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 […]

Chicago's Fig & Olive: A Mediterranean Oasis

It’s easy to see why New York/California import Fig & Olive has been such a big hit with the “Social X-Ray” crowd (thanks, Tom Wolfe!); everyone looks attractive here, whether in the lovely diffused light of day or the golden-hued evening setting. Fashionista Paradise And the super-chic restaurant has been embraced by A-lister fashionistas and […]

This “First Date” is a Dreamboat, Not a Dud

Remember TV’s “Dating Game” from the ‘60s and ‘70s? It was the ultimate blind date: one woman, three bachelors, divided by a wall and a smarmy emcee. Questions were asked and answered before the winning date was chosen, sight unseen. The audience could see all—and it was hilarious. Fast forward to last night’s opening of […]

Ava Suppelsa: Evanston’s Talented Teen Singer/Songwriter

If you watched this year’s Grammy Awards, you witnessed stunning (and sometimes head-scratching) fashion, inspiring performances and another Kanye moment to discuss around the water cooler. What you missed, however, were the performances by members of the Grammy Alumni Band throughout the week leading up to the award show. Among the performers opening for nominee […]

7 Easy Ways to Live Longer

When you think of hearts this month, don’t just think of the Valentines. Take a few minutes to think about the amazing beating muscle that keeps you alive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds us that heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in the US. Since February is American […]

Marriott Theatre Revives "La Cage aux Folles" After 20 Years

A middle-aged gay couple, a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, an ultra-conservative politician and his traditional wife, and two young adults in their twenties who plan on getting married in spite of their families’ differences are all brought to life in The Marriott Theatre’s newest production of “La Cage aux Folles.” The classic musical comedy […]

Wilmette Native Emily Berman Talks “Sondheim on Sondheim”

Emily Berman first became interested in theater after following a friend to an audition. “She was auditioning for children’s theater plays and I was like, ‘I want to do that,’” Berman says. “When we both got cast, it just became one of my favorite things to do.” Today, the New Trier grad is starring in […]

“White Guy on the Bus" Raises Provocative Questions

It’s no surprise that a play called “White Guy on the Bus” is about racism. The white guy in the title—a rich suburban financial wheeler-dealer named Ray—is the only white person on that bus. He sits down next to an African American woman named Shatique, who’s on her way to visit her brother in jail. […]

Powerful Cast Lifts "Tosca" Beyond Disappointing Sets

“Tosca” has everything. A chilling story of an opera singer and a painter trapped in the political turmoil of 1800 Rome; their passionate, doomed love story; and blood—oh yes, lots and lots of blood—all borne on the crest of Puccini’s magnificent music. Lyric Opera of Chicago opened a new production of this glorious tragedy at […]

How Twitter Makes Life Easier for Busy Moms

Twitter is all the rage. The signature blue bird appears on nearly every web page, and the younger generation is flocking to Twitter rather than other forms of social media. But, Twitter isn’t just for kids. Increasingly, busy moms are using it to connect with one another, to stay on top of current affairs and […]