He might have the misfortune of sharing a name with one of Chicago's most infamous mayors, but British R&B crooner Gareth Daley wears the name better. Catch him playing tunes off his debut record Days & Nights and other songs tonight at Thalia Hall. (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, 8pm. $24, advance $21, balcony $32)
When isn't Hairspray playing somewhere around town? See the famous John Waters musical about an optimistic big girl in ’60s Charm City who leads a minor race revolution on a local teen dance show. (Paramount Theatre, 23 E Galena Blvd, 1:30 & 7pm. $41–$56)
Just in time for Valentine's Day, don't miss the touring 2014 Broadway revival of Cabaret, starring Randy Harrison (Queer as Folk), Andrea Goss and Chicago's own Shannon Cochran, about scantily clad dancers in Weimar Germany. (The PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W Monroe St, 7:30pm. $22–$95)