🚬 Will this actually stop smoking on the CTA?

Johnson Signs Order to Squash Smoking on Trains

Mayor Brandon Johnson says efforts to end smoking on the CTA will include adding social workers at CTA stops, and “short-term and long-term interventions” to be determined by city agencies. [WBEZ]

The Perfect Summertime Chicago Playlist

On today's podcast, City Cast's own Caroline Patton joins help curate the ultimate summer playlist, complete with favorite albums, songs, and performances from Chicago artists. Caroline's a certified expert — she puts together the (super useful) weekly Chicago Show Calendar. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Burnett Faces Pushback For CHA Appointment

Retiring Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) seems to be top of the shortlist to lead the Chicago Housing Authority as CEO. But 14 residents on CHA’s Central Advisory Council say Burnett doesn’t do enough to help those living in public housing. The politician, who grew up in Cabrini–Green, defended himself. Meanwhile, the agency nears nine months with no CEO. [Tribune 🔒]

• Related: Burnett wants his son to replace him as alder. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Rosa’s Lounge Launches Independent Record Label

Rosa’s Lounge, a beloved blues club in Logan Square, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Now, it’s expanding its reach by launching an independent record label for local blues, R&B and rock-adjacent musicians. You’ll soon be able to stream Rosa’s Lounge Records on Spotify and other streaming platforms. [Block Club]

While fall is officially “theater season” in Chicago, there are still plenty of plays worth checking out before the leaves turn.

Outdoor Theater

The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is putting on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at multiple parks till Aug. 17. Meanwhile, “Love’s Labour Lost” runs in Winnemac Park July 25-27 and in Touhy Park Aug. 1-3.

For the kids, “Book Up!” is running at multiple parks till Aug. 10 as well as the family friendly “Ice Cream Circus,” at multiple parks till Aug. 24.

There’s also a “Broadway in Chicago” concert in Millennium Park Aug. 11!

Big Theaters

“The Color Purple” at Goodman Theatre

You know the story. The musical version of this classic tale has been extended at the Goodman, and it’s full of Chicago talent. The show runs till Aug. 3.

Non-Shakespeare at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

There’s a lot on deck at the Shakespeare Theatre. And not all of it’s Shakespeare: “Billie Jean” is running till Aug. 10. “Circus Abyssinia: Ethiopian Dreams,” an acrobatic show, is also running.

“Big White Fog” at Court Theatre

Often compared to “Raisin in the Sun,” Theodore Ward’s play predates that classic by 20 years. Ward was a central figure in the Chicago Black Renaissance, and his seminal work charts the tensions of a Black family in Chicago. The show runs from Sep. 12 to Oct. 12.

• On Aug. 13-15, the theater is hosting related events and staged readings in honor of Ward.

(Somewhat) Off the Beaten Path

“Amelie the Musical” at Chopin Theatre

“In a basement theater, the musical ‘Amelie’ builds a Parisian wonderland full of whimsy and kindness,” said Bob Chiarito for the Sun-Times. The show runs till Sept. 28.

“Infinite Wrench” at The Neo-Futurist Theater

Thirty original plays in just 60 minutes. For those who loved “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.” Shows are every weekend with tickets available through Aug. 31.

The Pivot Arts Festival at Wirtz Center Chicago

The Pivot Arts Festival showcases experimental work by artists of color. “Sunset 60 Minutes” is a multidisciplinary performance influenced by the diaries of Jan Fabre. “Paradise Aliens” tackles border politics. Both shows are July 27.

“Next Door” at Raven Theatre

The poster for “Next Door” is intriguing: simply, lasagna. And as neighbors check in, bringing food after a tragedy, the story promises lasagna-like layers. The show runs Aug. 11-13.

“How To Transcend a Happy Marriage” at Redtwist Theatre

Part of Redtwist’s Defiant Femme series, this play by Chicagoland native Sarah Ruhl sees a dinner party plunge into polyamorous exploration. The show runs Aug. 17 to Sept. 21.

And if none of these peak your interest … here are more late-summer plays 👇

Every week, we like to highlight recs from City Cast Chicago Neighbors. To plug your favorite business or nonprofit, become a member today.

This week, Alison T. is shouting out Bucktown Arts Fest: "One of the oldest festivals in the city, Bucktown Arts Fest is 100% volunteer-run. Sign up to help out!"

This year, the fest is Aug. 23-24. Thanks for the reminder Alison!