Rock ‘n’ roll and human survival go hand-in-hand in a new production at Victory Gardens Theater. We meet some of the creative team behind the show.
Stories by Marc Vitali
Dual Art Show at Intuit Makes Case for Art as Therapy
This pair of art shows couldn’t be more different, highlighting a New Zealand artist who hasn’t spoken in more than 50 years; and two Chicago artists who fight addiction with creativity.
‘Brotherland’ Photographer Documents Conflict, Life in Ukraine
The young American photographer Brendan Hoffman tells us about his new show at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.
‘Pop Pulp!’ Illustrates Weird, Wonderful World of Mexican Pulp Art
In recent years, illustrations from 1970s Mexican comic books have earned a dedicated following of fans and collectors. We visit a new pulp art show at a Chicago gallery.
The Wild Life of Nature Photographer Thomas Mangelsen
A world-renowned nature photographer visits Chicago for the opening of an exhibition of his truly magnificent wildlife pictures at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Chicago Theater: 5 Shows to See in April
This spring season, Chicago theaters are in full bloom. Theater critic Hedy Weiss recommends new shows on Chicago-area stages, from fun musicals to serious dramas.
Celebrated Songwriter Alan Menken on Disney Movies, Musicals
In advance of his one-man show at the Auditorium Theatre, Alan Menken tells stories and sing songs from his astounding career in Hollywood and on Broadway.
Chicago Music Fan Turns Weekend Hobby Into Second Career
For more than 40 years, an employee of the Cook County clerk’s office has been moonlighting as a rock ‘n’ roll photographer. Now, he’s presenting his first-ever solo exhibition.
Artists, Architects Reimagine the Possibilities of Design in ‘Dimensions of Citizenship’
Seven teams of designers, artists and architects created new visions of space in the world. We visit the forward-thinking show that recently arrived from Venice, Italy.
Photographer Laurie Simmons Captures Lifelike Dolls, Fake People
From Meryl Streep to ventriloquist dummies, Laurie Simmons has had some unusual collaborators. We take a look at a career-spanning show by a photographer who populates fantastic worlds.
Gary Sinise Discusses New Book, Supporting Veterans and Early Steppenwolf Days
Gary Sinise spoke with Chicago Tonight about his new book, “Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service,” his work advocating for veterans and the history of Steppenwolf Theatre.
Longtime North Side Electronics Repair Shop Struggling to Stay Afloat
For almost 50 years, 20th Century TV and Stereo has repaired stereos, tape decks, VCRs and more. But the mom-and-pop shop is fighting to remain relevant as technology continues to evolve.
Illinois Holocaust Museum Opens Exhibit on American Slave Trade
Rare objects from a New Orleans historical group are now on display at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. We get an early look at the exhibition “Purchased Lives.”
Local Museums Embrace Rich History of Design in Chicago
A look at Chicago’s historical influence on an enduring design style. Plus, overlooked graphic art made by African-American designers.
Early 2019 Theater Recommendations from Hedy Weiss
Hedy Weiss reviews a production that imagines what happens when two couples of different ages – plagued by similar problems of communication and neurological degeneration – attempt to interact. Plus, a play-turned-production that shines a light on visionary chemist Dr. Rosalind Franklin.
Black Creativity Program Returns to Museum of Science and Industry
For the 49th consecutive year, the Museum of Science of Industry hosts its Black Creativity program, a celebration of achievements by African-American artists and innovators.
How it Works: Illinois’ New Opioid Alternative Pilot Program
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In Illinois, medical marijuana can now be used as a painkiller to replace opioids. We hear from a co-sponsor of the new law.
‘Arresting’ Exhibition Showcases Fine Art, Sculpture of Medieval Africa
The new Block Museum show “Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time” showcases the splendor and influence of medieval West and North Africa. We tour the exhibition with a special guest from the Smithsonian.
Art Institute Exhibit Brings ‘Floating World’ to Life
History, beauty and pleasure are on display in the first public showing of a standout collection of Japanese art.
Photographer Dawoud Bey Reimagines Journey on Underground Railroad
In a 1967 speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said the Underground Railroad “symbolized hope when freedom was almost an impossible dream.” Chicago photographer Dawoud Bey talks about his new exhibition, “Night Coming Tenderly, Black.”
‘Downton Abbey’ Star Brendan Coyle Makes Chicago Debut in ‘St. Nicholas’
British actor Brendan Coyle, who played Mr. Bates in “Downton Abbey,” chats about his Chicago debut in the Goodman Theatre’s production of “St. Nicholas.”
A Look Inside Chicago’s International Puppet Theater Festival
With the third edition of the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival under way, we visit with the co-directors of the festival's opening show.
‘Bitten by the Blues’ Chronicles Rise of Chicago’s Alligator Records
In 1971, Bruce Iglauer founded a Chicago record company that would reach a worldwide audience. We look back at 50 years of the blues.
Art Institute Exhibit Brings ‘Floating World’ to Life
History, beauty and pleasure are on display in the first public showing of a standout collection of Japanese art.
The Weird and Fanciful Art of the Hairy Who
A show at the Art Institute explores the work of a group of Chicago artists who made a strong impression on the art world in the 1960s.
