Friday | May 10
Like French satire? No? Like French food? Well, bring your UCID to Student Night at Court Theatre for a free showing of Moliere’s The Misanthrope, the classic comedy of errors that Rousseau gave “two thumbs up.” The play pokes fun at the already very funny social conventions of 17th century high society, although this production apparently does not include powdered wigs. A free post-play discussion with the cast and crew will follow, along with free coffee and French pastries. Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave., 8 p.m., free with UCID.
PanAsia’s Spring Festival extravaganza continues with a performance by Asian-American b-boys Poreotics at Hutch Commons. The victors of “Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew” will gyrate you into the next dimension with their high-flying mix of popping, choreography, and robotics (po-reo-tics). Accompanying them will be performances by home-grown talents Phinix Dance Crew, Rhythmic Bodies in Motion, PanAsia, and the AAIIV BBoys. Hutchinson Commons, Reynolds Club, 5706 S. University Ave., 7 p.m., free with UCID.
Saturday | May 11
You’ve heard of all things pop-up happening in New York at this point—restaurants, boutiques, those ubiquitous silent raves—but Chicago’s been a bit reluctant to embrace this trend so far. If you’d like to do some research into the possible forces at play behind this haunting phenomenon, hop the Brown Line to Irving Park this afternoon. You’ve heard of all things pop-up, but have you heard of a last minute pop-up Mother’s Day art market? Yeah, got you there, buckaroo. At the Chicago Art Girls Spring Pop-Up Shop, more than 35 women artists will be selling their handmade goods. These will include paintings, furniture, housewares, clothing, pottery, felted things, jewelry, and, most importantly, chocolate. Ravenswood Event Center, 4011 N. Ravenswood Ave., 11 a.m.–5 p.m., free.
It’s getting to that time of the quarter when you begin yearning to really dig in. You’re not busy enough; you’re downright bored. Why haven’t you pinkslipped into that fifth class, or undertaken the creation of a couple new RSOs? Seriously, though, at this point you might be so sick of campus you find you’re happy here. To celebrate this epiphany, have a night in Hyde Park on Saturday and go to the UChicago South Asian Vocal Ensemble’s performance, “Holi ~ A Festival of Colors,” which is one of several events it is holding for the Holi Festival. The group says their work will celebrate a wide range of South Asian traditions, “including North and South Indian classical music, Baul music from Bangladesh, Qawwali from Pakistan, and North and South Indian classical dance performances in collaboration with Apsara!” Fulton Hall, 5845 S. Ellis Ave., 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m., free.
Sunday | May 12
This Mother’s Day, catch Frank Perry’s classic Mommie Dearest, starring the legendary Joan Crawford, at the Music Box Theater. Audience interaction is encouraged. Tickets come with an “interactive audience participation guide,” with a running commentary led by Camp Midnight. There will also be a live preshow hosted by Dick O’Day and the Hell in a Handbag players. See also the mother/daughter matching outfit contest, as well as the commemorative wire hangers given out to the first 100 guests. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., 2 p.m., $12.
For more traditional (read: alcoholic) family fare, head out to West Loop favorite Nellcôte for a special brunch menu, where a portion of the proceeds will be going to the American Cancer Society. 833 W. Randolph St., 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
If your mom won’t be in town this weekend, ignore the rising swell of homesickness as compounded by general mid-quarter awfulness and head out to ArtShould Expose. Half outdoor exhibit, half giant art sale, the event is meant to broadcast local talent from both the UChicago and broader Hyde Park communities. Described as an “arts carnival,” there will also be food, music, and, of course, arts and crafts. Logan Center courtyard, 915 E. 60th St., 2 p.m.–5 p.m., free.
There are two interminable truths about UChicago campus culture: First, someone will always be wearing one of those awful self-deprecating T-shirts, and second, Scav. If you haven’t already locked yourself in a bunker until the storm passes, then head out this Sunday for Scav Judgment. If you’re a fan, I hear this gathering is pretty funny, and a high point of the competition. If you’re not a fan, then rejoice still, as this means it’s ending. Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 E. 59th St., 12 p.m., free.
