1 Brass Acts
Get your oompah on when Chicago’s own marching band/spectacle theater collective Mucca Pazza celebrates International Tuba Day at Martyrs’. May 2. muccapazza.com
2 Ecce Homo
Curated by historian Jonathan D. Katz, The First Homosexuals: The Birth of a New Identity, 1869–1939 uses art from 40 countries to illustrate how coining a label for same-sex desire shaped cultural perceptions of sexuality. May 2–July 26. wrightwood659.org
3 Sprite of Spring
Winding down its eighth season with a flourish, the buzzy South Chicago Dance Theatre presents In/Within, a world premiere choreographed by Kia S. Smith. May 3. auditoriumtheatre.org
4 Modern-Day Maestro
Contemporary composer Max Richter performs with a string quartet at Symphony Center. The program includes his Blue Notebooks, containing the evocative and haunting “On the Nature of Daylight.” May 6. cso.org
5 They’re Gonna Sing It Again
Traverse the road to hell with Orpheus and Eurydice once more when Hadestown returns. Maybe it will work out this time? May 6–18. broadwayinchicago.com
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6 Three Moms Walk Into a Wine Bar
The standup is tailor-made for matriarchs whenever Bad Momz of Comedy, led by local comic Orly K.G., take the mic. May 7. citywinery.com
7 Stalingänger
A brainy new satire by playwright Dianne Nora gets its Chicago premiere at A Red Orchid Theatre: Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin follows a Stalin body double and his handler. May 8–June 22. aredorchidtheatre.org
8 Make Our Garden Glow
The touring exhibition Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature shows how the Scot brought 20th-century style to dusty botanical art. May 16–Aug. 17. driehausmuseum.org
9 There’s Gotta Be Better Ways to Escape L.A.
Chicago Shakes teams up again with the Six producers to deliver 42 Balloons, a musical about the daredevil who floated 16,000 feet above Los Angeles in a lawn chair. May 24–June 29. chicagoshakes.com
10 Do Poppers Come in Pink?
All-star drag-queen musician Trixie Mattel works the DJ decks at the Salt Shed during Solid Pink Disco: Blonde Edition. Pro tip: Wear fuchsia. May 29. trixiemattel.com