THEATER
`2 1/2 JEWS’
Nathan Davis, as a cantankerous old widower who is the bane and the blessing of his son’s life, is the chief attraction in Alan Brandt’s sweet, schmaltzy little comedy/drama of family conflict; through July 22 at Apple Tree Theatre, 595 Elm Pl., Highland Park; $28-$32; 847-432-4335.
`AMERICAN BUFFALO’
David Mamet’s high tragedy among lowlifes, stirringly revived, with Mike Nussbaum, John Sterchi and Andrew Micheli as the play’s trio of losers; through July 29 at American Place Theater, 1909 W. Byron St.; $25-$30; 773-929-1031.
`BLUE SURGE’
A forlorn cop (Joe Forbrich) and a teenage hooker (Rachel Miner) form a complex relationship in director Robert Falls’ top-notch production of Rebecca Gilman’s new drama about society’s victims; through Aug. 4 at Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St.; $29-$45; 312-443-3800.
`THE BOMB-ITTY OF ERRORS’
The Shakespeare comedy about mistaken identity, inventively transplanted to a funky urban landscape and ingeniously delivered in intricate hip-hop rhyme by a quartet of frenetic young comedians; through Aug. 12 at the Royal George Cabaret Theater, 1633 N. Halsted St.; $35; 312-988-9000 or 312-902-1500.
`THE FATHER’
August Strindberg’s stinging drama of the war between the sexes, with Michael Canavan, as an immovable martinet, opposed by Shannon Cochran, as his irresistible wife; through July 22 at Writers’ Theatre at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave., Glencoe; $30; 847-835-5398.
`HEDDA GABLER’
Martha Plimpton, a dark, commanding force in director Doug Hughes’ sleek, severe staging, plays the title role, leading a splendid cast through Henrik Ibsen’s landmark drama of an unempowered woman desperate for power; through Aug. 19 at Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St.; $35-$45; 312-335-1650.
`A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’
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An inventive, lively abridgement of the great romantic comedy that’s short in length–about 85 minutes–and long in entertainment value; matinees through Aug. 19 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. on Navy Pier; $10-$15; 312-595-5600.
— Richard Christiansen
CLASSICAL
MARTIN THEATRE
Ravinia’s recital stage comes alive with the wondrous sounds of Chanticleer, the male vocal ensemble, which will perform Cuban and Latin-American pieces in their eclectic program, at 8 p.m. Monday. Other events here this week include a recital by pianist Yefim Bronfman at 8 p.m. Wednesday, and Berlin’s Philharmonia Quartett, with pianist Philippe Entremont, 8 p.m. Thursday; $10-$35; 847-266-5100.
GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
The centennial of Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo’s birth is celebrated with two unusual programs at the Petrillo Music Shell. Guest conductor Josep Pons, guitarist Jose Maria Gallardo and soprano Isabel Monar will join the Grant Park Orchestra for a concert including some of Rodrigo’s less familiar vocal and symphonic works, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Monar, accompanied by pianist Albert Guinovart, returns at 7:30 p.m. Thursday to present a recital of songs by Rodrigo and other Spanish composers; free; 312-742-7638.
DANIEL BARENBOIM
Making his first Ravinia appearance in 30 years, the Chicago Symphony’s music director will lead the orchestra in two weekend concerts. The first, 8 p.m. Friday, pairs Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 (with Barenboim in his familiar role as soloist and conductor) and Mahler’s First Symphony. The second, 8 p.m. Saturday, will be a program of Latin orchestral favorites from Mexico, Spain and South America; $10-$60; 847-266-5100.
— John von Rhein
JAZZ
GEORGE COLEMAN
The mighty tenor saxophonist, whose improvisations are informed by blasts of soul, funk and what-not, will be joined by formidable Chicago pianist Willie Pickens and his trio; Tuesday through Sunday at the Jazz Showcase, 59 W. Grand Ave.; $20; 312-670-2473.
NINA SIMONE
Her shows include more talking than singing these days, but Nina Simone remains a jazz icon well worth beholding; 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; $21.50-$66.50; 312-559-1212.
PAUL WERTICO
The Chicago drummer can play just about any kind of music, but he has achieved some of his most dynamic work of recent years with his trio, featuring guitarist John Moulder and bassist Eric Hochberg; 9 p.m. Friday and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway; $8; 773-878-5552.
— Howard Reich
MOVIES
NUREYEV ON FILM
The Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., continues its month-long series of dance movies featuring Rudolf Nureyev with screenings at 2:30 p.m. Sunday and 6 p.m. Tuesday of a digitally remastered print with stereo sound of the 1972 movie of Nureyev’s staging of “Don Quixote,” with the Australian Ballet; $4-$8; 312-575-8000.
— Richard Christiansen
ART
CHRIS BURDEN
The first solo exhibition in Chicago by the former body artist who has turned to large installations is in its final days; Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario St.; free; 312-787-3997.
THE HEWITT COLLECTION
The exhibit of works by 20 African-American artists from the 19th and 20th Centuries is also in its final week; DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place; $3; 773-947-0600.
`CITY IN A GARDEN’
An installation by Michael Paha amid the flora of the Show House of Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton Drive; free; 312-742-7736.
`HOLLYWOOD ICONS, LOCAL DEMONS’
“Hollywood Icons, Local Demons: Ghanaian Popular Paintings” features work by Mark Anthony, which were displayed along roadsides in Africa to attract audiences to theatrical events; through Sept. 23 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.; free; 312-744-6630.
— Alan G. Artner
ROCK
VANS WARPED TOUR
Kooky rapper Kool Keith, one of the most unusual and inventive voices in hip-hop history, is the highlight of a festival of myriad bands from the ska, punk, metal and hip-hop worlds, all of whom may be outnumbered by the corporate advertisers; Sunday at Tweeter Center, 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park; $27; 312-559-1212.
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TEENAGE FANCLUB
Rare stateside visit by the Scottish princes of Big Star-style power pop; Tuesday at Metro, 3730 N. Clark St.; $15; 773-549-0203.
NEVILLE BROTHERS
It’s best to catch the New Orleans soul band on its own turf, but this outdoor show is the next best option; Tuesday at Ravinia in Highland Park; $10-$35; 847-266-5100.
JILL SCOTT
This singer has become one of the rising stars of the natural soul movement, combining “old-school” melodies and instrumentation with cutting-edge street flair; Tuesday and Wednesday at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; $29.50-$49.50; 312-791-6190.
MARK EITZEL
This singer-songwriter makes strange, caustic mood music for the woebegone and misbegotten; Wednesday at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave.; $9; 773-489-3160.
TOM PETTY
One of the most reliable of the arena rockers will play some rarely heard tunes amid the hits before heading into the studio to record his next album; Friday at Tweeter Center, $17-$55; 312-559-1212.
TREY ANASTASIO
The gifted guitarist’s first tour since his longtime band Phish was put on hiatus, perhaps permanently, will feature a large band with horn section and a fistful of new tunes; Saturday at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, 2699 Highway D, East Troy, Wis.; $29.50; 414-276-4545.
— Greg Kot
DANCE
ENSEMBLE ESPANOL
A 25th anniversary retrospective program; Thursday through July 22 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; $75, Thursday’s gala; otherwise, $15-$30; 847-673-6300.
— Richard Christiansen