Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
This exuberant Broadway in Chicago production with Caribbean inspired compositions of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty is a cautionary love story warning of the dangers of tempting fate, told as a folk tale passed down by the village storytellers to a Little Girl. “Once On …
This production of “Twelfth Night” presented by Midsommer Flight can be described as “Theatrum in Orto” or “Theater in a Garden” offering the fifth annual holiday presentation of one of Shakespeare’s silliest plays, energetically performed, amid the tropical flora collection at The Lincoln Park Conservatory, …
UPDATE : Premieres January 27, 2020 at 10PM on WTTW Chicago Independent Lens.
THE FIRST RAINBOW COALITION is a documentary that premiered at the 55th Annual Chicago International Film Festival about Chicago’s multi-ethnic “street gangs” in the 1960s primarily led by activist Fred Hampton of the “Black Panthers” who endeavored to affect social change by recognizing that all poor people in the city shared a common struggle to combat police brutality, gain access to services and find equity in a city that leveraged power by keeping people separated and preying on their fear of those who were different from themselves.
This one-hour documentary is a compelling look into a chapter of Chicago history that has left deep scars with ramifications even today, but from this wound has come some degree of healing and positive social change that has its roots in The First Rainbow Coalition.
In this popular Agatha Christie murder mystery, five distinctly eccentric individuals have each booked their stay during the inaugural opening of Monkswell Manor, a country guesthouse owned and operated by Mollie and Giles Ralston. “The Mousetrap” is currently on stage at the Court Theatre in …
“The Christmas Foundling” by Normal Allen (inspired by stories of Bret Harte) is at The Buena, Pride Arts Center, 4147 N. Broadway, Chicago, through January 5, 2020 An upbeat holiday story explores the meaning of family bloodline ties while illustrating the need for humans to …
If people are the lifeblood then the bus and train lines that crisscross Chicago are literally like capillaries delivering existential nutrients to every corner of the city.
Each person is on their own personal distinct mission that drives the pulse and contributes to the vibrancy that is urban life.
Every encounter whether a small bump or full-blown conversation oxygenates the process and enriches the experience of each participant, giving life to the mass of concrete and steel that we call home.
This is one small story that is indicative of hundreds maybe thousands of such social interactions that play out every day throughout the nearly 1.7 million rides over 2,000 route miles that make up the Chicago Transit System on almost 2,000 buses and 1500 rail cars making over 19,000 trips every day.
This slice of life on the rapid transit is brought to you by rider-at-large Joanne Schochat in a presentation given during a VoiceBox event at Fitzgerald’s Night Club on Roosevelt Rd in Berwyn, IL just outside the Chicago city limits.
We are planning to have Eventologist, Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith as a recurring guest on our Chicago Broadcasting Network podcast to share one or more monthly “holidates” with us including suggestions on how to specifically celebrate with a “Chicago Spin” beginning with National Smith Day, January …
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” presented by Music Theater Works at the Cahn Auditorium in Evanston is an upbeat holiday extravaganza by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice that provides an evening’s worth of solid cheerful entertainment. The MTW orchestra is a joy …
The semi-autobiographical movie “Blinded by the Light” is based on the experiences of British born journalist and Bruce Springsteen super-fan Sarfraz Manzoor.
The winsome Viveik Kalra stars in the lead role, of Javed who wants nothing more than to bust out of his small working class town in the outskirts of London, and become a writer.
He knows he’s “Born to Run” but feels reined in by a seemingly overbearing father whose traditional values and need to survive are in conflict with Javed’s own desire to experience life on his own terms.
After his new friend Roops introduces him to the songs of Springsteen, who himself felt similarly smothered by the constraints of his own working-class environment, Javed finds the inspiration he has been seeking that helps him discover his own voice.
Because of Chicago’s diverse ethnic communities, it is the perfect place to visit the world without leaving home. So why not consider a totally immersive experience by visiting Chicago’s own Indo/Pak neighborhood the center of which is basically at Devon and Western. Perhaps after viewing this film you might see your neighbors in a different light.
Listen to the full podcast movie review via the player at the top of the page.
The Ruffians Theater Company with director Halena Kays and choreographer Ariel Triunfo have devised a clever way to tell this story based on an actual tragic event. “Burning Bluebeard” literally comes alive in front of a scorched proscenium arch on a ruined stage – – …
It’s the 1940s and veteran detective Max Forthright is throwing a lavish party to celebrate the publication of his upcoming memoirs.Before long there is a shot and the discovery of a body causing the entire assemblage to turn to Max to identify the killer in “A Murder Most Novel.”Alex Butschli’s cleverly written and well-performed production is enjoyable lighthearted entertainment for all ages.
Country music has been described as three chords and the truth. The world premiere of Anthony Whitaker’s “My Life is a Country Song” presented by New American Folk Theatre has taken that adage to heart crafting a well-told musical tale of love, friendship, and personal triumph.
The cast of “ My Life is a Country song” includes Kelly Combs as Donna – Lena Dudley as Jackie – Charlie Irving as Alma and Kirk Jackson as Gary. Each of the actors play various instruments including, guitar, mandolin, autoharp, and percussion.
Jackie’s husband Freddy is played by Joey Harbert, the play’s musical director, doubling on keyboard with the aid of Noah Nichols on Bass and Isabella Snow on guitar.
“My Life is a Country Song,” is on the second floor at Chief O’Neill’s, 3471 N. Elston Ave., Chicago through November 21, 2019. Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and information visit newamericanfolktheatre.org.
To listen to the review use the audio player above.
To read the entire review visit ChicagoTheaterandArts.com
FOOD EXTRA
We grabbed a quick snack of appetizers at Cheif O’Neill’s prior to the event.
Be sure to tell your server that you are attending the play and they will see to it that you get served promptly.
I had the delicious mushroom soup which was creamy and earthy. The mushrooms are minced so do not expect big pieces of mushroom but you will get big flavor.
My companion had the chili which is perfect if you want a little more food but not looking to commit to a whole meal. A good variety of meat, veggies, and legumes but not very spicy which might be good for some and disappointing for others but still a good quick mini-meal.
We were given a small loaf of bread and butter to share which we washed down with a couple of Smithwick’s red ale-style beer. Purported to be the most consumed ale in Ireland. We both like something a little darker than a pilsner and Smithwick’s (pronounced Smitticks) has a pleasing somewhat grain flavored malty sweetness.
By the way, you do not have to commit to a full pint, Cheif O’Neill’s will serve you a half-pint if you ask.
Take a look at our other post if you’re wondering about the how Chief O’Neills got its name.