Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
Taking place in New Orleans around 1813, the dialog by playwright Marcus Gardley skillfully explains that Napoleon has recently sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States and with statehood, the status of many free people of color and those of mixed-race heritage is going …
Over a thousand individuals showed up on Sheridan Rd near Berwyn to voice their opposition to the federal government’s interference in Chicago’s immigration policy and express the belief that that the current federal administration has overstepped its authority by circumventing the constitution in a number …
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 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.
Available Amazon Prime Video On Demand Apple +
YOU CAN VIEW IT NOW FOR FREE at TUBI.
Wendy’s life changed after escaping her turbulent Rockford childhood home by moving to Los Angeles then eventually landing in Aspen Colorado where she became an assistant to famed gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson. Kim Campbell interviews former Chicago resident, Wendy Correa, author of My Pretty …
SPECIAL ADDITION I snuck in this review on the heels of Ashland Avenue because I”m Only Blind will only be at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge until next Thursday, so for many of you this weekend might be your best chance to see it …
Ashland Avenue at The Goodman is a humorous and poignant look at the end of an era.
A dusty TV store on Ashland Avenue in Chicago is the flagging flagship of a once great regional empire that boasted multiple locations. Over his tenure owner Pete (Francis Guinan) became a local celebrity, famous for his “Crazy Pete” commercials.
He is to be recognized for his forty years of service to the business community. The question becomes whether this publicity bump is truly the end of the road or does it signal the first step of a new journey.
Now in his early seventies Pete still has dreams and ambitions but his daughter Sam (played by Jenna Fischer known for her role as Pam Beesly on the popular sitcom The Office) has been at Pete’s his side throughout her life and is ready for new adventures of her own together with her husband Mike (Chike Johnson).
Ashland Avenue is at The Goodman, Albert Theatre, 170 N Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL through October 12, 2025. For tickets and information call (312) 443-3800 or visit goodmantheatre.org
We live inside a history book. When you move around the city look for clues to Chicago’s past in historical markers, the architecture, the street names, the school names and the basic structure of the streets. Why is the city where it is? How do …
Formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, Pope Leo XIV, provides Chicago with a direct line to the Vatican, and we’re exploring how his roots in the Windy City shaped his journey to the papacy. It’s been on my mind for a while to do a …
In this episode, we take a look at Rise Above: The Carl Jackson Story—a powerful new documentary by Chicago filmmaker Maryilene Blondell.
Whether you’re a golf enthusiast or not, stick around to learn what happens when a boy from a segregated Southern neighborhood in Georgia grows up to make golf history—and a woman from Chicago decides it’s time the world knew his name?
Though this isn’t exactly a Chicago story, I included it here to recognize Chicago filmmaker Maryilene Blondell and Chicago the film’s angel investor Paul Purcell.
Thanks also to Chicago public relations pro Joanne Levine who brought this project to my attention.
The sound excerpts are derived from the film’s trailer available on Youtube.
Welcome new subscriber – – commercial real estate advisor Sandra Halliburton.
Also check out fellow Chicago podcast “The Hangover Series” where you can peek into the life of a 23-year-old girl who is simply just figuring it all out.
In this podcast episode I present my film review as well as share some personal recollections of the Maxwell Street and Halsted shopping district where the music known as Chicago Blues sprang to life. If you want a glimpse at a piece of the not …
This is a film review of “The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells following the Chicago artist’s creation of a monument to the civil right champion and woman’s suffrage leader. The film premiered at the 60th Annual Chicago International Film Festival …
The Chicago premiere of Amélie the Musical by Kokandy Productions based on the popular motion picture is a highly recommended musical mosaic, composed by Daniel Messe, whose colorful jagged pieces eventually come together into an enjoyable if not perfectly clear image.
Not a musical in the strict sense, but rather an extravaganza of a dozen singer musicians utilizing a myriad of instruments, who perform a dizzying array of Parisian characters, to tell a sweet boy meets girl tale based on the central character of Amélie, charmingly portrayed by Aurora Penepacker.
The story seems incidental to the exuberant performance of roughly thirty musical numbers that stream one into the other over two acts.
The performers are having such a good time it is unclear whether the audience is there to enjoy the performance or to the audience is there to give the performers an excuse to enjoy themselves.
Cast members not specifically mentioned in the review include Rachel Carreras, Sonia Goldberg , Sam Hook, Mizha Lee Overn, Jon Patrick Penick, Quinn Rigg, Samantha Ringor, and Kelan M. Smith. Swings: Joel Arreola, Hailey Brisard, Neill Kelly, Andrew Lund, Gavin Rhys and Melanie Vitaterna.
Listen to our entire short audio review.
Amélie by Kokandy Productions is at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago through September 28, 2025. Running time is 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. For information and tickets visit kokandyproductions.com