When Sara and Callie first meet in 1990s New York City, sparks fly … maybe. Over late-night conversations, wine, and takeout, they get to know each other and take tentative steps toward a romantic relationship. When their first kiss is ended by a violent, homophobic attack, they’re forced to make big decisions about the future and whether they’ll spend it together or apart.

Stop Kiss by Diana Son

directed by Marilyn Cavicchia

Fridays – April 10 / April 17 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays – April 11 / April 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Sundays – April 12 / April 19 at 3 p.m.

At University Church, 5655 S University Avenue

Get Your Advance Tickets here!

Advance tickets are $15 each, plus a small processing fee. Tickets at the door are $20 general admission and $18 for students and seniors. (Please note: Advance ticket sales close 24 hours before each show. After that point, tickets are available only at the door and not at the advance ticket price.)

Due to popular demand, an early show has been added. Beat rush hour with a short and sweet set by jazz legend Tigran Hamasyan and Chicago’s own Third Coast Percussion!

Named “the hottest pianist in jazz” by The Guardian, Tigran Hamasyan’s jazz mastery—steeped in the folk rhythms of his Armenian heritage—meets the “creative fearlessness” (BBC Music Magazine) of GRAMMY-winning Chicago ensemble, Third Coast Percussion. Known for their kinetic precision and daring collaborations, Third Coast brings a percussive fire to Hamasyan’s blend of jazz improvisation and folk-inspired melodies. Together, they craft a bold, rhythm-fueled experience that pushes sound and musical form to their limits.

Runtime: 1 hour with no intermission.

Fulton Recital Hall, Goodspeed Hall, 4th floor

In this interdisciplinary session led by marimbist, vibraphonist and composer, Patricia Brennan, we explore the intersection of astronomy and music theory through a new system that translates the constellations of the night sky into musical content. By superimposing constellations onto the circle of fifths, we can assign musical notes, intervals, and rhythmic values to the geometry of the sky. This session invites participants to view the night sky as a living score. Participants will explore examples demonstrating how constellations like Aquarius or Andromeda can be “heard” through musical translation. No background in music theory or astronomy is required, just curiosity and a love for the stars.

Following the presentation in Fulton Recital Hall, participants will be invited to grab some cocoa and cookies and head over to the Ryerson Observatory.

This event is best for families with children in grades 5-12.

Free admission

Presented in partnership by the University of Chicago Department of Music and the Ryerson Astronomical Society.

Hyde Park Community Players presents its 16th Annual Evening of Horror and Suspense, where we perform short, spooky plays in the style of old-time radio, complete with live Foley sound effects, parody commercials, and seasonal songs! This year’s edition will be two completely different shows, one on the 24th and the other on the 25th.

Auditions will be held on September 27, 1 to 4 p.m., and September 30, 6 to 9 p.m., at Augustana Lutheran Church (5500 S. Woodlawn Ave.).

This show is done in the style of old-time radio, with live Foley sound effects and no need to memorize!

No preparation necessary. Readings will be provided. You do not need to stay the whole time.

Show dates are October 24 and October 25.

We are committed to nontraditional casting. Actors of all genders, races, communities, ages, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

More details: https://hydeparkcommunityplayers.org/…/auditions-for…/

This year, First Monday Jazz 2025: Big Band Summer takes us on a journey back to the golden age of big band jazz in Chicago. As the 1920s exploded with musical energy from the South mixed with a growing nightlife culture, our city became an epicenter where the raw spirit of early jazz blossomed into the power of larger ensembles. Imagine the scene: bustling cabarets, elegant ballrooms like the Savoy (on 47th and King Drive), and grand theaters such as the Regal hosting musical forces that would define an era. In this electric atmosphere, bandleaders like the legendary Earl Hines helped shape the big band sound, known for its tight arrangements, bold horn sections, and driving rhythm perfect for dancing.

Our September artist is Tom Tom’s Big Band

Driven by a passion for instrumental music, Tom Tom’s Big Band unites some of Chicago’s finest musicians to keep this American art form alive—and to inspire the next generation by helping revive band programs in public schools.

Pianist, arranger, and producer, Tom “Tom Tom” Washington was raised in the Ida B. Wells projects on Chicago’s South Side. He began his music career playing the drums and later transitioned to the keyboard. He received formal music training from influential professor and musical arranger James Mack at Crane Junior College, and went on to arrange dozens of records for Chicago music legends, including Earth, Wind & Fire, The Emotions, Tyrone Davis, Deniece Williams, The Staple Singers, Ramsey Lewis, Leroy Hutson, The Chi-Lites, Otis Leavill, Betty Everett, Jerry Butler, and Loleatta Holloway

Notes:

• Attendees may start setting up their spots starting at 6:30pm. The program begins at 7pm.

• We encourage bringing your blanket or a low-profile lawn chair to relax in the front seating on the grass. APL provides some seating, but seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• For APL events on the Arts Lawn, restrooms are available inside the Green Line Performing Arts Center.

• Arts + Public Life’s outdoor programming on the Arts Lawn will proceed rain or shine unless there are hazardous conditions. Plan accordingly and check APL’s social media channels for real-time updates. Changes to programming related to weather conditions will be announced no earlier than one hour prior to programming. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to community safety.

Life happens outside of your comfort zone. Out Here is a world-premiere musical, a thrilling collaboration between Court Theatre and the University of Chicago, and an intimate look at a family reconfiguring itself and rediscovering joy.

Dawn has a house, a husband, and a family, but she wants more. She wants her ex-girlfriend, Robin. She wants nothing to change and she wants everything to change, and she wants it all on her own terms. As she’s caught between what’s been and what’s next, Dawn must learn to abandon expectations, harmonize with loved ones, and trust the process. If she can do all that, she might just learn a new song. Strikingly original and unabashedly queer, Out Here explores the freedom of relinquishing control, and how, sometimes, you have to break something apart to create something better.

Acclaimed director Chay Yew makes his Court directorial debut with this charming and bold coming-of-age story, bringing the 2025/26 season to a jubilant conclusion.

Accessible Performances:

• Touch Tour: Saturday, May 2 at 12:30pm
• Audio Description and ASL Interpretation: Saturday, May 2 at 2:00pm
• Open Captioning: Sunday, May 3 at 2:00pm

August Strindberg’s Miss Julie is a confrontation of class, gender, and desire at the turn of the twentieth century that’s as relevant today as when it was first written.

Miss Julie wants to abandon her upper-class, aristocratic life and escape the expectations that trap her. Jean, her servant, wants to climb the social ladder and rise through the ranks of society. Over the course of a wine-soaked evening, the two jockey for position, using sex, status, and strategy to collide and combust.

Senior Artistic Producer Gabrielle Randle-Bent directs one of Strindberg’s most celebrated works, interrogating the limitations of politics and position and the tension between who we are and who we want to be.

Accessible Performances:

• Touch Tour: Saturday, February 28 at 12:30pm
• Audio Description and ASL Interpretation: Saturday, February 28 at 2:00pm
• Open Captioning: Sunday, March 1 at 2:00pm