The latest play receiving accolades onstage at The Goodman in Chicago is “Holiday.”
“Holiday,” an adaptation of Philip Barry’s work by late playwright Richard Greenberg, is an engaging theatrical work revolving around family problems, class conflicts, money matters, love and more. The wittily written play is directed by Chicago favorite Robert Falls, former artistic director of The Goodman.
The production, which continues to March 8, is part of The Goodman’s Centennial 25/26 Season. It’s quite easy to get wrapped up in this story, which features excellent performances by a talented cast of actors. The cast stars Jordan Lage, Molly Griggs, Bryce Gangel, Wesley Taylor, Luigi Sottile and others.
About the production, director Falls said, “Holiday is a beautiful American play that speaks to us in both subtle and prominent ways. Its central themes – the meaning of our existence as human beings, our relationship to success and money, privilege, capitalism- are just as relevant in this present day adaptation as they are in the original version.”
The play is performed in The Goodman’s Albert Theatre. Also appearing at The Goodman is the play “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.”
For more information about The Goodman’s offerings, visit GoodmanTheatre.org.
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.
One of the nation’s largest annual fireworks displays returns to Louisville on April 18, 2026, with the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Thunder Over Louisville. Themed “Thunder in the U.S.A.” in honor of America’s 250th birthday, this decades-old tradition is the official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival and marks a two-week countdown to the “most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Kentucky Derby.
Taking place at Louisville’s Waterfront Park (voted Best Riverwalk in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best) the day-long event includes an airshow featuring military and civilian aircraft air show, a drone show, and 30-minute fireworks extravaganza choreographed to an original soundtrack.
The event is held over the Ohio River with viewing opportunities from both downtown Louisville and Southern Indiana and has seen up to half a million people in attendance.
On Thunder Day, FoodFest and the Thunder on the Ground festival area will open at 11 a.m., with the Air Show starting at 3 p.m., the Drone & Night Show at 9 p.m., and Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
“After nearly four decades, Thunder Over Louisville has become one of Kentucky’s most anticipated spring traditions,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “When Thunder returns on April 18, it will do more than kick off the Derby Festival season, it will bring our community together in a way only Thunder can.”
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this year’s Thunder show theme draws inspiration from the historic milestone. The day-long event has long showcased a patriotic spirit that you can see in the air show, hear in the soundtrack and feel in the energy of the crowd. Military partners have supported Thunder Over Louisville for more than three decades, with participation from across the U.S. Armed Forces. “Thunder in the U.S.A.” will take center stage in this year’s show and soundtrack, setting the tone for bold red, white and blue moments from start to finish. The 2026 event marks the 37th production of Thunder Over Louisville.
“Since the finale is the moment that everyone waits for in a fireworks show, we have always designed Thunder to be a 30-minute finale starting with the very first spark in the sky,” said Wayne Hettinger, Producer of Thunder Over Louisville. “And just when you think it can’t get any bigger, we add a finale on top of the finale. That is what makes Thunder so special and one-of-a-kind!”
About the Air & Drone Show
The Festival is planning another packed air show featuring both military and civilian aircraft. One of the main highlights is the U.S. Air Force Viper Demo. Guests can also expect flybys by multiple fighters, including the F-15, F-16 and F/A-18s from the United States Marine Corps, The V-22 Osprey makes a return this year, along with America’s newest frontline fighter, the F-35C. A special tactics demonstration featuring integration with the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade (Kentucky Army National Guard) and 123rd Special Tactics Squadron (Kentucky Air National Guard) is also planned for the 2026 show. Other highlights include: parachute demonstrations, large aircraft flybys, including the C-5M Galaxy, C-17, KC-135 and C-130Js, as well as Matt Younkin Twin Beech Aerobatics Demo, Britt Lincoln Extra 300 (MT), Nick Coleman’s custom Waco bi-plane “Kong,” SMOKE ON! Aviation, the Trojan Thunder Team, and Ace Maker Aviation. Additional details about the 2026 Thunder Air Show will be released closer to the show date.
The sixth annual Drone Show produced by Starlight Aerial Productions is another highlight of the 2026 show and will light up the nighttime sky as they fly over the Ohio River in different formations just before the fireworks begin.
The Fireworks
Thunder’s fireworks show is choreographed to an original soundtrack each year and Zambelli Fireworks will design the show again in 2026. On Thunder Day, the FoodFest and Thunder On the Ground open at 11 a.m., the Air Show starts at 3 p.m., the Drone & Night Show is at 9 p.m., and Fireworks blast off at 9:30 p.m.
“The creation of the soundtrack is compared to designing and building a roller coaster ride. Music selections are edited and blended together to give the effect of climbing to the top, freefalling and gaining speed, with lots of twists and turns,” Hettinger said. “Setting the pace to launch the tonnage of fireworks in 30 minutes is critical to Thunder’s legacy. Get ready for non-stop excitement!”
VIP Viewing
For fans looking for a front-row seat to the show, tickets are on sale now for the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party Presented by Kentucky Proud. Tickets are $225 per person and can be purchased at ThunderOverLouisville.org. Admission includes premium viewing, Kentucky Proud cuisine, local and regional beers, specialty cocktails, snacks, tent access, VIP facilities and more.
Presenting Sponsors
This is Ford Motor Company’s first year as a Presenting Sponsor of Thunder Over Louisville. A longtime partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Ford has supported multiple events over the years, including Thunder on the Ground. UPS has been a Presenting Sponsor of Thunder Over Louisville for 36 consecutive years. Caesars, who has been a partner of the Kentucky Derby Festival since opening in Southern Indiana, is back for the 27th straight year as a Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 show. LG&E returns for the 20th year as a Presenting Sponsor. In addition to being a sponsor of Thunder, they sponsor the Festival’s Go Green Program, supporting efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable environment. Also, in their 20th year as a Presenting Sponsor is Meijer. The Meijer Family Fun Zone returns to its location at the Big Four Bridge Lawn and offers a prime viewing space filled with family activities. UA Local 502 is in their second year as a Presenting Sponsor of Thunder. A Thunder partner since 2024, they help support transportation for on-the-ground staff and operations for the event.
Show Sponsors
Caesars Southern Indiana, Ford Motor Company, LG&E, Meijer, UA Local 502 and UPS are Presenting Sponsors of Thunder Over Louisville. Military Zone Sponsor: KCS Foundation and Waterproofing. Official Healthcare Provider: UofL Health. Official Bourbon: Four Roses Bourbon. Official Hotel: The Galt House Hotel. Official Soccer Partner: Lynn Family Stadium. Supporting Sponsor: Clark Material Handling Company. Official Broadcast Partners: WLKY and MIX 106.9.
All photos courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
“The Outsiders,” with a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, is one of the best musical theater productions to hit The Windy City in a while. The show continues to Feb.22.
The musical, based on the novel by S.E. Hinton as well as the popular Francis Ford Coppola film, is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1967 and revolves around Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers, and his group of outsider friends (Greasers), and their social clashes with the wealthier group in their hometown. It’s a story about the loyalty and bonds of family and friendship, the battle between social classes, pursuing dreams, dealing with tragedy, and desperately wanting to believe there’s still a lot of good in the world.
“The Outsiders” opened on Broadway in April 2024. It received much praise, and rightly so. On all levels, from the strong acting, powerful vocals, fascinating choreography, standout score, and engaging story, the show is definitely a hit.
The stellar touring cast stars Nolan White, Bonale Fambrini, Tyler Jordan Wesley, Travis Roy Rogers, Corbin Drew Ross, Emma Hearn, Jaydon Nget, Mark Doyle, Jackson Reagin, Jordan DeAndre Williams, and others.
Among highlighted tunes are “Great Expectations,” “Far Away from Tulsa,” “Run, Run Brother,” “Trouble,” and “Stay Gold.”
Don’t miss this production while it’s gracing the stage in Chicago.
FYI: “The Outsiders” continues to Feb. 22 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $69 to $200. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
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.
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.
Visitors will find entertainment offerings year-round at Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain theme parks and resorts, which is set to kick off the new year with a lineup of talented country music performers on weekends from January 30 through March 7, 2026. With an intimate venue setting at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, the 5th annual Winter Music Series features:
Mark Wills(Jan. 30-31): With eight Top Ten hits under his belt, Wills has recorded Gold and Platinum albums, and his song “19 Somethin’” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. He also is known for his hits “Don’t Laugh at Me,” “Jacob’s Ladder” and “Places I’ve Never Been.”
Linda Davis(Feb. 6-7): Davis’s duet with Reba McEntire, “Does He Love You, reached No. 1 on the Billboard country charts and won a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. She has recorded more than 15 singles and has acquired three Grammy wins in her career.
Aaron Tippin (Feb. 13-14): Tippin’s debut single “You’ve Got to Stand for Something” became a popular anthem for American soldiers fighting in the Gulf War, establishing him as a distinct act tailored for the American working class. His achievements over the years include one platinum album and six gold albums.
T. Graham Brown(Feb. 20-21): With his background in film, stage and television, Brown possesses a unique perspective on storytelling and songwriting, producing multiple top 10 hits and three number one songs. Brown’s chart-topping songs include “Drowning in Memories,” Hell and High Water” and “Don’t Go to Strangers.”
John Berry (Feb. 27-28): The Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist makes his Winter Music Series debut this year. Berry became a staple on the country charts in the 1990s with country favorites including “Your Love Amazes Me,” Standing on the Edge of Goodbye” and “She’s Taken a Shine.”
Ruby Leigh(Mar. 6-7): One of the stars of Season 24 of “The Voice,” Leigh’s impressive audition on the show prompted all four judges to turn their chairs in an effort to have the singer on their team. She enthusiastically picked country star Reba McEntire as her coach, and her natural and remarkable voice led her to finish as runner-up in her season.
Winter Music Series tickets are on sale now at $25 for general admission, $20 for Dollywood Season Passholders, and $10 for guests of DreamMore Resort and Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. DreamMore Resort is also offering a room package that includes up to 20% off a standard room at the resort and admission for two at each evening of music. Event performances begin at 7 p.m.
There’s no better way to usher in the holiday season than by attending a performance of “The Nutcracker.”
And The Joffrey Ballet’s rendition of the popular seasonal theatrical production is one of the best around. “The Nutcracker,” performed by the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet, continues to Dec. 28 at The Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
The stellar production, now celebrating its 10th anniversary, was choreographed by noted choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, and debuted in 2016. In his version, Wheeldon offers a creative spin on the classic ballet as he changed the setting of the story to Chicago at the time of The Colombian Exposition.
Photo courtesy of the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The story revolves around Marie, a young girl from a hard-working but poor immigrant family. While in a dream, Marie is taken on a whimsical journey with The Great Impresario of the fair as well as a Nutcracker who has come to life. On the journey, they travel to The World’s Fair where their adventures take them to the ethnic pavilions at the fair and all the exciting happenings there.
This production of “The Nutcracker” has always excelled and it continues to enchant audiences with strong dancing, colorful costumes, stunning sets and, of course, Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score.
Photo courtesy of the Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey dancers are always a joy to watch. Among dancers offering dynamic performances in the show were Amanda Assucena as Marie; Gayeon Jung as the mother as well as The Sugar Plum Fairy; Stefan Goncalvez as The Great Impresario; and Valentino Moneglia as Buffalo Bill.
Secure a ticket for this great Chicago holiday tradition. You won’t be disappointed.
FYI: “The Nutcracker,” performed by The Joffrey Ballet, continues to Dec. 28 at The Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit joffrey.org for more information.
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.
Based on the 2003 movie “Elf,” this musical version tells the tale of Buddy the Elf, who is really human, as he ventures to New York City from his home at the North Pole to meet his real dad. Comic scenes are aplenty in this show as Buddy’s interactions with family and others often cause mayhem, confusion and all sorts of zaniness.
“Elf The Musical” is filled with energetic dance numbers, catchy songs and fine acting by the ensemble cast.
Starring as Buddy is Jack Ducat, who offers a perfect performance as the naive, loveable elf. Also giving enjoyable performances are Felicia Martis as Jovie, Jeff Brooks as Walter Hobbs, Yara Martin as Emily Hobbs and Camden Kwok as spunky Michael Hobbs.
Among standout musical numbers in the show are “World’s Greatest Dad,” “I’ll Believe in You,” “A Christmas Song,” “The Story of Buddy the Elf” and “Nobody Cares About Santa.”
Catch this stage version of “Elf The Musical.” You’ll be glad you did.
FYI: “Elf The Musical” continues to Dec. 14 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $110. 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.
There’s a dynamic theatrical work lighting up the stage of The Goodman Theatre.
“Revolution(s),” the brand new musical by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave and Zayd Ayers Dohm, is a world premiere production directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. The production continues to Nov. 22.
YouTube courtesy of The Goodman Theatre.
Fans of metal/hip-hop and punk will easily be engrossed in this show. “Revolution(s)”revolves around Hampton Falk-Weems, a soldier and musician, who returns to his South Side Chicago home from Afghanistan and finds a number of problems and strife in the neighborhood which he must navigate around. There’s also strained relationships he must deal with. There’s definitely a war of a different kind going on back home.
The energetic music by Morello and various other artists help move this powerful musical along. The talented cast stars Aaron James McKenzie, Billy Rude, Alysia Velez, Jackie Burns, Jakeim Hart, Michael Ervin Martin and Al’ Jaleel McGhee.
Highlighted musical numbers include “Fight! Smash! Win,” “Keep Going,” “Rise to Power,” “Whatever It Takes,” “The Oath” and “The War Inside.”
FYI: “Revolution(s) continues to Nov. 22 at The Goodman’s Owen Theatre in Chicago. Visit goodmantheatre.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.
For more on what to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.
The storyline of “Hell’s Kitchen” revolves around the lives of teen Ali and her mother Jersey who live in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Their relationship has its ups and downs as Ali experiences the strains and problems of growing up and coming of age while her mother tries to shield her from the heartaches and evils of the outside world. Once Ali finds the world of music and the joy of playing the piano, life becomes different.
“Hell’s Kitchen,” which is loosely based on musician Keys’ life, is directed by Michael Greif, and has a book by Kristoffer Diaz. The musical moves along swiftly and definitely keeps the audience’s attention.The Grammy-winning Keys’ music is woven perfectly throughout the production.
Starring as Ali is Maya Drake, whose vocals feature a dynamic mix of strong and sweet tones. Playing the role of Jersey is Kennedy Caughell, whose voice remains outstanding throughout the production. In the role of piano teacher Miss Liza Jane is Roz White, who also captures the audience’s attention with her beautiful vocals.
Among other strong performers in the show are Desmond Sean Ellington as Davis and JonAvery Worrell as Knuck.
Fans of Keys’ music will enjoy hearing theatrical performances of her hits. Highlighted tunes include “Teenage Love Affair,” “Girl on Fire,” “Fallin,”‘ “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Empire State of Mind.”
Don ‘t hesitate to get a ticket for this show and spend some time in “Hell’s Kitchen.”
FYI: “Hell’s Kitchen” runs to Nov. 30 at The James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $149. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
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.
Extended by popular demand, Louisville’s LouGrass Sessions will keep the music flowing through November, celebrating Kentucky’s rich Bluegrass roots tradition. What began as a seasonal series from April to October has struck a chord with fans, prompting additional shows Thursdays through Saturdays. LouGrass blends Bluegrass with Americana, blues, jazz, and more—carrying Kentucky’s legacy forward with a new generation of artists. Free live performances across Louisville’s venues give locals and visitors even more chances to experience authentic sounds in Bourbon City.
From cozy bars to lively hotel lounges, LouGrass brings Kentucky roots music to a variety of venues. Guests can explore the full lineup at lougrassmusic.com.
“The response has been phenomenal,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. “LouGrass proves just how much visitors and locals crave Kentucky’s roots music. It’s an authentic way to experience the spirit of Bourbon City, and we’re thrilled to keep the music going through November.”
The Last Refuge.
For a schedule of weekly performances, festivals and special events, visit lougrassmusic.com.
While planning a trip to Louisville, guests can book a LouGrass Hotel Packageat one of the six official LouGrass hotels. The hotel package includes:
Two complimentary tickets to Copper & Kings American Brandy Company visitor experience
$25 gift card to Bob Dylan’s The Last Refuge, A High Church of Bourbon in Downtown Louisville
Official LouGrass swag bag filled with LouGrass and Bourbon Country merchandise and keepsakes
Merchandise discount at the Louisville Visitor Center
Additionally, each hotel package booked receives one entry to win two weekend passes to the 2026 Bourbon & Beyond music festival.
Guests are encouraged to download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city’s top attractions and bourbon distilleries. Visitors also can get additional city attraction, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.
