‘Tis the season for gifting. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, we rack our brains for the perfect gift ideas. We make lists, scour aisles and hide presents bought in July. There’s nothing better than seeing our children or grandchildren’s faces as they open the box with the one gift they really wanted. […]
The holidays are magic. But as The Second City’s “Holidays in the Heights”opening musical number reminds us, there is plenty that isn’t quite so magical about the season. The cast then spends two hours making us laugh at all the craziness that occurs during “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Husbands find themselves at […]
Women covet designer purses, but the stratospheric prices can be a problem. Vintage versions of “label” handbags are so chic and often more affordable. Before you test your luck hitting up e-Bay, check out our favorite websites and places to snag legitimate vintage designer bags. Online Sources Portero Luxury Although Portero sells new […]
It’s not a holiday show, per se, but the spirit of the season pervades Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s (CST) take on Wiliam Shakespeare’s great comedy,“The Merry Wives of Windsor.” It’s a farcical romp, but ultimately, it is also a story of forgiveness and understanding, set against a winter backdrop. Directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, […]
The tribe at the center of “Tribes” is an argumentative English family, a bunch of Brits who are prone to shouting matches and cruel taunts. Except, that is, for Billy, one of three adult children in this combative clan. Billy has been deaf since birth, and the rest of the family often ignores him as […]
The cool temperatures of winter, paired with great technical outdoor active wear, make winter workouts some of the most enjoyable of the year. Beat back those extra calories that come with holiday celebrations, be adventurous, enjoy the beautiful winter landscape, and head out. Here are some great options: Paddle Tennis You will still break a sweat in this fast-paced game […]
This time of year, it’s all about two things: lists and radar. Make those lists, check them twice, click here to see how Santa handles wind and snow and ice. It’s a familiar drill, and it’s made a whole lot more enjoyable with a seasonal trip to Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Director L. Walter Stearns and […]
You can get by with a lot when you blame the champagne. That’s the message of “Die Fledermaus,” Johann Strauss, Jr.’s romp through Vienna in 1870, which opened December 10 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Adele, a parlor maid, borrows a dress from her mistress’s closet to wear to a party given by Russian Prince […]
How’s this for impressive credentials: a 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, an Honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and numerous Joseph Jefferson awards. But when Barbara Gaines first started the Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) in 1986, she had no idea that she would be sitting firmly atop the theater world nearly […]
Fans of radio plays are in luck this season with American Blues Theater’s new production, “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!” The radio play within a play tells the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his relationship with the folks from Bedford Falls. Making this show unique is the way in which the story […]
