Marriott Theatre Revives "La Cage aux Folles" After 20 Years

A middle-aged gay couple, a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, an ultra-conservative politician and his traditional wife, and two young adults in their twenties who plan on getting married in spite of their families’ differences are all brought to life in The Marriott Theatre’s newest production of “La Cage aux Folles.” The classic musical comedy […]

Wilmette Native Emily Berman Talks “Sondheim on Sondheim”

Emily Berman first became interested in theater after following a friend to an audition. “She was auditioning for children’s theater plays and I was like, ‘I want to do that,’” Berman says. “When we both got cast, it just became one of my favorite things to do.” Today, the New Trier grad is starring in […]

“White Guy on the Bus" Raises Provocative Questions

It’s no surprise that a play called “White Guy on the Bus” is about racism. The white guy in the title—a rich suburban financial wheeler-dealer named Ray—is the only white person on that bus. He sits down next to an African American woman named Shatique, who’s on her way to visit her brother in jail. […]

Powerful Cast Lifts "Tosca" Beyond Disappointing Sets

“Tosca” has everything. A chilling story of an opera singer and a painter trapped in the political turmoil of 1800 Rome; their passionate, doomed love story; and blood—oh yes, lots and lots of blood—all borne on the crest of Puccini’s magnificent music. Lyric Opera of Chicago opened a new production of this glorious tragedy at […]

Goodman's "Rapture, Blister, Burn" a Frank, Funny Look at What Women Want

The characters in “Rapture, Blister, Burn” spend most of their time talking about topics that American women have been grappling with for decades, including the difficulty of choosing between family and career—or the struggle to find time for both. Playwright Gina Gionfriddo’s comedy feels at times like a college class on feminism, but it’s a […]

All Aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Experience adventure and travel in style on the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. A work of art in itself and a true Art Deco icon, the train offers one of the most celebrated and romantic journeys in the world. Delightful vintage cabins, gastronomic cuisine and lively onboard entertainment make travel on this luxury train one of the […]

Profound “Airline Highway” Premieres at Steppenwolf

In the abandoned parking lot of the once luxurious Hummingbird Motel, a community of misfits gathers to celebrate the life of Miss Ruby, their elderly and beloved matriarch. So begins “Airline Highway,” a profound and tumultuous play written by Lisa D’Amour and premiering at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Named after Louisiana’s real Airline Highway, a […]

15 Travel Resolutions for 2015

1. CHECK THE SEVENTH CONTINENT OFF MY WISH LIST Of the world’s billion annual tourists, less than .004 percent will set foot on the White Continent of Antarctica. Become a member of this very cool club on a 14-day adventure with Lindblad Expeditions aboard the 102-passenger National Geographic Orion or 148-passenger Explorer. An exclusive partnership with […]

“Newsies” Tour is King of Chicago

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! “Newsies” is in town and taking Randolph Street by storm. This touring production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit based on the 1992 movie of the same name is ultimately based on the 1899 Newsboys Strike in New York City. In “Newsies,” a group of ragtag boys working for […]