“I’m so proud of being Irish when I think of her, her music, her principles, what she stood for and what it cost her,” artist Tony Fitzpatrick said.
Stories by marc vitali
‘Bill W. and Dr. Bob’ – Sobering, Humane Drama Brings to Life Story of Alcoholics Anonymous Founders: Review
Mar 13, 2024 | Marc Vitali
In the same decade, two unassuming middle-aged men – Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith – joined forces to create Alcoholics Anonymous. A play at the Biograph Theater explores that time.
New James Bond Exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry Will Leave 007 Fans Shaken AND Stirred
Mar 8, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Two large galleries showcase tricked-out vehicles, artifacts and gadgets from 25 films in the series, along with movie clips that set the scene.
What Do Lenny Bruce, Joe Mantegna and Booze Have in Common? 2 Plays About American Trailblazers Light Up the Biograph Theater
Mar 7, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Local legend Joe Mantegna is directing “I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce” starring Ronnie Marmo as the comedian who took a bullet for anyone who values free speech. Marmo also directs and stars in “Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” the true story of the dramatic founding of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Brigitte Calls Me Baby, Breakout Chicago Rock Band, Meets the Moment With Electrifying Show at Schubas: Review
Mar 4, 2024 | Marc Vitali
There was a charge in the air at Schubas Tavern on Saturday night. Maybe it was the singer with the electric chair tattooed on his chest. Brigitte Calls Me Baby played its first sold-out hometown show.
Homecoming for Chicago Band Brigitte Calls Me Baby — Lead Singer Talks Elvis, Pen Pals and a Promising Future
Mar 1, 2024 | Marc Vitali
The spotlight shines brightly these days on Chicago band Brigitte Calls Me Baby. The group just had its national TV debut on “CBS Saturday Morning,” and the influential public radio station WXPN called the band “future rock royalty.”
How Do You Say ‘Abracadabra’ in French? Acclaimed Parisian Magician on Chicago Performances, Life in Magic and Fooling Penn & Teller
Feb 23, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Paris-based magician Alexandra Duvivier charms audiences with the art of close-up – or parlor – magic. She’s one of a growing number of women in the profession, and she even performed a trick that fooled famed duo Penn & Teller.
Auction House Puts Chicago Art on the Block: A Preview of ‘Elevated’ Artwork
Feb 21, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers will devote an entire sale to Chicago artwork from the past 100+ years. The auction is titled “Elevated: Art Via Chicago.”
Does It Sail or Sink? Exhibition on the Titanic Launches at Skokie Mall: Review
Feb 20, 2024 | Marc Vitali
The most famous ship in history is being remembered at the most famous shopping mall in Skokie. “Titanic: The Exhibition” just opened at Westfield Old Orchard.
She Plays Richard III on Stage, Competed in the Paralympic Games and Worked With Phillip Seymour Hoffman — Meet Multitalented Actor Katy Sullivan
Feb 14, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Actor and Paralympic athlete Katy Sullivan portrays the ruthless Richard III at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
At Goodman Theatre, Actor Dana Delany Steers ‘Highway Patrol’ Into the Heart of a Compelling Mystery: Review
Feb 2, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Secrets and lies hide in plain sight in “Highway Patrol,” a can’t-miss mystery at the Goodman Theatre, writes WTTW News reporter Marc Vitali. It tells a true story centered around a puzzle that seems easy enough to solve. As the mystery morphs and raises new questions, it makes for a riveting evening of storytelling.
15 Things to Know About Sufjan Stevens and the Album That Inspired ‘Illinoise,’ the New Show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Feb 1, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Perhaps the most anticipated show in Chicago this winter, “Illinoise” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater promises “a new kind of musical.” Dance and stories are woven into songs written by Sufjan Stevens from his beloved 2005 album “Illinois.”
National Effort to Crowdsource Route 66 History Seeks Stories, Photos from Chicagoans
Jan 29, 2024 | Marc Vitali
“Route 66 was the first great American road trip,” said Amy Webb with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust is crowdsourcing Americans’ stories, memories and photos of the famous road that connected the Midwest to the West.
Remembering Kiddieland: Remnant of Beloved Amusement Park Lives on in Melrose Park
Jan 24, 2024 | Marc Vitali
“If we didn’t take it, it would’ve gone to the scrap heap,” Gary Marine, Melrose Park’s director of public works, said of the historic Kiddieland sign that now lives in the Melrose Park Public Library parking lot.
Buck Around and Find Out — Professional Bull Riders Bring Thrills to Chicago Area, 8 Seconds at a Time
Jan 10, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Professional Bull Riders is a sports league based on the most popular event at rodeos: bull riding, the man-versus-beast contest in which a cowboy rides a bull in search of eight seconds of glory and a slice of prize money. A tour is coming to Rosemont Jan. 12-13.
Picasso Exhibition Recognizes Family, Friends and Lovers Crucial to the Artist’s Career
Jan 4, 2024 | Marc Vitali
Even an artistic genius gets by with a little help from his friends. “Picasso: Drawing from Life” spotlights the artist’s works on paper and explores the influence of friends, muses, fellow artists and dealers.
Column: How a Local Cat Survived Harrowing Hours Atop an Electrical Pole Thanks to Some Good Customer Service
Dec 29, 2023 | Marc Vitali
A 9-year-old orange tabby named Edgar spent a frosty night alone atop a utility pole in an alley earlier this week. WTTW News reporter Marc Vitali details Edgar’s rescue.
Find Last-Minute Gifts for Art-Minded Friends at Chicago’s Buddy Store, Showcasing Local Artists and Causes
Dec 22, 2023 | Marc Vitali
Museum shops and galleries have a great deal of goods you won’t find elsewhere. The Buddy store in the Chicago Cultural Center is top of the heap for art-loving localvores.
Chicago Sculptor Richard Hunt, Who Created Indelible Public Art From His Astounding Studio, Dies at 88
Dec 18, 2023 | Marc Vitali
Renowned sculptor Richard Hunt, whose work can be seen across his hometown of Chicago, died at age 88.
Going for Baroque: Rare Neapolitan Nativity Set Marks 10 Years in Chicago
Dec 16, 2023 | Marc Vitali
Ten years ago this month, a spectacular Nativity set called a crèche debuted at the Art Institute of Chicago. A gift from an Italian collector, the crèche was made in Naples and dates from the mid-1700s. It’s a traditional Nativity scene in a non-traditional setting.
Magic Poster Sets World Sales Record at Chicago Auction House
Dec 12, 2023 | Marc Vitali
The poster features an image of Harry Houdini performing his famous Milk Can Escape, in which the performer was locked into a galvanized iron can filled with water and secured by locks. The image is rich with showmanship and hyperbole, warning: “Failure Means a Drowning Death.”
Portraits Unbound: Historic Prints of Indigenous People on View at the Newberry Library
Dec 9, 2023 | Marc Vitali
On display at the Newberry Library are selections from “History of the Indian Tribes of North America,” a set of early 19th century books rich with imagery. It’s one of the earliest and best records of what Indigenous people, including Seneca and Black Hawk, actually looked like.
Growing Up Gay and Going Into Showbiz — New Memoir Spotlights Celebrities, Crimes and Seductions: Column
Dec 1, 2023 | Marc Vitali
David Vass’ new memoir, “Liar, Alleged,” is a wildly entertaining narrative of gay life in the 1950s and ‘60s. The book moves through the hedonism of the ‘70s, the tragedy of the ‘80s and why it all matters now.
Did Ernest Hemingway Shoot a Toilet? 10 Truths and Myths About the Larger-Than-Life Writer From a New Book
Nov 29, 2023 | Marc Vitali
A Chicago-area writer explores the myths and legends surrounding Ernest Hemingway, the Oak Park-born titan of American literature.
Vibrant and Defiant: American People and Stories Populate the Artwork of Faith Ringgold at MCA Chicago
Nov 21, 2023 | Marc Vitali
The new exhibition “American People” is the first solo retrospective of artist Faith Ringgold in Chicago. This vivid and revealing show is not only rare — it’s must-see.
‘Downton Abbey’ Comes to … Skokie? New Exhibition Transports and Delights: Review
Nov 11, 2023 | Marc Vitali
In the old Bloomingdale’s store, there’s plenty of elbow room to tour this museum-quality show filled with sets, memorabilia and props.