Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” Brings Bugs to Life

Cirque du Soleil’s “OVO” breathes life into even the most average species of insect. Based on a loose plot about a fly who visits a community of bugs carrying a large egg, the show includes colorful costumes, bossa nova beats and “wow”-factor stunts. “OVO” boasts 10 acts peppered with buzzes, chirps and comedic filler from […]

North Shore Notables Perform at Ravinia

The Ravinia Festival draws great artists from all over the world to its bucolic setting, but this summer’s lineup also features fine musicians with local roots. On August 3, internationally renowned pianist and Highland Park resident Jorge Federico Osorio takes the stage at Ravinia’s Martin Theatre for “Osorio’s A-Liszt.” As the title indicates, the program […]

Goodman Theatre’s “Chinglish” Takes a Deep and Funny Look at Desire

David Henry Hwang’s latest is a multi-layered journey through culture clash that’s both hysterical and heartbreaking. But the show is more than just malapropisms and misunderstandings; it’s a deft look at longing, something that all societies share in spades. Cleveland businessman Daniel (James Waterston) travels to China, in a desperate attempt to attract business for […]

Comedies and Classics: July 2011 Chicago Theater

The shows at Chicago theaters this month will either leave you sore from laughing or humming a clever tune—whether it’s puppets, cupcakes, Sondheim, the misunderstandings of a foreign language, or the ruminations of an overweight comedian. Jeff Garlin’s “No Sugar Tonight” at Steppenwolf’s Upstairs Theatre July 13-24 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago 312-335-1650 steppenwolf.org As […]

“Chicago” Brings Its Sexy, 1920s Sparkle to the Oriental Theatre

If you loved the Oscar-winning movie “Chicago,” starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Queen Latifah and Richard Gere, you’ll re-discover it in exciting ways at this short-run production. The talents of Broadway veterans Terra MacLeod as Velma, Ron Orbach as Amos and Tracy Shayne as Roxie are wildly evident, and John O’Hurley—who played J. Peterman on “Seinfeld” and […]

Music For The Whole Family

Don’t miss this summer’s best concerts. We have the scoop on the bands you won’t want to miss. Playlist AMAZING YOU (download entire playlist at valslist.com) 1.  Every Day Is Yours To Win by R.E.M. 2. Gratisfaction by The Strokes 3. The Other Side by Steve Wynn & The Miracle 3 4. Old Old Fashioned […]