Where to be and what to see this week: Lincoln Park Zoolights, “Universal Pictures: Celebrating 100 Years,” “The Face of the News” event, Roseland Hospital Foundation Gala, “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” “When Collecting Was New: Photographs from the Robert A. Taub Collection” and “Hope for the Children of Greece.”
Lincoln Park Zoolights
Through Jan. 6: During the holidays, the home of creatures great and small sparkles with 2 million lights that cast a colorful glow. And that’s not all: Visitors can take photos with Santa Claus, shop a selection of holiday crafts, watch a musical light show, check out live ice-sculpting demonstrations, sip mulled wine and enjoy dinner and snacks. From 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23; nightly from Dec. 26–Jan. 6. Free. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark. For more information, call (312) 742-2000 or visit Lpzoo.org.
‘Universal Pictures: Celebrating 100 Years’
Dec. 9-Jan 3: From black-and-white films to big-screen blockbusters, Universal has been a tenacious player in Hollywood. Once a second-tier studio whose early flicks became classics (“Frankenstein,” “Dracula”), it went on to become an industry behemoth, thanks to films such as “To Kill a Mockingbird.” This week kicks off a nearly monthlong celebration of its history with showings of classic movies such as Erich von Stroheim’s “Blind Husbands” (1919) and the 1959 Rock Hudson/Doris Day vehicle, “Pillow Talk.” Tickets: $7 general admission, $6 students, $4 members. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Visit Siskelfilmcenter.org/universal100-part2.
‘The Face of the News’
Dec. 12: Photographer Steve Starr loved an event. And there’s no doubt he was looking forward to this show, a celebration of his long career with the camera. Sadly, he passed away suddenly in November, but the exhibition is going ahead as planned, honoring a beloved man and helping to raise funds to support the preservation of his work. In addition to being a published author and an art deco expert, Steve shot photos of just about everyone in Chicago and beyond, from Beyoncé to Vince Vaughn. One can only imagine what a photo opp this night will be. Tickets: $100-$750. The Murphy Auditorium, 50 E. Erie Street. Please visit Stevestarr.eventbrite.com.
Roseland Hospital Foundation gala
Dec. 14: Roseland Community Hospital has had a big year; it was recently awarded the new Philips MicroDose Mammography system — just the sixth in the country and the only one in the Midwest. Honorary committee members Les Coney and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle welcome guests to celebrate the hospital’s successes and look to the future at the fourth annual Crystal Images gala. Emceed by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, nutrition consultant for WMAQ-Channel 5, the event will feature presentations of civic awards and scholarships, a live band, a DJ and a raffle. Funds will help the hospital provide mammograms to uninsured women. Tickets: $250. Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Wacker. For more information, call Loretta Flanagan at (773) 995-3486.
‘The Radio City Christmas Spectacular’
Dec. 14-30: A show-biz extravaganza like nothing else, this dance-packed show has been knocking the socks off audiences for 85 years. And this season’s edition is no exception: Look for a 50-foot LED screen that transports the audience to Times Square and Santa’s Workshop, a life-size double-decker bus, the classic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers,” the “Living Nativity” and a finale featuring the iconic high-kicking Rockettes. Tickets start at $30. Akoo Theatre, 5400 N. River, Rosemont. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com.
‘When Collecting Was New: Photographs from the Robert A. Taub Collection’
Dec. 15-May 12: In 1960 Robert Taub stopped in a bookstore and snapped up a landscape shot by celebrated 19th century photographer William Henry Jackson. Photos weren’t as prized then as they are now, but even as museums (and the market), came around, he continued to collect, amassing an eclectic array of images, from Ansel Adams and Walker Evans to advertising photographs by Nickolas Muray and NASA space exploration photographs. The Art Institute’s exhibit showcases his keen eye for photos and is a visual history of the 20th century. Admission: adults, $18; children 14 and older, students and seniors, $12; children younger than 14, free. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. For more information, visit Artic.edu.
‘Hope for the Children of Greece’
Dec. 16: It’s no secret Greece is dealing with hard times. And with the country’s social services feeling the pinch, Eleni Bousis and Eleni Tzotzolis have stepped up to the plate to host a benefit lunch to support five organizations in Greece that assist orphans, children with cancer and abused youth. Noted “Sex and the City” stylist Patricia Field (who is half Greek) will address guests, along with supermodel Vicky Kaya, ambassador for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Greece. The luncheon is free. Donations can be made to the Soteria Foundation. Reservations required. Chateau Ritz, 9100 N. Milwaukee, Niles. Call (773) 415-7818 or email Gerbanas@yahoo.com.
Designer Patricia Field
—Thomas Connors
