El Grito del Bronx
BLOODY GOOD DEAL: El Grito del Bronx, a new coproduction from Teatro Vista and Collaboraction at the Goodman, comes with a money-back guarantee.

THE FIVE

Don’t-miss events for Wed 07.15.09 through Tue 07.21.09:

1

theatre El Grito del Bronx*
A power pairing of two troupes that define off-Loop excellence (Teatro Vista, Collaboraction) tackles the world premiere of Migdalia Cruz’s humor-laced tragedy about a woman, a wedding, and a man on death row. Buzz kid Anthony Moseley directs, completing the A-team effort. See “Et Cetera” below for more on this production.
GO: Previews through July 16; $15. Regular run through Aug 2; $18-$30. Teatro Vista and Collaboraction at Goodman Theatre, 170 N Dearborn. teatrovista.org
2

musuems Unveiled at the Modern Wing
Still haven’t checked out the Art Institute’s stunning new home for modern art? Geared for young professionals, this afterhours-viewing-party-slash-singles-mixer offers a chance to gaze upon the Twomblys—as well as the Toms, Tiffanys, and Tamaras.
GO: July 15 at 6:30. $35. Art Institute, 159 E Monroe. eveningassociates.com
3

concerts John Legend
Recommended for those who’ve had “PYT” stuck in their heads for the last two weeks. We’d put money on Legend, a devoted Michael Jackson fan, playing at least one ode to the King of Pop at a concert within driving distance of MJ’s childhood home.
GO: July 20, 21 at 7. $27-$68. Ravinia, Green Bay Rd and Lake Cook Rd, Highland Park. ravinia.org
4

farrago Presidential Pedal
Way more appealing than those President’s Challenges we wheezed our way through in phys ed: This 25-mile bike ride takes cyclists past a bevy of local Lincoln-related plaques and monuments—with absolutely no rope climbing required.
GO: July 19 at 8:30 am. $25; BYO bike and helmet. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark. chicagohistory.org
5

concerts Blitzen Trapper
If, heaven help you, you make it through all three days of the Pitchfork Music Festival and come out the other end with a second wind, head to the Empty Bottle for a second show by this Portland, Oregon, band. Pitchfork.com gave the group’s 2007 and 2008 albums back-to-back scores of 8.5 out of 10—downright adulation in the world of disaffected indie-rock critics.
GO: July 19 at 9:30. $15. Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western. emptybottle.com

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

galleries Audrey Niffenegger’s The Night Bookmobile
These days we know her as the recipient of a $5-million advance for her sophomore novel. But before she was an author, Niffenegger—whose first book, The Time Traveler’s Wife, makes its big-screen debut in August—was, and still is, a respected Chicago artist. Size up her skills at this exhibition, a collection of original drawings that ran in the London Guardian in 2008. 
GO: Opening reception July 17 at 5; exhibition continues through August 22. Printworks, 311 W Superior, ste 105. printworkschicago.com

*ET CETERA

Fussy curmudgeons and cheapskates, rejoice! El Grito del Bronx comes with what may be the theatre world’s first-ever money back guarantee. Following each performance, any dissatisfied audience member who submits his or her name, e-mail address, and reason(s) for disgruntlement will receive a cash refund for the full ticket price on the spot, courtesy of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Considering the roster of talent involved and the relatively low ticket prices—not to mention the shame of a public unveiling as a malcontent—we’re guessing most folks won’t take advantage of the offer, designed to fill theatre seats. If we could finagle a similar deal, however, for the CTA ride home … 

 

PHOTOGRAPH: Saverio Truglia