Best bets: Malkovich makes killer return to Chicago
Killer opera
Movie actor and Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member John Malkovich returns to Chicago in a chilling opera and theater hybrid drama called “The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer.” The piece focusing on literary murderer Jack Unterweger plays this weekend at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $35-$125. For mature audiences only. (312) 294-3000 or cso.org. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2
Driver designate
If you're a racing fan and you don't know about the former NASCAR and Daytona 500 champion “Fearless Freddie” Lorenzen, then don't miss the exhibit “On the Road to Glory: Fred Lorenzen.” It details many of the racing accomplishments of this Elmhurst native and starts this weekend at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. Free admission. (630) 833-1457 or elmhurst.org. 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; through Sunday, May 19
Troubled muse
The distinguished Hamburg Ballet from Germany makes its Chicago debut this weekend with the new ballet “Nijinski” (based on the famed muse of impresario Sergei Diaghilev) at Millennium Park's Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago. $30-$75. (312) 334-7777 or harristheaterchicago.org. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2
Bucking trend
Rodeo and bull-riding greats like Neal McCoy are featured in the professional championship Bull Riders World Tour Finale VII this weekend at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. Tickets cost $18-$85; $10 parking. (888) 732-7784 or searscentre.com. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2
Classical & modern
The globally celebrated Parsons Dance brings its blend of classical and contemporary modern dance to North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville. $10-$25. (630) 637-7469. 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
Saucy comedy
From being a finalist on NBC's “Last Comic Standing” to numerous appearances on “The Howard Stern Show,” comedian April Macie brings her own brand of often explicit humor to Zanies Comedy Club, 5437 Park Place, Rosemont. $20 plus a two menu-item purchase. (847) 813-0484 or zanies.com. 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2
Groban in HD
Fans of vocalist Josh Groban won't want to miss his high-definition movie theater concert called “Josh Grobin Live: All That Echoes,” which also features a live Q-&-A session. See it Monday at select participating movie theaters in the suburbs ranging from Lincolnshire to South Barrington. Ticket prices vary, but largely $15. fathomevents.com. 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4
Alumni & student art
Alumni are now in the mix among student artists competing in the President's 5th Annual Juried Competition at Lewis University's Oremus Fine Arts Building, One University Parkway, Romeoville. Free admission, through reservations requested for the reception. (815) 588-7179 or lewis.edu. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, through Thursday, Feb. 28; 7 p.m. reception Wednesday, Feb. 6
Oh, pioneers
Kids can learn a bit about what life was like as an American pioneer child in the touring show “Laura Ingalls Wilder,” which plays at two different venues: the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, $8.50, (630) 896-6666 or paramountaurora.com; then at the Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. $6, (847) 782-2366 or geneseetheatre.com. 9:30 a.m. and noon Tuesday, Feb. 5, in Aurora; 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6, in Waukegan