Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
“Hala” is an indie film shot in Chicago that, if you’re like me, you might have missed. Sadly it was on my list for the Chicago International Film Festival but got scratched due to some scheduling conflicts. I finally got to see it and at …
You’ve probably seen ’em. Signs like Throop, Goethe, Paulina and Devon but how do we say them in Chicago and why? Here is a short video from WBEZ that at least tries to tackle the “why” as well as some of the “how.” My friends …
Beginning in the 1950s and ending in the 1970s Mr. Kelly’s on Rush Street was the premiere Chicago nightclub featuring some of the most popular entertainers of the period.
The Newberry Library at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago is launching a new exhibit on March 21, 2024 running through July 20, 2024 that includes scheduled showings of “Live at Mr. Kelly’s” as well as other related programming. For more information visit https://www.newberry.org/calendar/a-night-at-mister-kellys
The documentary film, “Live at Mr. Kelly’s” directed by Ted Bogosian is about 90 minutes long and jam packed with testimonials and stories from many entertainers including Barbra Streisand, Lily Tomlin, Bob Newhart, Herbie Hancock, Shecky Green, Ramsey Lewis, Bette Midler, The Smothers Brothers, Lainie Kazan, Tom Dreesen, Tim Reed, Mort Sahl and others who while in Chicago called Mr. Kelly’s their home or who attribute their appearance at the local club as a significant contribution to their success.
“Live at Mr. Kelly’s” showcases a bit of Chicago history that with each passing day fades further into obscurity. Thankfully this film has made an effort to stop the clock and capture a snapshot of the past from a few of those who were there to witness it in its heyday.
Listen to our podcast above and check out the film trailer below.
Now available Amazon Prime Video On Demand Apple +
“The Whole Seamus Thing” at Bramble Lofts in Andersonville through April 19, 2025 Review by Reno Lovison – Highly Recommended Playwrights: Ben Auxier and L.C. Bernadine | Director: Spencer Huffman Cast: Alexander Attea, Ben Auxier, Gabriel Fries, Olivia Lindsay, Lydia Moss Publicity photo by George …
On the heels of the success of The Beatles and Rolling Stones, another group of four working-class lads from the outskirts of London called The Kinks made their mark on the history of Rock and Roll. This energetic jukebox musical, “Sunny Afternoon,” enjoying its North …
The Winter’s Tale at Invictus Theatre is a story of reproach, remorse and reconciliation. This Shakespeare play directed by Charles Askenaizer has something for everyone. It is both tragedy and romantic comedy with sorrow, absurdity, mirth and fantasy.
The adept Invictus Theatre Company demonstrates that you do not have to travel to Navy Pier to enjoy Shakespeare.
These most artful players do employ such mastery in their deeds and such clarity of tongue and fair enunciation, that, joined with the noble and skillful quill of the Bard himself, thou shalt have but little toil to grasp the tale and the deeds unfolding afore thine eyes.
There are a number of roles played brilliantly by various age diverse actors which reminds me of the adage, “there are no small roles – – only small actors.” This very capable Invictus crew has no small actors. Everyone contributes to the story and their roles are capably performed.
Cast includes Michael Stejskal as the jealous King Leontes. Andrea Uppling as Hermione. Completing the suspected love triangle as Polixenes is Raúl Alonso. Florizel, the prince who becomes betrothed to Perdita, is played by Robert Hunter Bry. Amber Dow is Hermione’s devoted friend Paulina.
Completing 16-person cast are Jennifer Agather (Perdita/Maximillus), Kim Pereira (Camillo), Fred A. Wellisch (Antigonus/Bohemian Ensemble/Musician), Carolyn Waldee (Emilia, Mopsa, Lord/Musician), Sam Nachison (Autolycus/Lord), Chuck Munro (Shepherd/Lord), Kyle Quinlivan (Clown/Lord/Musician/Archidamus), Sydney René Cox (Lady 3/Lord/Servant/Dorcas/Musician), George Dougherty (Ensemble/Officer/Lord/Time), Megan Erin Lai (Ensemble/Lady 2/Shepherdess (Musician), Diego Rivera-Rodriguez (Mariner/Lord/Bohemian Ensemble), and Jose Yantin Jr. (Ensemble/The Bear, U/S: Autolycus/Florizel).
The Winter’s Tale by Invictus Theatre Company is at the Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago through April 20, 2025. Running time is about 2-1/2 hours with one intermission. For information visit www.invictustheatreco.com
Puccini’s popular opera La Bohème at Lyric Opera of Chicago is a story of youth, passion, love and loss where idealism comes face-to-face with life’s realities such as poverty, illness and death. Yes, this is the opera where the young lady with the bad cough …
I had an opportunity to “bond” with spy movie expert Tom Pizzato at the press opening for the new 007 Science: Inventing the World of James running through April 2025. The museum has partnered with Eon Productions who own the rights to all things Bond …
Goodman Theatre’s GeNarrations program is a FREE storytelling program that engages adults aged 55 and over in writing and performance workshops that nurture the creative spirit.
This cohort was invited to attend Goodman’s current production of Betrayal starring Helen Hunt after which participants were then encouraged to write their own stories based on themes of lies and betrayal.
I was invited to attend this event by my friend Eva McCann who is a participant.
The groups take place online via zoom as well as in-person at several locations around the city.
This podcast was recorded at a reading of participants from the Wille Whyte Park location on the 1600 block of Howard Street in Rogers Park.
***
Links:
https://www.goodmantheatre.org/engage-learn/for-community/genarrations/
Joy Loverde elderindustry.com
‘The Premiere’ is a new feature-length comedy written and directed by Jon Silver. Find more info at showpup.com/the-premiere/
This film hits all the right notes. Physically debilitated due to a childhood injury inflicted by his mentally impaired father, an aspiring pianist is virtually paralyzed on one side of his body and unable to use his right hand. In spite of his challenges, Norman …
Music Theater Works’ 45th Season Begins with the Frank Loesser Classic, GUYS and DOLLS directed by Sasha Gerritson, Choreographed by Clayton Cross and Music Directed by Linda Madonia This season kicks off with what many believe is the “perfect musical” with every song in its …
March is National Reading Month and National Women’s History Month. Let’s investigate some Chicago Women who have left a mark on our local history and on the world stage. ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com encourages you to investigate the lives and works of many notable Chicago women especially a specific few who have made a significant impact on Chicago’s literary history. Their works continue to inspire us today, and we celebrate them all.