CIBC Theatre Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

‘Stereophonic’ offers intense look at the art of making music

Those fascinated by the art of making and recording music may want to take a seat at CIBC Theatre for its latest production.

Currently making its Chicago premiere at CIBC Theatre is “Stereophonic,” a play with music, revolving around a ’70s-era rock band in the explosive process of recording an album. They are on the brink of stardom and all the “behind the music” tension is on display here. The show continues to Feb. 8.

While the play runs long at nearly three hours, the actors do a fine job of bringing audience members into the drama of the music-making fireworks. The musical compositions, written by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, stand out and are given a strong delivery by the show’s talented vocalists.

Audience members will get a look at the strained relationships in this band, all their personal problems, the egotistical pride of temperamental artists and the nitty gritty process of the workings of recording music. Theater goers may instantly think of Fleetwood Mac and other ’70s rockers while watching this production.

“Stereophonic” is known as the most Tony Award-winning Show of 2024 and the most Tony Award-nominated play of all time. The show, written by David Adjimi and directed by Daniel Aukin, won Tony Awards for Best Play, Direction, Scenic Design and Sound Design in 2024.

Starring in the touring production are Jack Barrett, Claire DeJean, Steven Lee Johnson, Emilie Kouatchou, Cornelius Mcmoyler, Denver Milord and Christopher Mowod.

Among highlights of the show are the vocal performances of Claire DeJean, who portrays Diana and Emilie Kouatchou, in the role of Holly.

FYI: “Stereophonic” continues to Feb. 8 at Broadway in Chicago’s CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $135. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

‘Kimberly Akimbo’ lights up the stage at CIBC Theatre

CIBC Theatre, Entertainment

By guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

It’s no surprise that “Kimberly Akimbo” garnered five Tony Awards. The hit musical is a standout on many levels.

“Kimberly Akimbo” is currently being presented by Broadway in Chicago at CIBC Theatre through June 22.

The play, which opened on Broadway in 2022, revolves around 16-year-old character Kimberly Levaco, who has a genetic disorder making her age rapidly to where she looks decades older. Kimberly’s family has moved to New Jersey and she must get used to her new surroundings, new classmates and new people whom she hopes will accept her.

There are plenty of bittersweet moments as well as humorous scenes in this show with its sweet character and her dysfunctional family in the spotlight.

Carolee Carmello does a terrific job portraying Kimberly and makes her a character the audience can definitely care about. The entire cast is an ensemble of strong performers. Also starring in the show are Miguel Gil, Jim Hogan, Emily Koch, Grace Capeless, Skye Alyssa Friedman and others.

The score of “Kimberly Akimbo” is a standout as well, featuring catchy music and witty lyrics. Music is by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Securing a iicket to this production will, no doubt, ensure an entertaining evening at the theater.

FYI: “Kimberly Akimbo” continues through June 22 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are $35 to $125. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.

Sidebar: Actress from “Kimberly Akimbo’ shares family recipe

Skye Alyssa Friedman enjoys stepping into the kitchen.

“I enjoy good food and making my own food,” said Friedman.

The actress is currently starring as Teresa in “Kimberly Akimbo.” The production runs through June 22 at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.

Friedman said it’s much more difficult to prepare your own food while on tour though.

“When I moved to New York City for college I lived alone and cooked for myself,” she said.

Among favorite meals she’d prepare were seafood, pasta and soup.

“It’s nice trying different restaurants (when on tour),” she said.

Friedman, who said she’s not a “picky” eater, remembers special dishes her mother made while she was growing up. Among favorite specialty meals were prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, which her mother made often for Christmas.

The actress had some family influences when it came to cooking.

“I was inspired by my grandparents and parents and what they passed on,” Friedman said. Healthy food was always in the spotlight in her family’s kitchen, Frieman stressed. “My mom always made food with healthy ingredients.”

Friedman said she’s not really into following the work of famous chefs.

“So many people (everyday cooks) make yummy food. They don’t have to be a chef,” she said.

Friedman said she’s enjoying her role with the touring production of “Kimberly Akimbo.” “I absolutely love the way it’s written,” she said about the show. “I love how funny and irreverent it is but it’s also bittersweet and so life affirming.”

The following recipe is from Friedman.

Yorkshire Pudding

½ teaspoon salt
3/4 cups of flour
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons oil

Mix all ingredients, except the oil, together.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 450°.
Take an 8×8 square pan and pour the 4 tablespoons of oil into it.
Heat the pan for 2 minutes before pouring in the cold batter.

Cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do not open the oven door during cooking.
Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy outer edges and the custard-like inside.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Xavier Mortimer Mesmerizes Chicago with Magic

CIBC Theatre, Theater, Xavier Mortimer

Guest post by Eloise Marie Valadez.

Fans of magic, music and fascinating illusions will want to take a seat at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre this weekend.

The talents of illusionist and Las Vegas headliner Xavier Mortimer will be on display there in “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Illusion” on March 21 through March 23. The performer said he’s excited to bring his new show to The Windy City.

“It’s going to be my first time performing in Chicago,” Mortimer said. The illusionist, who has been performing in Vegas for 10 years, said he looks forward to touring with his show.

“It’s very exciting for me to discover new cities and meet new people,” he said about touring. Mortimer’s show features a blend of magical entertainment. Mortimer called his production a highly “visual” magic show with grand illusions as well as storytelling elements.

“This. Is a show for everyone, from 5 to any age,” he said.

Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago.

Mortimer, who starred in Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: One,” said he co-composed much of the music in his magic show. The illusionist also has a background in acrobatics and dance.

He said he enjoyed working in the Jackson Cirque show, which was the project that initially brought him to Vegas. Mortimer, who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” has a popular social media presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

“It was an amazing experience to be part of a huge production in Vegas,” he said of the Michael Jackson show.

Mortimer said he was fascinated by magic while growing up in the south of France.

“I love magic. I’m passionate about any performance art,” he said.

“Magic is like music…there are no language barriers,” Mortimer said.

Mortimer said he is inspired by the talents of Charlie Chaplin when creating magic acts and illusions. He describes Chaplin as having had an amazing storytelling ability that allowed him to draw people in.

“I try to bring people into my world the way he did,” Mortimer said.

FYI: “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic” runs March 21 to 23 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $115. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.