The American Dream, a little play about a big topic that’s been dominating headlines since the late 1960s, finally gives voice to the people at the center of the dilemma on our southern border. It’s a limited voice, one that doesn’t delve into the why of our immigration crisis. By now, most of us understand …
New Play Takes on the Dark Side of Mass Migration Read More »
On the verge of ending its run at Theater Wit, Remy Bumppo’s production of Blues for an Alabama Sky sheds a fresh light on the consequences of our words and the power of character. Under Mikael Burke’s skillful and frank direction, Pearl Cleage’s journey back to the Harlem Renaissance also reminds us of the value …
Blues for an Alabama Sky a Study in Theater Excellence Read More »
She may have been on the scene for what seems like a hot minute, but when it comes to accolades and awards, she’s getting the Taylor Swift treatment. A classically trained chef who never doubted her worth, even when she was making $12 an hour working down in the trenches at Spiaggia, Dominque Leach used …
Chicagoans got their first taste of an immersive art experience in 2021 when Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago set up residence on Germania Place in Lincoln Park. As long as they were masked and could prove they were vaccinated, visitors were extended the chance to lose, or immerse, themselves in massive digital projections of Vincent Van Gogh’s …
Lighthouse Summer Series Combines Artistic Pleasures Read More »
‘s Never underestimate the power of a good musical. If the story and the music organically connect with the audience, you’ve got promise. Up the ante with wonderful acting and marvelous singing and you reach phenomenal. Rock of Ages, now playing at the Mercury Theatre, has all of that plus the wisdom of a clever …
Mercury’s Rock of Ages Joyfully Celebrates Those Who Follow Their Dreams Read More »
Constantly striving to embrace the full scope of who Chicagoans are, Millennium Park’s Summer Music Series curatorial board has been known to make daring artistic choices. A recent Thursday night performance at the Pritzker Pavilion was particularly special. Bounce, an underground music form that blossomed in New Orleans housing projects went mainstream partially through the …
Big Freedia Brings Tidings of Summer’s Freedom to Millennium Park Read More »
City Pleasures offers apologies to its readers for the unexpected and lengthy hiatus we’ve experienced for the past several weeks. Every effort is being made to avoid similar disruptions in the future.
When, as in our case, the petite waitress welcomes you to Khmai and offers explanations on the restaurant’s extensive menu, she’ll also provide a brief history of how the now “it” eatery in Rogers Park came into being. As riveting as the restaurant’s food is delicious, the story of how a family escaped mass slaughter …
Life changes with the birth of children. The demands and obligations of parenthood pull us out of ourselves and force us to focus on the people we bring into the world. Sacrifice and the suppression of our own wishes and passions are often necessary to insure our offspring get a fair shot at life. Those …
In places like Chicago, dance showcases are like smorgasbords that offer more than just plenty. Their variety encompasses the globe, reminding us of how rich the language of dance is and has always been. Just as interestingly, they signal clues on how dance absorbs the present and shape shifts into the future. Few dance organizations …