You don’t have to run a marathon to be considered a runner. Instead, train for a 5K. In 2015, 7.6 million people — the most of any distance — ran a 5K, according to Running USA. “I set a goal to run a 5K before I turned 40,” says Gina Ehlman of Wilmette. “I wanted […]
As spring blooms, local stages are bursting with brand-new works of theater. March and April will be strong months for regional and world premieres. “Linda Vista” March 30 to May 21 Pulitzer- and Tony-winning playwright Tracy Letts is back at his home theater with another world premiere. His previous play, “Mary Page Marlowe,” was the […]
After 35 years in the restaurant business, Madeleine and Kaveh Mirani felt it was time for a change. So they shuttered Mirani’s, their lovely French bistro, after a 10-year run on Elm Street in Winnetka (22 years after they first opened the original Mirani’s Gourmet Deli on Green Bay Road) and moved around the corner […]
Shemekia Copeland has dazzled crowds around the world with her soulful voice and raw stage talent, along with her unique blend of soul, country and blues music. The Grammy-nominated singer hails from New York City, though she’s called the Windy City her home for the past 12 years. We caught up with Shemekia as she […]
As the new year begins, the highlights on local stages include the Marriott debut of a mega-popular musical, yet another new version of “Uncle Vanya” and world premieres of dramas at Northlight and Chicago Shakespeare. “Faceless” Jan. 26 to March 5 This venerable Skokie theater company is putting its spotlight on a young local playwright, […]
In the midst of chaos, how do you find peace? This question seems to be written for this particular time — in the aftermath of our election, during an frenetic holiday season. But actually, international opera star Joyce DiDonato penned it immediately following the Paris bombings, more than a year ago. This question also inspired […]
The Joffrey Ballet takes “The Nutcracker” to a dynamically different time and place in its groundbreaking new production of the holiday favorite. Yes, mice will take the stage in The Joffrey Ballet’s new production of “The Nutcracker” at the Auditorium Theatre this December. But Ashley Wheater, the company’s artistic director, declined to reveal the size […]
This holiday season, Steppenwolf, Northlight and Writers Theatre have some presents for us: new plays, never seen before on local stages. “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” Through Dec. 18 In this newly imagined sequel to Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Mary Bennet (Emily Berman) grows tired of being the dutiful middle sister. At Christmastime, an […]
As yoga’s popularity has continued to grow, so has the body of research confirming the far-reaching benefits of regular practice. Yoga can help treat depression, PTSD, insomnia, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, infertility and back pain, just to name a few. Yoga works your entire body and demands focus, which can be both soothing and centering, […]
It was a tough call in Chicago last night. Watch the Cubbies’ bats finally come alive against the Dodgers, or the mudslinging of the third (and all praise, final) Presidential debate? In other words, America’s favorite pastime, or a game with much bigger stakes? Happily, a third choice presented itself: I scored two press tickets […]
