Puccini e Lucca a Chicago: Symposium. 2-5 p.m., Logan Center, Performance Hall 074, 915 E. 60th St., 773-702-2787, free. The mayor of Puccini’s Italian hometown, Lucca, presents, alongside U. of C. professor Philip Gossett and area music historian Suzanne Scherr.
Opera. “Madame Butterfly.” 7 p.m., International House, Assembly Hall, 1414 E. 59th St., 773-753-2274, $50 VIP admission, $30 general admission, $20 university students with ID, free for International House residents. Tickets available at the door beginning at 6 p.m. The American Chamber Opera Company presents.
Historic Building Tour: St. Thomas the Apostle Church. 1-3 p.m., St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5472 S. Kimbark Ave., 773-324-2626, free. Visitors learn about the history, architecture, and interior art of this remarkable building from docents Thomas Staszak, Karen Feeney, and Dr. Sarah Bond. Tour begins at the church’s east door at 1 p.m. sharp.
Adult Book Discussion. 1-2:30 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., 312-747-0511. Those attending will discuss novelist Julian Barnes’ “The Sense of an Ending.”
Opera. “Madame Butterfly.” 7 p.m., International House, Assembly Hall, 1414 E. 59th St., 773-753-2274, $50 VIP admission, $30 general admission, $20 university students with ID, free for International House residents. Tickets available at the door beginning at 6 p.m. The American Chamber Opera Company presents.
Logan Center Cabaret Series. 8-9:30 p.m., Logan Center, Performance Penthouse 901, 915 E. 60th St., 773-702-2787, free. Artists showcase a variety of talents at this event hosted by student MCs.
Neon Night 2013. 6-10 p.m., Ratner Athletics Center, 5530 S. Ellis Ave., 773-702-7684, $4 adults, $2 ages 6-18, free for university students with ID and children under 5. A doubleheader pitting the U. of C.’s men’s and women’s basketball teams against Brandeis University’s.
Lecture. “Islam, Violence and the Sacred: Insurgent Shi’ism in Muslim History.” 4:30-6:30 p.m., Swift Hall, Common Room, 1025 E. 58th St., 773-702-9565. Visiting U. of C. history professor Robert Gleave presents.