Expect lots and lots of Shakespeare on Chicago stages in 2016, with a yearlong festival celebrating the Bard’s works. Meanwhile, the Marriott is trying something a bit more daring than usual, and the Goodman is creating a five-hour epic about evil. Shakespeare 400 Chicago Throughout 2016 Chicago Shakespeare Theater is spearheading this big festival honoring […]
Listening to opera is not for everyone, this much is true. But far too many people exempt themselves from the glitz and glamour of a live opera performance because they’re afraid they won’t like it — or worse, won’t understand it and risk looking like a hayseed. Use this helpful guide to find out which […]
As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Wilmette Theatre relies on donations and support from the community and local businesses to continue its mission of providing quality, educational and entertaining programs to the community. This year, we owe special thanks for major contributions from the Jerome Mirza Foundation, Make It Better Magazine, and North Shore Community […]
Not every great love story is conventional. Take, for instance, the story of Robert Neal and Edgar Hellum, who met and fell in love in the 1930s in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. They shared a passion for art and architecture — and each other, as it turns out. “Ten Dollar House,” the moving story of the […]
The definition of daunting: the chance to sit down with one of your favorite living authors. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity recently when award-winning author Ann Patchett was in town for the Dec. 7 world premiere of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “Bel Canto,” an original opera based on her luminous 2001 book. It […]
Eighteen years after opening on Broadway, “The Lion King” is still roaring through theaters around the world. Broadway’s highest grossing musical, it’s been translated into eight different languages and seen by more than 80 million people. Leading the current national tour is Chicago native Aaron Nelson, who plays Simba. Nelson shared his thoughts about acting, […]
The Second City theater company (yeah, the one that spawned stars like Tina Fey, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Steve Carell and countless other amazing comedy stars) has opened its 104th revue. “Fool Me Twice, Déjà Vu” is exactly what you’d expect from this comedy giant: uproarious. There’s one big twist though — this show is über-feminist, […]
You’ve heard the saying, “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” Now, help the Wilmette Theatre make that a reality. The Wilmette Theatre is proud to announce the launch of its “Take a Seat” campaign to raise the funds needed to pay for the replacement of the theatre’s 40-year-old seats. Those who support our […]
Goodman Theatre’s Music Director, Malcolm Ruhl, is joined by his daughter, Madeline, for the theater’s 38th production of “A Christmas Carol.” Make It Better had a chance to sit down with the director and flutist, who have lived in Highland Park and Evanston. Make It Better: Malcolm, you’ve been a part of this for a few years now. […]
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 […]
