Chicago Theater and Arts – Page 22 – What's happening on the arts scene – on stage, in museums and at fairs and festivals

Oscars are back with star support

Oscars(R) night March 27. (Photo courtesy of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences)

It’s Oscar® time.

Sunday March 27, 2022, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will be handing out their awards for everything related to movies from acting and costuming to productions and special effects. But did you get out to a movie or did you stream a few? Do you know who and what films have been nominated?

No question that COVID worries changed our theater-going habits. Adding to pandemic concerns are questions about the Academy’s award process over the years, particularly regarding diversity and gender bias.

And what the Academy wonders is will you be watching the ceremony. The 94th Oscars will air live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET.

To up the audience rating and get some excitement going for the Academy Awards 2022, show producers Will Packer and Shayla Cowan have been announcing in the weeks leading up to the event who will host, who will present, and lastly and maybe most importantly, who has now confirmed they will perform.

Performers of nominated songs

“Be Alive” from “King Richard” – Performed by Beyoncé, music and lyric by DIXSON and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

“Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” – Performed by Sebastián Yatra, music and lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“No Time To Die” from “No Time to Die” – Performed by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, music and lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.

“Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days” – Performed by Reba McEntire, music and lyric by Diane Warren.

“Down To Joy” from “Belfast,” music and lyric by Van Morrison. (Van Morrison was invited to perform his nominated song but will not attend the Oscars due to his tour schedule. Therefore “Down To Joy” from “Belfast” will not be performed on the broadcast.

Who will present

The star-studded list of presenters who have confirmed cover range from past to present and from Ruth E. Carter and Lady Gaga to Anthony Hopkins and Bill Murray.

The list, so far, includes Halle Bailey, Stephanie Beatriz, Ruth E. Carter, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kevin Costner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Garner, H.E.R., Tiffany Haddish, Woody Harrelson, Tony Hawk, Anthony Hopkins, Samuel L. Jackson, Lily James, Daniel Kaluuya, Zoë Kravitz, DJ Khaled, Mila Kunis, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Shawn Mendes, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Rosie Perez, Tyler Perry, Chris Rock, Tracee Ellis Ross, Naomi Scott, Kelly Slater, Wesley Snipes, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Shaun White, and Yuh-Jung Youn. * (Last minute presenters added)

Who will host

After not having any host last year, the producers have called on three first timers: Regina Hall, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes.

“This year’s show is all about uniting movie lovers. It’s apropos that we’ve lined up three of the most dynamic, hilarious women with very different comedic styles,” said Packer. “I know the fun Regina, Amy and Wanda will be having will translate to our audience as well. Many surprises in store! Expect the unexpected!”

Special musical performers

An All-Star Band featuring the show’s music director, Adam Blackstone, blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, percussionist and singer Sheila E. and genre-spanning pianist Robert Glasper, as well as DJ D-Nice who held virtual Club Quarantine parties and The Samples, a vocal group led by Jason White.

Crib Sheet: To know who and what check the 94th Oscars® Fact Sheet.

For more interesting facts and background visit Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science.

*More presenters added March 23: Josh Brolin, Jacob Elordi, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jason Momoa, Jill Scott, J.K. Simmons, Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Rachel Zegler.

Jodie Jacobs

Heads up Lollapalooza fans

Lolla is back in Grant Park July 28-31, 2022. (Photo courtesy of Lollapalooza)

You already know the mega music festival that brings headliners and up and commers to Chicago’s Grant Park is July 28-31, 2022.

So now, set a reminder for March 22,2022. No matter the rumors, the official lineup will be announced Tuesday at 10 a.m. CT.

Then, four-day tickets will go on sale that day at noon.

The 4-day tickets will start at $350 for general admission, $650 for GA+, $1,500 for VIP and $4,200 for VIP.

For more information visit Lollapalooza.

Fascinating Shakespeare authorship becomes historical fiction

There have been numerous takes on who wrote the plays and other works attributed to William Shakespeare.

None that I’ve seen have attributed them to a woman until Deena Lindstedt recently published her book, Lady of the Play.

Although listed as a “Historical Fiction Novel,” and not annotated with scholarly references, Lindstedt makes an interesting case that a well-educated, well-born, highly imaginative woman wrote “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The seed for this striking deviation from standard thinking came when Lindstedt who had retired from a long-time career in workers’ compensation claims administration to develop writing and research skills at Marylhurst University, wrote a senior paper titled “Shakespeare, Perhaps a Woman.”

Lindstedt delivered the paper at the Shakespeare Authorship Symposium at Concordia University in Portland, OR in 2011. Extensive research of the era eventually led to Lady of the Play, published by Wings ePress Books, October 2021.

In Lady of the Play, readers are introduced to Elizabeth Trentham who become a maid of honor in the court of Queen Elizabeth I and married Edward deVere, the seventeenth Earl of Oxford.

The book reveals how the couple may have merged two words to come up with the name Shakespeare as a pseudonym for the works they may have authored.

Interesting as the story of Elizabeth Trentham is, it is just half the tale developed by Lindstedt. She melds the Elizabethan time with the problems besetting current characters as they attempt to prove what may be an earthshattering discovery.

Together, the old and new tales are well-meshed into a fascinating, enjoyable read.

Note: Deena Lindstedt also wrote Deception Cove in 2010 and is working on Betrayal Bay as the second book in her Meredith Maxwell mystery series. For more information visit www.deenalindstedt.com. (Lady of the Play can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble).

Jodie Jacobs

La Cage Aux Folles a glorious spectacle of sight and sound

Ginger Minj and Jason Richards in Music Theater Works La Cage (Photo by Brett Beiner) — Jason Richards and Ginger Minj in Music Theater Works La Cage (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Four Stars

Prepare for great music, lots of Laughs and gorgeous costumes as Music Theater Works takes you to the swanky nightclub of La Cage Aux Folles in St. Tropez.

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, La Cage brings an outstanding night of musical theatre to the Performing Arts Center in Skokie with a few surprises throw in!

Based on the hit French farce that also inspired Hollywood’s “The Birdcage,” this Broadway smash features a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by the king of show tunes, Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly! and Mame).

From the moment you enter the theatre, you’ll be immediately transported to La Cage’s elegant St Tropez nightclub, complete with “women” in cages welcoming you, an onstage bar and tables surrounding the stage.

Opening on Broadway in 1983, La Cage broke barriers by becoming the first hit Broadway musical centered on a gay relationship.

Society has come very far from the times when this play opened. Today, gender roles have never been a more contemporary issue.

The plot centers around Georges, the owner of “La Cage,” and his long-time lover, “Zaza.” When their son, Jean- Michel, announces his engagement to Anne, the trouble begins, especially when they find out her father is a very conservative government official, running for office.

Ginger Minj as Zaza in Music Theater Works La Cage. (Photo by Brett Beiner)

With plenty of audience interaction, the musical is filled with not one, but two show-stopping hits you’ll be humming as you leave the show.

“I Am What I Am” is the perfect anthem for everyone – live your own life and do not make excuses for being true to yourself. The cast belts it out loud and clear. “The Best of Times” is another powerful ballad that will leave you breathless.

The production stars RuPaul’s Drag Race headliner, Ginger Minj, as Albin, and he/she is beyond fabulous. She sings, acts and creates a great performance with a touch of whimsy. And oh, those exquisite wigs designed by David Ian Grant!

Jason Richards makes his Music Theater Works debut as Georges. He’s got a great voice and excellent stage presence as both the emcee of his club and his role as husband to Zaza. He demonstrates a sense of vulnerability, afraid to hurt his lover.

Standouts also include Dane Strange as Jacob who keeps the audience in stitches with his antics and Caron Buinis, with her strong operatic voice.

(Top row, L to R) Daniel Hurst, Brian Selcik, Jordan Taylor and Gabe Kohlbeck (Photo by Brett Beiner)

Kudos to project runway designer Justin LeBlanc for his costumes that are over-the-top sparkly, flashy and gorgeous. And to choreographer, Christopher Carter, whose dance moves especially for male bodies, is fabulous. Artistic director Kyle Dougan directs the show with passion and purpose.

As with many shows of this type, the dancers are so graceful it’s hard to believe their gender.

This is the first show of the season for Music Theater Works. The rest of the season includes “The Little Mermaid (March 10 – April 3) Zorro (August 11 -21), Camelot (October 20 – November 13) and White Christmas (December 15 – January 1.)

DETAILS: “La Cage” is playing at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie through April 3, 2022. Runtime: 2 hours and 40 minutes with intermission. For Tickets, go to musictheaterworks.com/la-cage-aux-folles/.

Important Notice: All guests will be required to wear face masks regardless of vaccination status and show their vaccination cards.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Celebrate Saint Patrick and Irish culture

Chicago River turns Green to celebrate Saint Patrick. (Photo courtesy of City of Chicago)

Wear something green on March 17, the date Saint Patrick died in the fifth century. But if you want to watch a parade in his honor or see the Chicago River turn green you’ll want to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the weekend before the anniversary date.

Chicago River Dyed Green

On Saturday, March 12, 2022, start your celebration near Chicago’s Mag Mile at the Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wacker Drive on the south bank or the Riverwalk on the north bank.

That is where the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130 work their secret formula magic each year between Columbus Drive and Wabash Avenue, Saturday morning before Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Typically using two motor boats and usually starting about 10 a.m., union members pour and disperse gallons of an orange-colored environmentally-safe vegetable powder into the water.

The process takes about 45 minutes and draws a big crowd so if you go you’ll want to get to the area early for a good vantage point.

Originally started in 1962 using a fluorescent dye that made the water green for a few weeks, the dying process was changed to an eco-friendly powder that turned the river green for a few hours.

Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Next, head to Columbus Drive for the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It begins at 12:15 p.m. at Balbo Drive and continues north to Monroe Drive.

Expect to see floats, Irish dancers, bagpipers and bands including the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band which has been leading the parade since 1956. Then, you will hear lots of applause as representatives of the 2022 theme, Chicagoland’s Essential Workers, march into view. Of course there will be city, state and US politicians. For more info visit St. P:atrick’s Day Parade org.

Irish American Heritage Center Fest

Wind up at the St. Patrick Festival at Irish American Heritage Center for good food, beer and entertainment from 1 to 11:30 p.m. While there absorb Irish culture in its museum. Find tickets and more information at Irish American Heritage Center (irish-american.org) (Children welcome and ages 11 and under have free admission.

South Side Irish Parade

The St. Patrick salutes continue on Sunday, March 13 with the popular South Side Irish Parade in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago at noon.

A family-friendly parade, it began as a really small, kids only parade by a couple of neighbors in 1979. However, it grew and grew to become so popular across the Chicago area attendance disrupted its Beverly neighborhood until restrictions on parking and drinking were put in place.

So go but observe neighborhood requests. The parade is on Western Avenue from 103rd Street to 115^th Street. For more information visit Home – South Side Irish Parade

Northwest Side Irish

If Northwest is more your location, consider the Northwest Side Irish Parade March 13 that also beings at noon. It goes from Neola Avenue to Northwest Highway.

A fun, community event, the parade winds through Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood. It begins at the William J. Onahan School, goes south on Neola venue to Northwest Highway and then heads north to Harlem Avenue. There is an after parade party at Zia’s Social. Visit Northwest Side Irish Parade.

You might hear Céad mile fáite (A hundred thousand welcomes) n or Erin Go Bragh (Braugh) roughly meaning Ireland til the end of time, there or at the Irish Heritage Center.

Jodie Jacobs

Film Festival News: Russian film boycotts plus Jewish Film Festival month

Film Festival boycotts

In step with boycotts of anything Russian, the prevailing film festival sentiment including the Cannes and Venice Film Festivals is to not accept Russian filmmakers or films with ties to the Putin regime.

Festival de Cannes released a statement saying it would ban Russian delegations at its 75^th edition in May. The statement read: As the world has been hit by a heavy crisis in which a part of Europe finds itself in a state of war, the Festival de Cannes wishes to extend all its support to the people of Ukraine and all those who are in its territory.” The statement continued with “However modest as it is, we join our voices with those who oppose this unacceptable situation and denounce the attitude of Russia and its leaders.”

To clarify, the statement added, “During this winter of 2022 the Festival de Cannes has entered its preparation phase. Unless the war of assault ends in conditions that will satisfy the Ukrainian people, it has been decided that we will not welcome official Russian delegations nor accept the presence of anyone linked to the Russian government.”

The Venice Biennale which oversees the Venice Film Festival also issued a statement that said it would ban Russian delegations and people connected to the government but added that it would not ban Russian artists who are independent and speak against the Vladmir Putin regime. Their statement said the festival would “therefore not accept the presence at any of its events any official delegations, institutions or persons tied in any capacity to the Russian government.”

Jewish Film Festival (Photo courtesy of JCC)

Jewish Film Festival in March

The JCC Film Festival will stream and hold in-person showings of 18 films from March 10 through March 27, 2022. The in-person showings will be at three successive Sundays, March 13, 20 and 27, but at four different theaters.

March 13 is at Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie.

March 20 is at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago and the Landmark Renaissance Place Cinema 1850 2nd. St., Highland Park

March 27 is at the Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave. Wilmette.

Find ticket and more information at JCC Chicago Jewish film Festival.

Jodie Jacobs

‘Come From Away’ reaches beyond the skies

Marika Aubrey leads a group of female pilots in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)

4 Stars

Based on true events, this Tony award-winning musical tells the story of 7,000 airline passengers from 38 planes that were stranded in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada after Sept. 11, 2001.

The people of the small town stepped up to the plate to house, feed, clothe and care for these frightened international travelers who had no idea when they’d be going home.

Written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley, this uplifting, high-energy musical goes straight to the heart. Many of the original Broadway cast have reprised their inspiring roles in Chicago.

The audience watches as cultures clash and uneasy alliances grow into lasting relationships. It is joyous in the face of tragedy.

Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy) — Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)

The cast members all play a number of roles, while a talented band of musicians rotate in and out throughout the play, led by members of the original show. Together, they create a powerful, commanding presence of storytelling.

Kudos to Marika Aubrey who plays American Airlines captain, Beverly, and others who have the best song in the play, “Me and the Sky.” She captivates the audience with her journey when there were no women in the cockpit through the ranks to piloting an airplane and then becoming a flight instructor. She is outstanding with strong vocals and believable character portrayals.

Stand outs also include Julie Johnson as Gander resident, Beulah, and Julie Knitel as Gander broadcaster Janice.

Scenic design by Tony Award Winner Beowulf Boritt navigates around seats in an airplane to seats at a table to create an innovative setting.

Even more heartwarming was the response of the passengers, who upon finally getting to leave, contributed thousands of dollars to the community. When returning home, the grateful passengers continued to send money, flowers, food and gifts.

In the story, the impact worked both ways as Newfoundlanders discovered how empty their lives felt after the passengers went home.

Cast of “Come from Away” celebrates 10 years later. (Photo by Matthew Murphy.)
Band performs front and center and behind the scenes in “Come from Away.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Ten years later, the crew and passengers reunite in Gander to celebrate the lifelong friendships and strong connections they created in spite of the terrorist attacks. As Claude the mayor professes, “Tonight we honor what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found.”

On opening night, the entire audience was on their feet for a standing, well- deserved ovation.

DETAILS: “Come from Away” is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago through March 6, 2022/ Run time: 100 minutes without intermission. For tickets, go to broadwayinchicago.com.

Mira Temkin

For more shows visit Theatre in Chicago

Five fun Mardi Gras ideas to ‘let the good times roll’

The bar at Storyville a new Chicago restaurant and bar with New Orleans vibes (J Jacobs photo)

Maybe you know that Mardi Gras, the French words for Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday. But what matters to Mardi Gras observers is that New Orlean celebrates the festival in colorful, carnival style with food and events that aren’t just one day but go on for almost three months. After set aside in 2020 and 2021 during COVID, in New Orleans the celebration started Jan.6 and ends March 1, 2022.

In Chicago, Mardi Gras celebrations mean enjoying Cajun and other seafood dishes, King Cakes and Hurricane drinks, wearing and collecting strings of beads and listening to jazz and local bands all of February and early March.

So, laissez le bon temps rouler with food, drinks and music Feb. 25 through March 5.

Join the Bar Crawl Saturday, Feb. 26, 3 to 10 p.m. Different price points. Details and reservations at Official Mardi Gras Bar Crawl

Do Sunday Funday Feb. 27 with beads, masks DJ on the roof of theWit, 201 N. State Street, Chicago, from 1 to 7 p.m. Tickets SundayFunday.

Fat Cat Restaurant and Bar is doing a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil and celebration on Fat Tuesday, March 1 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. Fat Cat is at 4840 North Broadway,Chicago. Dinner for two is $75. Reservations highly recommended.. Visit Fat Cat for more information and reservations.

Storyville, a new River North Cajun bar and restaurant with strong Big Easy vibes willl featuring a Crawfish Boil, beads and King Cake slices for Fat Tuesday. Storyville is at 712 N Clark St. Chicago. For more information or reservations visit Storyville. h

Fatpour in Wicker Park is holding a Mardi Gras brunch for $35 on Saturday, March 5 wih live Blues by Keith Scott, beads, traditional “N’Awliins breakfast items and drinks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fatpour is at 2005 W. Division St., Chicago. For more information and tickets visit Fatpour.

Go to Storyville, a new River North Cajun bar and restaurant with strong Big Easy vibes. Featuring a Crawfish Boil, beads and King Cake slices for Fat Tuesday. Is at 712 N Clark St. Chicago. For more information visit Storyville.

Jodie Jacobs

Maple sugar time

Tapping maple trees at Ryerson Conservation Area in Lincolnshire. (Lake County Forest Preserves photo)

Maple syrup, yum. We love it on pancakes or dripping on French toast or sweetening what is cooking. But no matter how the syrup is used, in spring we celebrate it because that is when the sap turned into syrup rises in maple trees.

Luckily, forest preserves’ educators can tap the trees to capture sap, take visitors on hikes to see the tapping, taste the sap, explain how it is turned into syrup and say how much sap is needed for even a little bit of syrup.

Where to go

In Lake County, IL, the Lake County Forest Preserves’ educators and volunteers lead Maple Syrup Hikes through the Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods.

“Educators are prepping a full slate of programs taking place in March,” said Director of Education Nan Buckardt. “We are looking forward to offering both in-person and virtual programs this spring.”

In-person, public Maple Syrup Hikes are offered Saturdays and Sundays, March 5–20, at Ryerson Conservation Area. Lasting one hour and held outdoors, the hikes run every half-hour from noon to 2 pm and are open to all ages.

Environmental Educator Jen Berlinghof noted that the temperature dictates what visitors will see along the trails. “The timing for tapping maple trees comes down to temperatures above freezing during the day but still below freezing at night, Berlinghof said. She added that other factors include precipitation and the hours of sunlight in a day.

Berlinghof explained that changing temperature causes the sap to surge upward from the roots toward the branches, where it helps the leaves grow and the buds bloom. Then in summer, the leaves will produce more sap, which will settle back down in the roots come winter.

“Visitors are able to witness the wonder of turning sap from sugar maple trees into sweet maple syrup. All registered participants can have a taste,” Berlinghof said.

Tickets for Maple Syrup Hikes are required. Hikes fill up quickly, so register early. Cost is $6 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Purchase tickets online or call 847-968-3321. Special sessions designed for scouts or other large groups are also available. Call 847-968-3321 to register a group.

“If your family is ready to hit the trails, we are providing free self-guided Maple Syrup Hikes from March 21–31,” Berlinghof said. “Through informational signs, you’ll learn the science behind how trees make sap and how we turn that sap into real maple syrup as you walk along the designated trail at your own pace,” she added.

Visit education programs and register online at LCFPD.org/calendar or call 847-968-3321. The Ryerson Conservation Area is at 21950 North Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods,IL

River Trail Nature center in Cook County holds Maple sap programs (Photo by Photo by Amanda Nieves.) — River Trail Nature Center in Cook County holds Maple sap programs (Photo by Photo by Amanda Nieves.)

In Cook County, the Forest Preserves of Cook County hold virtual and in person sap programs at the River Trail Nature Center.

The first one is a live, free virtual program. See it and find info at Facebook Live from River Trail Nature Center 847-824-8360.

Called “Sap’s Rising,” The in-person programs are every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. beginning February 26 at the River Trail Nature center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook, IL. They will continue through March 19 at 1L30 p.m. For the March 19 event Vist Sap’s Rising,March 19.

River Trail Nature Center is at 3120 Milwaukee Ave Northbrook, IL. (Currently masks required indoors and unvaccinated visitors need them outdoors. But check when making a reservation.) Reservations are required. Call River Trail at 847-824-8360.

Jodie Jacobs

Orchids doing their thing

Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show, February and March, 2022. (J Jacobs photo)

Expect the unexpected at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid show during this unpredictable year of 2022.

Stretching from the Regenstein Center into the greenhouses, orchids are rooting in an old upright piano, finding nooks in a secret garden, latching onto trees and winding around old strands of damp wood.

The show’s theme, “Untamed” is quite different from recent past years. Instead of remarking on how orchids are cultivated for celebrations or different uses, the show suggests they are resilient so can grow almost anywhere if left alone including where other plants might have trouble rooting.

Orchids and plants take over a secret garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden show. (J Jacobs photo)

Opened Feb. 12 and extending through March 27, 2022, the Orchid Show arrived in the Chicago area with more than 10,000 colorful orchids just as the weather seesaws from icy and snowy to warmer and rainy.

A special treat is Orchids After Hours on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. when cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are also available.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is at 10000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, just east of Edens Expressway.

For tickets and more information visit Chicago Botanic Garden

Jodie Jacobs