhibited by Chicago's own Art Institute.

If you live in a condo or apartment, you might want to seriously think about keeping your window shades down or curtains closed just in case one of your neighbors is like the character in "Obscura: A Voyeuristic Love Story"  through Oct. 23 at RED TAPE THEATRE, 621 W. Belmont, Chicago. The tantalizing description in the press release notes, "Behind the walls of an aging apartment building, the reclusive neighbors' lives are being monitored. Amidst the Orwellian atmosphere, Ned invents a story to win his neighbor's heart. But the arrival of a stranger threatens to unveil some dark secrets." Tickets are $25, $15 student and industry; www.redtapetheatre.org and at the box office.

STEEL BEAM THEATRE, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles, kicks off its 10th season with a return production of the musical "Fairways," described as "an homage to both golf and musical theatre" and featuring sounds of rock, jazz, ballads and even rap. "Fairways" runs through Oct. 10. Tickets are $25, $23 seniors and students at (630) 587-8521 and at www.steelbeamtheatre.com. Erika Enigk Grotto, actor and improv performer, stars in the show. Photo: Dana Bone (from left), Diane Handler, Grotto and Mary Hobein. 

SPOTLIGHT THEATER's next production, "No Exit," runs Oct. 23-30 at Sherman Recital Hall, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway in University Park. Tickets are $14 adults, $12 seniors and students at (708) 941-8294 and www.Spotlight-Theater.com.

Laurie Metcalf, back on her home stage at STEPPENWOLF THEATRE, 1650 N. Halsted, Chicago, (312) 335-1650, is one of the stellar ensemble members in playwright Lisa D'Amour's phenomenal and absolutely riotously brilliant play, "Detroit," tied only symbolically to my hometown. After dealing with Roseanne on and off TV, a much more slender Metcalf and co-stars (see blog intro) in this star-studded cast romp through the unexpected. The show runs through Nov. 7. Tickets are $20-$70 at www.steppenwolf.org and (312) 335-1650.

Opening Oct. 12, running to Nov. 12 in the Upstairs Theatre, Steppenwolf for Young Adults presents the blockbuster classic, Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird." I cannot overstate the power of this story, in print, on film and no doubt in the upcoming Steppenwolf production. Tickets are $20; $15 for students by phone and box office only. 

STRAY DOG THEATRE's production of the Mary Shelley classic"Frankenstein," runs Oct. 22-30 at Veterans Memorial Middle School, 12320 S. Greenwood Ave., Blue Island. Tickets are $10 at (708) 841-7396.

THEATRE AT THE CENTER, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the very funny musical, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" through Oct. 10. Based on the 1988 film about two con men on the French Riviera who wager which one of them can swindle $50,000 from a young heiress and send the other guy packing, the show is packed with fun and great performances, Don Snider says. "Veteran actors Paula Scrofano and Larry Adams were hoots in supporing roles." Tickets are $36-$40 at (219) 836-3255, www.tickets.com and at www.theatreatthecenter.com.

TAC's THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES brings a childhood favorite, "Jack and the Beanstalk," to the stage Oct. 7-9. Tickets are $8.50, $7 children. Same contact info as above.

THEATRE OF WESTERN SPRINGS, 4384 Hampton Ave. presents its first forum production of the 82nd season, "Dinner with Friends" directed Jim Wise. Performances run through Oct. 3. Tickets are $18-$20 at (708) 246-3380 and at www.theatrewesternsprings.com.

The company's next mainstage production, Noel Coward's "Waiting in the Wings," runs from Oct. 21-31. More on that next month.

TINLEY PARK PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY THEATRE presents American playwright Neil Simon's sort of autobiographic "Brighton Beach Memoirs" Oct. 15-16 at McCarthy Theater, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Tickets are $12, $10 seniors and students; (708) 342-4212.

TOWLE THEATER, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN, concludes its 2010 season with "Hollywood Arms," based on a memoir by one of this country's most beloved performers, Carol Burnett. The show runs through Oct. 3. This autobiographical work focuses on three generations of women living on welfare in a  one-room apartment one block off Hollywood Boulevard. Tickets are at (219) 937-8780 and www.towletheater.org. Note: Free well-lit, secured parking can be accessed off Fayette Avenue, steps from the allery entrance at the back of the theater. Photo at left: Characters played by Payton Tinder (from left, Ruth Best and Jessica Figurski appear to have differences of opinion.

MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE

CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS kicks off its mainstage season at 8 p.m. Oct. 16 with country star, Phil Vassar (at right) who rocks out the Governors State University stage. Free line dance lessons start at 6 p.m. so guess there will be dancin' in the aisles. Tickets are $35-$59 but all sorts of deals are available if you get them early or buy a series, (708) 235-2222 and at www.centertickets.net.

Internationally acclaimed GIORDANO JAZZ DANCE CHICAGO presents three world premieres Oct. 22-23 at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, 205 Randolph St., Millennium Park (north end) in Chicago. These performances combined with company selections from its repertoire kick off the Giordano 2010-2011 season. Photo: Jarrett Kelly and Maeghan in "Give and Take." Tickets and more event and season details are at.http://giordanodance.org/company/

MOJO AND THE BAYOU GYPSIES bring the Bayou and Zydeco back to rock Chicagoland at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Evanston Masonic Temple, 1453 Maple Ave. Blues Legend Lonnie Brooks calls Mojo "Mister Zydeco." And that is not an exaggeration. Tickets start at $25 at http://rockthetemple.eventbrite.com/. Check out Mojo's getyououtofyourseat sounds at www.redhotmojo.com. See my comments and wild Mojo photo (yes, he looks like that onstage) in the blog intro.

MORAINE VALLEY FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 9000 College Parkway, Palos Hills, presents the following musical events: Sept. 25, the Perry Danos Show reminiscent of Tony Bennett's style; Sept. 29, the Claudia Quintet featuring John Hollenbeck, contemporary music; Oct. 2, Kevin Moore prsents "Score by Score: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber;"and on Oct 9 the Moraine Chorale and Chamber Singers sing "Festive Folk Songs and Spirited Spirituals." Tickets and other details are at www.morainvalley.edu/fpac and at (708) 974-5500.

RAUE CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake, announces a return engagement of Chicagoland's most popular retro rock show performers, the Neverly Brothers (www.theneverlybrothers.com) 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16. Tickets $24-$30 at (815) 356-9212 and at www.rauecenter.org.

POTPOURRI OF GALLERIES AND MORE

Flossmoor's world-famous artist Michael Cheney unveils a breathtaking new collection, "Urban Impressions," from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 25 at ATLAS GALLERIES, 535 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 329-9330. Mike will be there to talk about his work. His colors and technique combine to capture the looks and emotions of the heartbeat of Chicago; www.mikecheney.com and www.atlasgalleries.com. The opening is, of course, open to the public. Those attending will get a free show poster and a chance to win an authentic Cheney print, embellished by the artist. Winner must be present at time of drawing.

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM, 2350 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, continues the interactive exhibit "The Nomadic Studio" through Nov. 21. This exhibit event is a "collaborative workplace for DePaul and the surrounding community."Details at http://museums.depaul.edu/artwebsite/ and at (773) 325-7506. Gallery hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to 7 p.m. Friday, noon- 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

FLOATING WORLD GALLERY, 1925 N. Halsted St., Chicago, presents its newest gallery show, "Creating What Has Never Been," an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics on display Sept. 24-Nov. 19; gallery hours 1-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and by appointment, (312) 587-7800 and at artworks@floatingworld.com. 

HYDE PARK ART CENTER, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., features "Roger Brown: Calif: USA" an exhibit showcasing what is described as "rare artwork and collections of the famed Chicago imagist." The exhibit of works by the acclaimed graduate of the School of the Art Institute runs through Oct. 3 and gallery admission is always free. For hours and other details: (773) 324-5520 and www.hydeparkart.org. 

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, Robert F. DeCaprio Gallery, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills  http://www.morainevalley.edu/fpac/Season/gallery.htm currently exhibits the Moraine Valley faculty "New Work" art through Oct. 4. Gallery is open 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and during most live performances in the Fine and Performing Arts Center.

TALL GRASS ARTS FALL FILM SERIES presents Oct. 10, "The Last Station"; and on Nov. 14, "A Prophet." A discussion will follow each film. Tickets and information are with the gallery. All films are shown at 6:30 p.m. at Marcus Theatre in Chicago Heights. More information with with the gallery at (708) 748-3377.

UNION STREET GALLERY, 1527 Otto Blvd., Chicago Heights gears up for another jureid event, "Either/OR" from Oct. 8 - Nov. 26. All the details for artists and visitors, including gallery hours, are at www.unionstreetgallery.org and at (708) 754-2601. Artwork details and artists will be in this spot as soon as they arrive.

MUSEUMS, ANIMALS AND MORE

Tour the world's "Great Observatories in 3D," an all-new show now running in the Universe Theater at ADLER PLANETARIUM AND ASTRONOMY MUSEUM, 1300 S. Michigan Ave. (at the east end of Solidarity Drive on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-7827 (STAR). The newest sky show takes you behind the scenes with some of the world's most incredible telescopes so you can see how new discoveries reach the human eye. www.adlerplanetarium.org.

Learn about the stars you can see and the ones a bit beyond naked eye viewing in Joliet at the intimate HERBERT TRACKMAN PLANETARIUM, one of the Southland's far-too-well-kept secrets, located on the main campus of Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road. The fall show season has launched with sky guy Art Maurer of Crete at the helm. Note that all shows are free. Sky shows at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays are for the general audience; coming up Sept. 28 "Our Solar System," an advanced look; Oct. 12, the "Fermi Paradox." Want some background on the compelling Fermi paradox? Head to http://www.fermisparadox.com/ . Meanwhile, shows at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays are geared to the younger set. Coming up Thursday Oct. 7, "Our Solar System" for young audiences, Oct. 21, "What's in the Sky?" The next Sunday young folk show is Dec. 19, "The Christmas Star." Meanwhile use your GPS to find the place on the Joliet Junior Campus off Houbolt Road. If you need good directions, Art says you can e-mail him at amaurer@jjc.edu.

All new! THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, 111. S. MIchigan Ave., Chicago, showcases 17 compelling major works of pre-Columbian art from Mexico in an all-new exhibit, "Ballplayers, Gods and Rainmaker Kings: Masterpieces from Ancient Mexico," now through Jan. 2. In addition,"Looking after Louis Sullivan: Photographs, Drawings and Fragment," continues through Dec. 12, an extraordinary photographic examination of Sullivan's architectural legacy to Chicago as seen through the lenses of legendary photographers John Szarkowski, Aaron Siskind and Richard Nickel. All the details you will need for a trip to the iconic Art Institute are at www.artic.edu. Photo above: Incensario Depicting Chicomecoatl, Mesica-Azteca, Tiahuac, Mexico Federal District, 1996; c. AD 1500. Earthenware and pigment. Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Mexico City, photograph by Michel Zabe. Courtesy Art Institute of Chicago.

There's always lots of stuff going on at BROOKFIELD ZOO, 3300 Golf Road, (708) 485-2000. Oct. 2, 3 is Bear Awareness Weekend focusing on "Bear-y Important Conservation Issues" and no doubt, safety measures for campers and hikers. Then the zoo's Creatures of the Night events begin just in time for Halloween and run on weekend evenings Oct. 15-31. The brave and daring can take a walk along the "Trail of Terror" or ride the Tram of Terror (one creepy scene at right) to see monsters and all sorts of gruesome creatures. All the info you need for a day or scary evening at Brookfied is at www.brookfieldzoo.org.

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM, 1801 N. Clark, (312) 642-4600, presents "Facing Freedom," an exhibit focusing on freedom in American history, a continually evolving story told with images, artifacts, interactive displays and much more. Details are at www.chicagohistory.org.

DUSABLE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, features "The Black Panthers: Making Sense of History," opened earlier this year. It remains a permanent gallery and joins the others, all focused on the lives and stories of African Americans throughout American History. Museum details are at (773) 947-0600.          

Where will you find a room completely covered in gold?? FIELD MUSEUM, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive (on the Museum Campus), (312) 922-9410, unveils its next exhibit, "GOLD," Oct. 22 through March 6. This extraordinary event will leave visitors dazzled. 

Everyone knows the world-famous Field ranks as one of Chicago's great treasures. And no one, but no one does dinos like Field. Oct. 8 is family overnight spectacular, "Dozin with the Dinos!" At this family sleepover, young and the less young will have the chance to sneak up on exhibits (including the mummies) in the dark with flashlights. The event has family packages that start at $75 for non-members, $65 members. Standard overnight is $63 for non -members, $51 members. Get the scoop at www.fieldmuseum.org and at (312) 922-9410.

The Muppets are in Chicago. Yes, "Jim Henson's Fantastic World" runs through Jan. 23 at one of the world's most popular sites, Chicago's own MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, 57th and Lake Shore Drive, www.msichicago.org. Yes, you'll visit with Kermit the Frog, the glamorous Miss Piggy, Bert and Ernie and many more favorite Muppets. In addition to the original characters, visitors will see Henson's art work, sketches as well as television and movie props and photos of Henson and his collaborators at work on some of the most lovable characters of all-time. Details on exhibit tickets are at the website above and at (773) 684-1414.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, (312) 738-1503, is always free thanks to the generosity of its corporate sponsor and this Chicago treasure is packed with Mexican history as well as Mexican-U.S. history -- the people, the religion, the culture and so much more. One of my favorite items is the red pickup truck used by the late agricultural worker organizer, Cesar Chavez (1927-1993). "Millas y Kilometros," an exhibit of works focused on themes and issues of significance to artists of Mexican descent working in the city of Chicago and state of Chiapas, runs through Nov. 28. The museum gift shop is beautiful. 

Bon appetit! PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago, wants you and school-age children to eat well so in conjunction with the start of the 2010-2011 academic year, the museum kicks off the all-new "Nature's Lunchbox" exhibit. This multi-faceted gallery takes guests through the life cycle of foods, from farm to market and ultimately to the compost bin. There's lots more at the museum and every Thursday brings free admission. More details are at http://www.naturemuseum.org and (312) 558-1770.

Go for Four at SHEDD AQUARIUM, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, www.sheddaquarium.org . Starting Oct. 8 join Dora and the Explorer in 4-D as you follow the high-speed adventure to protect animals of the rainforest in "Dora and Diego's 4-DAdventure: Catch that Robot Butterfly." Sounds exciting! And there's always so much going on at Shedd you'll want to check out the website before planning your day. Everything you need is at the site above and at (312) 939-2438.