Theater fans will love the opera “Three Decembers” with Jake Hegge’s beautiful music, its straightforward story, and a strong, touching performance by American mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. This intimate, three-person opera is the story of a self-centered theater star and her two needy children in a drama that unfolds with charm, conviction and humor, without […]
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is a very silly show providing wacky merriment to Marriott Theatre audiences in Lincolnshire. This over-the-top send-up of Broadway musicals, old and new, however, is so wild that gales of laughter are the only response. Set in 1928, during Prohibition but before the Depression, the musical revolves around a Broadway star played […]
A mother and three daughters face broken family bonds, first gingerly and then fiercely in “Independence,” a domestic drama by Lee Blessing at Lake Forest’s Citadel Theatre Company. Strong performances make this witches’ brew of a dysfunctional family a memorable evening in an intimate theatre setting. Set in the spring of 1983 and Evelyn Briggs, […]
Some moms cringe at the thought of allowing their teens to attend a concert with friends, but when Denise Ashurst‘s daughter asked to go see Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber live at the Rosemont Theatre, the Winnetka mom had no qualms at all. “I knew she would be fine, since she’s probably been to at […]
The Joffrey Ballet’s spring program “Eclectica,” delights the eye like a bouquet of fresh flowers. The unifying theme is lyricism, with each number capitalizing on the strength and grace of Joffrey dancers. The evening opens with “Reflections”, a timeless and sparkling piece by the late Gerald Arpino, who co-founded the company with Robert Joffrey in […]
Did you know you can help Haiti just by listening to some brand new tunes? Valslist, the Winnetka-based website that helps busy adults keep in touch with the latest music trends, has created two downloadable playlists full of fresh songs and all the proceeds go to the Haiti relief efforts. Here are the playlists, which […]
Q2, the terrific little bar next to Quince Restaurant, is ringing in the warm weather with a fresh new jazz series. Top Chicago-area jazz artists will perform on the first and third Thursday of the month in the intimate venue. Amazingly, there is no cover charge. Emmy-winning composer and musician Steve Rashid is curating […]
Take one look at Seoyun Baek, and you might think she’s just a normal 10 year-old girl. But hear her play the piano, and it becomes clear that she has extraordinary talent. Soyeun (pronounced so-YUN) began her piano studies three years ago and after just one year of study, she performed a duo piece with […]
“Billy Elliot the Musical” is a show for the ages, full of heart and hope, in the midst of difficulties and defeat. This laurel-laden show has amazing production numbers without being over-produced. It tells a heart-rending story without being saccharine and it boasts adorable children who manage to avoid being cute. Billy Elliot the Musical […]
How does a dancer with an international company like American Ballet Theatre manage to fit marriage and motherhood into her demanding career? Just like every working mother, except a little more intensely, according to Karin Ellis-Wentz, 40, who is one of the four cygnets in the company’s upcoming production of “Swan Lake.” ABT is in […]
