There Will Be ‘Flood’

Our top five picks for things to do this week: It only reads like a rundown of deadly plagues. Highlights include a song cycle about hypochondria, a behind-the-scenes chat on DNA testing, and a new play by Rebecca Gilman that should open the critical floodgates.

From Beer to Eternity

Our top five picks for things to do this week: Highlights include a green-tinged pub crawl courtesy of the Chicago History Museum, Stephen Sondheim live at the Harris, and a screening of William S. Burroughs: A Man Within, with Penny Arcade, as part of the second annual CIMM Fest.

Winter’s Best Week Ever

Our top five picks for things to do this week: We’re not sure what’s in the water (er, slush), but this week offers an unparalleled lineup of concerts, screenings, and more—your best bets yet for conquering the winter blahs. Bonus: five freebies we would have paid for (but don’t have to)

Faust Company

Our top five picks for things to do this week: Lyric unveils its own lavish Faust … Dog & Pony trots out another genre-buster … Booker T slow boils … Tortoise revs up … Patti Smith comes home (for free)

Abe and Abet

Our top five picks for things to do this week: President’s Day! Mardi Gras! Valentine’s! We’ve got you covered—except for the roses. You’ll have to swing those yourself. Inside: Lincoln comes to life on film … Philip Seymour Hoffman makes his Goodman directorial debut … Ladysmith Black Mambazo plays real world music … plus, three freebies for V-Day