Articles by Barbara Keer

The Story of The Marvelettes Review – Glitzy And Poignant

The World Premiere of "The Story of The Marvelettes" Written by Reginald Williams and directed by Rueben D. Echoles at the The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center is a “must see” production

Boyhood Review – An Extraordinary Film

Boyhood is an extraordinary film made in an extraordinary way by an extraordinary director. Linklater shows us a family over a period of 12 years by shooting 3 to 4 days of footage annually over those 12 consecutive years with the same actors

Much Ado About Nothing Review – Summer Magic in a Chicago Park

On a perfect summer evening my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the opening night of Shakespeare in the Park at Schreiber Park with the Midsommer Flight production of William Shakespeare’s comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing"

Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge Review – Dim Sums Celebrate 10 Years

I have had many occasions to enjoy Koi during the ten years it has been in Evanston. Koi now has extended weekend hours and fantastic Dim Sum and some great specials

One Flea Spare Review – An Insightful, Powerful Look into the Great Plague of London

Naomi Wallace is concerned with society’s underdogs and this play juxtaposes the haves and have-nots in a unique way in "One Flea Spare", now playing at the Den Theatre in Wicker Park

Chicago Dancing Festival 2014 Preview - A Chicago Treat

Established in 2007, the Chicago Dancing Festival was founded to elevate awareness of dance in Chicago, to increase accessibility to the art form and to provide inspiration for local artists. The offerings for 2014 are fantastic

Charlotte Salomon: “Life? or Theater?” Review – Prolific and Impactful Images

When I received information about the June 19th opening of Charlotte Salomon: “Life? or Theater?”, I was very interested in seeing it and I was well rewarded

Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia Review - Fascinating

Regardless of your political slant, anyone interested in the recent history of the United States will be fascinated by Nicholas Wrathall's documentary on Gore Vidal, "Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia"

"A Prairie Home Companion" at Ravinia Review – An Evening to Remember

My husband and I love listening to "A Prairie Home Companion" on the radio but enjoy it even more when the performance is live at the Ravinia Festival

Bird Feeding Tips - Five Faux Pas to Avoid

Five faux pas to avoid when bird feeding

The Idiot’s Guide to The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook Review – Gluten Free, Vegetarian but Much More

As someone who is both a vegetarian and gluten-free,I was very curious when I was sent information about an “Idiot’s Guides as easy as it gets! - The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook” and wanted to try some recipes

The Passions of Emma Goldman Review – Now in Skokie

The chance to see Roslyn Alexander in “The Passions of Emma Goldman” which she wrote and performed, and explore the Skokie Theater performance space was an irresistible draw for me

Celebrating Father’s Day in Chicagoland – Restaurant and Other Suggestions

Are you wondering what to do for Father's Day, June 15th? Here are a few suggestions

Viktor Ullmann’s “The Emperor of Atlantis” and Carl Orff’s “The Clever One” Review – Not To Be Missed

There are only three more chances to see Chicago Opera Theatre’s current production, a double bill of two one act operas, which you won’t want to miss- "The Emperor of Atlantis" and "The Clever One"

Make Music Chicago Preview – A Free Musical Celebration Across Chicago

Make Music Chicago, a completely free musical celebration across Chicago, returns for its fourth annual event on the first day of summer and longest day of the year, Saturday, June 21

Charles Ives Take Me Home Review – Surprising and Thought Provoking

The juxtaposition of sports, basketball and music, the violin, seemed in opposition but in fact there were many parallels presented in "Charles Ives Take Me Home" at the Strawdog Theatre

Ida (movie) Review - A masterpiece

Pawlikowski's latest film, Ida, is no less than a masterpiece

Chicago Gluten & Allergen Free Expo Review – Lots of New Product

The Chicago Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, held in the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg, Il. was a chance to find out who is doing what locally as well as sampling new products that are available nation-wide

Jack Lemmon Returns Review - Beautiful, Complex and Poignant

"Jack Lemmon Returns" is now playing at The Royal George Theatre. I loved the show

Identities Review - Concluding The Chicago Sinfonietta 's 25th Season

The Chicago Sinfonietta concluded its 25th season on Mother’s Day in Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College in Naperville with a program entitled, “Identities” to be repeated on Monday, May 12th at Orchestra Hall

NOCC Run/Walk 2014 Review – An inspiring Experience

On May 3rd 2014, I joined thousands of National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Illinois Chapter run/walk participants for a 5K walk at US Cellular Field. This was my third walk

Joffrey’s Romeo and Juliet Review – Shakespeare Would Have Been Proud

I believe that William Shakespeare would have been thrilled along with the rest of the audience had he been able to witness this fabulous Joffrey Ballet performance of Romeo and Juliet

Brahman/i: A One-Hijra Stand Up Comedy Show Review - Go See It

The hit Chicago premiere of Brahman/i: A One-Hijra Stand Up Comedy Show will be closing this Sunday-Don't miss it

Sound of Music Review – The Lyric Opera of Chicago Production is Brilliant

How could my husband and I resist the opportunity to see the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s presentation of Rogers and Hammerstein’s last work, The Sound of Music, now 55 years old? Fortunately we couldn’t, nor should you