Engage the left side of your brain with science activities; watch a family drama unfold on stage; and celebrate the arrival of spring with Chicago’s German community; Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.
Chicago Science Fest
Various locations
Chicago, IL 60602
Celebrate all things science at Chicago Science Fest, which opens on the 2,600th anniversary of the “birthday of science.” On May 28 in 585 B.C. the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus correctly predicted a solar eclipse, confirming the event was due to natural causes and not angry gods. Science Fest events run Thursday, May 28 through Saturday, May 30 at several locations downtown, including 1871 and MATTER Chicago. Topics include the science of GMO food, dark matter, and studying ghostly neutrino particles. All events cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door. An all-day Saturday pass costs $30 or $35 at the door.
The Little Foxes
Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60601
Iconic playwright Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes tells the story of family betrayal and corruption during the turn of the 20th century. Brothers Ben and Oscar Hubbard stand to earn millions funding an industrialized cotton mill, but they need help from their sister Regina for the initial investment. Regina’s husband refuses to finance the scheme, setting off an explosive series of betrayals and exposing the Hubbard family’s ruthless pursuit of wealth. The Little Foxes runs for 2 hours and 40 minutes and includes two intermissions. The show runs through June 7, and tickets range from $25 to $81. Watch Chicago Tonight’s review of the play with Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss.
Maifest Chicago
4700 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
Join in the Gemütlichkeit at the 17th annual Maifest Chicago in the heart of Chicago’s German community. Maifest—which is the German celebration of the arrival of sprin—features food, dancing, and live music and entertainment. The party begins on Thursday, but the official opening ceremony featuring the traditional keg tapping and May queen crowning is held Friday, May 29 at 6:00 pm under the main tent. The festivities run through Sunday.
The Lives of Robert Ryan, featuring The Set-Up
Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
Robert Ryan has been called “one of the greatest actors in the history of American film,” by Martin Scorsese. The Chicago native who starred in film noir classics such as Crossfire and Act of Violence, remains a cult figure here. The Music Box Theatre will show the tense boxing drama The Set-Up starring Ryan and host a post-screening discussion of Ryan’s life and career with Matthew Hoffman of Park Ridge Classic Film; Lisa Ryan, the actor’s daughter; and J.R. Jones, film editor the Chicago Reader and author of the new biography The Lives of Robert Ryan. The screening is at 12:00 pm on Sunday, May 31. Tickets cost $10. Watch Chicago Tonight’s interview with Jones.
Vikings
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Il 60605
Village-raiding, blood-spilling, horn-wearing, the Scandinavian people known as Vikings have quite the reputation, but The Field Museum’s new exhibit shows a different, softer side of the group. More than 500 artifacts, ranging from swords and ships to combs and instruments, depict Norse mythology and offer a glimpse into everyday life during the Viking Age. There’s also the chance to lift a Viking sword or excavate a broad grave. The exhibit runs until Oct. 4. Basic admission for adults is $18. Watch Chicago Tonight’s story on the exhibit, view a slideshow, and take a quiz about Vikings.
