Chicago Theater: 5 Shows to See This Winter

As the new year begins, the highlights on local stages include the Marriott debut of a mega-popular musical, yet another new version of “Uncle Vanya” and world premieres of dramas at Northlight and Chicago Shakespeare. “Faceless” Jan. 26 to March 5 This venerable Skokie theater company is putting its spotlight on a young local playwright, […]

Joyce DiDonato: In the Midst of Chaos, How Do You Find Peace?

In the midst of chaos, how do you find peace? This question seems to be written for this particular time — in the aftermath of our election, during an frenetic holiday season. But actually, international opera star Joyce DiDonato penned it immediately following the Paris bombings, more than a year ago. This question also inspired […]

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 […]