November opens with a split-screen Chicago: The Book of Mormon at the Cadillac Palace on the first afternoon, Don Giovanni at the Lyric Opera House an hour later, and Rod Wave filling the United Center that same evening. Few cities put a satirical musical, a Mozart opera and a platinum rap headliner on the same calendar page.
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- The Book of Mormon at the Cadillac Palace
- Don Giovanni at the Lyric Opera House
- Rod Wave at the United Center
- Jekyll & Hyde at the Broadway Playhouse
- jackzebra at Subterranean
- Topdog/Underdog at the Downstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf
- Vivian Green at City Winery
- L7 at the Vic Theatre
- BoyNextDoor at The Salt Shed
- Dave Herrero & Pete Galanis at Rosa’s Lounge
- Danny Dunn at Zanies Comedy Club
- LA Young’s Phyllis Hyman Tribute at City Winery
- Hush Hush Comedy Hour at the Lincoln Lodge
The Book of Mormon at the Cadillac Palace
Sun, Nov 1, 1:00 PM · Cadillac Palace · from $97
Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Tony-winning musical follows two mismatched missionaries sent to Uganda, and it skewers religion and musical theatre with equal affection. Expect sharp songs, fast jokes and a crowd that laughs loudest at the things it half-expected to be offended by.
Don Giovanni at the Lyric Opera House
Sun, Nov 1, 2:00 PM · Lyric Opera House – IL · from $83
Mozart’s comic-dark opera about a serial seducer and his reckoning is a staple of the repertoire, and Lyric’s grand auditorium is one of the best places in the city to hear it. Go for the orchestra and the voices, and arrive early to read the synopsis.
Rod Wave at the United Center
Sun, Nov 1, 8:00 PM · United Center · from $69
The Florida rapper built a large following on melancholy, sung-rapped confessionals, and his arena shows lean into that emotional intensity. The United Center is a big room, so the sound and the sightlines are the main draw.
Jekyll & Hyde at the Broadway Playhouse
Sun, Nov 1, 1:00 PM · Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place · from $97
Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse’s musical adapts the Robert Louis Stevenson novella into a power-ballad showcase for its lead. It is a good choice for fans of big, sung-through melodrama in an intimate Water Tower Place theatre.
jackzebra at Subterranean
Mon, Nov 2, 8:00 PM · Subterranean · from $41
A world-music act playing one of Chicago’s best-loved basement rooms on a Monday-adjacent night. Subterranean’s low ceilings make it a good pick for a closer, more social listening experience.
Topdog/Underdog at the Downstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf
Sun, Nov 1, 3:00 PM · Downstairs Theatre At Steppenwolf Theatre – Chicago · from $143
Suzan-Lori Parks’s Pulitzer-winning play follows two brothers named after Abraham Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth, trading hustles and old wounds. Steppenwolf’s Downstairs space keeps you close to the performers, which suits a sharp, talky two-hander.
Vivian Green at City Winery
Sun, Nov 1, 5:00 PM · City Winery – Chicago · from $85
The R&B and soul singer known for her warm, conversational style plays City Winery’s supper-club room. Expect a relaxed, intimate set where the vocals are front and center.
L7 at the Vic Theatre
Sun, Nov 1, 7:30 PM · Vic Theatre · from $32
The Los Angeles punk band that helped define 1990s alt-rock brings its gritty, grinding sound to the Vic. It is a good night for anyone who came up on Lollapalooza-era guitars.
BoyNextDoor at The Salt Shed
Wed, Nov 4, 7:30 PM · The Salt Shed Indoors – Chicago · from $98
The South Korean boy group plays the Salt Shed’s indoor room, bringing choreography-heavy pop to a crowd that tends to know every word. It is a lively, high-energy contrast to the week’s rock and opera.
Dave Herrero & Pete Galanis at Rosa’s Lounge
Tue, Nov 3, 9:30 PM · Rosa’s Lounge · from $85
Two Chicago-scene players sharing a bill at Rosa’s, one of the city’s most respected blues and jazz rooms. Expect a late-night set in a small, unpretentious space.
Danny Dunn at Zanies Comedy Club
Sun, Nov 1, 7:00 PM · Zanies Comedy Club – Chicago · from $56
Zanies is one of Chicago’s longest-running comedy clubs, and it books a steady stream of stand-up acts. Go for a sharp, low-key laugh in a room built for it.
LA Young’s Phyllis Hyman Tribute at City Winery
Tue, Nov 3, 7:30 PM · City Winery – Chicago · from $79
A tribute to the late soul singer Phyllis Hyman, whose silky ballads remain influential among R&B fans. It is a good pick for anyone who wants smooth, vocal-led soul in a dinner-theatre setting.
Hush Hush Comedy Hour at the Lincoln Lodge
Wed, Nov 4, 8:00 PM · Theater 3 Mainstage At The Lincoln Lodge · from $25
A rotating stand-up showcase at the Lincoln Lodge’s mainstage, offering a shorter, cheaper night out. It is a good option for a low-commitment evening with several comics in one sitting.
Dates and seat availability can shift, so check each listing before you go, and book early for the Book of Mormon and Rod Wave, which tend to sell out.
