To break or not to break — that is the question for Toy Theatre, a dramatic display of glass puppets and harlequin figures by New York artist Karen LaMonte. The 12 pieces on display generate a peculiar theatrical tension, as the do-not-touch aura of the fragile glass is juxtaposed with the hands-on charm of LaMonte’s miniatures. The show runs through May 15 at Portia Gallery, 1702 N. Damen Ave.; 312-862-1700.
– Marla Hart.
A JOURNEY’S LEGACY
The Joel Hall Dancers will be moving in the fast lane, as usual, with their mix of ballet, jazz and street dance when they present the premiere of “The Crossing.” This new work follows the voyage of blacks across the ocean from Africa, their journey from slavery to freedom and their migration north, and interprets the cultural baggage they gathered along the way. The performance takes place at O’Rourke Center for Performing Arts, 1145 W. Wilson Ave., 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and April 18-20, 2 p.m. Sunday and April 21, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday; $20 adults, $15 students and seniors, $10 children; 312-878-9761.
– Nancy Maes.
PUPPET FESTIVAL
A three-day Puppet Fest presented by Rosary College and Hystopolis Productions features the comedy of The Paul Mesner Puppets in “Just So Stories”; mime work in “Mr. Ug Caveman” by Leon Van Weelden, who has been known to wear an ostrich body puppet; the virtuoso showmanship of Dave Herzog’s Marionettes performing fabulous circus feats; and the exquisitely detailed marionettes of the Zapato Puppet Theatre. The event also includes workshops, demonstrations and a chance for everyone to try their hand at puppetry. Puppet Fest runs April 18-20, Lund Auditorium, Rosary College, 7900 W. Division St., River Forest. Performances and workshops are $4 each; 708-524-6913 or 312-PUPPETS.
– Nancy Maes.
NEW DANCE CENTER
The south suburbs now have a dance center to call their own with the opening of the New Life Performing Arts Center in Calumet City. The New Life Performance Company is marking the occasion with a series of dance workshops this weekend at the center, 12639 S. Laflin, as well as a 2:30 p.m. Sunday performance at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th St., where the Center Stage troupe from Orem, Utah, will be New Life’s featured guest; 312-779-2190.