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 […]
NewCity, a brand new development on Chicago’s north side, opened its doors Halloween weekend. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, this “neighborhood within a neighborhood” includes retail, dining, entertainment and residential living. Check out the latest movies at ArcLight Cinemas or treat your taste buds to spicy Portuguese PERi-PERi chicken at the famed South […]
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, […]
Rise and shine! DMK Restaurants has opened Arlen’s Chicken in Evanston. It’s a casual fried chicken joint where you’ll find delectable fried chicken and biscuit sandwiches, crispy biscuits and tater tots, not-just-for-kids chicken nuggets and DMK’s signature killer milkshakes — the toasted marshmallow is to die for. If you can’t wait until you get home, […]
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 […]
Every fall since 1989, the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) has made it their mission to extend the joys of the humanities — through access to cultural, artistic and educational opportunities — to everyone, regardless of age or income. Tickets to various programs are affordable, if not free (many programs are free for students and teachers), and […]
When you need to escape the holiday madness (enough with the shopping and over-scheduling), look to the Chicago Botanic Garden. At the Lake Cook Road entrance, you’ll see tall trees wrapped in holiday lights (more than 750,000 LEDs are used in our seasonal displays). And when you look across the North Lake, you’ll see glowing, […]
There’s no shortage of speedy, freshly made pizza around town these days; quick gourmet pizza in the Chipotle mold is all the rage. But 800 Degrees is different — this is Neapolitan-style pizza, with a beautifully blistered crust that’s just the right amount of chewy and char. The same company that brought us Umami Burger […]
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 […]
