The Rodgers and Hammerstein gem “The Sound of Music” continues through Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. This national North American tour is being presented by Concord Theatricals NETworks Presentations and Broadway in Chicago.
“The Sound of Music tells the story of the Von Tapp Family singers. It revolves around Maria, who is in “training” to become a nun, and also pursues a job as a governess for Captain Von Trapp’s children. It’s a tale of family togetherness, love and a fondness for music and what music can bring to a home.
The production, which is directed by Jack O’Brien, celebrates the 65th anniversary of the original stage debut of “The Sound of Music.”
Starring as Maria is Cayleigh Capaldi, who exhibits exceptional vocal talents. Also offering strong vocals are Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Kevin Earley as Captain Georg Von Trapp and the cast of young singers who star as the Von Trapp children.
When it comes to soundtracks, “The Sound of Music” is a winner. Almost every tune is a favorite of theatergoers. And it’s difficult to keep from singing along during this show.
Among outstanding numbers are “My Favorite Things,” “Maria,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title tune “The Sound of Music.”
Theater fans will surely want to plan a visit to the theater to enjoy this production.
FYI: “The Sound of Music” continues to Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $140. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Cherubini’s “Medea” continues to heat up the stage through Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
“Medea” revolves around the story of Medea, a sorceress, and her husband Jason. The production is a tale of evil, murder and revenge. This compelling opera opens the Lyric’s 71st season and it’s the first time Chicago’s Lyric Opera has presented the work.
Starring as Medea is Sondra Radvanovsky, who is a powerhouse vocalist. Radvanovsky helps make this production soar with her stellar vocals and theatrical talents. Also giving excellent performances are Matthew Polenzani as Giasone, Zoie Reams as Neris, Elena Villalon as Glauce and Alfred Walker as King Creonte.
Sir David McVicar is the director of this fabulous production of “Medea.” The acclaimed music director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra as they present the soaring Cherubini score.
The sets, costumes and theatrics are definitely all something to marvel at in this show. “Medea” surely captures an audience’s attention and keeps it during the two-hour plus show.
“Medea” is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Greek National Opera and Canadian Opera Company.
FYI: Medea” continues to Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit lyricopera.org.
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.
A majestic production is gracing the stage in Chicago.
“The Lion King” is currently running through Oct. 19 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show is a must-see production and shines on stage with a colorful set, fascinating costumes, creative puppetry elements and a strong cast.
In promotional materials for the show, it’s touted as “the world’s #1 musical” and that’s definitely not hype. “The Lion King” surely draws audience members in with its strong theatrical elements from powerful vocals, colorful sets, a standout soundtrack and more.
“The Lion King” tells the story of the young cub Simba, who after the death of his father Mufasa, must eventually take control of the throne. There are many adventures awaiting Simba as he grows and he must battle his evil uncle Scar on his way to the throne.
This hit production has been touring North America for nearly 25 years and has been capturing theatergoers’ hearts throughout its celebrated run. It originally opened on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997.
Starring in the current touring production are Peter Hargrave as Scar, David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa,, Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, Robert Creighton as Timon, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Danny Grumich as Pumbaa, Gilbert Domally as Simba and Thembelihle Cele as Nala.
Standout out musical numbers include “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”
FYI: “The Lion King” continues to Oct. 19 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets are $45 to $180. 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.
Legendary Hollywood actress Ava Gardner is the subject of a new play at Chicago’s Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations,” starring award-winning actress Elizabeth McGovern, continues to Oct. 12. The show, written by McGovern, whom film and TV fans will know from starring roles in “Downton Abbey,”“Once Upon A Time in America” and “Ordinary People,” sheds a fascinating light on the late film legend.
Elizabeth McGovern and Aaron Costa Ganis are seen in “Ava: The Private Conversations.” Provided photo.
The play is based on interviews Gardner gave to writer Peter Evans for a book that was to be published about her. Although it was initially banned from publication, the book was printed 25 years later.
In the show, audience members are led on a journey through segments of Gardner’s career and her marriages to Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra and Artie Shaw as well as her relationship with the eccentric Howard Hughes.
Elizabeth McGovern. Photo provided.
McGovern, who hails from Evanston, Illinois, offers a stellar performance as Gardner in this show, directed by Moritz von Stuelpnagel. Starring as writer Evans is Aaron Costa Ganis. Ganis also portrays Rooney, Sinatra and Shaw. It’s fascinating to watch as he shifts from one character to another.
“Ava: The Secret Conversations” is making its Chicago premiere. It originally played at NY City Center. Don’t miss this interesting look at retro Hollywood and one of its most glamorous stars.
FYI: “Ava: The Secret Conversations” continues to Oct. 12 at The Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $170. Call 312-753-3210, ext. 102. Visit AvaGardnerPlay.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.
The Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism recently announced its new tourism campaign, “Geaux Bold,” encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in a destination that doesn’t hold back and where the authentic spirit of the people who have set this region apart live an unapologetically bold approach to life.
Lafourche Parish, popularly referred to as “Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou,” is located less than an hour’s drive from New Orleans, but it’s light years away in terms of experiences. Life along Bayou Lafourche is simultaneously laid-back and full of excitement, and the bold personalities who live here are eager to introduce visitors to their unique world. It’s a cultural experience unlike anything else in the United States.
The original bold explorers were the Acadians who settled here about 250 years ago, forging a new life in the face of adversity. Their strength of character, refusal to relinquish their traditions, and ability to both work and celebrate hard are all woven into the region’s DNA.
For those unfamiliar with the term (read: those living outside Louisiana), “geaux” is a playful version of the word “go” … spelled with a French twist. It’s what you’ll hear fans screaming at sporting events throughout Louisiana, including the local university, Nicholls State.
“When deciding on a new marketing campaign, we wanted to focus on the experiences that truly resonated with our visitors and highlighted our Cajun culture,” says Ian Wallis, Sales & Marketing Manager at Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism. “When we looked at everything one can do in Lafourche Parish, it was a no-brainer that the focus of the new campaign needed to emphasize the incredible amount of bold things our parish has to offer.”
To “Geaux Bold” means paddling through the untamed waterways of Bayou Lafourche, keeping an eye out for the birds above and the alligators lurking at the water’s edge, or sampling authentic Cajun dishes prepared by chefs whose recipes have been passed down from their maw maws and paw paws. It means heading to a festival, letting the music flow through you and learning how to dance like the Cajuns do, or casting a line into the Gulf and reeling in scale-tipping fish. It means celebrating Mardi Gras with people who were strangers this morning and who now feel like family, or strolling through historic sites to learn about the incredible assortment of people who came together in this unique destination to create a “cultural gumbo.”
The new campaign from Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou encourages travelers to come get a taste of both the literal and figuratively bold flavors of the bayou. All they need to pack is a sense of adventure … and probably their stretchy pants.
The new campaign brings with it updated designs for the tourism office’s visitor guide and newsletter, plus a new look for the coveted Cajun Bayou Food Trail T-shirt, which is awarded to visitors who pick up a Food Trail passport and get it stamped at any five of the 18 participating restaurants or six food-related special events.
For more information about planning a trip to Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou, start at www.lacajunbayou.com. And while you’re in the area, be sure to stop by the all-new Cajun Bayou Visitor Center, which offers an interactive introduction to Lafourche Parish and which will help you boldly plan your visit.
Photos courtesty of Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Facebook Page.
This fall,Visit Baja California Sur invites travelers to embrace a season of restoration with two thoughtfully curated wellness festivals set against the region’s striking coastal landscapes. The Todos Santos Wellness Fest returns first, taking placefrom October 31 to November 2, followed by the debut of the Loreto Live Well Experiencefrom November 7 to 9. Both events celebrate the growing global desire for meaningful, tech-free escapes, pairing movement, mindfulness, and connection with the natural beauty and cultural richness of Baja California Sur.
“Baja California Sur offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth that makes it the ideal place for wellness travelers seeking more than just a getaway,”says Jesus Ordoñez, General Director of Visit Baja California Sur.“These festivals, set in two of the region’s most naturally inspiring towns, are designed to help guests reconnect with themselves and the environment in a way that feels authentic and restorative.”
Known for its robust wellness community, the picturesque beach town of Todos Santos—located on the peninsula’s Pacific Coast—provides the perfect backdrop for a transformative weekend of yoga, meditation, and live music during theTodos Santos Wellness Fest. Taking place from October 31 to November 2, the festival coincides with Día de los Muertos, adding an additional layer of reflection and cultural connection to the experience.
Participants can join sessions led by instructors such as CEO of the Mexican Institute of Yoga Ana Paula Domínguez, movement artist Annie Parr, Master of Yoga Beni Falcon,and acclaimed yoga photographer Robert Sturman. Private, ticketed workshops and immersive experiences will take place at Jardín La Barca, while Casa de la Cultura will host select public sessions open to all. Attendees can engage in practices like Kundalini Yoga, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Flow, and sensory exploration, culminating in a closing DJ set that blends movement and sound for a holistic experience.
Making its debut as Loreto’s first wellness festival of its kind, the Loreto Live Well Experience runs from November 7 to 9. Nestled where desert meets sea, this historic Pueblo Magico, renowned for its charm, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, invites guests to rejuvenate with family-friendly yoga, mindful fitness, longevity-focused Qigong, breathwork, and meditation.
Led by esteemed instructors including Mexican actor Luis de la Rosa, musician Lady Gang, senior yoga trainer Jimena Patiño, healing artist Matt Pesendian, yoga teacher Ana Ponzo, and photographer Citlali Chalvignac, the festival offers a diverse range of practices designed to awaken and nourish body, mind, and spirit amid the breathtaking beauty that earned Loreto its Pueblo Mágico designation.
While many of the workshops and sessions will be ticketed and held at Hotel Oasis, a serene retreat blending modern comfort with traditional Baja style, lush gardens, and sweeping views of the UNESCO World Heritage Loreto Marine Park, there will also be select public events on Saturday, November 8 hosted in the town’s central plaza, welcoming the broader community to join in the celebration of wellness.
Loreto is accessible via the Loreto International Airport (LTO), which offers direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Dallas (DFW), making it an easy destination for wellness travelers. Alternatively, both Loreto and Todos Santos can be reached through Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), with Todos Santos located about a 1.5-hour drive north of the airport and Loreto approximately 3.5 hours to the northeast. For those looking to explore both festivals, Todos Santos and Loreto are roughly a three-hour drive apart, offering a scenic route through Baja California Sur’s diverse landscapes.
Early Bird tickets for the Todos Santos Wellness Fest are now available and start at $2,590 MXN (roughly $140 USD) providing access to all classes and events while the Loreto Live Well Experience offers early bird tickets beginning at $1,680 MXN (roughly $90 USD). For more information and ticket purchases, travelers can visit the official festival websites: https://tswellnessfest.mx/en/ and https://loretolivewell.com.
About Baja California Sur
Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California, the state of Baja California Sur encompasses the southern half of the Baja Peninsula. The climate is perfect for fishing, boating, surfing, and diving, making the destination an adventurer and thrill-seeker’s dream. The state features breathtaking scenery from the windswept ocean beaches on the west to the tranquil, turquoise waters on the east. In between are canyons, desertscapes and lush oasis ripe for exploration.
Known for its extraordinary marine life, whale watching is one of the area’s most well-known tourist attractions along with sportfishing, kayaking and bird watching. For more information on Baja California Sur: Visit Baja Sur.
Forget the summer gridlock. The real story of America’s national parks is in September and October, during the “secret season.” It’s the time when the crowds disappear, the weather is perfect and the landscapes transform into a palette of brilliant autumn colors.
With schools back in session, parks like Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon are no longer at peak capacity, creating a more intimate and enjoyable experience. Think crisp, cool air, no crowds, and golden sunshine. Wildlife also tends to be more active in the cooler temperatures, providing fantastic viewing opportunities.
Here are a few ideas of where to go this fall.
Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ three-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling class III rapids in a raft cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing to horseback rides and Yellowstone whitewater, guests will be talking about this unique experience for years to come.
Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip in Glacier National Park. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties and six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the ”Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.
Alaska Fjord Explorer: On Adventure Life’s Kenai Explorer tour, spend seven days amid the breathtaking landscape and wildlife of Kenai Fjords National Park and Seward, Alaska. Enjoy nature walks and paddling from a beachfront lodge with glacier views, keeping an eye out for wildlife like whales, Steller sea lions, otters, puffins and more, then visit the coastal town of Seward and go dogsledding or step on nearby Exit Glacier. Finish with an Alaska Rail ride to Anchorage.
Wyoming Cowboy Retreat: At Ranchlands’ 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch, guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike and experience the unique landscape of Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains. Accommodations are designed to bring guests as close to nature as possible, while still offering all the comforts of home. Large, safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands’ beef, local produce and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great basecamp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
Zion National Park. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.
Bryce & Zion by MTB: Soaring red spires and ancient citadels of rich Navajo sandstone give way to haunting hoodoos and curving rock arches – a geologist’s dream and a mountain biker’s paradise.
The rides on this six-day Escape Adventures tour offer swift lines that wind through deep alpine meadows and aspen forests only to spill out onto wide mesas and buttes. The world-famous trails of Red Canyon’s Thunder Mountain, Cassidy and Casto Canyon symbolize but a few of this tour’s many highlights.
Grand Teton Glamping: Fireside Resort offers luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus, a short distance from Grand Teton National Park, making it the perfect basecamp for summer adventures. Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting, enjoy beautiful scenery and wildlife while hiking through the Tetons or revel in the wonder of Yellowstone National Park’s geothermal features.
White Stallion Ranch. Photo Jane Simon Ammeson.
Arizona Ranch Getaway: Step back in time at White Stallion Ranch, outside Tucson, Arizona, on the edge of Saguaro National Park. Originally built in the 1900s as a cattle ranch, the True family has been welcoming guests to White Stallion for 60 years. While there, enjoy horseback riding, hiking, fat-tire biking, shooting, archery, a weekly rodeo, charming accommodations, Southwestern dining and more with the towering cactuses of the Sonoran Desert as the backdrop.
Top photo: White Stallion Ranch at Night. Jane Simon Ammeson.
Colorado National Parks Road Trip: AdventureGenie is the ultimate co-pilot for planning a perfect road trip to Colorado national parks. As the world’s first AI-powered, end-to-end road trip planner, AdventureGenie makes it easier and more exciting than ever to discover the Centennial State. Colorado is more than just the Rocky Mountains – the state is richly diverse with deep canyons, rolling sand dunes, glistening rivers and expansive rolling plains. From accessible trails to hikes of various distances and difficulties and amazing scenic drives, these five Colorado national parks are full of geographical marvels and prehistoric wonders.
Grand Canyon’s North Rim: Escape Adventures invites adventurers and families to discover the cool, high-altitude sanctuary of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim on an unforgettable five-day mountain biking and camping expedition. Revered by hikers and cyclists for its breathtaking vistas and gently rolling, lung-expanding terrain, the North Rim offers a unique and less-crowded perspective of this natural wonder.
Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a home base for adventure year-round. In fall, golden aspens and cottonwoods light up the mountainsides and river bottoms, and there are opportunities to hike, bike, fish or watch for wildlife in the forestlands near town and Yellowstone National Park. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers accommodations that blend modern comfort with Montana style just steps from dining at Block 3 Kitchen & Bar and more in Big Sky Town Center.
E-Bike Tour of Canyonlands: Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park comes on like a natural rollercoaster, looping in and out of a multicolored spires, arches, buttes and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. A primitive trail framed by blooming cactuses below and snowcapped mountains above, the White Rim Trail loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Guests will spend the majority of this four-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches and ancient Puebloan ruins.
Utah Hut-to-Hut Adventure: Discover the Aquarius Trail Hut System, an unparalleled e-bike adventure in Utah’s stunning color country. This unique trail stretches from Brian Head Peak through picturesque locations like Panguitch, Bryce and Escalante. Along the way, modern huts provide essential amenities, including solar-powered kitchens, comfortable sleeping arrangements and bike repair tools, ensuring a perfect blend of rugged exploration and convenient comfort.
For over 1,000 years, civilizations have produced quality wine in the Tokaj region of modern-day Hungary. This area’s deep winemaking history and cultural significance in Central Europe have led it to be listed as one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The most revered wine from this area is Tokaji wine, a sweet dessert wine that is even mentioned in the country’s national anthem.
The region is comprised of 5,500 hectares of vineyards stretching across 27 municipalities, with volcanic soil that provides the ideal conditions for grapes to develop noble rot, a fermentation process characteristic of Tokaji wine that contributes to its distinct taste.
Today, these vineyards allow visitors to taste their wine straight from the source while taking in the views of Hungary’s historic rolling hills.
Here are a few of the vineyards that make Hungary’s Tokaj Wine Region special:
Götz Winery: Looking straight out of a movie, this vineyard’s “hobbit-hole” cellars contributed to the area’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Like many in the region, the Götz Winery’s specialty is the area’s distinct Tokaji Aszú grapes, producing the iconic Tokaji wine. The winery is located in the 18th-century village of Hercegkút, providing amenities to tourists who visit the region. The deceivingly spacious cellar can seat up to 200 people, making this a fantastic space for large events.
Disznókő Winery: Originally founded in 1413, Disznókő Winery is one of the Tokaj Wine Region’s most distinguished vineyards. This esteemed winery has gained national and international attention, having been named “Hungarian Winery of the Year” in 2005, cementing its place as a must-visit for enotourists in the region. Disznókő Winery’s 150 hectares of land make for an incredible visitation experience and allow for a large variety of grapes planted, creating special blends that can’t be found in other Tokaj vineyards.
Barta Winery: Home to a stunning 17th-century aristocratic mansion, this historic vineyard continues its timeless organic cultivating methods. As stated, Barta’s philosophy is: “If we cultivate the vineyard in an environmentally friendly way, we should also make our wine the most natural, most traditional way possible.” The mansion has three recently renovated suites for guests to spend the night, a built-in cellar carved into the bedrock, and a rustic tasting room.
Gróf Degenfeld Wine Estate and Castle Hotel: This spectacular vineyard is home to a 19th-century chateau hotel, a luxury restaurant, and all the wine anyone could dream of consuming. The sprawling 35-hectare property produces different kinds of wine, from traditional Tokaji sweet wines to dry wines like Muscat Blanc, all made using the same unique processes for over 500 years.
Exploring Tokaj is not only a journey through one of the world’s most historic wine regions, but also an invitation to experience Hungary’s living cultural heritage firsthand. With its award-winning vineyards, historic estates, and unforgettable flavors, Tokaj offers travelers a truly timeless taste of Central Europe.
