Goodman Theatre is bringing the play that inspired “Hello, Dolly!” to life with the help of a Northwestern grad. Kristine Nielsen, who plays Dolly Gallagher Levi in “The Matchmaker,” hasn’t been back to the Chicago area in more than 30 years, but says she “leapt at this chance” to work with the Goodman. “I credit […]
There would be no spectacular new home for Writers Theatre, which will put this location firmly on the national theater map, without Michael Halberstam, the theater’s artistic director. His artistry, passion and charm led the organization from small community theater in the back of a bookstore to national prominence. Any time spent with Halberstam is quality time indeed. […]
In the world of local theater, the most anticipated opening in March and April isn’t a play — it’s a new venue. Writers Theatre opened the doors of its new Jeanne Gang-designed building in Glencoe in February. The beautiful structure features two performance spaces and promises to be an accommodating home for this consistently outstanding […]
Lyric Opera of Chicago is bringing another classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical to its stage this spring, “The King and I,” and has two powerhouse talents starring as Anna and the King of Siam. Kate Baldwin is a Tony Award-nominated actress for the Broadway revival of “Finian’s Rainbow” and a Northwestern grad. Paolo Montalban has […]
It’s no secret that Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago produces some excellent shows — they’ve got 12 Tony awards to prove it. But sometimes, the shows can be a little … strange. Not all art is for the masses, but that’s what makes Steppenwolf so brave: they don’t care. This could hardly be truer about […]
For Kathy Talan, a second-grade teacher at Albany Park’s Volta Elementary School, watching her students write and perform an opera was an experience in her career that will be hard to top. For 16 weeks, her students — a diverse group including non-English speakers, dual-language students, students with special needs, and academically gifted students — […]
After 37 years of marriage, four kids and a mortgage, longtime Evanston actors Jill Shellabarger and Roger Mueller still feel the heat. “We are each other’s biggest fans,” says Shellabarger. “We respect each other’s artistry; we don’t talk shop a lot, but we can go to each other when we are wrestling with a part.” […]
Winter is rough, especially for parents looking to keep cooped-up kids entertained. Don’t let freezing temps keep you at home, though. Instead, catch one of these children’s shows coming to Chicago. “Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic” Jan. 20-24, Allstate Arena Jan. 27 to Feb. 7, United Center More than 50 of your […]
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 […]
