Chicago has a pair of newly minted geniuses. Multimedia artist Ebony G. Patterson and fiction writer Ling Ma are among 22 scientists, artists and scholars who have been awarded the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellowship.
Stories by marc vitali
Stephen King Thriller ‘Misery’ Delivers Chills and Uneasy Laughs at American Blues Theater: Review
American Blues Theater sets the bar high for Halloween season, delivering a tightly focused fever dream version of Stephen King’s novel “Misery.” The psychological thriller is made more unnerving by the humorous touches in this stage adaptation by William Goldman (“Marathon Man,” “The Princess Bride”).
Brilliant ‘Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812’ Lights Up the Stage at Writers Theatre: Review
Having missed the opening, I saw the glowing reviews for this Chicago-area premiere and trekked up to Writers Theatre in Glencoe. I went with a skeptic’s eye and my arms folded. “Critics think it’s good, huh? What do they know?” Well, they know enough to have the good sense to embrace this irresistible production.
It’s Good to Be King: New Actor in Town Wears the Crown of ‘Henry V’ at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Elijah Jones must have impressed Chicago Shakespeare Theater with the same charisma he projects onstage as the titular king in “Henry V,” a lively production of Shakespeare’s history play about war between France and England. WTTW News spoke with the Juilliard-trained actor about his past, present and future.
Riot Fest, Dave Grohl and the World’s Oldest Young Punks: Punk Band Verböten Tells an Amazing Story 41 Years in the Making
It’s a Chicago music story for the ages. In 1983, four friends aged 11 to 15 years old formed a punk band and played the Cubby Bear and a few other shows before amicably breaking up — basically the oldest kid wanted to tour, but the youngest was told that he had to finish 6th grade.
Attention Student Photographers: The National Portrait Gallery Wants Your Picture on the Walls of the Museum
Every picture tells a story, and now there’s a chance for young photographers in Chicago (and elsewhere) to tell their own stories and amplify them to the nation.
As Lyric Opera Launches New Season, Music Director Talks Timeless Appeal of Verdi’s Passionate ‘Rigoletto’
The music is familiar and downright catchy — Verdi famously forbade his cast from singing the songs or even humming the score until after its 1851 premiere in Venice. Acclaimed Verdi specialist Enrique Mazzola conducts.
Queen Elizabeth II and Her Prime Ministers Get the Royal Treatment in ‘The Audience’ at Drury Lane Theatre: Review
Drury Lane Theatre launched its fall season with “The Audience,” a lively and entertaining drama that imagines private conversations between Queen Elizabeth II and the prime ministers who served during her reign. Here, Her Majesty acts as both therapist and sparring partner for the heads of Parliament.
Meet the ‘Great Gatsby of Chicago,’ an Architect Who Designed Classical Comforts in the Early 20th Century
Everyone in Chicago knows the work of architect Benjamin Marshall, even if his name doesn’t carry the weight of Louis Sullivan or Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s hard to imagine the city without Marshall’s enduring contributions — the South Shore Cultural Center, the Drake Hotel and many other historic buildings.
Author, Teacher and Holocaust Survivor Dies at 95. Estelle Glaser Laughlin Found Light in Darkest Days
Estelle Glaser Laughlin carried a lifelong message of optimism despite coming of age during a terrible time in history. She died this week at the age of 95.
Marshall Field’s Holiday Figures Put Nostalgia on the Auction Block
Picture your holiday decorations with an actual figure from the Marshall Field’s window displays — a boy riding an old-fashioned bicycle or Christmas carolers or even a miniature version of the famous Marshall Field’s clock. Thirty mechanized figures can each go to the highest bidder.
Exhibit Looks at Legendary Chicago Journalist Mike Royko and a Changing Media Industry
Mike Royko was Chicago’s Prince of Print. At his peak, he wrote five columns a week that could lift underdogs or level overlords. In 1972, he won a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary at the Chicago Daily News, and he later wrote for the Sun-Times and the Tribune. Royko was also complicated.
A Guide to Historic Political Conventions in Chicago — With a Little Help From the Chicago History Museum
Since the 19th century, Chicago has hosted 14 Republican National Conventions, the most recent in 1960. This week Vice President Kamala Harris will accept her nomination at the 12th Democratic National Convention to be held in Chicago.
‘The Daily Show’ Opens Its Run in Chicago at Athenaeum Center
Night 1 of “The Daily Show” in Chicago is in the books. Taping wrapped Monday evening at the Athenaeum Center in Lakeview. The show was hosted by Michael Kosta with appearances by Jordan Klepper and Grace Kuhlenschmidt. Jon Stewart will host live on Thursday night.
Meet the Husband-Wife Team Who Make Monuments to Sports Heroes in Chicago, Around the World
A local husband-and-wife team leads a collective of artists who create monuments to sports stars and heroes of all kinds. Their big break came 30 years ago when the Chicago Bulls commissioned them to make a monument to Michael Jordan. The 15-foot sculpture, titled “The Spirit,” stands inside the United Center.
Barack Obama…the Musical? Former Campaign Staffer Elects to Bring His Show to Chicago in Advance of the DNC
Back in 2008 Eli Bauman was a young campaign organizer for then-candidate Barack Obama. Now, he’s written “44 – THE unOFFICIAL, unSANCTIONED OBAMA MUSICAL.”
‘What Would You Think If I Sang Out of Tune?’ Salt Shed Set to Host World’s Largest Karaoke Party in Chicago
A Chicago music venue will soon host a karaoke blowout like no other. It’s a rare chance to step onto a big stage and sing in front of … 5,000 people. In other words, it may be your wildest dream or your worst nightmare.
Dominick Di Meo, ‘Monster’ Mid-Century Artist Who Emerged in Chicago, Dies at 97
Dominick Di Meo was an essential figure in the postwar Chicago art scene and part of an art circle known as the Monster Roster. Curator and gallerist John Corbett called it “the first full-fledged movement in Chicago art history.”
Pitchfork Music Festival Spotlights 5 Chicago Recording Artists Among the Dozens of Bands
Pitchfork Music Festival returns Friday for its annual three-day weekend. Since 2006, the homegrown fest has built a brand as Chicago’s eclectic summer sampler of alternative rock, pop, hip-hop and stimulating sound.
From the Disco Demolition to The Big Hurt, New Book Turns Back Clock to Final Years of Comiskey Park
“Last Comiskey” is a book-length valentine for a place once called the “Baseball Palace of the World.” An affectionate account of the last season at Comiskey Park, the book also recalls monumental moments from the 1970s and ‘80s.
After 101 Years, Chicago’s American Academy of Art College to Close: ‘This Has Been a Heartbreaking Experience’
Founded in 1923, the private for-profit school at 332 S. Michigan Ave. built a reputation on preparing graduates for careers in art and illustration.
Laurie Metcalf Returns to Steppenwolf in Acclaimed New Drama ‘Little Bear Ridge Road’
Steppenwolf Theatre commissioned a powerful new play receiving the strongest reviews of the summer on the Chicago stage. “Little Bear Ridge Road” stars Laurie Metcalf in her return to Steppenwolf after a 14-year absence.
The Rolling Stones Played Chicago’s Checkerboard Lounge With Muddy Waters in 1981. Here’s How WTTW Crew Members Remember the Night
On Nov. 22, 1981, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Ian Stewart showed up at the Checkerboard Lounge, 423 E. 43rd St., to jam with their musical mentor, Muddy Waters. Two WTTW crew members were there and share their memories.
The Rolling Stones and Chicago: 20 Memorable Moments From the Band’s Rich History With the Blues Capital of the World
The Rolling Stones must be the most Chicago-centric band on the planet that isn’t from Chicago. In celebration of the Rolling Stones return to Chicago on their “Hackney Diamonds” tour, here are historic highlights from the many times the world’s greatest rock and roll band visited.
Second City’s New Revue Brings Teamwork, Sex and Plenty of Weirdness to the Mainstage: Review
The show is aptly titled “The Devil is in the Detours.” Scenes cruise along with solid laughs and then take a turn no one sees coming, because it is just so nutty.
Grammy-Winning Violinist Joshua Bell on Performing With the CSO, Getting Goosebumps With ‘The Elements’
Vivaldi composed “The Four Seasons,” Holst convened “The Planets,” and now we can experience “The Elements,” a themed orchestral suite courtesy of violinist Joshua Bell and five composers. The world-renowned, Indiana-born musician returns to the Midwest to perform these works with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
