Elvis Costello Rocks and Reads at the Chicago Humanities Festival

Every fall since 1989, the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) has made it their mission to extend the joys of the humanities — through access to cultural, artistic and educational opportunities — to everyone, regardless of age or income. Tickets to various programs are affordable, if not free (many programs are free for students and teachers), and […]

Renée Fleming at Lyric is 'Merry' Indeed

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s love affair with the beautiful Renée Fleming shows no signs of cooling, and after the premiere of “The Merry Widow” Nov. 14, the whole arts community and beyond appeared to be wrapped in the embrace of this acclaimed American soprano. A virtually sold-out crowd packed the Civic Opera House to see and […]

LFLB ArtsLink Unites Communities’ Arts and Culture Organizations

LFLB ArtsLink is exactly the right program for the times. Seventeen outstanding Lake Forest and Lake Bluff arts programs have pooled their resources and connected online to promote their programs more effectively, thanks to the vision and leadership of the LFLB Chamber of Commerce and substantial sponsorship by BMO Harris. LFLB ArtsLink should eliminate duplication […]

Winnetka Native Jess Godwin Rocks Local Music Scene

After a 10-year hustle in the music and theater business, Winnetka native Jess Godwin realized, through service work, that she needed to be the person and artist she wants to be every day. “I was so focused on appearances and being the best, I forgot what is most important,” Godwin says. Godwin, 32, spent a […]

Lyric's 'Cinderella' So Much More Than the Disney Classic

Lyric Opera of Chicago is presenting the story of Cinderella as we’ve never seen it before. Gioachino Rossini’s marvelous retelling of this story (“La Cenerentola”) at the Civic Opera House makes us forget the Disney version. There is no fairy godmother. Instead, a towering philosopher sees to it that virtue is rewarded. No cute little […]

Theater Guide: Holiday Curtain Call

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without Scrooge, George Bailey and the Sugar Plum Fairies appearing on local stages. But November and December also bring other theatrical gifts, including some promising comedies and dramas that have nothing to do with Santa Claus. “You Can’t Take It With You“ Nov. 6 – Dec. 13 A huge […]

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 'Ride the Cyclone' at Navy Pier

The Ferris wheel may be gone, but you can still “Ride the Cyclone” at Navy Pier. Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is currently presenting the U.S. premiere of the decidedly offbeat – and entirely engaging – “Ride the Cyclone” in the Theater Upstairs. It’s a smart blend of musical genres, cultural references, quirky characters, and impossible […]

'The Marriage of Figaro' at Lyric Opera of Chicago

“The Marriage of Figaro” is all about sex, and Director Barbara Gaines doesn’t let us forget it. In a new production at Lyric Opera of Chicago, which opened Sept. 26 at the Civic Opera House, she gives everything from adolescent longings to le droit du seigneur a humorous touch. Gaines is founder and artistic director of Chicago […]