Joyce DiDonato: In the Midst of Chaos, How Do You Find Peace?

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 […]

Joffrey Ballet’s Sparkling New 'Nutcracker'

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 […]

Holiday Hot Tickets: Winter Theater in Chicago

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 […]

7 Yoga Poses to Start Your Day Off Right

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, […]

'Hamilton' Flies the W in Chicago

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 […]

Recharge Your Body and Mind With 10 Moves in 10 Minutes

You’d be amazed what 10 extra minutes of movement can do to give you renewed energy and improved mental clarity. Try these 10 moves first thing in the morning, as a pre-workout warm-up, as a break from your work to counteract the effects of sitting at your computer, or as a late-afternoon recharge. You’ll bring […]

Raise the Curtain: Fall's Must-See Theater in Chicago

September and October may well be the busiest and most exciting months of the year for plays in Chicago. Not only are theaters getting into full swing with their new seasons — there’s also a little play you may have heard of … about that guy whose face is on $10 bills? “Hamilton“ Open run […]

11 Ways to Maximize Your Walking Workout

Need a workout that’s easy to fit into even the busiest of schedules, can be done anywhere, requires little equipment, and is easier on your body than running? Chances are you’re already doing some walking every day, but with a little extra effort, you can turn your daily strides into a great workout. According the […]