Friday / November 14
Despite the controversy over the original Lascivious Ball, MODA has brought a clothed version back that will protect you from both disturbing images of naked people and feeling the cold Chicago wind on your you-know-where. The reinstated Lascivious Costume Ball will feature a fashion show, a Rhythmic Bodies in Motion performance, and a Queers & Associates drag show. (Ida Noyes Hall, 8 p.m., $5)
Saturday / November 15
Although The Wackness is largely about the relationship between a therapist (Sir Ben Kingsley) and his socially awkward teenage patient (Josh Peck), the film is perhaps best known for the make-out session between Kingsley and former child star Mary-Kate Olsen. Despite the obvious age difference between Sir Ben and every other character, this is a coming of age film—for both Kingsley’s and Peck’s characters—and is sure to make viewers nostalgic for the ‘90s. (Max Palevsky Cinema, 11 p.m., $5)
Burn Notice star Jeffrey Donovan appears in Don’t Dress for Dinner during its two-month run at the Royal George Theatre. The play is a modern-day comedy of errors about a husband’s attempt at spending a romantic weekend at home while his wife visits her mother in the country. (1641 North Halsted Street, 8 p.m., $49.50)
The Signal Ensemble tackles the John Guare play exploring the concept that a chain of only six people separates everyone in the world from each other. Six Degrees of Separation is about a con man, Paul, who works his way into Manhattan’s upper class through deception. Fun fact: Will Smith played Paul in the film adaptation of the play, in stark contrast to his previous role as the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. (1543 West Division Street, 8 p.m., $20)
Sunday / November 16
After having too much fun in the sun, original Beach Boy Brian Wilson battled a cocaine addiction and ensuing mental illness before making a successful comeback into popular music as a solo artist. Wilson performs at the Chicago Theatre on a stop of his latest tour to promote his newest album, fittingly named That Lucky Old Sun. (175 North State Street, 8 p.m., $32)
Society prefers to keep sex offenders behind bars, but Robert Byington’s dark comedy RSO [Registered Sex Offender] puts one on screen, exploring the surprisingly normal life of a newly released and rehabilitated sex offender: He’s just a regular guy with a psycho girlfriend and no motivation to get a job. The film offers a cynical critique of redemption and the post-prison life. (164 North State Street, 5:45 p.m., $7)
Monday / November 17
Taking a cue from David Bowie and Velvet Goldmine, glam-rock is making a 21st century comeback. Semi Precious Weapons may not be as flamboyant or sexually promiscuous as those bands from the ’70s, but six-foot-tall bisexual singer Justin Tranter captures the modern glam-rock movement with his heavy eyeliner and high-end jewelry line sold exclusively at Barneys. (1572 North Milwaukee, 21+, 8 p.m., $8)
Doc Films’s free screening of Waltz with Bashir deals with the atrocities of the 1982 Lebanon War and the Sabra and Shatila massacre in the form of an animated documentary. The film follows Israeli director Ari Folman through his conversations with friends, witnesses, and a reporter in Beirut at the time of the massacre. (Max Palevsky Cinema, 9 p.m., free)
Tuesday / November 18
The Smart Museum opens its newest exhibit, The “Writing” of Modern Life, featuring pieces from the etching revival in the 1850s. The medium was redefined in the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century as it gained popularity among printmakers and critics. The exhibit will feature American artists such as Whistler and Haden. (Smart Museum, 10 a.m., free)
Wednesday / November 19
Journalist, photographer, and filmmaker Micah Garen was kidnapped while filming a documentary on looting in Iraq. At the I-House he will discuss the 10-day hostage ordeal he underwent, as well as the current state of Iraq with regards to the looting of archaeological sites. (International House, 7 p.m., free)
Despite having gone through a breakup and reunion that was only able to maintain two original members, Smashing Pumpkins return to Chicago for a four-night stand at the Chicago Theatre. The now two-piece band featuring Billy Corgan and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin is on tour, nominally to promote their new four-song EP, but mainly because they can. (175 North State Street, 7:30 p.m., $62)
Thursday / November 20
As a leading figure of the international left, Tariq Ali will speak on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and future U.S. involvement in the region in light of the recent election; he will address the issue of Pakistan as an increasing threat to American security. Ali will also be promoting his new book, The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power, which deals with the aftermath of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination. (International House, 6 p.m., free)
Earlier this year, Alkaline Trio put their Satanist tendencies on display during their appearance on The Hills. However far the trio may seem to have drifted from its Midwestern roots, the band’s music is still deeply connected to their hometown. Alkaline Trio will be performing with Rise Against and Thrice at Congress Theatre. (2135 North Milwaukee Avenue, 7 p.m., $27.50)
Have an event you’d like to see in STD? E-mail christineyang@uchicago.edu.
