Gaining a fuller appreciation of our planet’s true dynamism may be an unspoken by-product of the National Geographic Live series held in performing arts centers around the country and abroad. Allowing adventurers, scientists, film makers and photographers to tell their stories of exploration before inquisitive audiences has proven an effective way of expanding our knowledge …
Alvin Ailey, the famed founder of one of America’s most revered dance companies, believed “dance is for everybody”. That it’s an art that comes from the people and a gift that should be delivered back to them. So stated Robert Battle, Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in his remarks at the …
It’s hard to imagine a world without music. We run to it for too many reasons not to recognize its influence in and on our lives. No matter how it’s arranged or played, whether its new, old, classical, contemporary or comes to us in any of its myriad iterations, the legions around the world who …
Orchids. When did they capture our attention and eventually take their place as one of the most desired flowers in the world? Questions like that are nearly impossible to answer but there’s no question that this ancient flower still captures our unwavering fascination. This year’s orchid show at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe goes …
It’s not unusual for it to take a pretty massive overhaul to make something old new again. In the world of opera, a recent reinterpretation of the Barber of Seville stands as one of the most resounding redo successes you can imagine. The Factotum, a glitteringly fresh take on Rossini’s classic lifts the original 19th …
During the first few days on the Hawaiian Islands, you don’t notice it’s prevalence. After that, you feel as if you’ve encountered it at least once before the clock strikes midnight. Over the Rainbow might as well be Hawaii’s state song. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, better known as Iz, came up with his own very lovely version …
Not familiar with step? Don’t despair. Even people who’ve seen it performed may not have realized it had a name. A dance form that took root on college campuses in the early 1900’s, it’s profile in recent decades has risen well above the cloistered walls of higher learning. High spirited, intense, exciting and incorporating lots …
Guillermo del Toro’s interpretation of life gets more interesting every time he gives an interview. Conversations with him these days center around his beautiful new animated reimagining of Pinocchio. We all know the story of the wooden puppet whose nose grows when he tells a lie. Somehow, what happens to his nose overshadows the fact …
Everyone loves the idea of the Christmas holidays. In the United States, whatever your religion or heritage, they’re an opportunity to be in the company of people you care about under a banner of celebration. It’s also a season of giving. Add the whirlwind of parties, dinners and pressures of shopping, Christmas, for all its …
Comedy to the Rescue – The Art of Trevor Noah and Neal Brennan Read More »
Even when you think you’ve seen the best of the best, you can still be surprised with new heights of perfection. One of those epiphanies detonated Saturday night on the Auditorium stage when Deeply Rooted Dance Theater obliterated the psychological barrier that separates audience and performance. From the first sound of Mikel Rouse’s soul stomping …