Hart-Felt

8/17-8/22
Ann Reinking hasn’t been able to leave the musical Chicago alone, though she admits she really hasn’t tried. She performed in the original 1970s Broadway version, starred as sassy murderess Roxie Hart in the ’96 revival, and now, as choreographer, is responsible for making sure its tours are as fresh and sexy as possible. It’s a delicious assignment. “Not only is it my job to make sure it stays up to a certain caliber, but it’s something I want to do,” she says. “It’s such a privilege to work on something that’s so good.”

She’s not exclusively focused on Chicago. Other recent work includes a George Harrison salute and the current off-Broadway hit Here Lies Jenny. But that’s fine with her. “You have to be used to chaos and actually like it,” she says. The show runs at 8:30 p.m. nightly through Sunday at Starlight Theatre (4600 Starlight Road, 816-363-7827).— Steve Walker

smokin’ at b.b.’s

8/20-8/21
The 14th annual Blues and Barbecue Benefit for the Sherwood Center (a nonprofit agency that provides services for people with autism) is this weekend at B.B.’s Lawnside BBQ (1205 East 85th Street). Acts such as the Blues Notions, John Paul’s Flying Circus and Four Fried Chickens and a Coke play under a large tent in the parking lot of the legendary roadhouse — and we mean legendary. Consider this advice from the restaurant’s Web site: “To find it, turn right on 85th Street, then go south about 60 years.” The event runs from 6 p.m. to midnight Friday and from 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Tickets are $5; call 816-363-4606. — Annie Fischer

Purple Ties

WED 8/25

Deep Purple‘s lineup has changed so much that the multilayered onion might be a better choice of produce for the band’s North American Bananas Tour. The British group best known for the classic-rock-radio staple “Smoke on the Water” has hosted many itinerant rockers, including fretboard wizard Joe Satriani. Certain members of Deep Purple went on to become hair-metal balladeers in Whitesnake, along with John Sykes (above), who also played in Thin Lizzy. That’s too much to remember, so here’s all you need to know about Wednesday’s show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (633 North 130th Street in Bonner Springs): Ritchie Blackmore isn’t in this Deep Purple lineup, but Ian Gillan is; for Thin Lizzy’s set, Sykes replaces the late Phil Lynott’s vocals, and Randy Gregg fills in on bass; and Satriani shreds solo and cameos with DP. For tickets, call 816-931-3330. — Michael Vennard