This month brings two musical productions about teens to our local stages – along with a bio of Richard Pryor, an octogenarian struggling with her memory and a revue of classic movie songs. “Hollywood’s Greatest Song Hits” Oct. 2 – 11 Singers from the North Shore group Light Opera Works give voice to the most […]
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The world has changed dramatically for people with disabilities since the landmark legislation was passed in 1990. Today, access continues to expand for people with all kinds of special needs. The newest group seeing doors open for them? People on the autism spectrum. […]
In 1988, Frank Galati’s adaptation of “The Grapes of Wrath” hit the Steppenwolf Theatre Company stage before going on to win two Tony Awards. Now, Steppenwolf once again turns to Galati and a John Steinbeck classic to open their 40th anniversary season. Make It Better spoke with Galati about “East of Eden,” being reunited with […]
One of this summer’s oddest suburban dramas has ended peacefully: After a few months at odds with the City of Glencoe’s liquor licensing process, Cibo Trattoria has finally been granted their license, and their full bar is now open. For a while there was uncertainty about whether they would remain open; it’s hard to compete […]
The fall season gets into full swing with some promising premieres. “East of Eden” Sept. 17 – Nov. 15 Back in 1988, “The Grapes of Wrath” became one of Steppenwolf’s most successful shows ever. Frank Galati, who wrote the script for that groundbreaking Tony Award winner, is now adapting another classic book by John Steinbeck, […]
Kefi is a Greek word (roughly) meaning passion, exuberance, joy, a lust for life. Think Zorba the Greek dancing on the beach, or the Greek custom of smashing plates. For owner John Tasiopoulos, it’s an expression that sums up how he feels about his family, his heritage and his mother’s food. Because at its heart, […]
When you think of Brooklyn, what comes to mind? For me, it’s pickles. Pickles and Civil War beards. And hipsters riding gearless bikes, sporting said gnarly beards while eating homemade pickles from un-ironic Mason jars. So when I heard that a “Brooklyn Bistro” was opening in the old A La Carte space on Green Bay […]
Make It Better’s Best of 2015 drew more than 105,000 verified votes across 10 categories. Share your thoughts with us on social media using the hashtag #MIBBestof2015. Live Music Venue Ravinia (North Shore) This winner came as no surprise: You’ve chosen this outdoor music venue every year since 2012. 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park, 847-266-5000 […]
Country music was born in the southern United States (Tennessee, to be specific). As such, it has remained, in many people’s minds, a symbol of the South, along with the sweet tea, dirt roads and pickup trucks that modern-day country stars love to sing about. However, in recent years country music has experienced an intense […]
Looking for some new artists to spice up your playlist? There’s a lot of musical talent to be found in our own backyard. These up-and-coming stars are all in the early stages of promising musical careers, and they all hail from Sweet Home (suburbs of) Chicago. Check them out now before they hit it big! […]
