Joffrey Ballet’s Sparkling New 'Nutcracker'

The Joffrey Ballet takes “The Nutcracker” to a dynamically different time and place in its groundbreaking new production of the holiday favorite. Yes, mice will take the stage in The Joffrey Ballet’s new production of “The Nutcracker” at the Auditorium Theatre this December. But Ashley Wheater, the company’s artistic director, declined to reveal the size […]

Holiday Hot Tickets: Winter Theater in Chicago

This holiday season, Steppenwolf, Northlight and Writers Theatre have some presents for us: new plays, never seen before on local stages. “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” Through Dec. 18 In this newly imagined sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Mary Bennet (Emily Berman) grows tired of being the dutiful middle sister. At Christmastime, an […]

'Hamilton' Flies the W in Chicago

It was a tough call in Chicago last night. Watch the Cubbies’ bats finally come alive against the Dodgers, or the mudslinging of the third (and all praise, final) Presidential debate? In other words, America’s favorite pastime, or a game with much bigger stakes? Happily, a third choice presented itself: I scored two press tickets […]

Raise the Curtain: Fall's Must-See Theater in Chicago

September and October may well be the busiest and most exciting months of the year for plays in Chicago. Not only are theaters getting into full swing with their new seasons — there’s also a little play you may have heard of … about that guy whose face is on $10 bills? “Hamilton“ Open run […]

Goodman Theatre Honors Robert Falls’ 30th Work Anniversary With Expanded Arts Education Programming

As the Tony Award-winning Goodman Theatre prepares for its 2016-2017 dramatic season, they have many reasons to celebrate. Perhaps chief among them is the 30-year tenure of Robert Falls as artistic director of Chicago’s oldest (established in 1925) and largest nonprofit theater, a fruitful pairing that has expanded the social significance of the Goodman in […]

New in Town: City Kid Theatre Company in Glenview

Children ages 3-13 can now experience the magic of theater through engaging workshops, camps and classes at City Kid Theatre Company in Glenview. Additionally, you can make your child’s birthday extra memorable with City Kid Theatre’s birthday parties. From improv competitions and karaoke to creating their very own music video, kids are sure to enjoy […]

Your Child Could Be Tiny Tim in Goodman's 'A Christmas Carol'

Have an aspiring actor in the family? Goodman Theatre is holding open auditions on Saturday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for their 39th annual performance of “A Christmas Carol.” Children ages 5 to 17 of all genders and ethnicities are welcome to audition for the four younger roles: Tiny Tim, Emily Cratchit, Belinda Cratchit […]

The Inspiration Behind the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Million Dollar Gala — Concerts, School and Community Programs

Have you ever stopped to think about why otherwise busy people put extraordinary time and effort into million dollar fundraisers for cultural institutions? The “why” behind their actions is almost always inspiring. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming Symphony Ball on Oct. 15 is the culmination of the Orchestra’s 125th anniversary season. The organizers of the annual gala intend to raise […]