A sure sign of summer coming is the opening of a big show at the Art Institute of Chicago. This year, it’s a fresh look at the early modern artist, Edouard Manet. We preview the show.
Stories by Marc Vitali
‘Volta’ Performer With Local Roots Tumbles Back to Chicago
Cirque du Soleil has visited Chicago every other year since 1989. This year, for the first time, the internationally minded “Circus of the Sun” features a performer with local roots. Meet Kevin Beverley.
Gullivers Selling a Slice of Chicago Restaurant History
A famous Chicago pizza joint is filled with antiques, and they’re all going to be part of an unusual estate sale. We go for a look.
‘Brotherland’ Photographer Documents Conflict, Life in Ukraine
The young American photographer Brendan Hoffman tells us about his show at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.
Chicago Jazz Orchestra Celebrates 40 Years of Big, Bold Sounds
They started swinging back when Jimmy Carter was in the White House and Michael Bilandic was in City Hall. How the Chicago Jazz Orchestra brings a fresh approach to timeless music.
‘Arresting’ Exhibition Showcases Fine Art, Sculpture of Medieval Africa
The 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.
Video: ‘West Side Story’ Artists Perform at WTTW
Three cast members from Lyric Opera’s “West Side Story” join us in conversation and performance.
Delinquent Tax Deadline Looms for 45K Property Owners in Cook County
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas offers some last-minute tips ahead of the annual tax sale.
At Museum of Science and Industry, a Brave New World of Wearable Tech
The new exhibition “Wired to Wear” aims to lift the veil on clothing and accessories that can boost your health and wellness – or just express your creativity.
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.
George Freeman Tells Us How to Lead a Life in Jazz
At age 92, the jazz guitarist is a living legend from Chicago’s first family of music. We pay him a visit.
Joffrey Ballet Reaches ‘Across the Pond’ for Latest Program
The venerable Chicago dance company got a creative boost from across the pond for the closing show of its season. Meet the Brit who made his own Britney Spears video and is now working with the Joffrey Ballet.
Meet the Artist Behind ‘The Obama Paintings’ As They Debut in Chicago
Artist Rob Pruitt created a painting for each of the 2,922 days of Barack Obama’s presidency. His project is now on display in Chicago.
‘Cambodian Rock Band’ a Story of Joy, Survival
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.
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.
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.”
