Lollapalooza Music Festival is an indie music fans’ Mecca. It attracts plenty of hipsters throughout the three days it runs, but the crowd at “Lolla” transcends the stereotypes associated with music festival crowds. People attend Lolla regardless of their age, style or musical preferences, simply because anyone who gets themselves down to Grant Park the […]
Call it a case of criminal mindlessness: Two boys, from privileged backgrounds but claiming poverty, get lost not in Yonkers, but in their own petty drama. “You’re so independent?” asks adolescent slacker Warren, surveying buddy Dennis’s untidy, stark apartment. “Yeah, because my parents pay for this apartment,” twenty-something small-time drug dealer Dennis replies, wholly believing […]
Last month, fans of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” said goodbye to Sandra Oh and her uber-talented character, Dr. Cristina Yang. Their loss is Chicago’s gain. It might be surprising to some that a popular TV actress would leave a show that’s still doing well, even 10 seasons in, to star in “Death and the Maiden” at […]
If you’re Sting (aka Gordon Sumner), you might tour for funsies with Paul Simon, as he did very successfully earlier this year. Or perhaps, you’ll plumb your childhood memories and write a musical bound for Broadway. Sting’s “The Last Ship” had its star-studded opening in Chicago last night prior to its Broadway debut this fall. Sting and […]
Summer brings movie and TV stars, including Michael Cera and Sandra Oh, to Chicago stages. But local stars, like Joyce Piven, are still big attractions on the North Shore. Heading north for summer fun? Check out the American Player’s Theatre in Spring Green, Wis. Death and the Maiden June 13–July 13 Sandra Oh of “Grey’s […]
Venturing out to a music fest? Here are a few tips to make your outing rock even more. Val’s Fest Tips: Bring: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water-bottle strap, comfortable shoes, backpack/crossover bag for hands-free carryall, pen (to mark the lineup), layered clothing, earplugs, Advil, snacks, cell phone portable battery charger, bandana (many uses) and a Chilly […]
Eight years ago, halfway through the premier episode of ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” I fell hard for the character of Marc St. James, played by Michael Urie. He was feisty and fabulous, and played with such tremendous verve and attitude by the talented, Juilliard-trained actor that it was abundantly clear that a star was born. We […]
From the very first moment of “The White Snake,” it’s clear that we’re in Mary Zimmerman Land—a magical and beguiling world that’s familiar from previous plays by this renowned Evanston director. “The White Snake” at Goodman Theatre is classic Zimmerman: an ancient story brought to life on the stage with a light, playful touch. As […]
May brings beloved old songs from Motown to the Loop’s Oriental Theatre, while Writers Theatre in Glencoe plays some brand-new tunes. A magical story about snakes slithers into theGoodman, and Skokie’s Northlight transports audiences back to 1940s Yonkers. The White Snake Through June 8 Following up her 2013 Goodman adaptation of “The Jungle Book,” Evanston […]
Composer, conductor and pianist André Previn is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and honored musicians in the world. He works in jazz, film, classical and opera, and he is the recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Kennedy Center, the London Symphony Orchestra and The Recording Academy (the last of which honored […]
