Review: Blank Theatre’s Passion Showcases Sondheim’s Breathtaking Score
As fans of Stephen Sondheim may know, Passion is not as widely prod’suced as some of his other musicals. There are many reasons for this. The music can be quite […]
Review: A Generation Later, I Know What You Did Last Summer Is a Pale, Unimaginative Copy of the 1997 Original
Here’s the thing about sequels: people should actually remember the original if you’re going to make a follow-up film almost 30 years later. In 1997, the original I Know What […]
Review: Smut Burns Passionately Like a Violet Sunset on Tomorrow Comes Crashing
Although originally hailing from Cleveland’s vivacious DIY indie scene, Smut set up shop in our little town of Chicago, earning their keep by releasing one of the greatest Chicago indie […]
Review: Filmmaker Ari Aster Skewers Political Divides, Junk Science in COVID-Era Satire Eddington
Across four films, writer/director Ari Aster has proved himself to be an artist who sculpts nightmares. Not always the stuff of horror movies (although with his debut feature film, Hereditary, […]
Your Chicago Curated Weekend: 7/17 and Beyond
It’s a bit of a bittersweet weekend as this was typically the time of year when Pitchfork Music Festival would be taking over Union Park. However last year’s edition was […]
Preview: Daisies Chicago’s Newest Venture Is The Radicle, an Affordable Cocktail Bar in Logan Square
Eight years into its successful run, Daisies Chicago has done it again. After the restaurant’s 2023 move to 2375 N Milwaukee Ave in Logan Square, Daisies is bringing it back […]
Review: Ethiopia’s Energetic Circus Abyssinia Is Fun Family Fare at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Summer is prime family time for Navy Pier, which attracts nine million visitors annually as the largest tourist attraction in Illinois. Longtime tenant Chicago Shakespeare Theater is adding more family-friendly […]
Interview: Swadesi’s Bold Summer Menu Stays Rooted in Tradition
Swadesi fits the bill for the coffee and cafe culture I am currently after: inventive twists blending traditional techniques with bold combinations from across the globe. There is thought and […]
Review: Pioneering Band Irakere Spreads Its Stardust on the North Shore
Expectations always run high when Chucho Valdés heads a bill. With well over a half century creating and performing superlative music, the legendary multi-Grammy winning Cuban pianist, bandleader and composer has […]
Review: Disney Magic Comes to Life on Stage During Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast, a beloved Disney classic, is seamlessly brought to the stage for a truly magical night of theater presented by Broadway in Chicago. This show will consistently […]
Review: Theatre L’Acadie Gets Big Time Laughs With Big Time Toppers
Theatre L’Acadie is known for edgy satire while bringing deeply human themes to the absurd situations of life. The first production I saw from L’Acadie was called The Swan, which […]
Review: Identity and Gender Fluidity at the Heart of the Surreal and Daring Kill the Jockey
I have seen Luis Ortega’s Kill the Jockey (El Jockey) twice this year and am still in awe at the big swings it takes, how it keeps audiences on their […]