Theater Guide: The Musical Month of May

Putting together a new musical is a big deal. It isn’t easy finding the right combination of words, melodies, characters and spectacle that will win over audiences. But three new musicals are hitting local stages in May, and hopes are high that they’ll leave us humming as we walk out the doors. “Sense and Sensibility“ […]

Marriott Theatre's “Anything Goes” Impresses with Fluid Choreography and Comical Antics

It’s been 24 years since The Marriott Theatre staged “Anything Goes,” the biggest musical comedy of the 1930s, and the revived production is a feat of fabulous choreography, beloved Cole Porter songs, and eccentric, entertaining characters. “Anything Goes” represented common “escapist entertainment” of the time, or entertainment that allowed the public to escape from the harsh […]

5 Active Adventures That Combine Fitness and Pleasure

A recent survey by BetterDoctor had Chicago low on its list of most physically active cities in America. Not surprisingly, cities in California and Colorado have us beat—sub-zero winter temps aren’t exactly conducive to getting out and exercising. Instead of whining about our temperamental weather, kick it up a notch with a vacation that emphasizes […]

5 Things to Do: April 10-12

Rain or shine, don’t let the weather decide your weekend plans. Instead, get out and enjoy the newest musical at Lyric Opera of Chicago. You can also shop ‘til you drop at a fair perfect for music fans or travel to France while staying in Winnetka. If you love sweets, don’t miss a festival all about […]

8 Books Good Enough to Eat

Food isn’t just about sustenance—it’s also about family, friends and fellowship. It is the thread by which we’re all tied, breakfast through dinner, those moments in our lives that flow from circumspect to celebratory. Here are several great books that celebrate the importance of a good meal. Fresh Off the Boat Eddie Huang Before it […]

7 Books to Read Before They Become Movies

Many of the best movies are derived from books and most of the time, no matter how wonderful the movie is, the book is even more spectacular. You’ll want to get your hands on these best-selling books before you watch the characters come to life on the big screen. Me Before You Jojo Moyes In […]

5 Things to Do: March 13-15

It finally feels like spring, so get outside and enjoy these events. Start your St. Patrick’s Day celebration this weekend with the dyeing of the Chicago River and a parade, or stop by a fun fest at the Irish American Heritage Center. You can also enjoy beautiful blooms at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show or […]

8 Books to Spring Clean Your Life

‘Tis the season of the clean—that irrepressible urge to throw out, organize and get your act together. Here are eight great suggestions that’ll inspire and inform—just remember to pass them on so they’re not cluttering a shelf!   Coming Clean: A Memoir Kimberly Rae Miller Kick your spring cleaning season off with this memoir—the story […]

In Chicago, Spring Means Great Theater

A celebration of the late, lamented August Wilson dominates Chicago’s theater scene in March and April, while at Victory Gardens, another African-American scribe tells a story inspired by today’s headlines. Other highlights include critically praised stories set in Ireland and terra incognita. “Two Trains Running” and August Wilson Celebration March 7 to April 18 August […]

The Hottest New Vacation Destinations

Daydreaming about an escape from the frigid cold and in need of some vacation inspiration? We caught up with travel experts, including Pauline Frommer, at the Travel and Adventure Show in January—and they gave us the scoop on hot spots to visit in 2015. Here are their favorite up-and-coming destinations and why you need to […]