On April 23, 2016 — the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death — the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) held its 2016 gala, a vibrant celebration that, through whimsical décor and clever performances, brought the legendary poet back to life. About 500 people attended the event, which raised a record $1.4 million that will benefit CST’s Urban Classrooms […]
Chicago businesspeople on June 20 will experience a night of dinner and entertainment at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 27th annual Corporate Night, featuring Tony and Emmy award-winning singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth and members of the CSO, led by acclaimed Broadway musical director and conductor Mary Mitchell Campbell. “This is a great opportunity for these corporations […]
Ann Whitney, an 85-year-old Bloomington, Illinois native, knew she was meant to be on stage when she was cast as the Wicked Queen in an eighth-grade production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” “I can actually remember sitting in this big chair, with big wide arms … and I had a long dress and […]
There’s an obscure little hip-hop musical nominated for a few 2016 Tony Awards. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? Just kidding. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, you’ve not only heard about Lin-Manuel Miranda’s brilliant musical, “Hamilton,” but you’ve bought tickets to see it on Broadway (or at least wished you […]
Broadway in Chicago’s world premiere of “The SpongeBob Musical” is much more than a simple rehash of a favorite kids’ TV show. In a plotline never seen before, the technicolor undersea world of Bikini Bottom is at risk of total annihilation. Sure, a hero will arise to save the day (and we have a definite […]
Summer is here and with it a solid lineup of outdoor concerts featuring some legendary artists. Here are our picks for the best shows in June from the big names and the up-and-comers you won’t want to miss. Large Arena Shows twenty one pilots Allstate Arena, June 5 This genre-defying duo has an immense stage […]
Summer is almost here and that means music festival season is finally upon us. But with so many great choices across the country, which do you choose? Whether you like your music with a side of sights (a gorgeous city skyline or local art), tastes and smells (from top-notch food vendors) or sounds (a band […]
Joshua Bell started experimenting with music at age four, wrapping rubber bands around door handles and dressers and picking out tunes. His parents, both psychologists, thought it wise to encourage such behavior. Today, Bell is one of the most famous and well-respected violinists in the world; he is the recipient of innumerable awards and has […]
On May 16, Northwestern University alum Brian d’Arcy James will return to his alma mater to receive the Sarah Siddons Society Actor of the Year Award. d’Arcy James received a Sarah Siddons Society Scholarship while attending Northwestern and is the first scholarship recipient to later receive the Actor of the Year Award. The award will […]
Drum roll, please. It’s that time of year again: Make It Better’s Best of 2016 survey has arrived! Each year, we ask you — our valuable audience — to vote for your favorite businesses across different categories. This year’s survey is designed to find the best in Arts & Entertainment, Beauty, Celebrations, Dining, Fitness & […]
