Stories by Marc Vitali

Chef Rick Bayless joins us with recipes for pork tacos and a tequila-based cocktail of his own invention.

The head of the Illinois Republican Party looks ahead to the future of his party and evaluates Donald Trump's performance in Monday’s presidential debate.

“Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda talks about Chicago, “Sesame Street” and his theatrical blockbuster.

“In the Heights” hits the stage in a homegrown Chicago production. Hedy Weiss reviews the first show by the creator of “Hamilton,” plus musicals at the Goodman Theatre and three suburban theaters.

A world music group that uses the arts as a vehicle for peace-building. We have a performance by the ensemble Saffron Caravan.

It's been more than a  decade since there's been a major revival of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy. Director Mary Zimmerman tells us about the show.

Architect Jeanne Gang and Studio Gang unveil their new Commons building and courtyard at the University of Chicago. We speak with the architect and get a tour.

A pair of ambitious teenagers rise above the challenges of coming of age in Englewood. We preview an inspiring documentary called “All the Difference.”

A look into the world of art glass paperweights as we preview an upcoming auction from a very famous collection.

A new book looks at pivotal moments in the history of Steppenwolf Theatre. We hear from the author and a longtime ensemble member.

It has been said that the Great Depression was the best thing that ever happened to American artists. A new exhibition looks at how artists of the 1930s applied their diverse visions to the American dream during this time of immense change.

We hear from actor Kevin Bacon about helping out a group of young Chicago authors known as the Bomb Squad.

We revisit an exhibition in suburban Elmhurst that examines how Playboy exposed its readers to new concepts in architecture and design.

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

On a horse farm north of Chicago, a European tradition combines artistry and athletic prowess. We meet some of the star athletes–and the ponies that will someday take their place.

Actor Jonathan Pryce joins us to talk about the controversial character Shylock he portrays in Shakepeare's “The Merchant of Venice”–and his scene-stealing role in “Game of Thrones.”

Take a look inside a museum of Puerto Rican art and culture in a historic building in Humboldt Park.

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews a Pulitzer prize-winning play at Steppenwolf Theatre, a pair of one-man shows and two Tony award-winning actresses.

A new book combs through the local archives to document the life of an American literary lion, Ernest Hemingway.

Anger is everywhere. A new book looks at anger from ancient times to current politics. A conversation with the author of "Anger and Forgiveness."

Picasso, Miro, and now the latest acquisition of the Arts Club of Chicago as it marks its centennial year.

The new book "Disco Demolition: The Night Disco Died" explores the notorious history of the "Anti-Disco Army" – a rebellion that led to chaos at Comiskey Park and a forfeited game for the Chicago White Sox.

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Eliza Fournier shares a bushel of recommendations to keep your garden healthy in the summer heat.

It has been said that the Great Depression was the best thing that ever happened to American artists. A new exhibition looks at how artists of the 1930s applied their diverse visions to the American dream during this time of immense change.

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama announced Thursday that the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will be designed by renowned architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien.  

The great Mel Brooks turns 90 on Tuesday. A WTTW11 crew met him in February 2001 when this genuine genius of entertainment was just a babe at 74 years old.