Articles by Amy Munice
Dead Writers’ The Importance of Being Earnest Review – A Production that Would Thrill Oscar Wilde
Dead Writers Theatre Collective brings Oscar Wilde's wit to life in "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Lisbon’s Top Pick Restaurants Report – The Gifted Concierge’s Short List
We asked the concierge manager at LX Boutique Hotel, one of the most popular mid-range hotels in Lisbon, for his pick of top restaurants and this is his A++ List
Portugal First Impressions Review—Quick Stop, Honeymoon, or Long, Long Linger
First impressions of Portugal go a long way to convince of the need for a return
Squid Salad with Tomato and Fennel Recipe: Leading Douro Valley Chef Shares a Favorite Recipe
Squid Salad with Tomato and Fennel - Summer Salad recipe for Splash readers
Windy City Playhouse’s “THIS” – Repartee Loaded Script
"This", a repartee loaded script is staged at the super-comfy Windy City Playhouse
Cook Like a Great Portuguese Chef- A Recipe from Chef Rui Paula
Portuguese Chef Rui Paula shares a recipe for a classic veal dish
Porto, Portugal Review – Aerial and Street View Highlights
Views of historic Porto-- Portugal's second largest city
Lisbon Photos – Comfy and Cosmopolitan, but Not Costly
Lisbon is very much on the map for Europeans looking for a lower cost playground. No-cost 3-day layovers on any European trip via TAP airlines should be of great interest to Americans too
Soaking Up Sintra Side Streets Review – Inviting You to Plant
The streets surrounding the many historic sites of Sintra charm
ARCO Lisboa Floating Pavilion Review – Milestone for City on the Rise
ARCOLisboa was inaugurated in Lisbon in late May, drawing art collectors from across Europe and beyond
Porto’s Casa da Musica Tour – City’s Architectural Pride
Porto's Casa da Musica is a showcase of famed Rem Koolhaas architecture
Porto’s World of Discoveries Museum – Relive Explorers’ Times
An interactive tour at Porto's World of Discoveries Museum, gives visitors of all ages a window to the times of the great Portuguese Explorers
Gift Theatre’s “Grapes of Wrath” Review – Reminder of Steinbeck’s Greatness
Gift Theatre brings Chicago a re-staging of Frank Galati's script of the Steinbeck classic, "Grapes of Wrath"
Lisbon’s Inspira Santa Marta Hotel – Green Comfort
Inspira Santa Marta Hotel is green in concept and execution and succeeds in giving you an urban oasis feel
Porto’s Serralves Contemporary Art Museum – Art Without Interference
Serralves Contemporary Art Museum is a highlight of any Porto tour
Óbidos Quick Tour Review – Atmospheric Charms
Óbidos, with charming cobblestone streets that date back to the Moors, is well-worth including in a Portugal tour
Piemonte Wine Tasting – Stellar Vintages from the Alps’ Foothills
IEEM, promoters of Italian wines, hold an unusually intimate wine tasting in Francesca's on Chestnut- showcasing delicious Piemonte wines
Lisbon’s “Can the Can” Restaurant Review – Trendy Canned Food Fare
Lisbon's "Can the Can" Restaurant promotes a menu centered around gourmet canned food
Cabo da Roca Review – Sintra Chaser
Caba da Roca, the most Western point in the EuroAsian land mass is wide open and free feeling
Quinta das Carvalhas Tour Review – Feel the Passion
Alvaro Martinho, agronomist manager of Quinta das Carvalhas, exudes passion as he gives you a tour of the vineyards -- and entertains
Quinta Nova Vineyards and Cellars Tour Review – See Award-Winning Wines’ Cradle
10,000+ people come every year to tour Quinta Nova Vineyards and Cellars-- makers of many award winning vintages
Quinta Nova’s Conceitus Restaurant Review – On Par with The Vistas and Wine
Conceitus Restaurant at Quinta Nova Winery keeps your focus on the great wines in your glass and the stunning views around you
Griffin’s “Bat Boy” Review – Talent-Fueled Explosion of Fun
"Bat Boy" is multi-layered satire that makes you laugh out loud and showcases the rock star talents of its cast
Lookingglass Theatre’s “Thaddeus and Slocum” Review – Racism Vaudeville Style
Lookingglass Theatre Company's "Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure" takes on the topic of "passing"
Douro Valley’s Quinta Nova Winery House Review - Bucolic Luxury
Douro Valley's Quinta Nova Winery House surrounds you in luxurious landscapes
Lisbon’s A Travessa Restaurant Review – Excellent Choice for Wine and Dine Unwind
A Travessa restaurant quickly became a favorite in our Lisbon/Portugal tour
Porto’s Taylor Fladgate Port Cellars Tour Review – Sneak Peek at Soon-to-be-Unveiled Self-Guided Tours
Historic port vintner, Taylor Fladgate, gives us a tour of the cellars and a peek at the self-guided tours they were about to unveil
Lisbon’s Adega Machado Fado Experience Review – Portuguese Soul Music
Historic Adega Machado is a highly recommended venue for an authentic Fado experience in Portugal
TAP Wines Review – Wine Tasting on Ground vs. In Air
TAP Portugal Airlines' much tested and sommelier-driven wine list introduces you to Portuguese wines
TAP Portugal Airlines Fashion Review – Fashion in Flight
The stylish flight staff uniforms on TAP Portugal airlines -- and especially their use of accessories-- were an unexpected point of interest on our recent trans-Atlantic flight
TAP Portugal Newark-Lisbon Flight Review - A+
Instead of flying a generic airline, TAP Portugal helped launch our first-time Portugal tour with many Portuguese-style touches
Porto DOP Rui Restaurant Review – Classic Portuguese Fare with Flair
Autodidact gourmet chef Rui Paula's DOP Restaurante is an inviting place for a long luxurious lunch linger during a busy Porto tour
Park and Palace of Monserrate Review – A Favorite Sintra Spot
Gothic, Indian, Moorish--Romantic Monserrate Palace is surrounded by sumptuous gardens, waterfalls and lakes
Sintra’s Park and Palace of Pena – Romanticism Inspired
A Portuguese King enthused by the Romanticism of his time created the melange of styles and spectacular park at the Pena Palace
Sintra’s Moorish Castle Review – 10th Century Time Capsule
A short trip from Lisbon, Sintra's Moorish Castle gives you gorgeous scenery and rich history both
Lisbon’s Castelo São Jorge Tour Review – History-Rich Hilltop View
A must-see stop on any Lisbon tour, Castelo São Jorge has the best views of the city, but the tours of this history-rich castle are better yet
National Palace of Sintra Review – Glimpse Portugal History in its Story-telling Ceilings Plus
The walls, ceilings and decor of the National Palace in Sintra help teach you Portugal's history
6 Top Pick Recipes from Portuguese TV Chef José Avillez – There’s a Reason He Wins So Many Awards
Much awarded Portuguese Chef Avillez shares six of his favorite recipes
Meet Lisbon’s Award-Winning TV Chef Avillez at his Café Lisboa – Window to Global Roots of Portuguese Fare
Portuguese TV Chef stops to share his thoughts and enthusiasm for the global roots of Portuguese cuisine, which we in turn happily sampled at his Cafe Lisboa
Sideshow’s “Caught” Review – Multi-Layered Script Gem
Poking the line between truth and fiction, Sideshow Theatre Company's production of award-winning playwright Christopher Chen's "Caught" will make you laugh out loud
Touring Lisbon’s Belém on National Museum Day Review – Stop on the Vasco da Gama Trail
Crowds were thick on International Museum Day to see two historic landmarks in the Belem area of Lisbon
Porto’s Hotel Teatro Review – Backstage Feel
For anyone who loves theater, Porto's centrally-located Hotel Teatro has a special thrill
Óbidos’ Evolutee Hotel in Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort Review – Recommended for Golf Addicts
Evolutee Hotel is a top pick for avid golfers who need to get a golf fix during their Portugal holiday tour
Lisbon’s Bica do Sapato Restaurant Review – Trendy for a Reason
Lunch at Lisbon's gourmet and fashionable Bico do Sapato Restaurant lacks for nothing, except perhaps a chance to spy its co-owner John Malkovich
Lisbon’s LX Boutique Hotel Review – Location, Location, Location! with Concierge Focus
Lisbon's mid-range LX Boutique Hotel is centrally located and the staff poised to give pointers on how to make your visit most enjoyable
Dead Writers Theater’s “THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST” Preview – Featuring Unique Set Design Inspired by Pop-Up Valentines and Toy Theaters
Ever historically accurate Dead Writers Theater Collective brings re-creation of set design from Oscar Wilde's time to their upcoming production of "The Importance of Being Earnest"
Lyric Opera Gala Review - King & I Themed Fest
Civic Opera House is transformed into an elegant King & I themed fantasyland for a gala that raised half a million dollars
Beyond the Score Falla Concert – Last in Highly Regarded Series
CSO ends its Beyond the Score series with a program dedicated to Manuel de Falla
CSO Music Now Review – Spring or Some Such Thing
CSO's MusicNow presents three innovative works inspired by nature
Final “Beyond the Score” Concert Preview and Series Retrospective - CSO’s Most Able Ambassador
CSO's Beyond the Score series presents Falla, in the last of its successful programming to bring classical music ALIVE
Silk Road Rising’s “Mosque Alert” Review – Window on Islamophobia
Silk Road Rising's "Mosque Alert" takes on Islamophobia with a script that intrigues and never preaches
American Blues Theater’s “Little Shop of Horrors” Review – Bern Times Lend Campy Musical New Sting
Bernie supporters, angry-as-hell-Trump-supporters, and anyone who thinks about our growing class divide will find American Blues Theater's "Little Shop of Horrors" biting satire of capitalism run amok right on
Strawdog’s “Once in a Lifetime” Review- Madcap Romp is 1000% Fun
Strawdog Theatre Company's production of Kaufman & Hart's "Once in a Lifetime" is a fun-filled satire of Hollywood at the time when talkies were born
MCA Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion Review- Largo Hip-Hop Grace
MCA Stage wraps up its season with a dance performance by Abraham.In.Motion
“The King and I” Through a Thailand Tourist Lens – Backwards Barbarians?
Why is Thailand's military junta bothered by Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The King & I"?
Lyric’s “The King and I” Review – Broadway Classic with Opera House Flair
Lyric Opera's talented cast in Rodgers & Hammerstein's "The King & I" allows you to experience the beauty of the music anew
Miami City Ballet at Harris on April 30 Review- Balanchine and More
Harris Theater presents Miami City Ballet, a Balanchine-based troupe
Theatre Y’s “3 Sisters” Review – Chekhov Rewrite
Theatre Y writes a version of Chekhov's "Three Sisters' in the years after the soldiers left
Shattered Globe’s “In the Heat of the Night” Review – Whodunit Where Racism Rules
Shattered Globe produces a totally gripping stage version of "In the Heat of the Night"
ARLA Productions’ “A Splintered Soul” Review –What Happens When You Carry Hell’s Baggage
"A Splintered Soul" tells the story of Holocaust survivors attempting to re-start their lives in San Francisco--- shining a light on how their hellish experiences also impacted their ethics
MCA Unveils Exhibit “Kerry James Marshall: Mastry” - Making Blackness Visible
MCA opens "Kerry James Marshall: Mastry", a show exhibiting the body of this Chicago-based artist's work and his mission to address the absence of Black artists and subjects in the history of art
Eclipse Theatre’s “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” Review – Rattling the Cage of Free Will Illusions
Eclipse Theater opens its season of Stephen Adly Guirgis plays with "Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train", a masterpiece script
Meet Mai Claypool - The King and I Preview
Meet Mai Claypool, a member of the female dancers ensemble for Lyric's production of The King and I and a huge fan of the show
Appeal on Behalf of UNICEF - At Least 150,000 Children Affected by Ecuador Earthquake
Splash Magazines urges all readers to help victims of the Ecuadorian Earthquake
BET’s “Don’t Make Me Over” – Winning Musical Biopic Formula
Dionne Warwick makes a surprise appearance at the opening of Black Ensemble Theater's tribute to her work-- "Don't Make Me Over"
Remy Bumppo’s “The Life of Galileo” Review – Bertold Brecht’s Take on “The Itch”
Bertold Brecht's "Life of Galileo", a script he worked on from 1938 to 1953, is staged by Remy Bumppo
Porchlight’s “Dreamgirls” Review – Soul Triumph
Porchlight Music Theatre's "Dreamgirls" is, above all, a showcase of superstar voices
Steep Theatre’s “The Few” Review – The Loneliness of the Long Distance Driver
Award-winning playwright Samuel D. Hunter's "The Few" is staged with typical high-quality one expects from Steep Theatre
Taylor Mac Returns to the MCA Review – Capturing 3 Decades: 1956 – 1986
Taylor Mac selects songs from his grand work-in-progress, "A 24-Decade History of Popular Music"
Shanghai’s PuLi Hotel and Spa Review – Relaxing Oasis for US Business Travelers
Shanghai's PuLi Hotel & Resort is a self-described urban spa and resort
Bangkok’s Amari Watergate Hotel Review – Speaking the Universal Language of Comfort
The Executive Club at Bangkok's Amari Watergate Hotel is a best bet for comfort
Lee Godie: Self Portraits exhibit opens at Intuit April 8 Preview - Distinctive Selfie Art Before There Were "Selfies"
Make Selfie Art and more, joining in Intuit's Anniversary salute to the art of famed Chicago (outsider) artist Lee Godie
Hua Hin Review – Bangkok’s Easy Beach Getaway
Hua Hin-- a great beach and place to relax during any Southeast Asian tour
Hua Hin’s Baan Bayan Resort Review – Soothing, Gentle Surrounds
Hua Hin's Baan Bayan is a carefully restored traditional Thai Teak Bungalow with an open feeling that relaxes you as soon as you arrive
Hua Hin’s Baan Laksasubha Resort Review – Go For the Royal Touch
Baan Laksasubha is the only Hua Hin resort still owned by a Royal family. It's the attentiveness of the staff that is the real royal touch
Top 8 Highlights for a Short Birmingham Stop on Your US Road Trip
Starting with the Civil Right Heritage Tour, there are many good reasons to add a stop in Birmingham to your US road trip
Lyric Opera Launches “Chicago Voices” Report – Celebration of City’s Musical Talent
Lyric Opera's community outreach program, Lyric Unlimited, announces "Chicago Voices", a multi-year project celebrating and nurturing Chicago's diverse musical talents --past and present
Birmingham Civil Rights Tour – Reliving the People’s Defeat of Segregation
The Birmingham Civil Rights Tour immerses you in the past struggles against Jim Crow laws and the victories led by the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights
Highlands Restaurant Review – A Birmingham Top Pick for Farm -to-Table Feast
Serving French-inspired Southern cuisine, award-winning Highlands Bar and Grill lives up to its reputation of putting Birmingham on the nation's culinary map
Vulcan Park and Museum – Birmingham’s Statue of Liberty
Vulcan's statue is a Birmingham landmark. His namesake museum presents a thoughtful and cogent brief on the "Magic City"'s history
Birmingham 4th Avenue District - Imagining the Chitlin Circuit Back in the Day
Birmingham's historic 4th Avenue Black Business District is part of the Civil Rights Heritage Tour
Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum – Heaven for Racecar and Motorcycle Fans
Get awed by the world's largest collection of motorcycles at Birmingham's Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
Birmingham’s Hot and Hot Fish Club Review – Tastes of Earth, Rivers and Sea
Hot and Hot Fish Club is one of the restaurants that Birmingham locals note has put the city on the national and international foodie scene
Birmingham’s Bogue’s Diner Review – A Birmingham Institution
Breakfast at Bogue's Diner is a tradition since 1938
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark Review – Monument to the Industrial Age
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama provides a moving monument to how man and machines transformed the world in the industrial age
Birmingham’s Rib-It-Up Restaurant Review – Tasty, Authentic BBQ
For authentic and tasty BBQ go to Rib-it-Up in downtown Birmingham
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve – Get Close to Nature in the “Magic City”
Take a break from urban Birmingham in wildlife and wildflower-rich Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Review – Comfy Retreat from Birmingham Proper
Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa, famed for its golf course, provides Birmingham tourists with a comfortable place to recharge energies
38th Anniversary Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Melody Enriched Memories
The International Music Foundation marks the 38th Anniversary of the Dame Myra Hess concert series with a special performance by world-renowned Israeli cellist Amit Peled playing the same instrument that Pablo Casals played
Remy Bumppo’s “Fallen Angels” Review – Repartée with Feminine Physical Theater Twist
Remy Bumppo presents its first ever play by Noel Coward -- the sexual farce "Fallen Angels"
American Blues Theater’s 14th Year of “It’s a Wonderful Life…” Review – Charming Take on Holiday Season Classic
American Blues Theater re-tells the Frank Capra movie classic "It's a Wonderful Life" as a radio play
Theater Wit’s “The Santaland Diaries” Review – Anti-Tradition Tradition
Theater Wit's mount of David Sedaris' Xmas classic is in its 12th year
Lehár’s “The Merry Widow” at the Lyric Review – Diva, Divo and Most of All DANCING! Delight
Lyric Opera's production of "The Merry Widow" lifts your spirits with a simple story, beautiful music, and most of all dance
“The Merry Widow” Splash Extra- Meet Clo-Clo, a.k.a. Jen Gorman
Splash magazine goes behind the scenes with one of the dancer-singers in the Lyric Opera's production of "The Merry Widow"-- Meet Jen Gorman a.k.a. Clo-Clo
New Curators of MusicNOW Preview - They Aim to Let You Experience the Thrill of New Art
One of the new curators of the CSO's exciting MusicNOW series shares his thoughts on what to expect
Victory Gardens’ “Never the Sinner” Review – Tsarnaevs of Yesteryear
"Never the Sinner" tells the story of Clarence Darrow defending murderers Leopold and Loeb, who like many perpetrators of terrorism today were unrepentant
Mary-Arrchie Theatre’s “Ibsen’s Ghosts” Review – Only for Ibsen Junkies
"Ibsen's Ghosts" is an adaptation of Ibsens controversial play "Ghosts", which debuted in Chicago in 1892
Edo de Waart Conducts CSO Review – Disparate Adams and Mozart Pairing Enthralls and Keeps Us On our Toes
Soloist Augustin Hadelich performs Mozart's "Turkish Concerto" with the CSO, followed by the full orchestra performing Adams' Harmonielehre”-- both conducted by famed conductor Edo de Waart
“The Ventriloquists Convention” at MCA Review –Humanity, in a Timely Contrast to Terror
The French funded production of "The Ventriloquists Convention" at the Museum of Contemporary Art, especially in light of the Paris massacre, not only entertains but shines a light on finding more of our shared humanity via art
Chicago Humanities Festival’s “Escuela” Review – In the Bunker
Chicago Humanities Festival presents "Escuela", a re-enactment of training schools for guerrillas out to defeat Pinochet
Grands Crus Classes of Saint-Emilion Review – Tasting Terroir Shifts in Two Years’ Time
Saint-Emilion vintners come to Chicago to demo two recent years' wine from their vineyards
Cuisine Preview - Contessa Enrica Rocca in Chicago: Eataly Cooking School and dinner at RPM Italian
Highly regarded Italian Chef Enrica Rocca will be in Chicago hosting a special dinner at RPM Italian that showcases her prosecco and also giving a cooking class at Eataly
Kings Bowl in Lincoln Park’s New City Opening Review – Food, Drinks, Scene—Oh, And Bowling Too
On land which used to house the YMCA pool, a New City development has sprung up including a new Kings Bowl location
Chicago Humanities Festival “Four Women..” Concert – Woman Power Pouring from the Stage
Chicago Humanities Festival presents "Four Women: Josephine, Eartha, Nina and Tina"
Windy City Playhouse’s “Chapter Two” Review – Classic Neil Simon
Neil Simon's romantic comedy "Chapter Two", currently playing at Windy City Playhouse, is a story about overcoming loss
Saint Sebastian Players’ “Arsenic and Old Lace” – Madcap Classic Community Style
"Arsenic and Old Lace" is a perfect match for Saint Sebastian Players and you can tell the cast is having fun performing it
Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Review – Get There Early
The Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour is aptly named
Timeline Theatre’s “Spill” Review – Honoring Lives Lost to Oil Lust
"Spill" puts a human face on the BP Oil Spill disaster
Jellyfish Cocktails Unveiling Review – Hot Spot Mixology
Jellyfish on Rush Street continues to serve great food and creative cocktails
Columbus, Indiana Tour Review – Architectural Mecca of Indiana
Columbus, Indiana is one of the top ranked places in the US for architectural highlights
Henry Social Club Restaurant Review – Trendy, Tasty Spot in Columbus, Indiana
Henry Social Club of Columbus, Indiana serves tasty gourmet fare in the midst of trendy hot spot buzz surrounds
Miller House Review – Top Pick Attraction in Columbus, Indiana
A landmark in modern residential architecture, Miller House is a top pick attraction of Columbus, Indiana
“Bernstein in New York City” Review – CSO Takes Us Beyond the Score
CSO's Beyond the Score paints a vivid portrait of Leonard Bernstein as a man with phenomenal emotional range that informed his compositions, conducting and life
Family Fun in Columbus, Indiana Review – Some Options to Note
Columbus, Indiana is on the tourist map because of its world-famous architecture but families visiting the town will find fun for children too
Niv Sheinfeld/Oren Laor and Same Planet Different World MCA Performance Review – Electric, Humorous, Intimate --- Touching
Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre and Niv Sheinfeld/Oren Laor perform three highly engaging dance pieces
The Inn at Irwin Gardens Review – Downton Abbey Hoosier Style
Luxury and the feel of history at The Inn at Irwin Gardens Bed & Breakfast of Columbus, Indiana
Trap Door Theatre’s “The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls” Review – The Feminine Mystique Post-Soviet Style
Set in Post-Soviet Russia, "The Fairytale Lives of Russian Girls" tells of female perils in a world that likely doesn't offer happy endings
CSO "On the Waterfront" Preview - October 23 Screening with CSO Live Performance
Live performance of "On the Waterfront" score by Leonard Bernstein by Chicago Symphony Orchestra slated for next Friday
“True Life Tales..” Review – Blue Collar Gothic Spoken Word Opera
"True Life Tales from the Honeymoon Capital of the World (some of which are true)" creates a new genre of self-described "blue collar gothic spoken word folk opera"
Joffrey’s “Sylvia” Ballet Review – Operatic Affect, Singular Choreography
The Joffrey bring an emotionally involving story ballet, "Sylvia", to Chicago
Oracle’s “No Beast So Fierce” Review – Re-Read Shakespeare First
With their "Free Art for All" tagline, Oracle Productions presents a gender bender twist on Shakespeare's Richard III
Gift Theatre’s “Good for Otto” Review – Mental Healthcare Collage
Gift Theatre's "Good for Otto" tells tales from therapists and patients in a small town's mental health care facility
Shattered Globe’s “Marvin’s Room” Review – Seizing Every Live Theater Advantage
Shattered Globe Theatre brings "Marvin's Room" back to the Chicago stages where it was born
Taste of Pensacola Review – Tasty Tourism Teaser
Taste of Pensacola event went a long way to intriguing on Pensacola travel and defining it as a cosmopolitan dining destination
Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas Review – In the Very Center of the Strip
Lovers of the Las Vegas scene won't find a hotel option more central than Bally's
Step Up Productions’ “Barefoot in the Park” Review – Populuxe Era Play
Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" gets true-to-period treatment by Step Up Productions
Theo Ubique’s “Blood Brothers” Review – Prince and Pauper Musical
Rhyming musical "Blood Brothers" tells a UK-variant of the Prince and Pauper tale
Steep Theatre’s “The Cheats” Review – Hollywood Scene Rear Window
A long married Hollywood couple's life is shaken up by an unhinged neighbor in Steep Theatre's "The Cheats"
Lifeline’s “Miss Buncle’s Book” Review – Lite Fun Reminding of Invisible Moments
"Miss Buncle's Book"recreates a small village outside London full of characters, in all senses, one of whom is a secret novelist chronicler of the town
Raven’s “Direct from Death Row – The Scottsboro Boys” – Minstrels in White Face Entertain and Shame
Raven Theatre's "Direct from Death Row The Scottsboro Boys" Recounts Painful History with Great Creativity
Tanya Tagaq World Music Festival Concert Review – Part Scat, Part Opera, All Inuit
Tanya Tagaq performed her inimitable take on Inuit throat singing in accompaniment to a screening of "Nanook of the North" at the Museum of Contemporary Art as part of the World Music Festival
Expo Chicago 2015 Review – When Navy Pier Gets All Gussied Up
Chicago's happening arts scene is on display at festive Expo Chicago at Navy Pier
Porchlight Music Theatre’s “SideShow” Review – Story of the Hilton Sisters
Porchlight Music Theatre's "SideShow" tells the story of the Hilton Sisters, conjoined at birth and catapulted into show biz
Chicago Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” Review – Most Magical!
Shakespeare's "The Tempest" is re-imagined in the dustbowl age when Prospero could be a conjurer in this magic -filled production by Chicago Shakespeare
Joffrey’s “Millennials” Review – Choreographers’ Dream Team
Joffrey Ballet's "Millennials" concert debuts two new works with a third one that showcases the troupe's amazing grace
Dead Writers' "The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue" Preview - Jazz-Age Fashion Comes Alive
Look for the sumptuous costumes that are a Dead Writers' trademark in this Jazz Age adaptation of a Moliere classic--4 shows only
House Theatre’s “The Revel” Review- Euripides Remix
House Theatre's "The Revel" is loosely based on the Greek tragedy by Euripides "The Bacchae"
Stars of the Lyric Opera at Millennium Park Review – Uplifting Tease of the Coming Season
Stars of the Lyric Opera at Millennium Park 2015 gave a tantalizing teaser of the upcoming season
ShawChicago’s “Geneva” Review – Shaw at his Wordiest
ShawChicago's staged reading of "Geneva" tops many a fully staged production of Shaw's work
Silent Theatre’s “The Dueling Gentlemen” Review – Mime Delight
In its love letter to Vaudeville, Silent Theatre pays homage to all the performers in the olden days who would do one act --all day, every day-- until the thin line between life and art would start to blur
“Dancing at the Harris” Review – Chicago Talent Especially Shines
Chicago Dancing Festival provides a delightful sampler of dances to come on Chicago stages this year
“Bad Jews” Now at Royal George Theater – Another Chance to See Popular Play
One of the most popular plays on recent Chicago stages, "Bad Jews", is re-mounted at the Royal George Theater
“The Rainmaker” Review – Corny Can Be Good and Fun
A superb cast makes American Blues Theater's "The Rainmaker" a highly enjoyable performance
Aston Rep’s “The Lyons” Review – Cynics’ Banquet
"The Lyons" family sets a new standard for dysfunctional in this script by Nicky Silver
Strawdog’s “After Miss Julie” Review – Class and Gender Warfare
Winston Churchill has just been voted out of office when the daughter of the manor comes downstairs to the kitchen to stir up trouble in Strawdog Theatre's "After Miss Julie"
Congo Square’s “Twisted Melodies” Review – Laudable Portrait of Schizophrenia’s Devastating Pain
Partnering with NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill), Congo Square Theater brings a stirring portrait of highly talented musical legend Donny Hathaway
Pinter’s “Ashes to Ashes” at Intuit Art Center Review – Play Linked to the Soul of the Art in its Surrounds
A masterful staging of Pinter's "Ashes to Ashes" should be a magnet draw to view The Intuit: Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art's remarkable collections
Timeline’s “The Price” Review – Tallying Costs of Life Decisions
Legendary actor Mike Nussbaum is joined by stellar cast in Timeline's re-mount of Arthur Miller's "The Price"
Oracle Theatre’s “This House Believes…” Review – Tragic Bellwether of Enduring Racism
Relive a seminal debate on race at Oracle Theatre's "This House Believes the American Dream is at the Expense of the American Negro"
“The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” Review – Termagant Tale
No Stakes Theater Project produces its world debut show "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice"
Kurios Cirque du Soleil Review – Preternatural Talent Showcase
Standout performances by A+ team of circus artists make Cirque du Soleil's "Kurios, Cabinet of Curiosities" show riveting and festive
“Muthaland” at Raven Theatre Review - Hosted by Indo-American Heritage Museum
Minita Gandhi engages and charms an Indo-American Heritage Musieum audience with her poignant one-woman show "Muthaland"
Al Booth Memorial Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Forceful Personality Still Making an Imprint
Dame Myra Hess Concert hosts a fitting memorial concert to its founder, the late Al Booth
Haven Theatre’s “Last Train to Nibroc” Review – Endearing Love Story, Well-Told
Charming and endearing, "Last Train to Nibroc" is a love story well-told
RoseAngelis Restaurant Review – Where Locals Go For Creative Italian Fusion Cuisine
Creativity is the driving force behind RoseAngelis' Italian fusion cuisine
“Playful Talk” Show Hosts Igudesman and Joo Review – Rock Stars of Playful
YouTube sensations Igudesman and Joo bring their whimsy to the well-named "Playful Talk" classical music show hosted and created by pianist Yana Reznik
Preview of Silk Road Rising Panel Discussion- Eastern Christians: Commemorating Genocide, Confronting the Future
As follow on to their important play about the Armenian Genocide -- and to mark the anniversary-- Silk Road Rising Ensemble hosts an important panel
Kokandy Productions’ “Loving Repeating” Review – Paean to Gertrude Stein
"Loving Repeating", a chamber musical, celebrates the life and work of Gertrude Stein
{Title of Show} Review – Musical About Making a Musical
[title of show] is a musical about making a musical
Hell in a Handbag’s BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS Review- Reveling in The Divine Miss M
Hell in a Handbag’s BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS is pure entertainment
Ewart Clarinet Choir Review – Multidimensional Homage to an AACM Founder
Douglas Ewart Clarinet Choir joins with other performers to create a multi-level tribute to an early AACM founder
Steep Theatre’s “Brilliant Adventures” Review – Disturbing, Poignant, Brilliant
Steep Theatre Company's mount of "Brilliant Adventures" is disturbing, poignant and well worth your time
Violinist In Mo Yang at Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Stunning!
Winner of the famed Paganini Violinist Competition, 20-year old In Mo Yang gives a dazzling performance at the Dame Myra Hess concert
“The Freedom Principle” MCA Exhibit Review – Art You Can Hear, Music You Can See
"The Freedom Principle" exhibit at the MCA salutes the Chicago-born avant grade jazz scene born a half century ago, also showcasing its confluence with Black power-informed visual arts
Black Ensemble Theater’s “Men of Soul” Review – Moving Tribute Ensemble
Black Ensemble Theater's "Men of Soul" pays tribute to music legends you never tire of hearing
Jazz Festival Preview - 37th ANNUAL CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 3-6, 2015
Chicago's Jazz Festival brings leading jazz performers to the city in early September
Preview - Dead Writers Theatre Collective Produces Oscar Wilde Bio Play - Salute of Recent Supreme Court Ruling on Gay Marriage
In salute to recent Supreme Court ruling, Dead Writers Theater Collective presents play about Oscar Wilde
Preview - Igudesman and Joo Join Playful Talk with Yana Reznik - PianoForte Studios July 27, 7 PM
Playful Talk hosts a classical music comedy show on July 27
Cellist Oliver Aldort Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – En Route to Boston Symphony Orchestra
Now 21, musical prodigy cellist Oliver Aldort performs at Dame Myra Hess concert and is soon to join Boston Symphony Orchestra
Cirque du Soleil “Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities” Preview – The Circus is Coming August 6+!
Cirque du Soleil's newest show, "Kurios - Cabinet of Curiosities" comes to Chicago on August 6
CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL Preview - Featuring 13 World Premiere Musicals by Chicago Artists
CHICAGO MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL
June 30 – July 19, 2015 at The Den Theatre
Hypocrites’ “All Our Tragic” Review – Magical Marathon Theater
Hypocrites' "All Our Tragic" immerses you in the universe of Greek tragedies for 12 hours leaving you hungry for a repeat
Grant Park Music Festival’s Apprentice Chorale with Project Inclusion String Quartet Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Musical Poetry and More
Grant Park Apprentice Chorale and the Project Inclusion Quartet sing Ferlinghetti poems and more at the Dame Myra Hess concert
Field Museum Unveils “Cyrus Tang Hall of China” Review – First Major US Exhibit on Chinese Culture and History
Field Museum unveils a new permanent exhibit, "Cyrus Tang Hall of China"
Chicago Contemporary Circus Review – Creativity on Steroids
Chicago Contemporary Circus WOWS with creativity
Royal Ballet’s “Don Quixote” Review – Ballet Milestone
After a 37-year hiatus, the Royal Ballet returns to Chicago
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture – Making a Dramatic History Real
Chicago's Balzekas Museum of LIthuanian Culture makes the traumatic history of Lithuanian D.P.s during World War II and its immediate aftermath come alive
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture – Making a Dramatic History Real
Gift Theatre’s “Body + Blood” Review – Faith Story Circa 2015
Gift Theatre's "Body + Blood" is a modern day play set in Chicago about faith
Griffin Theatre’s “The Birds” Review – Transport to Post-Apocalyptic Nightmare
Griffin Theatre's "The Birds" transports you to a post-apocalyptic scary world
Lifeline’s “Soon I Will Be Invincible” Review – Standout Stagecraft for Superhero Comic Enthusiasts
Superhero and supervillain comic book characters are brought to life in Lifeline's musical, "Soon I Will Be Invincible"
42nd Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards Ceremony Review – Chicago Got Talent!
The passion of Chicago's non-equity actors was palpable at the 42nd Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards
“Ravel -A Portrait” Beyond the Score Review – Composer Who Heard in a Fourth Dimension
CSO's final "Beyond the Score" program of this year focuses on the genius of Maurice Ravel
606 Bloomingdale Trail Opens Report- A Miracle for Many Longtime Residents
The 606 Bloomingdale Trail Park opens with festivities and a happy mood
Haven Theatre Company’s “Don’t Go Gentle” Review – End Days’ Hope for a Life Edit
Haven Theatre's "Don't Go Gentle" -- top shelf acting telling a meaty tale about a man trying to re-do his life as he faces his mortality
MusicNOW Review – Stellar Bookends of Last Clyne/Bates Curated MusicNOW Concert
Anna Clyne and Mason Bates' curation of the MusicNOW concert series had a powerful finale performance with especially distinctive opener and closer pieces
1st Rush Hour Concert 2015 Season Review – Showcasing the Church’s Majestic Organ
The new season of Rush Hour Concerts begins with a spotlight on St James Cathedral's magnificent pipe organ
DANCE FREE-4-ALL! Preview - American Rhythm Center Hosts Free Classes June 8–14
Free Dance Classes June 8 - 14 at American Rhythm Center
Taste of India Tour Review – Diversity Lessons on Devon
Chicago's Indo-American Heritage Museum's "Taste of India Tour" is a tasty way to learn the history of your Indo-American neighbors and about the rich diversity of Indian culture
Linchpin Theatre’s “Other Hands” Review – That Small Theater Hidden Gem You’ve Been Waiting For
Linchpin Theatre's "Other Hands"-- a gem of a production-- reminds you of what you always hope to find in Chicago's small theaters
“Don Juan in Hell” Review – The “Man and Superman” Omission
Rogue Theater ends an 8-year performance hiatus with a mounting of George Bernard Shaw's "Don Juan in Hell"
CSO World Premiere Review – Clyne with Berlioz and Beethoven
Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs world premiere of "The Seamstress" by Mead Composer in Residence Anna Clyne, along with works by Berlioz and Beethoven
“Wild Sound” at the MCA Review – Entropy with a Beat
"Wild Sound" was performed by Third Coast Percussion at the Museum of Contemporary Art
“Another Kind of Love” Review- Kurt Cobain Remix
InFusion Theatre Co.'s "Another Kind of Love", is a punk rock play now at the Chopin Theatre
Weiyin Chen Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Meditative, Spiritual Journey
Pianist Weiyin Chen performs short Brahms selection followed by Schubert's "Piano Sonata No. 18 in G Major, D.894" to enthusiastic reception at Dame Myra Hess concert
Ten Days in Tuscany, an Italy Road Trip Review – Teaser Ensures a Return
Ten Days in Tuscany road trip--enough to convince to make a much longer return trip
Hedwig Dance’s “One Grand Dance” Review – Marking 30th Anniversary
Hedwig Dances marks 30th Anniversary with "One Grand Dance" performance
Buonamico Wine Estate Tour Review – Come for the Sparking, but don’t forget its Reds, Whites and Rose
Montecarlo's Buonamico Vineyards are known for their sparkling wines, unique to the area. Their whites, reds, and rose are quite tasty too
Step Up Productions’ “Crimes of the Heart” Review – Lovable Dysfunctional Family
Pulitzer and Tony Award Winning "Crimes of the Heart" is in good hands with Step Up Productions
Goodman’s “Little Foxes” Review – “Greed is Good” Circa 1900 Southern-Style
"Little Foxes", a classic play by Lillian Hellman, is mounted by Goodman Theatre
Tenuta Bellavista Insuese Hotel Review – Bring Your Village!
Boasting 7 lakes, nature trails, biodiversity preservation efforts, wetlands with birding houses, fields of olive trees and ancient wheat and more, Tenuta Bellavista Insuese provides a unique vacation getaway with a very convenient location
Lang Lang Lyric Recital Review – Flying Finger Showman
Lang Lang performs Tchaikovsky, Bach and Chopin, with two encores at Civic Opera House
Apicoltura Cristofori Mauro Tour Review – Meeting a Beekeepers’ Beekeeper
Tour Apicoltura Cristofori Mauro in Vinci and learn more about beekeeping
Vinci’s Casa Carbonaia Hotel Review – Plan on Returning
Book ahead at Casa Carbonaia to enjoying stunning views of the lush countryside, the hospitality of a warm host, and perhaps some adventure too
Vinci, Italy Review – For All Things Leonardo, and Village Charm
Vinci is a scenic spot to visit and learn more about the town's most famous son, Leonardo da Vinci
Scottish Ballet’s “Streetcar Named Desire” – Tennessee Williams’ Words Come Alive in Dance
Scottish Ballet brings the emotional arc of Tennessee Williams "Streetcar Named Desire" to the stage
Trattoria Montecarlo Review – La Dolce Vita Spot
Trattoria Montecarlo is a lovely spot to linger over a meal for hours with a good bottle of the famed Montecarlo wine
Comune di Montecarlo in Tuscany Review –Wine, Opera and Charm
Wine enthusiasts have Montecarlo on their map-- those seeking Tuscany charm and perhaps a bit of opera should too
Lucca’s Villa Grabau Review – Film Set Feel
Picturesque Villa Grabau and its historic gardens is also a wedding destination spot and luxury accommodation
Volterra, Tuscany Tour Review – Medieval Patina on a History Richer Still
Volterra in Tuscany has Medieval charms and more
Lucca, Tuscany Tour Review – Streets that Inspired Your Favorite Operas
Lucca, a city that has escaped ruin by luck and pluck through the centuries, offers a glimpse back in history and a vibrant cultural scene today
La Pecora Nera Bed & Breakfast in Mazzolla, Tuscany Review – Choose the Personality of Your Room
B&B La Pecora Nera features rooms inspired by three historic women
Etruscan Coast’s Petra Vineyards Review – Come for the Architecture, Stay for the Wine
Petra Wine has a vineyard that makes an architectural stamp on the Etruscan Coast countryside
Lucca Center of Contemporary Art Review – Meeting Museums’ Future in a Roman-born Town
Lu.C.C.A - Lucca Center of Contemporary Art- is headed by one of the most forward-thinking Museum Directors in the world, and also features a world-class restaurant with creativity on par with the museum's exhibits
First Floor Theater’s “The Paranoid Style in American Politics” Review – Political Whodunit Thriller
First Floor Theater's "The Paranoid Style in American Politics" is a true whodunit political thriller
Touring Florence Solo or with a Group Report – Getting Oriented and Getting In
A tour of Florence can help orient you to Florence's rich history and even richer art treasures. A group tour may be your best entry ticket to some of the harder to get into tourist spots
Ville Sull’Arno Florence Hotel Review – Dante Slept Here!
Sitting on the Arno River, Florence's Ville Sull'Arno Hotel overflows with history, charm and luxurious touches
Palazzo Rocchi Hotel Review – Luxury in Lucca’s Most Central Square
Welcoming, luxurious and comforting-- but the best thing about Palazzo Rocchi is its warm and convivial Manager Roberto
Volterra’s Museo Etrusco Guarnacci Review – Getting Acquainted with a Pre-Patriarchy Culture
Learn about pre-patriarchal Etruscan culture in Volterra at the Museo Etrusco Guarnacci
Relais La Cappuccino Tuscany Hotel Review – Closer to an American Chain Hotel Experience
Relais La Cappuccina near San Gimignano was the most American-like hotel we stayed at in Tuscany
Paolo Ciolli Cooking Lesson Review – “Cacciucco is the Protagonist”
What a treat to get a cooking lesson from a rock star chef serving one of Livorno's signature dishes-- The Cacciucco
VolaTerrA Luncheon Review – Taste the Well-Deserved Pride of Place
A one-stop shop to experience the bounty -- 0 KM -- of historic Volterra, Italy
De Gustibus Network Restaurant Review – The Best of Tuscan Food Without Leaving Florence
If you only have time to visit Florence, make sure you experience De Gustibus to get a feel for the small producers of high quality food and wine throughout Tuscany
Ristorante Oliviero Review – A Welcomed First Taste of Florence
The chef at Florence, Italy's Oliviero Ristorante aims for a balance between traditional Tuscan fare and infusion of the menu with new globally-sourced ingredients
Volterra’s Lischeto Agriturismo (Farm Hotel) Review – Zen and the Art of Pecorino Cheese
Learn why and how the best organic cheese from Italy tastes so good by visiting Lischeto Farm. Short answer: It's an obsession
The Florence School of Olive Oil Review - Food Market Trip, Oil Tasting, and Chatty Cooking Lesson
Shop in the local market, get a quick short course on olive oil tasting and make pasta from scratch at The Florence School of Olive Oil
Volterra, Italy’s “alab’Arte” Review – Sculpture in Alabaster
Alab'Arte in Volterra, Tuscany is keeping the historic alabaster art style alive and making beautiful objects too. Visit their workshop to see the magic in action
Etruscan Coast’s Podere Vignanova Farm Hotel Review - Comfort With Warm Family Feel
Podere Vignanova --a comfortable farm hotel with jacuzzi and the touch of a master cabinetmaker on the Etruscan Coast
Vinci’s Enoteca Borgo Allegro Restaurant Review – Fine Fare Made with Good Cheer
A fun spirit pervades Borgo Allegro, starting with the menu only visible in a mirror, in homage to the writing habits of Vinci's most famous citizen, Leonardo da Vinci
Azienda Il Rifugio dei sogni Review – Getting Closer to Wine with a Mom & Pop Vintner
Near historic Volterra's center, the small vineyard Il Rifugio dei Sogni gives you an up close and personal taste of winemaking, in all senses
Enoteca “Del Duca” Restaurant Review – Truffles, Wild Boar, and More
In the center of historic Volterra, Enoteca Del Duca serves traditional fare with dashes of "modernity"-- and gives cooking lessons too
Livorno Canal Tour Review – Marveling at Medici-born Cosmopolitan Vibes
Touring the Livorno canals you learn about how the Medicis made their mark building this "city of nations"
Doctor Pescia’s Tuscan Honey Reviews – Teaming with Nomad Bees
Dr. Pescia's passion for his bees is evident when you tour their bee farm, the largest Tuscan honey supplier
Archeological Park of Baratti and Populonia – Acquaint with Ancient Etruscans in an Open Air Museum
A network of archeological parks on the scenic Etruscan Coast gives you a window into ancient Etruscan culture
Dead Writers Theatre’s “Lady Windemere’s Fan” Review – Letting Oscar Wilde Speak
Dead Writers Theatre presents the Oscar Wilde classic, "Lady Windermere's Fan"
Florence’s Palazzo Vecchietti Hotel Review – Luxurious Historic Paparazzi-Free Zone
Palazzo Vecchietti, in the center of Florence, was designed by a leading Medici artist
Tenuta Argentiera Tour Review – Taste of “Little Bordeaux”
Learn about the Bolgheri D.O.C. label and see the beautiful grounds of Tenuta Argentiera on the Etruscan Coast of Italy
Etruscan Coast’s Poggio ai Santi Restaurant Review – Unique Food Adventure
Travel to the Etruscan Coast's Poggio ai Santi restaurant for a truly unique culinary adventure close to nature
Day in San Gimignano, Tuscany Review – Soaking Up a Medieval Rest Stop
San Gimignano in Tuscany is a good place to visit for one to three days to soak up medieval culture and even some contemporary art too
Raven Theatre’s “Beast on the Moon” Review – Observing Genocide and the Spirit of Survival
Marking the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Raven Theatre mounts a superb production of "Beast on the Moon"
The Hypocrites’ “Three Sisters” Review – Never Getting to Moscow
The Hypocrites mounts the classic Chekhov play "Three Sisters"
Porchlight’s “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Review – Vaudeville-esque Glee
Porchlight Music Theatre brings a laugh-a-minute production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with Vaudeville flair
“An Evening with the Roosevelts” at Auditorium Theatre Review – Steeped in History
Roosevelt University marks its 70th Anniversary with two plays about their namesakes starring Ed Asner and Loretta Swit
Lyric Opera’s “Carousel” – Magical, Transporting
Lyric Opera's Carousel transports you with iconic music, star power, and remarkable set design
“Louis & Keely ‘Live’ at the Sahara” Review – Lounge Act Nostalgia
A Las Vegas act -- "Louis & Keely Live at the Sahara- tells an almost forgotten story in American music history
MCA Ragamala Dance with Mahanthappa Review - Dancers and Musicians Enthrall
MCA Ragamala Dance with Mahanthappa - Onstage Interplay of Dancers and Musicians Enthralls Audience
MAKE MUSIC CHICAGO Preview - 5th Year of Free, Day-Long City-Wide Music Event, on Summer Solstice, June 21
Free music all day long in Chicago during the Summer Solstice (also Father's Day)--June 21!
Interview: Director of LBJ Presidential Library Weighs in on The Seldoms’ “Power Goes” and the Potential Impact of an Obama Library
The Director of the LBJ Presidential Library weighs in on The Seldoms' "Power Goes", a possible Chicago location for the Obama Presidential Library and more on LBJ
CSO Beyond the Score Review – Taking Ideas About Brahms Out for a Stroll
CSO's "Beyond the Score" series paints a multi-media collage of Brahms and his Symphony No. 3
River North Dance Chicago Review – Masterpiece Chaves Choreography Bookends
River North Dance Chicago performs two world premieres along with stellar Chaves choreography and other works
Samuel Marques Profile – Extraordinary Sound from a Self-described Ordinary Guy
Rising star clarinetist Samuel Marques reflects on how he is more "regular guy" than the average professional musician
Griffin Theatre’s “Balm in Gilead” Review – Junkies Crowding a Nighthawk’s Scene
Griffin Theatre Company presents "Balm In Gilead" with an ensemble of 28 actors
Boulez-Centered MusicNOW Review – Music Most Abstract
MusicNOW showcases works by Boulez and series organizers' Bates and Clyne
Windy City Playhouse’s “End Days” Review – Relish the Irreverence
Chicago's newest Equity theater, Windy City Playhouse, makes its debut with off-the-charts irreverent "End Days" by Deborah Zoe Laufer
Dutoit Conducts CSO with Yo-Yo Ma – The Great Cello Communicator
Yo-Yo Ma performs with Chicago Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Charles Dutoit
“Power Goes” Review –LBJ’s Essence Told Through Dance
The Seldoms "Power Goes" explores the visceral dimension of power through telling LBJ's story
Kokandy’s “The Full Monty” Review – Racing to the Bottom Has Never Been So Much Fun!
"The Full Monty" calls itself "The Revealing Musical Comedy" and we call it GREAT FUN
Thodos Dance “Chicago Inspired” Gala Review – Reminding WHO –and WHAT—Brought You to the Dance
Thodos Dance Chicago performed many works with a deep Chicago connection as prelude to their gala. A sense of community pervaded Harris Theater
“Beyond the Aria” Season Finale Review –Voices with Power
In an intimate performance space, "Beyond the Aria"'s season finale showcased soprano Amber Wagner, tenor Brandon Jovanovic and baritone/pianist/composer Will Liverman
“The Signal” at City Winery Review – A Doo Wop Rhapsody
Nostagia-fueled joy exploded from the audience as the old Doo Wop standards were performed in "The Signal" at City Winery
Joffrey Academy of Dance “Winning Works: Choreographers of Color” Review – Glimpse at Dance’s Rosy Future
Joffrey's "Winning Works" showcases works by choreographers of color and their remarkably talented students
Shantala Shivalingappa Dance Review – Kuchipudi Artist Enchants Chicago Audience
Kuchipudi Artist Shantala Shivalingappa Enchants at The Dance Center of Columbia College in association with Chicago's Eye on India
Alonzo King Lines Ballet Review – Lines Crumpled and Straight
Alonzo King Lines Ballet from the Bay Area thrills Chicago's Harris audience
Grupo Corpo at Auditorium Theatre Review – Bonito!
Grupo Corpo brings a unique Brazilian stamp to dance on the Auditorium Theatre stage
“Yankee Tavern” Review – Conspirators Under Every Rock
"Yankee Tavern" toys with your notions of conspiracy theorists
Lyric Unlimited’s “The Property” Review – A Klezmer Opera
"The Property" tells the story of a family returning to Poland to reclaim family property lost in the Holocaust
Lyric Opera’s “The Passenger” Review – Moving Score Imploring Holocaust Memory
In its Midwest premiere, the Lyric Opera presents "The Passenger", a moving story of life and death in Auschwitz
Atlanta’s “West Egg Café” Review – “Meet You at the Egg”
"Meet you at the egg" is what many Atlantans say when they want the best brunch and scene
Atlanta’s Fox Theatre Tour Review – Glimpse the City’s Soul in a Historic Landmark Building
Visit Atlanta's Fox Theatre and get a tour of the only theatre in the world undergoing continuous restoration
Atlanta’s High Museum of Art Review – Leading Art Museum in Southeast
Atlanta's High Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Southeastern USA
“Atkins Park in Virginia Highlands” Restaurant Review – Fine Dining in Historic Atlanta Tavern
Find the "real" Atlanta and tasty food at Atkins Park in Virginia Highlands
Atlanta’s Center for Civil and Human Rights –Top Reason to Visit Atlanta
Atlanta's Center for Civil and Human Rights thoughtfully presents the story of ending segregation
Atlanta’s “World of Coca-Cola” Review – Monument to Marketing
"World of Coca-Cola" immerses you in their corporate story
Atlanta’s “Lure” Restaurant Review – Elevating Seafood
"Lure" is a standout seafood restaurant that surprises in landlocked Atlanta
Sheraton Atlanta Airport Hotel Review - Add a Day or Save Many Dollars
Budget conscious travelers to Atlanta who don't want to totally sacrifice a touch of luxury should consider the Sheraton Atlanta Airport
Atlanta’s CNN Studios Tour - Inside View of TV News
In 50 minutes CNN gives you a tour of their studios and shows you how they make their sausage
Historic Boone Tavern of Berea College Hotel Review – Comfy, Green National Landmark Hotel
The Historic Boone Tavern of Berea College, a national historic landmark that is both super-green and comfy
Visit to Berea, Kentucky Review – Destination for History Buffs, Well Worth the Detour
Berea, Kentucky is a road trip destination for students of history, among others
Historic Boone Tavern of Berea College Review – One Bite Tells You Why It’s Called “Kentucky Pride”
Boone Tavern Restaurant adds gourmet flare to locally sourced ingredients
Giordano Dance Chicago at Auditorium Theatre Review – Historic First Full-Length Program on Landmark Stage
Giordano Dance Chicago combines strength and grace in their historic first full-length program on the landmark Auditorium Theatre stage
Playful Talk Show with Yana Reznik at PianoForte Studios Preview - A New Kind of Classical Music Show!
A New Kind of Classical Music Show!--Playful Talk Show with Yana Reznik at PianoForte Studios
TimeLine Theatre’s “The Apple Plays” Review – In the Belly of The Political Zeitgeist
TimeLine Theatre mounts two plays of more recent history than is their norm from the four-part "Apple Plays" by Richard Nelson
Stan’s Café “The Cardinals” Review – Puppets Telling Bible Stories
Stan's Cafe's "Three Cardinals" re-tells bible stories via a puppet show flirting with the profane
A Red Orchid Theatre’s “Accidentally Like a Martyr” Review – Grief in a Gay Bar
A Red Orchid Theatre's "Accidentally Like a Martyr" Tells a Story of Grief --or Several--Played Out in a Gay Bar
The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s “Swan Lake” Review – Pleasing, if not Precise
Star ballerina and Tchaikovsky's magnificent score please in The State Ballet Theater of Russia's "Swan Lake"
Palmer House’s Lockwood Restaurant High Tea Review – Sweet, Sweet, Sweet and Savory
Take a taste of luxury in the Palmer House Hilton's Lockwood Restaurant's afternoon tea service
“Plastic Revolution” Review- Campy Musical Comedy
The New Colony's "Plastic Revolution" is campy musical theater that makes you laugh
Northwestern Law to present Collaboraction ís Crime Scene Chicago 2015: Let Hope Rise for free on Jan. 21 Preview - Free Performance
Free Performance of Collaboraction's "Crime Scene Chicago 2015" in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King
Shattered Globe Theatre’s “The Rose Tattoo” – Tennessee Williams’ Script Couldn’t Be in Better Hands
Tennessee Williams' "The Rose Tattoo" Gets the Top Shelf Acting the Excellent Script Deserves
Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Review - Around the World with a Photo Essay Report
Photos from the Chicago Travel & Adventure Show
Manual Cinema’s “Mementos Mori” Review – Inaugural Show of 1st Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival
1st Annual Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Gets Kick-Off with Richly Layered and Fun Lamentation on Death in the Digital Age by Manual Cinema
Beyond the Aria Review – The Sweetness of Song
The intimate "Beyond the Aria" performance bathed attendees in sweet song
“I Don’t Remember You: Broadway’s Cult Classics, vol. II” Review –Delight in an Obsession with Musical Theater
Cozy and Charming - Two Performances remain of "I Don't Remember You: Broadway's Cult Classics, Vol. II"
Cor Theatre’s “A Map of Virtue” Review – Terror-Filled Thriller
Cor Theatre's inaugural work, "Map of Virtue" is a psychological thriller that terrifies
The Side Project’s “Push Button Murder” – All About Drones
The Sideline Project's "Push Button Murder" is a dark comedy about drone warfare
Petrenko Conducts CSO Review – Captivating Program Warms Arctic Chill
Vasily Petrenko conducts CSO in works by Elgar, Beethoven and Rachmaninov
Free Art Institute Preview - COME IN FROM THE COLD WITH FREE WINTER WEEKDAYS AT THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Come to the Art Institute for free through February 10
Chicago Travel & Adventure Show Preview – First Stop for Global Wanderlust
11th Annual Chicago Travel & Adventure Show brings travel experts, 1000s of travel options and international culture and cuisine to Rosemont
Shelest Piano Duo Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Orchestral Sound from Four Hands
Dmitri and Anna Shelest performed from the four hand piano repertoire at the last Dame Myra Hess concert of 2014
Hiking in Cappadocia Review – Get Up Close with Cave Houses
The spectacular and other-worldly terrain of Cappadocia dazzles when you trek across it
Donations and Celebration In Memoriam for Eric Eatherly
Chicago-Splash journalists join in mourning tragic loss of widely respected Silverman Group VP-- Eric Eatherly
Yana Reznik Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Interlude from Shopping Frenzy
Yana Reznik, a pianist with an eye to making classical music more accessible to a contemporary audience, entertained with a program of encore pieces at the Dame Myra Hess concert on December 24
Apollo Chorus’ “Handel’s Messiah” Review – Rapture!
The Apollo Chorus' "Handel's Messiah" is a tradition of the holiday season to bookmark
Prieto Conducts CSO with Yeh in Spotlight Review – Varied Program Gives Much to Savor
CSO Principal Percussionist Cynthia Yeh is solo star in varied program under baton of Prieto
Field Museum’s “Vodou – Sacred Powers of Haiti” Review – Spirituality Steeped in Struggles Against Racism
"Vodou: Sacred Powers of Haiti" at the Field Museum debunks myths about the religion and explains its rituals from the perspective of followers of that faith
Los Lobos at City Winery Review – Waxing Psychedelic on its 41st Year
Los Lobos brought out more of the rock side of their repertoire at City Winery
Florida Keys in Less Than 48 Hours Review – Stay Longer!
The Florida Keys are far more multi-faceted for a less than 2-day trip to give them their due
Sunset Key Latitudes Restaurant Review – Flair for Freshness and Finishing Touches
Sunset Key Latitudes is the place to head for special occasion meals in Key West-- superlative!
Key West’s Firefly Restaurant Review – Southern Made Scrumptious
Firefly in Key West delivers a unique and tasty Nouvelle Southern cuisine menu
Chelsea House Historic Key West Inn Review – Relax in the Real Key West
Historic Key West Inns' Chelsea House gives you an affordable alternative to cookie cutter chain hotels
Historic Courtyard Cadillac Miami Beach Hotel Review – Balancing Business with South Beach Buzz
Recently expanded and renovated and also protected by Miami Beach as a historic building, Marriott's Courtyard Cadillac Hotel is festive -- for families, business travelers, and more
Art Basel Miami Review - Art, Style, Sun
Art Basel Miami is the premier art show in the US-- and vast!
Dance Theatre of Harlem at Auditorium Theatre Review – Classic Ballet with a Pinch of Soul
Dance Theatre of Harlem's graceful dancers performed classic ballet and one crowd pleaser that goes beyond
CSO’s Beyond the Score “a pierre dream” – Review –Rich, Multi-layered Portrait of Boulez and His Music
Frank Gehry and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Beyond the Score creators team up to give a moving portrait of living legend Pierre Boulez
American Theater Company’s “The Humans” Review – Serving Frailty Stew on Turkey Day
"The Humans" is an aptly named play depicting a contemporary American family having Thanksgiving dinner
Preservation of Three Chicago Landmarks Honored – Review – Milestone for Chicagoan’s Heartfelt Architectural Pride
Landmarks Illinois Honors Three Chicago Preservation Projects with Driehaus Preservation Awards
Strawdog’s “Great Expectations” Review – Multi-Jointed Actors and Script Delight
Uber-flexible actors and fast-paced script of Strawdog's "Great Expectations" delight
Măcelaru Conducts Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Brahms, Bruch, and Dvořák
Personable pre-concert speaker brings Brahms, Bruch and Dvořák newly alive-- followed by a transporting CSO performance
Holcombe Waller “Wayfinders” Review – Sci-Fi Flavored Musical Expressionism
"Wayfinders" may have created a new genre of sci-fi inspired musical expressionism
Michael Clark Company: “come, been and gone” Review – Dance with Standout Costumes and Lighting
Museum of Contemporary Art's exhibit "David Bowie Is" gets an accompanying dance performance showcasing the rock star's music by Michael Clark Company
A Red Orchid Theatre’s “Strandline” Review – Challenging to American Ears
A Red Orchid Theatre presents the Chicago World Premiere of a heavy-Irish accent play "Strandline"
“Lotto Fever in the Sucker State” Review – Lovable Sitcom in Spirit of Farm-Aid
"Lotto Fever in the Sucker State" tells the story of small farmers suffering today with disarming humor
Beijing Dance Theater “Wild Grass” Review – Flawless Dancing Sans Wow
"Wild Grass" by Beijing Dance Theater is based on writings of a well-known Chinese writer Lu Xun (1881 - 1926)
Silk Road Rising’s “The Hundred Flowers Project” Review – Paradigms on a Bullet Train
"The Hundred Flowers Project" aims to explore Mao's notion of continuous revolution through the zeitgeist of hi-tech times
“Beyond the Aria” Review – Lyric Opera Serenade on Pritzker Stage
Lyric Opera voices in an intimate cabaret-like setting on Pritzker Stage
Rosy Simas Danse “We Wait in the Darkness” Review– Storytelling with a Multi-Media Movement Poem
Rosy Simas' subtle choreography paired with video and soundscapes creates a moving poem, in all senses
Profiles Theatre “The Cryptogram” Review – That First Time You Felt Your World Fall Apart
Profile Theatre mounts a top-notch production of David Mamet's play "The Cryptogram"
The People’s Music School Passes On Baton-- Preview–-Renewing the Treasure Rita Simó Gave Chicago
The People's Music School Appoints a new President and Artistic Director who is a kindred spirit of the school's founder
CSO’s “Ben Hur” Review – Historic Silent Film Scored by Rock Drummer
Chicago Symphony Orchestra enlists famed rock drummer to bring classic silent film "Ben Hur" alive
Lyric Opera “Capriccio” Review – Rewarded Strongly by Renée Fleming’s Final Aria
Renée Fleming diva powers the Lyric Opera's current production of "Capriccio"
Rosy Simas “We Wait in the Darkness” Dance Preview – Dancing to Heal the Generations
Well-known Minneapolis choreographer Rosy Simas brings her heralded work "We Wait in Darkness" to Chicago
Porchlight’s “Sweeney Todd” Review – Charmed and Cozy with a Ghoulish Tale
Porchlight Music Theatre Gives the Ghoulish Tale of Sweeney Todd a New Charm and Intimacy
Rosas danst Rosas at MCA Review – Building from the Infinite Dimensions of Binary
See dance history and get mesmerized by the performance of "Rosas danst Rosas" at the Museum of Contemporary Art
River North Dance Company Silver Anniversary Performance Review – Came a Long Way, Going Further
Two powerful premieres and a re-mount of one of River North Dance Company's first hits helps mark their silver anniversary
Lost Bayou Ramblers Review – Cajan Vacation Without Leaving Town
For that fun Bayou sound go to City Winery to hear Lost Bayou Ramblers-- and catch a good meal and wine
Interrobang’s “Owners” Review – Well-Acted Ideological Spoof
Interrobang Theatre Project's "Owners" delivers an absurdly funny ideological spoof
American Ballet Theatre Review – Auditorium Theatre Kicks Off its 125th Birthday with Four Landmarks in the History of Dance
Auditorium Theatre kicks off its 125th birthday with a performance of historic dances performed by American Ballet Theatre
Lyric Opera’s “Don Giovanni” Review – Modern Setting Gives Opera New Resonance
Lyric Opera gives Mozart's "Don Giovanni" a modern setting and new resonance
MusicNOW Review- Four Provocative Explorations of Where Music Can Take Us
Four composers' works-- each quite distinct-- were performed at the recent MusicNOW concert in Harris Theater
Chicago Sinfonietta and Mucca Pazza at Symphony Center Review- Kindred Spirits Leave Audience Beaming Smiles
Chicago Sinfonietta teams with Mucca Pazza punk marching band to totally delight
Joffrey Ballet’s “Stories in Motion” Review – Three Dazzling Dance Operettas
Joffrey Ballet tells three short stories through dance
EXPO CHICAGO 2014 Review – Third Successful Year at Navy Pier
Thousands of cutting edge artworks from around the world were exhibited for sale at EXPO CHICAGO
Lifeline Theatre’s “Jane Eyre” Review – Classic Novel Brought to Stage
Classic romance novel Jane Eyre re-imagined for the stage
Ballet X Review – Raising the Barre with Strength and Grace
Ballet X takes transforms classic ballet with strength and grace
Strawdog’s “Fail/Safe” Review – Taking You to the Brink of Nuclear Winter
Join Strawdog on a nail-biting journey to the brink of nuclear winter
Political Tourism in Iowa – Hazy View in the Media Bubble
Missing past glory days of political tourism at the last and 37th Annual Tom Harkin Steak Fry
MCA Hosts eighth blackbird Review – Mixed Bag Performance
Museum of Contemporary Art showcases eighth blackbird and world premiere of "Colombine's Paradise Theatre"
Cabezas and Yang Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Overflow Crowd Transported to Baroque Salon
Chicagoland native Gabriel Cabezas (cello) partners with Amy J. Yang to bring a baroque feel to Dame Myra Hess concert
The Lyric Opera Chorus Concert Preview - Friday, Sept. 12 at 7pm
First of two concerts by Lyric Opera Chorus to be held Friday September 12
Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park Review – Scrumptious Appetizer for the 60th Season
Stars of the Lyric Opera in Millennium Park give an enchanting introduction to their 60th Season
Piccolo Theatre’s “Smash” Review – Delightful Shaw-Lite Romp
Light-hearted and fully entertaining, Piccolo Theatre's "Smash" is George Bernard Shaw-lite
“Clemente: The Legend of 21” Review – Crowd Pleaser for Baseball Fans
Latin music infused biographical sketch of baseball hero Roberto Clemente
2014 Jeff Award Nominees for Equity Productions Preview - With Splash Review Reminders
Timeline’s “My Name is Asher Lev” – A Hasidic-born Artist’s Story
"My Name is Asher Lev" portrays the story of a Hasidic-born artist's struggle to make art and remain devout
Ketevan Kartvelishvili Dame Myra Hess Concert Review - Thrilling!
World-class talent Ketevan Kartvelishvili gave a high-energy performance at the Dame Myra Hess concert series
“Ecstasy”- Debut of Cole Theatre Review – Theater at its Intimate Best
Debut Production of new Chicago theater company gives top-rate actors a platform to shine
Joffrey's Swan Lake Preview - Watch a Live Stream Reheasal
Finale to Grant Park Music Festival 80th Season Review – Celebrating Free Music for All
Grant Park Orchestra performs final concert of its 80th Season
David Bromberg Band at City Winery Preview - Musician’s Musician Returns to Chicago
The David Bromberg Band performs from their new album "Only Slightly Mad"
Chicago Symphony Orchestra 2014/2015 Season Preview - Music Director Maestro Muti's 5th Season Begins
Full rundown of CSO 2014 - 2015 season
Northern Lights Grant Park Music Festival Concert Review – Telling Aurora’s Story
Children's story about the Northern Lights set to newly symphony jointly commissioned by Grant Park Orchestral Association and KV 265
Beyaz Izgara Restaurant Preview – Winning the Fast Food War One Meatball at a Time
A master of Turkish cuisine is opening a food stall to counter globalized fast food chain trends
Istanbul’s Meze by Lemon Tree Review – Feast at a Gourmet Meyhane with a 21st Century Twist
The tasting menu at Meze by Lemon Tree meyhane near the historic Pera Palace hotel should be on visitor's short list of Istanbul dining experiences
Neil Young & Crazy Horse Debut Concert in Turkey – Woodstock Vibe in Istanbul
Neil Young and Crazy Horse meet their hordes of young fans in Istanbul
Turkish Flavours Food Tour Review – Tasty Feast of Turkish Food and Culture
Get oriented to Turkey with a Turkish Flavours Food Tour or Cooking Class
Damrau & De Maistre Istanbul Music Festival Review – Soprano, Harp and Chemistry
World-renowned coloratura soprano Diana Damrau performs with harpist Xavier de Maistre, along with two harp solos
Troussov, Capuçon, Ducros Istanbul Music Festival Review – Performance with Power
Istanbul Music Festival "Encounters" program brings together violinist Troussov, cellist Capuçon, and pianist Ducros
PAPAVRAMI, PHILLIPS, GUY at Istanbul Music Festival Review – Three Musical Masters Give Beethoven and Brahms Their Due
Three musicians from France dazzle at Istanbul Music Festival with Beethoven and Brahms program
Pepe Romero’s 70th Birthday Tour Review – Including an Important Stop at Istanbul Music Festival
World-renowned classical guitarist Pepe Romero celebrates his 70th birthday with a world tour, including an important stop at the Istanbul Music Festival
Cappadocia Review - History-rich Magical Landscape
Cappadocia-- geologic wonder, historic hideaway of persecuted early Christians, relaxation fueled by hamams and local wines, and much more
Ziggy's Shop & Cafe in Cappadocia Review - What a Feast!
Ziggy's is one of the most successful restaurants in Cappadocia -- a visit will show you why
Voyager Balloon Flight Over Cappadocia Review – Spectacle of Other-Worldly Landscape from On High
See the spectacular landscape of Cappadocia from the vantage point of a snug safe basket in one of Voyager Baloon's hot air balloon tours
Muti's Restaurant in Cappadocia Review - Anatolian Spicing Re-imagined with Panache
Restauranteur Muti's creative energies drive him to develop new twists on authentic Anatolian cuisine
Kale Konak Hotel Review- Uçhisar's "hotel du charme"
Kale Konak Hotel in Cappadocia gives you options for above ground seclusion or troglodyte luxury
Viola and Piano Duo at Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Showcasing Melodious Viola Sound
Award-winning violist Arianna Smith and expert chamber music pianist Kay Kim perform a repertoire emphasizing the melodious voice of the viola
Chicago Sinfonietta Ball Review – Rethink, Redefine, Reimagine
Chicago Sinfonietta raises hundreds of thousands of dollars with its annual Ball fundraiser and throws one of the town's hippest parties at the same time
Sweet Farewell to Friend by Silk Road Rising Review – Celebration of Partnership with Reverend Philip Blackwell
Salute to Reverend Philip Blackwell and his role in supporting Silk Road Rising's mission
Angelo Rondello Performs at Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Putting the Spotlight on the Piano’s Range
Pianist Angelo Rondello performs pieces by Debussy and Liszt
Standout CSO “Truth to Power” Concert Review – Musical Masterpieces Shaped by Political Power Structures
Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5 Thrills along with works by Shostakovich and Britten
BLUE MAN GROUP AND CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS PERFORMANCE IN MILLENNIUM PARK ON SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014 Preview - Free Outdoor Concert
Free Concert of Blue Man Group and CYSO in Millennium Park
A CSO “Truth to Power” Concert with Stunning Cello Soloist Review – Marathon of Moods
CSO performs more Prokofiev, Britten and Shostakovich, with brilliant solos
The Curious Theatre Branch’s “Rung” Review – Beyond the Fringe Opera
"Rung" is a beyond the fringe opera, perhaps beyond communicating
Euclid String Quartet at Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Uplifting!
Euclid String Quartet returns to Dame Myra Hess concert with an uplifting performance
Black Ensemble Theater’s “One Hit Wonders” Review – Celebrating Talent Then and Now
The magnetic cast of Black Ensemble Theater's "One Hit Wonders" mesmerizes with their strong singing voices
Auditorium Theatre Celebrates 125th Birthday Preview – Tour and Marvel at Chicago’s History and Architecture
Join Auditorium Theatre in its 125th birthday celebration, starting with a tour of the historic building
Chicago Opera Theater Preview – Cultivating the Curious Audience
Chicago Opera Theater is combining film events and two one-act operas to explore how fascism can be satirized
Creative Partners’ “The Unexpected: 2014” Review – Well-named Puppet, Music, Dance Program
Puppets, experimental music and narrative dance-- three performances at "The Unexpected", hosted by Creative Partners
Court Theatre’s “M. Butterfly” Review – Thoroughly Engaging Denouement of Western Patriarchy
M. Butterfly re-imagines a real-world story of a French diplomat who falls for a transvestite's persona of the perfect Asian woman
Baryshnikov Productions’ “Man in a Case” Review – Rock Star Powered-Chekhov
Ballet icon Mikhail Baryshnikov is joined by talented cast in narrative, dance, song re-telling of two Chekhov short stories
“The Passions of Emma Goldman” Review – History Retold in One-Woman Show
"Passions of Emma Goldman" retells history in a one-woman show
Chicago Sinfonietta 2014 Ball Preview - The city’s hippest orchestra and supporters celebrate a commitment to being the model for diversity and innovation in classical music
Chicago Sinfonietta celebrates 27 years of excellence with their 2014 fundraising ball
Chicago Fire Festival Preview - REDMOON ANNOUNCES 15 NEIGHBORHOOD HOSTS
Redmoon inspired festivals will be held with the help of fifteen local civic organizations as neighborhood hosts of the Chicago Fire Festival this summer
Lucky Plush Productions’ “The Queue” Review – Through May 18, Loveably Off-beat Airport Farce With Energetic Dancing
Lucky Plush's "The Queue" is a music, dance, comedy farce set in an airport
MusicNOW Review – Three New Music Masterworks Inspired by Visuals
Architecture, dance and a rare illustrated book inspire three new works performed at the CSO's MusicNOW concert
Christoph von Dohnányi Conducts CSO Review – Spirited Piano Concerto with Two More Somber Compositions
Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Polish composer Lutoslawski
Timeline Theatre Company’s “Juno” Review – An Attempt to Set Sean O’Casey to Music
Timeline Theatre Company remounts a short-lived Broadway musical from 1959, "Juno"
MCA’s “Democracy” Dance Review – Dance to Two Melded “Bang on a Can” Compositions
Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts North American premiere of choreographer Maud Le Pladec's contemplation of "Democracy"
Ballet Preljocaj’s “Snow White” Review – Grimm’s Fairy Tale Simmering with Sex and Power
Ballet Preljocaj's Tale of Snow White Adds the X-Rating with help by Jean Paul Gaultier couture
Porchlight Music Theatre’s “How to Succeed at Business Without Really Trying” Review - Delightful Romp Fueled by Cast Chemistry and Choreography
Imagine a Dilbert Cartoon with music and dance and great cast chemistry. That's Porchlight Music Theatre's bring to life "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying".
Chicago Humanities Festival Announces 25th Anniversary Fall Festival Preview - Oct. 25–Nov. 9, Theme of "Journeys"
Chicago Humanities Festival announces its lineup for the Fall 25th Anniversary Festival
Chicago Symphony Orchestra “Beyond the Score” Review – New High Bar Set by “Things Our Fathers Loved” Program
Chicago Symphony Orchestra's "Beyond the Score: Things Our Fathers Loved" brings Charles Ives' music to life as never before
Lookingglass’ “In The Garden” Review – Telling Darwin’s Story Through a Domestic Lens
Lookingglass Theatre's "In The Garden" speaks to the struggle between Creationism and secular science through the lens of Charles Darwin's domestic life
Corner Bakery Menu Additions Review – Beyond Cookies for Sure
Corner Bakery Cafe adds healthy menu items
CSO Conducted by Slatkin – Four Jewels of American Classical Sound
Four works-- Barber, Schuman, Bates, Gershwin-- performed flawlessly by Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin's baton
Hanoi’s La Badiane Restaurant Review – Expat Treasure for Tourists Too
Hanoi's La Badiane Restaurant Serves World-Class Outstanding Food With Thoughtful Creative Flourish
RUSH HOUR CONCERTS 2014 Preview - Celebrating 15th Anniversary and Honoring Memory of Founder Deborah Sobol
Rush Hour Concerts - Free Concerts every Tuesday evening at St. James Cathedral in River North,
June 3 – August 26
Boulders Resort Review – Southwestern Spa Excellence
Non-golfers and golfers alike will thrive and RELAX at The Boulders
Lyric “Fantasy of the Opera” Review –Songs and Pearls Amidst the Lanterns
"Petals and Pearls" was the name of the Lyric Opera's "Fantasy"- an important fundraising benefit and an even better party
Porchlight Music Theatre’s “Ain’t Misbehavin” Review – Chicago’s Answer to “After Midnight”
"Ain't Misbehavin" recreates Harlem Renaissance glory and song
Scottsdale Tour Wrap-Up Review – More than Sunshine and Golf
A Chicagoan's summary of Scottsdale highlights-- when to go and what to do
Heard Museum Review – Short Course on Southwest Native American Traditions
Immerse in the artistry and traditions of Southwestern Native American tribes at The Heard Museum
The Golden Dragon Review – Imagination Conveys a Message Otherwise Hard to Take In
With an imaginative and novel method of storytelling, "The Golden Dragon" takes on human trafficking and exploitation of illegal workers
Musical Instrument Museum of Phoenix Review – Savoring the Many Songs of the Soul
Lovers of world music and students of global culture should not miss Phoenix' Musical Instrument Museum
Arizona Food Tours Review – Quick Orientation to Scottsdale
"Taste of Old Scottsdale" food tour gives you bearings on the town, its history and range of food options
Scottsdale Artwalks Review – With or Without the Crowds
Rich in public art, Scottsdale also hosts a weekly artwalk that display works --largely Western and Native American arts-- from its 100 or so galleries
The House Brasserie in Oldtown Scottsdale Review – Innovation without Missteps
The House Brasserie is a destination in its own right for any visitors to Scottsdale who love great food
Desert Splash Review – Mark a Life Milestone with Airborne Reverie
Desert Splash seaplane rides through dazzling Southwest splendor
Scottsdale’s “Native Trails” Review – Open Air Celebration of the Southwest’s First Nations
Scottsdale's "Native Trails" is a twice weekly outdoor celebration of Native American food, dance, song and tongue
Scottsdale’s “Native Trails” Review – Open Air Celebration of the Southwest’s First Nations
Muti Conducts Chicago Symphony Orchestra Review – Rare Duo Cello World Premiere Bookended by Schubert
Chicago Symphony Center hosts the world premiere of an exciting new work that is part of the rare two cello and orchestra repertoire
Taliesin West Review – Completing the USA Frank Lloyd Wright Tour
Touring Taliesin West in Scottsdale gives you a sense of Frank Lloyd Wright the man, as well as his architecture
Cosanti Review – Rethinking Sprawl
Scottsdale's Cosanti is a required visit for any serious student of sustainability and thought-provoking for all
Hiking Camelback Mountain Review – Taking a Closer Look at Scottsdale’s Skyline
Scottsdale's skyline definition comes primarily from Camelback Mountain-- also a hearty hike
Scottsdale's Café ZuZu Review – Keeping it Simple and Tasty
Cafe ZuZu in Scottsdale's Hotel Valley Ho has a well-deserved reputation among Scottsdale's local foodies
Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho Review – Inviting Mid-century Modern Makeover
Central to all Scottsdale, Hotel Valley Ho is a treasure of Mid-Century Modern architecture
Desert Botanical Garden Review – Defrosting in Cacti Splendor
The Desert Botanical Garden has more than 50,000 stunning desert plants to welcome you to the Southwest
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy - Flowers
Rivendell Theatre’s “Rasheeda Speaking” Review – Reality in Black and White
Rivendell Theater's production of "Rasheeda Speaking" vanquishes all notions of post-racial America- with humor and searing intelligence
AstonRep’s “The Dumb Waiter” and “In the Moment” Review- Superb Acting and Scripts
Two hit men waiting for their next assignment followed by two actors decompressing- two delightful one act plays that are part of RhinoFest Fringe Festival
Shattered Globe’s “Our Country’s Good” – In a Penal Colony Down Under
Shattered Globe presents the Olivier-award winning and Tony-nominated "Our Country's Good"
A Red Orchid Theater’s “Solstice” Review – Dark Terrain
A Red Orchid Theater's "Solstice" - Immersing in a world of blood lust and frail order unraveling into violence
Lyric Opera’s “Die Fledermaus” Review – Like the Lilt of a Brisk Waltz
Lyric Opera's "Die Fledermaus" delights with song, dance and comedy
Sweet Smell of Success Review – Noir Musical, An Uncommon Genre
Kokandy Productions' "Sweet Smell of Success" is a noir musical
Chicago Contemporary Circus Review – Storytelling Through Circus Arts
Chicago Contemporary Circus includes aerialists, jugglers, acrobats and clowns with a multi-media modern twist
Chiberian Retreat – Warm Up at Aria
Aria in the Fairmont Hotel is one of the more beautiful dining spots in Chicago's Loop
Calling All Chicago Filmmakers - SUBMIT WORK FOR PUBLIC SCREENING AND CASH PRIZE
Contest announced for Chicago short films to be shown in summer's Movie in the Parks series
Chicago Authors - the winning topic for crowdsourced exhibition tournament
"Chicago Authors" is the top pick of Chicago History Museum fans for a crowdsourced decision on upcoming exhibits
Arun’s Thai Restaurant Review – Taking Destination Dining to New Level
One of the few dining experiences included in the book "One Thousand Things to Do Before You Die", Arun's Thai brings "destination dining" to an entirely new level
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy - Friday the 13th
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy- Unpaid Interns
"Our Cultural Center" a webisode series about the difficulties of non-profit arts, takes a look at unpaid interns
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy - Black Friday
“Mary Wilson Holiday Spectacular with the Four Tops” Review – Nostalgic Moment for Many
For boomer Motown nostalgia, Mary Wilson's Holiday Spectacular with the Four Tops comes to Chicago
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy -- Another Level- A Sculpture to Ponder
MCA’s “Taiko Legacy” Review – Japanese and Pan-Asian Drumming Family Event
The 10th Year of a Japanese drumming event at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Taiko Legacy, was an auditory and visual spectacle
The Ruffian’s “Burning Bluebeard” Review – Go for the history; Stay for the Art
The Ruffians' "Burning Bluebeard" Creates Memory of a Historic Fire in a Most Artful Way
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy - Too Many Emails? Episode for YOU
Light Opera Work’s “Annie Get Your Gun” Review – Charismatic Annie Packs More Than a Gun
Talented cast breathes lots of life into this circa 1946 musical
Redmoon’s “Winter Pageant” Review – Multicultural Infused Creativity Chicago-Style
Redmoon Theater's "Winter Pageant" is a magical parade that draws upon Chicago's multicultural artists
Dame Myra Hess Bowlin-Li-Myer Trio Review – Memorable World Debut as Year’s Finale
Bowlin-Li-Myer trio makes world debut at last Dame Myra Hess Concert of 2013
Miguel Harth-Bedoya Conducts Chicago Symphony Orchestra Review – Rich Program Crowned by Regal Mussorgsky
Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs flawlessly under the baton of Miguel Harth-Bedoya
Metropolitan Opera’s “Falstaff” Review – A Double Header Treat for Chicagoans
This week you can see "The Merry Wives of Windsor" as a play or an encore performance of Metropolitan Opera's "Falstaff"
Chicago Shakespeare’s “Merry Wives of Windsor” Review – Reimagined in Post WWII- England
Chicago Shakespeare Theater re-imagines "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in post WWII England -- with great success
The Strange Tree Group’s “The Dead Prince” Review – Full of Gags
Strange Tree Group's "The Dead Prince" is playing at the Storefront Theater through December 22
Gaudete Brass Quintet Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – Rejoice and Reflect on Brass
Gaudete Brass Quintet play a mix of traditional and new music at the Dame Myra Hess concert
Profiles Theatre’s “Hellcab” Review – Chicago’s Answer to “It’s a Wonderful Life”
"Hellcab" is Chicago's holiday season answer to the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life"
Review of What You Should Know About Tap Wine – Wisdom from City Winery’s Chief Winemaker
Tap wine fresh from the keg has advantages reviewed here by City Winery's Head Winemaker, David Lecomte
The House Theatre’s “Nutcracker” Review – Powered by Imagination
The House Theatre's "The Nutcracker" is steeped with creativity and imagination to enchant children of all ages
CSO Beyond the Score Symphonie Fantastique Review – Berlioz Come to Life
Chicago Symphony Orchestra's "Beyond the Score - Symphonie Fantastique" brings Berlioz to life
MCA “Sandyland” Review – Sandra Bernhard Up Front and Personal
"Sandyland", Sandra Bernhard's comedy cabaret comes to the MCA
Step Up Productions “HoliDaze” – Scripts Taking Holidays Beyond Norman Rockwell-like Happy
"HoliDaze" is five one-act plays with a lets-get-real-about-the-holidays theme
Mavis Staples at NYC City Winery Review – Like Good Wine, Better with Age
Mavis Staples at the City Winery in New York overflowed with charisma and song
NYC City Winery Food and Wine Review – Go for the Mains and Taps
Think beyond the music at the City Winery. This is a foodie stop worth noting
Brooklyn Museum's "The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier" Review - From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk
Brooklyn Museum has created a crowd pleaser exhibit of the intriguing haute couture of Jean Paul Gauthier
“The Forty Part Motet” at The Cloisters Review – Celestial Exponential
"The Forty Part Motet" at The Cloisters is an immersion in beautiful music that grabs and holds you close
The Morgan Library Da Vinci Exhibit Review - Glimpsing at Perfection in Progress
Time your visit to see the Da Vinci exhibit at The Morgan Library to catch a docent's tour
Guggenheim’s “Kandinsky in Paris, 1934-1944” Review- Gentle Works Amidst a Time on Fire
The Guggenheim presents an intimate collection of Kandinsky's works from the last eleven years of his life while he lived in the suburbs of Paris
“After Midnight” Review – Talent Exploding from the Stage
"After Midnight" evokes the Jazz Age and delivers non-stop fast-paced music, song, dance entertainment
Chicago Sinfonietta “Día de los Muertos” Concert Review – Infusing Cool into Classical Music
Chicago Sinfonietta's memorable Day of the Dead performance was another milestone in having impact on growing a classical music audience
“White Rabbit, Red Rabbit” Review – Playwright in the Room
Chicago Humanities Festival sponsors the play "White Rabbit, Red Rabbit" at the Museum of Contemporary Art performance space
Metropolitan Opera HD Broadcast of “Tosca” Review – Up Close with Iconic Opera Tragedy
Metropolitan Opera's HD Broadcast of the Iconic "Tosca" is intimate and mesmerizing
Che Malambo Review – Power and Panache
Che Malamba stuns and awes with gaucho inspired percussive dance
“Simply Italian Great Wines” US Tour 2013 in Chicago Review – One-Day University on Truly Great Wine
Italian winemakers are on tour in the USA, the world's largest importer of Italian wines
"Our Cultural Center" non-profit arts funding, a comedy - Episode 9 - Paperless
In this episode of "Our Cultural Center" Randall wants to may hay about the organization going paperless
Chicago Humanities Festival “Birds Do It, Bees Do It” Review – Commissioned Songs Steal the Show
Chicago Humanities Festival "Birds Do It, Bees Do It" was this year's cabaret event with new commissioned works that shined
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy - Episode 8 - The Coffee Run
Episode 8 of "Our Cultural Center" takes a look at office politics through the lens of the coffee run
Our Cultural Center - Non-profit funding, a comedy - Episode 7 French Fries
Sharing food in the office-- Our Cultural Center, a nonprofit arts organization comedy
Timeline’s “The Normal Heart” Review – Love in the Time of AIDS
This production of Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart" re-tells the horror of the earliest days of the AIDS, with a heart-rending love story amidst the political storm
“Elephant Room” Review – Belly Laughs Make Us Human
Elephant Room is a waltz into magic with heaps of offbeat absurdist humor on top
20th Annual SOFA Chicago Review – One Day Left to Get Pulse of World Art at Navy Pier
Today is the last day to visit SOFA (Sculpture Objects Functional Art & Design) Show, now in its 20th year
Red Orchid’s “Trevor” Review – Seeing the World Through an Aging Chimp’s Eyes
Trevor is a show biz chimpanzee struggling with dried up gigs and a mother who clings to him beyond proportion
"Our Cultural Center" Non-Profit Arts Funding, a Comedy - Episode 6
Episode 6 of "Our Cultural Center" where Randall takes the bait
"Our Cultural Center" Non-Profit Arts Funding, a Comedy - Episode 5
"Our Cultural Center" shines a much needed spotlight on the dismal state of funding for non-profit arts with comedy! Here is Episode 5
Do-It-Yourself-Messiah Preview - A Great Chicago Tradition
Chicago's traditional Do-It-Yourself-Messiah continues in 2013 and your contribution is welcome now
MCA’s John Zorn Tribute by ICE Review – Celebrating John Zorn in his 60th year
MCA hosts the International Contemporary Ensemble's (ICE) tribute to John Zorn on his 60th birthday, where he also make a memorable cameo performance
Ka-Tet Theatre’s Lydie Breeze Review – Dark Tale of a Utopia Gone Awry
Ka-Tet produces Lydie Breeze a dark story about a failed utopia
"Our Cultural Center" Episode 4 - Non-Profit Arts Funding, A Comedy
"Our Cultural Center" episode 4 continues to take a humorous look at how art and business are at odds with each other
Sculpture on the Boulevards - News Announcement from Chicago Park District
Metropolitan Opera HD Broadcast of “The Nose” Review – Visual Dazzle Puts Spotlight on the Opera’s Boldness
"The Nose", a satirical opera based on the short story by Gogol, uses visual dazzle to remind of Shostakovich's artistic journey through Stalinist times and the role that absurdity plays in global modernist art
"Our Cultural Center" Episode 3 - Non-Profit Arts Funding, A Comedy
"Our Cultural Center" episode 3 puts us in the situation of a "troublesome" art exhibit
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Semyon Bychkov Review – Showcasing Two 20th Century Masterpieces
World-Renowned Semyon Bychkov conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in works by Prokofiev and Walton
Our Cultural Center Episode 2 - Non-Profit Funding, A Comedy
"Our Cultural Center" is showcasing top acting talent in town in a webisode series shining a light on nonprofit arts organizations dire need for funding-- with a lot of grins along the way
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company Review – Continuing a Conversation with John Cage
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company deliver "Story/Time" as a rumination and continuing conversation about art started by John Cage's "Indeterminacy" in 1961
The Storefront Company Restaurant Review – Distinctive, Delectable Culinary Art with a Capital “A”
The Storefront Company is a welcoming, delectable farm-to table Bucktown Wicker Park restaurant with great flair for culinary art
MusicNOW Review – Putting More New in New Music
CSO's MusicNOW series kicks off with three of Europe's leading composers
Our Cultural Center Episode 1- Non-Profit Funding, A Comedy
See the latest episode of "Our Cultural Center" on Splash magazine
Chicago Shakespeare World Stage Presentation “The Table” Review- Feast for Bunraku Puppetry Fans
UK puppetry troupe Blind Summit demonstrate Bunraku Puppetry in "The Table" in a Chicago Shakespeare World Stage presentation
Chicago History Bowl - Announcement
The public is invited to determine a major exhibit in the Chicago History Museum
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents CPS Ensemble in Othello
World-Renowned Chicago Shakespeare Theater Contributes Energy and Expertise to Chicago Schools
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Review- Varied Program of Mozart, Hindemith Then Crowned by Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet
Chicago Symphony Orchestra- Mozart, Hindemith and Prokofiev in a stirring concert
Café Absinthe Review – Spot for a Quiet Dinner
Cafe Absinthe features contemporary American cuisine with selections for varied palates
Lookingglass Theater’s “The North China Lover” – Erotic Story Sans Sizzle
The North China Lover at Lookingglass Theater is an adaptation of Margerite Dumas novel of same name
Chicago Symphony Orchestra “Macbeth” Review – Exhilarating!
Chicago Symphony Orchestra's celebration of Verdi ends with a highly dramatic rendition of Macbeth
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Review –Inspired Lighting with Achingly Beautiful “Last”
Lighting design and flawless dancers make for a beautiful evening, with the best saved and named "Last"
Light Opera Works Gershwin’s Greatest Hits Review – Giving George Gershwin His Due
Light Opera Works pays tribute to George Gershwin's rich legacy
Essex Inn Pink Light Commemoration Report – A Chicago Skyline Landmark Stays Pink for a Cure
The Chicago skyline now sports a pink reminder of breast cancer for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond
Museum of Contemporary Art Tercer Cuerpo Review – A Glimpse into the Buenos Aires Theater Scene
Museum of Contemporary Art Performance space brings a taste of the Buenos Aires theater scene to Chicago
Chicago Symphony Center January Concerts Preview - CSO, Civic Orchestra and more
Symphony Center continues in the new year with Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts and other music events, several free to the public
Dame Myra Hess Alice Yoo and Adam Golka Recital Review – Varied Program with Wide Emotive Range
A wide ranging program--Debussy, Beethoven, Faure, and a piece based on a poem by Allen Ginsburg-- were performed by a much-awarded cello and piano duo
Lifeline’s “The Killer Angels” Review – A Tale of War Well-Told
Lifeline's "The Killer Angels" is a compelling presentation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name that brings the horror of the Civil War to life
MCA’s Taylor Mac Show Review – A Person of Performer Gender Provokes Thought and Smiles
An Abridged Concert of the History of Political Popular Music by Performance Artist Taylor Mac entertains while delivering scathing political commentary through a gender politics lens
Lokal Review – Discover the Hideaway Where the Food Industry Stars Go After Hours
People who keep many of Chicago's better food places humming know to do their humming at Lokal. It's really hopping in late night and early a.m. hours. Look to Lokal for gourmet winter comfort food as the weather chills
Dame Myra Hess Concert Project Fusion Review – Elevating the Saxophone to its Rightful Throne
The International Music Foundation's Dame Myra Hess Concert featured a rarely heard saxophone repertoire performed by the award-winning and sparkling Project Fusion
ASPEN SANTA FE BALLET Preview - One Night Only at the Harris Theater
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet returns to Chicago for one night only. Program features work by Jorma Elo, Cayetano Soto and Chicago’s own Alejandro Cerrudo.
The Trip to Bountiful Review – Sentimental Journey Home
The Trip to Bountiful is a story about longing for happier times and coping with a life that is less than what you want
Siam: The Queen and the White City Opening Review – Thai-Chicago Bonds Renewed with Dazzling Spectacle and Thai Treasures
Chicago History Museum Special Exhibit Now Open -- Siam: the Queen and the White City -- reminding us of how Chicago-Thai bonds were born
Evita Review – History Told in Song, Dance and Spectacular Stagecraft
Evita tells the story of Eva Peron and the cult of personality surrounding her with music, dance and spectacular staging
Drumbar Review – Ready to Take the Chill from Your Autumn
Atop a Gold Coast Hotel, Drumbar awaits you with cocktails carefully thought through to match the season
To Master the Art Review – Savor a Life Lived to the Fullest
To Master the Art tells the story of Julia Child in France during the years that spawned her famous cookbook and much more, entertaining all the way
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Preview - December Schedule
Chicago Symphony Orchestra plans many holiday themed concerts for December
Shattered Globe’s “Other People’s Money” Review – Stellar Script, Cast, Direction
Shattered Globe Theatre makes you mull on capitalism with a fresh eye with this expertly acted production of "Other People's Money"
CIVIC ORCHESTRA OF CHICAGO CELEBRATES 95TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE PERFORMANCES AT SYMPHONY CENTER AND ACROSS CHICAGO News Release
This is the 95th year of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s s training ensemble for pre-professional musicians—the only one affiliated with a major American symphony orchestra
CICERO’S CHODL AUDITORIUM HOSTS FREE CONCERT WITH CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND MUSIC DIRECTOR RICCARDO MUTI News Release
Free CSO Concert Wednesday, September 18.
Hank Williams: Lost Highway Review – Hank Williams Recreated in 21 Songs Plus
Meet Hank Williams as a boy and follow him to his untimely death at 29---with many a classic song along the way expertly performed by an enthusiastic cast
Interactive “Give” sculpture unveiled on State Street at Chicago Loop Alliance’s The Gateway public plaza Report - Chicago Street Musicians engaged for pop-up lunchtime performances too
Chicago Gateway lunchtime destination adds more art and street performance
TimeLine’s “Raisin in the Sun” Review – A Production Worthy of Chicago’s Literary Treasure at a Historic Moment
TimeLine Theatre brings Chicagoan Lorraine Hansberry's classic play "Raisin in the Sun" to vibrant life, compelling you to grapple with the experience of each member of the Younger family portrayed in this story
“Conversations on a Homecoming” Review – For Those Steeped in Irish Lore and Ear
"Conversations on a Homecoming" tells the tale of one Irish emigree returning to his home town pub one night to see his old friends. Drinks are downed and hard truths come out.
Chicago Dancing Festival Harris Theater and Auditorium Theatre Review – Exciting New Choreography Steals the Limelight
Chicago Dancing Festival showcased world-class dance talent with imaginative choreography stealing the show
Prasino Review – A Haven for Health-Conscious Foodies
Prasino, which means "green" in Greek, prides itself in being a first of a kind eco-friendly restaurant for foodies serving eclectic clientele in the Wicker Park /Ukranian Village and from throughout Chicago
August 21 Dame Myra Hess Concert Review – An Intimate Four Hands Performance
Two world-renowned virtuoso pianists share an intimate program of four hand selections
Thanksgiving Day Parade Preview - Your Chance to Volunteer at an ALL- FUN event
Join an 80-year tradition and volunteer to help make the Thanksgiving Parade in Chicago a memorable and fun event for children of all ages
Grant Park Music Festival 79th Season Review – Successfully Seeding Love of Classical Music for Generations to Come
Grant Park Music Festival just concluded it's 79th season of summer music in the spectacular Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Preview - November Schedule Announcement
Chicago Symphony Orchestra's November, 2013 programming includes options for families, devotees of classical music as well as fun sing-along events
Chicago Sinfonietta 2013-2014 Season Opening Celebration Review – An “Expect the Unexpected” Fun-Packed Gala
On September 12 the cutting-edge Chicago Sinfonietta hosted a fundraiser sneak preview of their 2013-2014 season--another milestone in making classical music accessible to new generations and all communities
Steppenwolf’s First Look “The Gospel of Franklin” Review – A Masterful Immersion in the Contradictions of a Complex Man
Meet Franklin, a man of God or at least sound-bite Gospel, through the eyes of a son struggling to come to terms with his father's complexity
Grant Park Music Festival Concerto for Saxophones Review – The Excitement of GPMF Getting Latin Jazzy
Grant Park Music Festival puts on a night of Latin-inspired Jazz and other Latin classical sounds, including a Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra, under the energized baton of Carlos Kalmar
Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert in Millennium Park Review and Preview – Broadway Love Fest Is On!
Broadway lovers waited out the rain for a fast-paced collage by video and live performance of snippets of some of the Broadway shows coming to Chicago in the coming year
Silk Road Rising’s “Invasion!” Review – Provocative Small Theater at its Best
Silk Road Ensemble's "Invasion!" deconstructs stereotypes of the Arab man in America and the violence that surrounds these stereotypes -- taking on a weighty topic with great humor
Museum of Contemporary Art Hosts “JUBA!” Review – Imagination’s Syncopation On Display
Museum of Contemporary Art maintains its now long tradition of hosting Chicago Human Rhythm Projects Annual Festival showcase of where this art form is evolving
Preview - RHYTHMS OF CHINA – AUGUST 26, 2013
Millennium Park concert features Rachel Barton Pine, Third Coast Percussion, Betti Xiang and more on August 26 in a concert sponsored by the Chinese Fine Arts Society
Preview - Chicago Air and Water Show Returns to the Lakefront
America's Finest Civilian Aviators on Display August 17 and 18 at North Avenue Beach
Chance to Support Chicago Sinfonietta Educational Outreach
Chicago Sinfonietta's noteworthy music educational outreach programs are making rare print available as part of fundraising effort.
Jellyfish Review - A Gourmet Oasis to Counter the Gourmand Clutter
Jellyfish makes a delicious Asian themed gourmet menu accessible to a wide range of palates and varying comfort zones with food adventure
Jackalope’s “The Casuals” Review – An Attempt to Convey the Paranoia of the 50’s
Jackalope's "The Casuals" tries to tell a story of government atomic experiments in a time of secrecy amidst layers of personal and impersonal betrayals
Bailiwick’s “Mahal” Review – Making Filipino-American Culture Visible
Bailiwick's "Mahal" is a welcome window into Filipino-American culture in today's USA and a tale well told
Leo Kottke and Kim Churchill at City Winery Review – A Venue Made for Acoustic Guitar and More
City Winery overflowed with acoustic talent-- Leo Kottke and Kim Churchill-- and good food and wine to boot
City Winery Review - THE Go To Place for Fun, Food and Wine
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Chicago's City Winery is the only winery in city limits--with a winning formula of combining headline talent with excellent wine and a small plate menu with wine pairing foremost in mind
“Let’s Dance” Grant Park Music Festival Review – The Orchestra Shows Its Chops for Pops
The versatile Grant Park Orchestra delighted the crowd with dance tunes in nearly every style-- accompanied by charismatic dancers and pop singer soloists
Sideshow’s “The Burden of Not Having a Tale”—Good Gimmicks, Good Acting, and…
Sideshow Theater Continues Its Admirable Experiments with Scripts Showcasing Characters on the Fringe. This one falls short.
Red Orchid Theatre’s Simpatico Review – A Tale That Captures with Life-Memorable Characters
Sam Shepard's "Simpatico" performed by Red Orchid Theatre pulls you into a thoroughbred racing world of whodunit double crosses where characters you've never known almost become more real than the people you do know
Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity Art Institute Show Review - Telling the Tale of the Avant-Garde Driving Fashion and Art in 19th Century Paris
Fashion samples that inspired Impressionist works are on display in tandem with over 75 major Impressionist works showing the drive for modernity and style of the booming consumer culture of the time
28th Chicago Gospel Music Festival Review – Reverence for Holy Place Where American Music Was Born
Chicago's Gospel Festival, now in its 28th year, gives Chicagoans and the world a chance to clap hands and rejoice in Bronzeville's Ellis Park, near the spiritual center where Gospel and its offshoots in soul, R&B and beyond began
Grant Park Music Festival Iris Dévoilée and More Review -- Melding Sounds of Exotic Chinese Opera with Western Instruments to Great Effect
A work by the Chinese composer who also wrote the music for the world's first Olympics hosted in China created an exotic meld of traditional Chinese and Western Classical music, followed by two memorably flowing pieces by Ravel and Faure
Preview of Three Graces—Pivot Arts’ Sponsored Incubation of New Genre
Pivot Arts has provided an incubator to a group developing a new performance genre called a Tavern Opera
MCA’s Hubbard Street Dance Chicago danc(e)volve: New Works Festival Review - Crisp Choreography that Keeps You Wide-Eyed
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago dance(e)volve: New Works Festival was well named. Audiences were delighted by a living demonstration of intriguing movement vocabularies being developed and massaged
Filini Restaurant Review—Make it Your Destination Dining Spot near Millennium Park Splendor
Filini Bar & Restaurant is an excellent choice for delicious food and excellent moderately- priced wines-- a destination dining spot that shouldn't be missed
Kendall College Hosts International Gastronomy Competition – A Day in the Life of An Organization Poised to Help Build Chicago’s Tourism Industry
Kendall College hosts a culinary competition and is awarded $25,000 for their efforts
Collaboraction 13th Annual Sketchbook Review – Doing That “Crazy” Chicago Storefront Theater Thing
Collaboraction's 13th Annual Sketchbook Festival includes 14 World premieres--most very short. This festival pays homage to the creative spirit-- and especially those of theatrical bent in Chicago
Chicago Architecture Foundation Special Pivot Arts Festival Tour of Uptown – Imagining a Paris on the Prairie
Chicago Architecture Foundation gives an Uptown tour as part of the Pivot Arts Festival-- explaining the area's posh beginnings steeped in Vaudeville and prohibition history
Chicago Symphony Orchestra Review – Haydn, Martinů, Scriabin at the Flawless CSO Standard
Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Music Director Riccardo Muti grabs the baton to lead memorable performances of Haydn, an oboe concerto by Martinu, and Scriabin's "The Divine Poem"
Rivendell Theatre’s “The Electric Baby” Review - For Those Who Savor Metaphors
A car accident brings a long mourning middle aged couple into the world of parents of a baby who literally lights up the room, among others, in this folklore-laden tale of loss and recovery
MCA's Whisper Opera Review - A Bold Experiment in "Fragile" Music
The Whisper Opera is an experiment in "fragile" music commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art and reported by the composer to be part of his rumination on live performance vs. recordings
Francesca Anderegg and Brent Funderburk Dame Myra Hess Concert Review - Ravel, Maya and Bártok in Vibrant Musical Colors
Francesca Anderegg (Violin) and Brent Funderburk (Piano) perform Ravel, Moya, and Bartok at the Dame Myra Hess Simulcast with WFMT last Wednesday May 29, 2014 in Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center
Pivot Multi-Arts Festival Preview - Cutting Edge and Fun Spirit of Vaudeville Can Be All Yours
Uptown and Edgewater are filled with fun and cutting edge entertainment in diverse venues from June 6 - 22, 2013 as part of Pivot Arts organization's community outreach
Ka-Tet Theatre Company’s “Smudge” Review - Provoking You to Re-Think Definitions of Life in Our Time
Ka-Tet Theater's "Smudge" Gives Everyone's Pre-Held Notions and Convictions About What Defines Life a Jolt
Chicago Dramatists’ “Homecoming 1972” Review – Dissecting Stuck Lives
In "Homecoming 1972" we revisit a time when returning Vietnam Veterans could not find a place or way to feel normal.
Striding Lion’s Dada Gert Review - Moving the Dada Zeitgeist to a Contemporary Context
Relive the Dada times in a multimedia performance inspired by the renegade German dance-theater-film artist Valeska Gert
Pamela Gaard “Painting and Proverbs” Exhibition Review – Transcending History of Genocide, Religious and Language Barriers
Pamela Gaard's portraiture of Somalis and explorations of Somali proverbs are helping to break down barriers between a marginalized community and mainstream Minnesotans
Arts Alliance Illinois Luncheon Report - Empowering Illinois’ Creative Energy-Past, Present and Future
Art Alliance Illinois's Voices of a Creative State Luncheon Adds Almost a Quarter of Million Dollars to Coffers Supporting Illinois' Arts and Especially Arts Education
Dance Spa Review— An Injection of Joy on Even the Stormiest Day
Dance Spa's Zumba classes are one of the best ways to get your health and fitness on track with pure joy
“Ganesh Versus the Third Reich” MCA Performance Review—Outsider Art On Stage Stirs Thought and Some Squirms
Ganesh and the Third Reich tells the story of the Hindu Gods reclaiming the swastika.
But how the tale is told makes us contemplate who has rights to tell a tale
Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg’s Rodin Review—Capturing the Tortured Process of Creativity
Muse and artist alike are bound by artistic genius bordering on madness -- a story told so well by psyche-oriented Boris Eifman in his ballet "Rodin" recently performed in Auditorium Theatre
Yves Dharamraj and Riko Higuma at Dame Myra Hess Concert Review - Rich Sensibilities Brought to a Thoughtfully Chosen Repertoire
Yves Dharamraj (Cello) and Riko Higuma (Piano) returned to perform the WFMT-simulcast Dame Myra Hess Concert on May 15, delighting the audience with work from 16th, 19th and 20th Century musicians with a flair suggestive of their love of new music
Chicago Dramatists Saturday Series Review – Watch How Theatrical Sausage is Made—It’s Fun and Educational
It's easy and fun to plug into the Chicago theater scene by watching award-winning playwrights develop their voice and a body of work at the Chicago Dramatist's Saturday Series--- play readings where you learn a lot and get entertained to boot
Beyond the Score Review - We are Transported Through an 1888 Russian Window Looking to the East
Enchanted as never before by Rimsky-Korsokoff's Scheherezade
Paige in Full Review—the REAL Audience is M.I.A.
The Humanities Festival includes a "not-so-fairy-tale" real-life hip-hop dance autobiography in its season of fairy tale explorations. "Paige in Full" gave a high energy performance but the right audience was M.I.A.
May Day in Minneapolis Review - Give or Take a Week or So
The best way to experience spring in the USA is to go to a place like the Twin Cities where the winters are long and spring is so welcomed. Their unsurpassed May Day parade is a Rite of Spring that should go on EVERYONE's calendar
Dame Myra Hess May Day Concert Review - A Rare Lyrebird Duet Treat
Lyrebird, a rare bird harp/flute duet treated the audience at the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series In Chicago Cultural Center
Museum of Contemporary Art Performance Review - More Noble Accents from Eighth Blackbird
Making a Chicago home for eighth blackbird performances is high on the list of the MCA’s achievements
Arya Bhavan Review - Vegan, Organic and Above All DELICIOUS—Even to Carnivores
Arya Bhavan on is the first and only 100% vegan Indian restaurant on Devon Avenue serving delicious vegan options that even carnivores will crave
Gangnam Symphony Ensemble Concert Review - Consummate Professional Musicians from Seoul Delight Chicagoans’ Ears
Chicago's Classical Monday series presented chamber ensembles from the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra--- a rare delight for all Chicagoans and a moment of pride for the Korean-Americans of our city
“I Can Get It For You Wholesale” Concert Reading Review---Making a Strong Lyrical Case for a Full-Scale Production
"I Can Get it For You Wholesale" -- lyrics that will make you smile from ear-to-ear make a strong case for Lost Note Theater Company to find a full-scale production for a re-make of this musical that launched Barbra Streisand's career
Roka Akor Summer Menu Review - A Place for the Perfect Date Night to Start or Continue
A visit to trendy River North's Roka Akor's patio was great for people-watching in style while enjoying 13 spring cocktails and designer bar food for all palates
Marriott Theatre’s “South Pacific” Review—Don’t Miss It!
From the first note of Marriott Theatre's "South Pacific" you will know you are in for one very enchanted evening
Goodman’s “Happiest Song Plays Last” Review—Perfect for All Longing for More Latin Flavor on Chicago’s Stages
"The Happiest Song Plays Last" fills the void for those longing for more genuine Latino voices on Chicago's stages
The Feminist Show at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art Review - Experience the Vulnerability of Being Clothed
The Feminist Show at MCA--the tribe of Divas and their energies is what carries the show
“HAIR, the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical” Review - Let the Sun Shine In
What Wilmette’s Actors Training Center Repertory Company teaches us most is that the value of teaching via art is priceless
Classical Mondays Chicago Opera Theater Review – Bringing Poulenc to Life
we met eight young artists on their trajectory of operatic brilliance in beautiful Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center
"Catch Me if You Can" Review - You'll be Thoroughly Entertained
We are so charmed by the singing, dancing a la Busby Berkeley in “Catch Me if You Can” that it is only later that we might ponder if the very subject matter of the story doesn’t quite lend itself to a musical comedy format
In a Garden Review--Another Perfectly Crafted Red Orchid Gem
The soul restoration of a fragrant lemon grove lets the characters “In a Garden” speak wistfully of their common humanity. The tragedy that so little is truly shared is what will keep you mulling upon this exquisite Red Orchid production.
Sneak Preview -The Inimitable “Pope of Trash” Returns to Harris Theater for one Night Only
Mark your calendar for a special night when John Waters' “This Filthy World” comes to the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance on May 21, 2013
Drury Lane’s Oliver Review - Middle Schoolers' easy-to-digest Dickens Treat
If you want to inspire children to enjoy theater for their lifetime you can do no better than enthralling them with top notch performance by chronological peers in Drury Lane's "Oliver"
Ann James Interview - A Renaissance Woman—also known as the force bringing Shakespeare to Chicago’s schools…
..graduating from Smith College and thinking ahead to her Yale Divinity degree, it’s unlikely her thoughts went to the day when she would spellbind audiences wearing a combination Fredericks of Hollywood teaser with prosthetic hook arms...
Review: Sideshow Theater’s “Maria/Stuart” - Laughing All the Way Until…
Comic tragedy is a difficult genre to master---Sideshow Theatre's "Maria/Stuart" has done just that
Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert, April 3, 2013 Review —Benjamin Lash on Cello and Matthew Hagle on Piano
Taking the chill off an unseasonably cold April noon today at the Cultural Center’s stunning Preston Bradley Hall proved yet another one of Chicago’s memorable music moments--- Benjamin Lash on Cello and Matthew Hagle on Piano
