Talk about your next-level field trips. On November 29th, students from 15 CPS high schools got to be in in the spotlight at the CIBC Theatre, where the wildly popular Hamilton has been playing in Chicago to downright frenzied acclaim. 1,900 students and teachers from 25 CPS schools were in attendance for the day celebrating the Hamilton Education Program, now in its second year, and proved to be a captive and supportive audience for their brave, creative, and vocal peers. Inspired by Hamilton and {Read More}
Here’s what’s making me cry this week.
November 30, 2017 By 1 Comment
I’ll admit it, I’m a happy crier. I’ll admit even more: I’m a happy crier who used to mock my own mother’s “isn’t this beautiful” welling-up at ads, movies, D.A.R.E. graduations, and so on. But in light of the fact that there’s been so much sad crying lately (and angry crying and incredulous crying and and and…), I’ll cheerfully put my reformed ways out in the open. Most recently, I happy-cried at the Goodman’s beautiful ‘A Christmas Carol,’ during the {Read More}
Win 4 tickets to the House Theatre’s (ballet-free!) ‘Nutcracker’
November 13, 2017 By Leave a Comment
If The Nutcracker makes you think of slippered children and the type of dances that Sugarplum Fairies like best, then the House Theatre of Chicago’s take on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale is the refreshing palate cleanser your holiday season may just require. Created by Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley, and directed by Chris Mathews, this production has garnered quite a devoted following over the past 8 years. First off, there’s no ballet. Zero Tchaikovsky. And, while there’s definitely {Read More}
6 reasons we’re sweet on Lifeline Theatre’s ‘Arnie the Doughnut’
November 8, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Lifeline Theatre’s charming new production of Arnie the Doughnut– spun like sugar from Laurie Keller’s story of the same name- concerns Arnie, a freshly baked and rather, well, concerned doughnut who isn’t so sure about his lot in life. Namely, as breakfast to the rule-and-routine-happy Mr. Bing. (Sound dark? It totally isn’t.) 6 Reasons We’re Sweet on ‘Arnie the Doughnut’ 6. It features unlikely heroes. Since when does a buttoned-down nice guy get to be the force for change? Well, {Read More}
2 to do: Chicago’s coolest things ever (for April)
April 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: I’m frequently invited to try out, witness, and drink artistic greatness. More disclosure: Yes, I know how great this is. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and stoked family members are entirely my own. *** Cavalia’s Odysseo is billed as “The Greatest Show Ever.” Here’s why it totally is. First off, even if you’ve seen a majestic show under a big top, even if you’ve gotten ‘been there, seen that’ about spectacle in general, you really haven’t seen what {Read More}
Hey, gang, let’s put on a show! (With Netflix & the #StreamTeam)
March 28, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Disclosure: As a member of Netflix’s Stream Team, I get to have a stupid amount of fun and pretend it’s all for the children. Although I’m compensated, all thoughts, opinions, and felt creations are entirely my own. (Okay, fine, the kids helped.) *** Remember back in the day, back when Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, et.al were all about Putting On A Show? (I’m not saying it’s back in MY day, but it’s definitely in my mental Filofax of cultural {Read More}
#RiseUp, a.k.a. Time to go back to church
March 9, 2017 By Leave a Comment
In today’s tale of… #BestLife questionable parenting moments …We have a quote from the one and only, five year-old, establishment-smashing child of mine. From the backseat of the car this morning, Suzy piped up with a question. “Mom? Do all churches have pictures of Jesus?” Knowing this was Suzy, and knowing that was not the real question she was asking, I paused for a second. “Well, Christian churches do.” “All?” “I think so, sweetheart.” “So, none have pictures of Alexander Hamilton?” {Read More}
A Friday round-up? What?!
May 6, 2016 By Leave a Comment
This gloriously, actually springlike weather is giving me all sorts of happy-sharing feelings. (Don’t worry- I’m not about to sing.) Here are some of my favorite events and things for you to know right now! YouCom: Tomorrow, May 7th! The Chicago Youth Comedy Festival is hosting a brand-new, one of a kind (and one day only) comedy extravaganza for- and with- young audiences. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday, workshops running the gamut from physical improv to sketch {Read More}
