What's happening on the arts scene – on stage, in museums and at fairs and festivals
The images that come to mind following the stock market crash of 1929 and resulting economic collapse are breadlines. However, those images are not replayed in “America After the Fall,” a new, temporary exhibit in the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern wing.
Oops. If waiting until fall to fill in activity calendar dates you might miss out on some of summer’s really good art museum shows. No need to say oops. Take a peek at this short round-up then mark in the ones you want to catch.
Continue reading “Art: Three shows to see before they leave”
Whether you love classical, pop, rock or just enjoy listening to music while picnicking, Ravinia Festival in suburban Highland Park ends the summer on a high note.
We’ve all done it. We say we’re going to catch something we really want to see or do but before we realize it, the final date has passed. So here are some events and opportunities you may want to put on your calendar.
Continue reading “Museums: What ends soon and what’s coming”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
“Newsies” fight publishing tycoons with sling-shot headlines
The touring company of “Newsies” is as exciting as the headlines that sell papers. The lead actors who battle Joseph Pulitzer on his unfair practices are terrific, but it is the high energy of the company’s talented dancers and singers who will likely have you recommending this Tony Award winning musical.
China’s First Emperor and his Terracotta Warriors
Now through January 8, 2017.
It’s a terrific exhibit organized by The Field Museum with the Shaanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau, Shaanxi Cultural Heritage Promotion Center and Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum of the People’s Republic of China. The warriors and other objects were ordered built to go with Emperor Quin Shihuang into his tomb.
Continue reading “Museums: At The Field”
RECOMMENDED
“War Paint,” a period piece, reminds that makeup is still big business
A musical about the intense rivalry between Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden, the world’s makeup/skin care queens during the first half of the 20th century, “War Paint” can be appreciated on several levels.
Browsing an art fair is a fun way to see a town or neighborhood you might not have visited, a good way to get some exercise without feeling guilty for not power walking and a way to take care of holiday presents without bucking the holiday crowds. You might even find something for a wall that needs some color. Here are some of the best art fairs still to come this August and September so get out your calendar or save to your phone. BTW all the fairs listed here have at least 100 exhibitors. Most of the them also have entertainment and food. Many have a kids’ section where youngsters can have fun with art..
Continue reading “Arts and crafts shows in August and September – 2016”
RECOMMENDED
Waiting tables becomes a comedy source in “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy”
Brad Zimmerman, a stand-up comedian who has opened for Joan Rivers and George Carlin, regales audiences with tales of waiter-customer encounters (“Lady, is anything all right?”) in his one-man show, “My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy.” He also throws in a lot of Jewish-mother imposed guilt and his own lack of ambition.
Continue reading “Review: “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy””
The Ravinia Festival’s lawn was blanket to blanket July 16. You would have thought the Highland Park music venue was featuring a pop star. But it was the Beethoven’s popular Fifth Symphony played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra that arguably attracted the crowds. Given the well-deserved applause, the audience in the Pavilion and out on the lawn were not disappointed.
Continue reading “Classical concert packed Ravinia Festival”