Stories by Marc Vitali

We go backstage at the Joffrey Ballet as the company prepares to launch an all-new “Nutcracker” set in Chicago.

A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.

An ambitious new art exhibition looks at the cultural impact of, and creative response to, AIDS in America.

A spectacular Nativity set blends heavenly drama with earthly delights. “Chicago Tonight” visited the museum and found an elaborate piece of art originally seen in churches in 18th century Naples.

He played a pivotal role in “Downton Abbey.” Now he takes the throne as King Charles. English actor Robert Bathurst is here to talk about royalty, “Downton” and the stage.

The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.

Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.

The continuing fascination with gangster Al Capone. We speak to the author of a new book that looks at the private life of the notorious criminal.

The moving and powerful life of Maya Angelou: A new film explores the many facets of the acclaimed poet and writer.

Chicago Tonight visits a little shop in Chicago for a look at how to rejuvenate pitched percussion instruments – and to get a history lesson in concert tuning.

Glenn DuBose, the ultimate behind-the-scenes producer of arts programming on PBS, died this week in Miami. He shaped countless fine national and local programs.

The Field Museum has a new look at tattooing – an age-old tradition that is as popular now as it was millennia ago.

Illusions of grandeur take center stage at two Chicago shows and may make you question reality. See what tricks two local theaters have up their sleeves.

Comedian Peter Kim talks about the state of stand-up comedy, and why he recently left a hit show at The Second City.

Bold paintings from the 1920s, plus photographs and industrial design: A new show looks at an international artist who made a big impression in Chicago.

Artist Diana Thater on Friday unveiled immersive views of the natural world in a new show at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Artist and activist Yoko Ono visits Chicago and provides Jackson Park with a new public sculpture that’s being called “a landmark for peace.”

A concrete Cadillac goes for a spin. We look at the restoration of this unusual work of art–and how it cemented its reputation.

The Grammy Award-winning ensemble Eighth Blackbird performs this weekend at the Arts Club of Chicago. We hear from them in conversation and performance.

The actor talks about making the classic film “Doctor Zhivago,” the Chicago International Film Festival, and her famous father, Charlie Chaplin.

Masterworks of Chicago architecture from the early days through the 21st century: A new book from a longtime curator at the Art Institute looks at “Building Chicago.”

Tomatoes and salad greens that are served in upscale Chicago restaurants are grown in Ogle County, Illinois. We visit the source.

Free events like the Chicago Blues Festival are evolving. We speak with Chicago’s new commissioner of cultural affairs and special events about the future of city celebrations.

A concrete Cadillac goes for a spin. We look at the restoration of this unusual work of art–and how it cemented its reputation.

With the recent opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, we get an update on Chicago's museum of African American history.

The story behind a new stage adaptation of an infamous–and fatal–boxing match that was televised in the 1960s.