photo: Courtesy of Nick Flandro; take Ma for some vino and storytelling at Webster's
We've been seeing the advertisements since mid-March. Yes, we know that Mother's Day is right around the corner, and no, we still don't know how to make it more exciting than last year, when we took Mom to an insanely crowded restaurant for brunch. But we
do know that showering Ma with love doesn't have to include mass-produced eggs and soggy waffles. Why not remind her of how special she is by actually doing something—not eating something—with her? Or, book a
brunch date to fuel you up before the intake of art, theater, pampering and more.
Theater
Show mom some luv at Hell in a Handbag's screening of "Mommy Dearest" at the Music Box
Hell in a Handbag is known for its over-the-top camp aesthetic, so it comes as no surprise that the company's new play "Die! Mommie Die!" coincides with Mother's Day. But on top of that, the troupe will host a special 3 p.m. Mother's Day screening of "Mommy Dearest," the best-selling memoir-turned-movie about Joan Crawford's daughter. The event features a Joan Crawford look-a-like contest, prizes and a performance by The Joans, a band dedicated exclusively to "giving Joan Crawford a rock-and-roll voice." If you're feeling extra affectionate, take mom to a 1 p.m. brunch at nearby Violet before the movie begins.
Visual art
Discover Fulton Market galleries
Okay, okay, so this event happens on Saturday, but why not beat the crowds and take Mom out a day early? (Plus, galleries are closed on Sundays.) From noon to 5 p.m., the mixed-bag West Loop invites visitors to its Neighborhood Open House, where you can check out all the goods. Participating businesses include a plethora of galleries, boutiques and retail stores. Be sure to check out some of Chicago's hottest contemporary art galleries, like Linda Warren Gallery, with Carson Fox's crafty paintings—covered in repetitive patterns of flowers, stars and birds; NavtaSchulz Gallery, with Jason Peot's folksy and industrial lightboxes, and many others. And unlike the Art Institute, these art shows are free, Momma.
Words and such
Enjoy wine, words and general merriment with mom at Webster's Wine Bar's 2nd Story
Catch the last day of Serendipity Theatre's monthly gathering of music, wine and storytelling, taking place at the city's oldest and coziest wine bar at 7 p.m. Sunday. Collaborating with DJs, musicians, actors, directors and other creative types, four storytellers weave together a, well, story. The Mother's Day theme is appropriately dubbed "Flesh and Blood," and features storytellers Larry Kerns, CP Chang, Khanisha Foster and Kimberlee Soo; the musical guest is TBA. Your $15 ticket also includes a wine flight, so the event will please moms who are theater fans and/or oenophiles.
Comedy
Bring up family trauma with pHamily the Musical
A little family dysfunction never hurt anyone, right? So why not start Mother's Day weekend off by bringing up all the emotional baggage you've been carrying around all these years? Because, really, who doesn't love re-living painful memories. pH's long-running, completely improvised musical homage, which takes place at Stage Left Theatre at 11 p.m. on Fridays, focuses on the family drama that we all know and love. Audience interaction is encouraged, and even rooms—like the one where a million fights happened—sing. Yes, you read that right.
Spa
Give mom a special touch with a spa package at Continuum Studio
Eating is so overrated. Real bonding happens when you and Mom take a trip to the spa for a day of de-stressing. And that's where Continuum Studio, located in Andersonville, comes in. Spa packages like the Restore Trio (two-and-a-half hours for $209) combine a body polish that moisturizes skin, a hydrating mud wrap, and a 60-minute therapeutic massage. If re-invigoration is what you're after, try the Revitalize Trio (two-and-a-half hours for $199), which offers a facial treatment, body polish and a 60-minute massage. Think about all the stress you've caused Ma over the years—the loser boyfriends, the six-plus years in undergrad; let her take a load off already.
If you and Ma worked up a hunger, check out our guide to Mother's Day dining.
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