See Bert and Ernie in Jim Henson’s Fantastic World this month at the Museum of Science and Industry.
 

Ranked from highest profile to biggest surprise

RICCARDO MUTI 9/19–28 The leonine new king of the CSO ascends his throne for a Berlioz bill with live narration by Gérard Depardieu, but it’s the free concert for the masses that has us yelling, “Bravo!”

DETROIT 9/9–11/7 When it comes to gauging sizzle in Lisa D’Amour’s blistering new comedy at Steppenwolf about backyard barbecues, our bets are on the spitfire Laurie Metcalf.

CANDIDE 9/17–10/24 A little song, a little dance, a little cannibalism. With Mary Zimmerman directing this musical take on Voltaire’s catalog of pain, the only torture should come in the plot.

PAVEMENT 9/13 Talk about pounding it: The Pitchfork headliner and reunited indie-rock darling returns for a second gig in as many months.

JIM HENSON’S FANTASTIC WORLD 9/24–1/23 The letter of the day? M, as in “Muppetastic.” Bert, Ernie, and other polyfoam pals cameo in this exhibition about the peerless puppet master at the MSI.

RENEGADE CRAFT FAIR 9/11–12 Like craft fairs of old—on steroids, with tattoos. Hundreds of hipsters hawk handmade goods (including the bracelets above) in this ever-growing fest’s eighth annual outing.

JAZZ CLUB TOUR 9/1 A note of hope when we need it most. In a bleak year for local jazz, this lively precursor to Jazz Fest reminds us of Chicago’s bebop bounty.

SEEING IN THE DARK 9/10–10/16 In between multimillion-dollar bestsellers, Audrey Niffenegger still finds time to doodle. See her recent output in a new show at Printworks.

THE OTHER DANCE FESTIVAL 9/16–10/1 While last month’s Chicago Dancing Festival was heavy on out-of-town talent, this under-the-radar lineup is rife with promising locals.

ACCESSIBLE CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 9/18 Music to move to: Six emerging composers debut commissions inspired by—and played on-site at—five Loop landmarks. Wear your walking shoes.

Photograph: John E. Barrett. TM & © 2007 Sesame Workshop