Articles by Patricia Simms
Oil Lamp Theater’s ON GOLDEN POND Review – Charming. Sweet. Conflicted!
All of us have different recollections, experiences, wisps of some common er, something that we think is special and unique. Yet, somehow, there’s that mysterious common thread we didn’t even know was there, let alone shared
National Theater Live Production of HANGMEN Review - Part of a Wonderful Series
I have never seen anything quite so spellbinding and so fascinating in originality and I am very excited to tell you about it and more like it
Oil Lamp’s FATHER OF THE BRIDE Review – A piece of cake!
“Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Banks request the honor of your presence...” is your invitation to the upcoming production of Father of the Bride
Oil Lamp Theater’s PROOF Review – Theater Can Totally Envelop You
I can’t remember the last time I was so mesmerized by any production of any play
as I was by "Proof" at Oil Lamp Theater
St. Sebastian Players’ THE TEMPEST Review – Magically Synchronized With Our Tempestuous Weather!
I say unto you, “Go forth and enjoy it as thousands have before you!”
Oil Lamp Theater’s Barefoot in the Park Review – Classic Neil Simon Encore
This year, Oil Lamp Theater is off to the movies!! A mix of old and new favorites starting with Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon, the opener of Oil Lamp Theater’s 2016 season! What an upbeat choice! No shortage of hijinks here
Oil Lamp Theater’s IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Review – It’s a Wonderful Show!
The Oil Lamp Theater started with the film’s charming story, added their unique sense of humor,amplified Mr. Potter’s meanness, sanctified George Baily and had us all on the edge of our seats until Clarence got his wings! YAY
Dee Dee Bridgewater at the Music Institute of Chicago Review - A warm welcome on a cold winter day!
If you’re a Jazz lover, and you have not had the unique and marvelous experience of hearing how Dee Dee Bridgewater takes a phrase to heart and makes it hers, you’re in for a treat
Oil Lamp Theater’s NEVER THE BRIDESMAID Review - The Perfect Marriage of Comedy and Drama
Jeff award-winning playwright Bill Jepson presented us with a doozy of a problem to solve when he wrote his play Never The Bridesmaid now playing at Glenview's Oil Lamp Theater
Oil Lamp Theater’s LATER LIFE Review – Thoughtful, Hopeful, Real
In my humble opinion everyone over 50 – make that over 30 – should see this play
Marriott’s ANYTHING GOES Review – Everybody Should Go!
The Marriott production is as good as it gets!
THE VENETIAN TWINS Review – Piccolo Theatre Delivers Its Trademark Glorious Nonsense Once Again!
The minute we sat down in our seats in the tiny Piccolo Theatre, we knew we were, once again in for a delightful evening of theater
“Lone Star” and “Laundry and Bourbon” Review - Like a Ride in a 1959 T-bird Convertible!
“Lone Star” and “Laundry and Bourbon”–– billed as two plays about small-town Texas life––skillfully deliver on the promise. It’s exactly the way I, with my feet firmly planted in the Midwest, picture it
Thodos’ Dance Chicago’s CHICAGO INSPIRED Review -Don't Miss It!
Billed as “a rich tapestry of dance performance creatively sparked by the Windy City,” Thodos Dance Chicago’s “Chicago Inspired” celebrates today’s and yesterday’s dance artists with today’s dance moves
The Actor’s Gymnasium’s Circuscope Review – You’ll Flip Over It!
The Actors Gymnasium’s Circuscope Winter 2015 bills itself as “entertainment that flies.” Does it ever! It flies in the face of imagination, flies in the face of gravity, flies in the face of reality! Come fly with me!
Oil Lamp's THE ODD COUPLE Review - Lots of Fun in this Old Favorite
Drop everything and make plans to see THE ODD COUPLE. What a romp! Two woefully incompatible roommates (I know married couples like this, too!) demonstrate the power of friendship, the joy of companionship and the benefits of learning to get along
Lyric’s Porgy and Bess Review –Tragic or Triumphant?
Lyric’s production of Porgy and Bess is a triumph in its mastery of every aspect of its art form: it got gripping from the get-go when that strange, sheer, prophetic “curtain” was lifted
Cole Porter’s Greatest Hits Review – Light Opera Works’ De-Lovely Cabaret
The night was young, the sky was clear, the music charming: I’m sincere! ‘Twas delightful, de-lovely, delicious! Evanston’s Light Opera Works production of Cole Porter’s Greatest Hits was perfection
A Kurt Weill Cabaret Review – Theo Ubique Takes Us on a “Weill Ride”
True to form, the remarkably talented Theo Ubique ensemble at the No Exit Café did not disappoint on the opening night of A Kurt Weill Cabaret
BOOKENDS AND BEGINNINGS Review – A Haven, An Enclave, A Creative Corner? You Decide!
The former Bookman’s Alley, an Evanston institution for as long as most Evanstonians can remember has, like the proverbial phoenix, risen in triumph with new vitality, charm, even a sense of humor.
Lookingglass’ DEATH TAX Review – And We Thought Life Was Complicated!
You may have decided that this is surely a play for “Senior Citizens.” I say "Death Tax" has truth and wisdom for everyone alive. It goes to the very core of the great question, the meaning and value of life
Le Pavillon Des Lettres Hotel Review – Oh, la, la!
Location, location, location! is typically associated with real estate. But, in the case of Le Pavillon Des Lettres Hotel in Paris, it makes all kinds of sense, especially if you visit Paris the best way possible—on foot
Barging on the Seine with ROAD SCHOLAR Review - Français Parfait!
It is my sincere and somewhat extravagant wish (We did, after all, just come back from France!) that this review will give you some of the same pleasure(s) we experienced on the magnificent miles of France
A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO THE ANDREWS SISTERS Review – Theo Ubique’s Pitch-Perfect USO Show
If you haven’t discovered Theo Ubique’s stunning musical magic, it’s time you did! And A Musical Tribute to the Andrews Sisters is a great place to start
Rivendell’s EAT YOUR HEART OUT Review –Stirring the Pot Fearlessly
EAT YOUR HEART OUT, Rivendell's gutsy season climax, lays bare the pain and fears of each character tackling the big three: Family, Friendship and Romance. They nailed it
Writers Theatre’s DAYS LIKE TODAY Review - Dazed but Unfazed Lovers
Days Like Today is a crazy, mixed-up love story that makes a whole lot of sense while revealing and reveling in the nonsense of love. It’s fresh, funny, insightful, happy, sad and, above all sympathetic.
Snow White Review – Harris Theater’s Grimm! Glam! Shazam! Ballet Français
Talk about jaw-dropping, innovative, precedent-setting, captivating grace combined with athleticism! This beautiful production by Ballet Prejlocaj has it all
Death Defying Acts Review – A Three Ring Comedy Circus
The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) concludes the company’s 33rd season with Death Defying Acts, an evening of three one-acts by Woody Allen, David Mamet and Elaine May
MIC’s NOTES FROM HOLLYWOOD Review – Hooray for Leonard Slatkin!
“Notes from Hollywood,” a charming musical marriage of the Music Institute of Chicago, lovingly paid tribute to Hollywood movie music of the 1940s and ’50s. And we, the spellbound audience, were delighted to be invited
MIC’s NOTES FROM HOLLYWOOD Review – Hooray for Leonard Slatkin!
“Notes from Hollywood,” a charming musical marriage of the Music Institute of Chicago lovingly paid tribute to Hollywood movie music of the 1940s. And we, the spellbound audience were delighted to be invited
Writers’ THE DANCE OF DEATH Review – Edgar and Alice Outdo George and Martha
THE DANCE OF DEATH is an emotional roller coaster ride without a winner or loser. It has the power to transport you to a different emotional time and place. Don’t miss this mesmerizing evening of theater
CHARLES TROY’S “THE CREATION OF GYPSY” Review – One of Troy’s 50+ Multimedia Presentations on Musical Theatre
If you haven’t seen Gypsy at Chicago Shakespeare Theater yet, I hope you’ll want to rush out and buy tickets after you read this review. If you've already seen it, you may want to go back and see it again
THE MAGICAL EXPLODING BOY AND THE INVISIBLE CIRCUS Review – Actors' Gymnasium Charms Away the Winter Blahs
Even if it were difficult to get to The Actors Gymnasium—it's not, it's at the Noyes stop on the Purple “L” line—it would be worth the trip to see The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus. Don't miss it
IN THE MATTER OF J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER Review – St. Sebastian Players Unflinchingly Explores Daunting Choices
Don’t miss this remarkable piece of great theater craft, philosophical discussion of justice, patriotism, humanity, morality, what the heck—throw in human kindness and a powerful anti-smoking demonstration
Lyric’s BARBER OF SEVILLE Review – Long Live Figaro’s Passion!
Perhaps you were first introduced to Figaro by Bugs Bunny, Mrs. Doubtfire, or Seinfeld? The iconic opening aria is the quintessential anthem for frantic comic madness with a happy ending
BLOCK MUSEUM'S WINTER OPENING Review – Art, History, Ideas and Politics Intertwined
If you like your art exhibits to be mindlessly decorative, this one will change your mind—in more ways than one. You will be exposed to two separate shows which, over time become intertwined
LA TRAVIATA Review – Let’s Toast to Passion!
Everything about this production was so perfect, it was magical! I have been attending operas at Lyric for about five years now and I have to say this was the most moving, most perfect in every way
Lyric's GALA Season Opener OTELLO Review – Feel the Passion!
This 59th GALA at Lyric Opera of Chicago was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. But for we opera goers—ogling the literati and glitterati—it was a senstational prelude to the musical feast of Otello and a promise of a magnificent season
THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP Review – Piccolo Theatre’s “Commedia dell'arte” Meets “Penny Dreadful”
An astonishing tour-de-force in which two performers...portrayed men, women and an assortment of monsters in a full-length quick-change act
CJO at Ravinia Review – Benny Goodman Tribute Doesn’t Miss a Beat!
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra’s homage to Benny Goodman and his remarkably fine band was perfect in every way—even in ways one wouldn’t, couldn't possibly expect
Scottish Festival Preview – You Take the High Road. I’ll Take I-290!
We’re vacationing in Scotland this summer, so we’re looking forward to the opportunity to sample the culture while we’re still at home. Thought you, too, might want to enjoy some Scottish Culture this summer
THE EXONERATED Review –Liberty and Justice for All?
This is an example of theater at its finest. Powered by righteous indignation, there’s no room for melodrama. This award-winning play drives home a profound emotional and moral message
Roger Ebert - A Celebration of Life with Love from Chaz
Everything about this Celebration of Life reminded us of the remarkable man Roger was (and will continue to be in our hearts and minds)
INSPIRING BEAUTY Review – Chicago History Museum and Ebony Fashion Fair Strut Their Stuff!
Don’t even think about missing this fabulous, historic exhibit. It will only be at the Chicago History Museum until January 5! This is a story—not a fairy tale!—about a vision WAY before its time
INSPIRING BEAUTY Review–Chicago History Museum and Ebony Fashion Fair Strut Their Stuff!
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Review – Musical Magic Transforms Tragic
What an unforgettable experience it was to be in the audience for this opera! Lyric’s production of Streetcar succeeds on every level, starting, of course, with that outstanding music
BLITHE SPIRIT Review– Piccolo Theatre Sure Can Pick ‘Em!
Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit is the perfect match for the quirky comedic sense at Evanston’s Piccolo Theatre which boasts (truthfully!) “small theatre, big laughs”
EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED Review – Next Theatre’s Production Rings with Irony, Discovery and Pathos
Plays like Everything is Illuminated are so multi-layered, it’s very difficult to separate the layers, see how (if!) they relate to one another and what that all means as part of a cohesive whole
SILENT WITNESS – A Ray of Hope for Crime Victims
Silent Witness is a non-profit program to help citizens assist law enforcement in solving crimes. Citizens remain completely anonymous and are paid cash rewards up to $1,000 when information they provide leads to an arrest or indictment
North Shore Village Celebrates 3 Years – Self-Reliant Seniors Have Plenty to Celebrate
If it takes a village to raise children, doesn’t it make sense that it takes a village to serve our aging adults
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Review – Many Unhappy Returns
Although this seems like it should be a simple, straightforward tale—it’s just a birthday party, after all—after a while everyone seems to be at least a hypocrite, delusional or a flat-out liar. It is so clearly unclear
Lyric’s LA BOHÈME Review – Captivating Music, Heart-Breaking Romance and, of course, Passion
I can’t imagine anyone seeing any performance of La Bohème anywhere and not be transported by it. Those of us who experienced Lyric’s La Bohème, had all that and even more
A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING Review – One Enchanted Evening!
The chic, exhilarating, soul-satisfying Chicago production, now at the freshly renovated Mercury Theater in Wrigleyville showcases 30 captivating songs from Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Flower Drum Song—the list goes on
Side Effects May Include Review – Dark Comedy Illuminates Difficult Choices, Heartwarming Devotion
Since Side Effects May Include was written by Seinfeld writer Marc Jaffe and Emmy nominee Eric Coble, we had good reason to expect that this sensitive subject—Parkinson’s disease—will be handled with just the right touch
We Three Lizas Review – Don We Now Our Gay Apparel, Tra La La La La La La!
It’s time for a new Christmas tradition! Instead of dragging out those tired reindeer, let’s get out the glitter machine and sparkle! Enter We Three Lizas: they don’t mean a thing if they ain’t got that bling
The Letters Review – Writers’ Theatre’s edge-of-your-seat thriller
John W. Lowell (Playwright) has written a taut, tight, tough-minded play that resonates beyond the confines of its historical context
Wanting Miss Julie Review - A Concert Reading of an Edgy Contemporary New Musical
Wanting Miss Julie is an edgy, contemporary musical set in the super-sophisticated, moneyed, political world of the Hamptons
The Odd Couple Review – Northlight’s Rollicking Reprise of Neil Simon’s Classic
The Odd Couple opened in 1965, just as the Women’s Liberation Movement was gathering momentum. Neil Simon saw and capitalized on its comic potential. So did director BJ Jones, Artistic Director of Northlight Theatre
Superior Donuts Review – Outstanding Remount of Critically-Acclaimed Production at Royal George Cabaret Theatre
I saw Superior Donuts twice in three days. It was that good. Both times, I was fascinated by the power and presence of Superior Donuts
Billy Strayhorn Festival at Music Institute of Chicago Review – Celebrating 10 Years at Nichols Concert Hall
On Saturday night, October 27, the Terrell Stafford Quintet treated the audience at the Music Institute of Chicago in Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston to a live rendition of Stafford’s CD “This Side of Strayhorn”
Freshly Fallen Snow Review - Chicago Dramatists’ Don’t-Miss Season Opener
Freshly Fallen Snow asks the question: “If it were possible to cure post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), would it be a wonderful breakthrough?” Why wouldn't you want to lose those tortured memories
Michael Feinstein and CJO Review - A Magnificent Start of Auditorium Theatre’s Season
S Wonderful! ‘S marvelous! that we could hear, see, laugh with, swoon and sway, snap and tap the evening away with not only the incomparable Michael Feinstein but also with Jeff Lindberg’s world-renowned Chicago Jazz Orchestra
Piven's TUSK TUSK Review - Gripping Drama of Children Trying to Cope
THIS is what theater is about. Engagement at this level is as rare as it is riveting. Don’t miss it. You’ve got until October 7, 2012 to get there
Palmer House Review - Restored and Resplendent
Everything about the Palmer House Hilton makes her a Grande Dame
Lyric’s Show Boat Review: All Aboard the Cotton Blossom!
Lyric Opera of Chicago created a unique work melding the best of theater and opera performance: a richly textured evening on the Cotton Blossom
Magic Flute Review – Lyric’s Musical Gift to Whole Family
This opera is the perfect introduction to the opera for young children, and the perfect Holiday entertainment for the entire family
JUBALEE Review - Global Rhythms Continues the Celebration
The Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP) opens its 22nd season with Global Rhythms. This year’s performances spotlight national and international artists.Performances are November 26 and 27
Poe in Octo Review - Trek or Treat? Both!
What a fantastic, OK, phantasmagorical way to reframe Poe’s familiar stories just in time for Halloween and the most wonderful autumn weather ever
Orion Ensemble Review – A Season Opener with Flair, Care and Music from Everywhere
You still have two opportunities to enjoy Orion Ensemble’s first concert of its new season without having to shout “Encore!” once
Back the Bid Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour Review– Don’t Miss the Bus!
On Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9:30am, Back the Bid Day, the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) will give you a chance to visualize the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics here in our home town, Chicago
A GIRL WITH SUN IN HER EYES Review – Don’t Miss This Edge of your Seat Thriller
Wow! I can’t remember when I last sat through such a mesmerizing evening of theater! You have until August 7 (although I wouldn’t be surprised it it’s held over!) to see this stunning play
All Temp Furnace Installation Review – The Heat’s On
All Temp rated a Superior Service Award on Angie’s List, a Better Business Bureau BBB Accredited business, as well as Bryant’s Gold Medal of Excellence
Writers' Theatre HEARTBREAK HOUSE Review - Who's Heart Is Broken?
From the moment you enter the theater, you are enveloped in the luxury of the Heartbreak House’s ambiance and ambiguity
Richard III Review - Royal Ruthlessness a Rocky Ride
Animal Crackers Review - Shtick to the Script
Chaos. Music. Anarchy. Dancing. Romance. Clowning. Suspense. Hilaria. These are the top ten reasons to see Animal Crackers
Arizona Biltmore Review - Celebrating 80 Years as the Jewel of the Desert
The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa celebrates its 80th anniversary as the "Jewel of the Desert"
Desert Botanical Garden Review – Phoenix's Spectacular Desertscape
Chihuly,Music,Butterflies--the list goes on, but the reason to go to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is the Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix Symphony Review - A Bravura Performance to an Exuberant Audience
Phoenicians love their symphony orchestra and they love their Music Director Michael Christie
Heard Museum Review – A Celebration of Native Cultures and Art
The Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art is a living museum - giving voice to a uniquely American people.
Phoenix Art Museum Review – Inside, Outside, an All-Around Work of Art
The Phoenix Art Museum is one magnificent, sprawling home for exquisite visual arts
Valley Metro Light Rail Review – Spring Break Aboard Phoenix’s Newest Mode of Transportation
The Valley Metro Light Rail system is a great way to get around
Wright's at the Biltmore Review - Compliments to the Chef
The Hotel Monaco Chicago Review - The Little Gem Down the Street from Jewelers' Row
The Hotel Monaco is an elegant in-city retreat from the city
Lyric Carmen Review - The Most Popular Opera in the World!
"What could make a man cheat on his fiancée, drive his mother to tears, and ditch a good job? One woman — Carmen! She's the sex-bomb, gypsy seductress who loves them and leaves them — tossing egos and hearts in the dust"
Do the Hustle Review - Writers' Theatre's Scamtastic World Premiere
Sam and Eddie Sisson are more than just father and son; they’re a crack team of hustlers always looking for the next mark
Rosetta Stone TOTALe Review – A Tale of Two Travelers
Learning a language the Rosetta Stone TOTALe way is probably the closest thing there is to being there because TOTALe is on-line and, therefore, accessible to you 24/7, wherever you are
Robin Hood Review - a Piccolo Panto for the Whole Family
The operative words here are "Piccolo Panto." With this production of Robin Hood, Evanston's Piccolo Theatre tailors the English Panto to its wacky, high-energy style
Lyric A Midsummer Night's Dream Review - Captivating Characters Cut to the Chase
It's a dream about a dream and a play about putting on a play
Lyric Macbeth Review - Double double toil and trouble
What an unbeatable formula. Shakespeare. Verdi. Barbara Gaines, founder and artistic director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Even though this was Gaines debut at the Lyric, there was never any doubt that she could bring out the Shakespeare in Verdi
Low Pay? Don't Pay Review - Piccolo Theatre's Extravagantly Hilarious Farce
Dario Fo, 1997 winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, reprises his signature style--lampooning the powerful and elevating the downtrodden
Steppenwolf's A PARALLELOGRAM Review - a knock it out of the park season closer
Sweet and Hot Review - Go for the songs, the showmanship, the dinner
Six scintillating, sexy, and sweet twenty-somethings sing Harold Arlen--the creator of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"--to our heart's delight. Go for the songs, the showmanship, the dinner. Get the whole Theo Ubique experience
Itsoseng Review – Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Gripping World Stage Series Opener
Chicago Theatre District Review – Celebrating 10 Years Dramatically
Because the impact of 10 years of Chicago’s theater life has been so dramatic, it’s important that you, I, theatergoers and just plain lovers of Chicago stop and pay attention to what a handful of visionaries with the backing of one courageous mayor did. And are still doing
War with the Newts Review - Slippery Metaphor
War with the Newts tells of the discovery of a highly-intelligent breed of newts enslaved and exploited by wealthy Czech industrialist, G.H. Bondy. These giant salamanders acquire human knowledge and rebel, leading to a global war for supremacy
Rosetta Stone Review - Learning Italian Naturally
I have wanted to learn Italian for the last five years but just couldn't find the right fit. Then I discovered Rosetta Stone TOTALe. It's captivating
Context Florence Review – Think Outside the Classroom! Try a Walking Seminar!
Our tour—our day!—was so perfect, I just want to set the stage and take you to the Uffizi Gallery with us and Context Florence's outstanding docent, Dr. Monica
Spring Break In Florence Review - Rendezvous with the Renaissance or Pain in the Ash?
With the invaluable help of many, many kind Italians and others (even Americans!), we had a fabulous vacation even though we were under a menacing volcanic ash cloud
Stage Left HERE WHERE IT'S SAFE Review - Where Is It Safe?
This thought-provoking, sensitive story raises huge questions without becoming dark and ponderous
Lyric Marriage of Figaro Review - Opera Music You Can Hum
The captivating music, the gorgeous costumes and set, and the preposterous plot make this opera a sheer delight
Next Theatre RETURN TO HAIFA Review – Extended to March 21
An extraordinary story, a fine production, its haunting message will linger with you long after your leave the theater
Lyric Damnation of Faust Review - Life in the Faust Lane
Only opera could pull off the twists and turns this story takes. The complexity, the ingenious staging—the great singers, the light show and projections create an ethereal earthly setting and a ghastly otherworldly setting
Elixir of Love Review - A Great Valentine Date
Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day date? This is it
Lakeside Singers Holiday Concert Review – Make It a Tradition
At “In the Frosty Air,” this year’s holiday concert, we enjoyed the spectacular voices of The Lakeside Singers in their trademark jolly, joyous concert in two well-defined "acts" that even include a costume change to make sure we get it
Alan Gross Interview - A Chicago Playwright You Should Know
Alan and I have been friends since the ‘60s. So our interview is part reunion and part celebration of the opening of his new play, HIGH HOLIDAYS at the Goodman Theatre
The Night Season Review - Love Labored
The Night Season celebrates the story of the Kennedy family living with the fallout of the desertion by their mother 15 years ago
Back the Bid Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour Review – Brought Back by Popular Demand
Last of My Species Review - Redmoon's Spectacle '09
Part pop concert, part theatrical event with wild dance against a backdrop of weird contraptions and weirder orchestra, Species takes us into a world all its own
Jersey Boys Review - Broadway Really Has Come to Chicago
The record-breaking hit JERSEY BOYS is celebrating its second smash year in Chicago
Trattoria Isabella Review - A Chicago Restaurant You Should Know
The romantic setting, the floor-to-ceiling windows and Frank Sinatra's sensational voice crooning in the background got us off to a great start
Ravinia Review – NIGHT AND DAY A Cole Porter Evening
The de-lovely concert certainly was not “Just one of Those Things.” When my husband suggests we go to Ravinia again, I’ll say, “Let’s Do It”
GODS OF THE ANDES Review - a great read for mere mortals
Zimmerman's characters are so real, his ear for dialogue so pitch-perfect, his gift for storytelling studded with gentle humor is so captivating, he involves the reader at every turn
Pane Caldo Review – a feast for the all the senses
Translated literally, pane caldo means warm bread. Now take that image of warmth, the staff of life and the comforting, nurturing emotions all that stirs in you and you’ll have a sense of the ambiance of Pane Caldo
Vista Print Yard Sign Review – Sales Success for Us and 25 Percent Savings For You
By just reading this article, you can profit from our courtyard sale! Go to www.VistaPrint.com, order any of the many gorgeous products, mention chicago-splash.com and you’ll receive a 25% discount on your order!
Brasserie Jo Review – C’est si bon
We boarded the CTA, walked a short distance on a beautiful night and Voilá! arrived in Paris ala Brasserie JO
Arabian Nights Review - Your Story or Your Life
Scheherezade's life literally depended on the power of her stories and she came through with one mesmerizing tale after another, saving her life and affirming ours
Blues Legends Review – Six Generations of Mississippi Blues
The greatest way to CURE the blues is to experience the blues! I’m here to tell you there is no finer way to do that than to sing, dance, wave, jump and jive with the genuine Mississippi article.
Graduate Showcase Review - DePaul Theater School, a class act for 80 years
New York. Chicago. Los Angeles. The casting directors, agents, producers, managers, directors and other theater artists came out to see the graduates of this seminal school of dramatic arts
Crosby, Stills and Nash Review - boomers bring ‘em back
Mayor Morton Award Review - A lifetime of community service recognized
After two "retirements" now, the question is not what she will do next, but can we keep up with her
Windy City Rhythms Goes Global Review – WOW
Our evening was full of surprises! And what surprises! We—and by that I do mean the entire audience—were captivated by what we saw and heard and felt—the beat
Blues on the North Shore Review - Brought back by popular demand
On June 12, 2009, the blues fun begins and ends at SPACE in Evanston, the north shore showcase of the best of the Mississippi Delta Bluesmen
Love Person Review - the languages of love
Two couples, three cultures and four relationships - gay and straight - blossom, break, sustain, repair and flourish in this contemporary romantic tale about the “language” of love
Balanced Kitchen Review - A Chicago Caterer You Should Know
The Balanced Kitchen laid before us a such a lavish palette of delicious, healthy treats our delighted palates didn’t even notice it was good-for-you food
Twelfth Night Review – Chicago's Love Splash
Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier concludes its 2008/09 season with a flood of madcap comedy told in Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s tale of disorder, mistaken identity and revelry
Lyric Opera Season Review – A New Subscriber Shares Shining Memories
The beauty of the Lyric Opera reaches so many touch (sight,sound, memory, comfort,emotion, luxury) points it creates a perfectly lyrical operatic experience
Lakeside Singers Review – Celebrating 10 Years of Feel Good Concerts
Incubated by the Music Institute of Chicago, for ten years now, the Lakeside Singers have been bridging the worlds of classical and popular choral music by presenting a wide range of musical styles at the highest artistic level
Chicago Jazz Orchestra Review – A Tour de Force Performance of American Masterpieces
The Chicago Jazz Orchestra did it all. Right there, in a more than sold out Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, we were mesmerized, surprised, amused and astonished by spectacularly fine music
Class Dismissed Review – The Way We Were?
Class Dismissed is a mellow, good-natured play about a rich suburban kid, a hippie wannabe, who doesn’t want his friends to know he has dough
The Day of Knowledge Review - A Lesson in Compassion
Forty days after a senseless attack on their school and children, families struggle with their loss
Edvard Munch Review - The Art Institute Seeks the Artist Behind "The Scream"
The current exhibition of Edvard Munch’s work at the Art Institute of Chicago is a “don’t miss” event — especially if "The Scream" is the only work you know
Lyric Opera Backstage Tour Review - Pay attention to the men and women behind the curtain
Our backstage tour of Lyric’s incredible, vast, magnificent realm couldn’t possibly have been more enjoyable
Desire Under the Elms Review - Lust on the Rocks
The Theatrical Triumvirate--Denehy, Falls and O'Neill--a powerful force together again in DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS
Macbeth Review--Barbara Gaines' Chilling Vision at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Barbara Gaines, Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater, has created an updated vision of Shakespeare's monumental tragedy, Macbeth.
The Joffrey Ballet Academy of Dance Review—Another creative leap with towering promise
Whether you're looking for a stunning workout or ballerina training, or everything in between, The Joffrey Ballet Academy of Dance is a great choice.
Lakeside Singers Review--Holiday Music from Renaissance to Rock
A holiday concert with something for every musical taste!
Porgy & Bess and Lulu Review - A Weekend Of Lyric Opera of Chicago
We loved our Lyric Opera experience and found Porgy & Bess and Lulu more alike than we expected. See if you agree!
One World, One Sky Review - Big Bird’s Adventure, An Imaginative Family Show at the Adler Planetarium
Sesame Street leads the way to clearer understanding of the sky we share with the whole world through a delightful, informative tour
The Joffrey Ballet Review - Opening Night Performance is a Towering Achievement
Propelled by the momentum of moving into its new tower, The Joffrey Ballet's opening night has something for everyone from the occasional to the seasoned ballet audience
Turn of the Century Review — Star-Studded Musical at the Goodman Theater
A review of TURN OF THE CENTURY, a spectacular musical at the Goodman Theater in Chicago until November 2
Experiencing Lyric for the First Time—Reviewing Our Operatic Journey
New Subscribers to Lyric Opera of Chicago share their experience in a 3-part series. This is the first in the series.
