Fans of the classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast” won’t want to miss the stunning production currently on stage in Chicago.
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” which is on a national tour, continues to Aug. 2 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The theatrical production, directed and choreographed by Matt West, is based on the popular 1991 movie.
The “tale as old as time,” tells the story of Belle, a small-town French girl, who is a lover of books and reading. One day, while in search of her father, who is missing, Belle stumbles upon a castle where a former priest who has been turned into a Beast resides. She is captured and while there she interacts with the Beast and all the other inhabitants of the castle. Lessons learned in this story revolve around love, kindness as well as beauty being in the eye of the beholder. It is only true love which will transform the Beast back to his princely form and it is Belle who is the catalyst for this.
Actors Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle and Fergie L. Philippe as the Beast are dynamic in their starring roles and both display strong voices. The production’s ensemble group of actors are excellent as well.
“Beauty and the Beast” features stunning costumes, rousing dance numbers and a score of catchy tunes. Among highlighted numbers are “Be Our Guest,” “A Change in Me,” and “If I Can’t Love Her.”
Musical theater lovers will definitely be drawn into this show.
FYI: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” continues to Aug. 2 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. For more information, 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.
If you’d like to take a trip back in time, secure a ticket to Marriott Theatre’s “Always Something There.”
The world premiere jukebox musical, written by Sandy Rustin, continues through Aug. 10 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. This lively show is part of Marriott Theatre’s 50th anniversary season.
“Always Something There” tells the story of Samantha Craig, who wakes up at the beginning of her 45th year in her 18-year-old teen body and is given the opportunity to change her life, take different paths and make different choices if she chooses.
The story unfolds amidst a musical backdrop of songs from the 1980s. Heidi Kettenring portrays adult Samantha while Christina Priestner stars as teen Samantha. Both actors provide strong performances with both displaying powerful vocals. Also starring in the show are Marina Jansen as Camelia, Ian Coursey as Cooper, Ty Shay as Johnny, Matthew Hommel as Winston and others.
“Always Something There,” which is directed by James Vasquez, features choreography by Tyler Hanes. Among highlighted musical numbers are “Only In My Dreams,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Talk to Me,” “We Got the Beat” and more.
In conjunction with the play, Marriott Theatre is presenting a special pop-up dining experience at its Three Embers Restaurant. The menu for the Back to the Grill experience stars items such as Loco-Motion Taco Salad, Shattered Onion Soup, We Got the Bleu (Chicken Cordon Bleu) and Always Something Braised (Pulled Lamb Shank).
For more information on the show and special menu, visit MarriottTheatre.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.
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
“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
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.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” continues to June 8 at the theater. The show stars Ronnie Marmo as Bill W. and Rick Yaconis as Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. Marmo also directs the show, which is produced by Theatre 68, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Actor Marmo is also the artistic director of Theatre 68.
The theatrical production offers a candid look at the lives of New York stockbroker Wilson and Ohio surgeon Dr. Bob and how they teamed together to form the organization. The show also focuses on their wives, who founded Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics.
In a past interview, Marmo said working on this play was important to him. He’s been sober for three decades and said AA saved his life.
The theatrical production, which also has a good dose of humor in it, was written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey.
In addition to touring with this show, Marmo also stars in “I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” which he frequently takes on tour.
FYI: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” runs to June 8 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets start at $69. Visit billwanddrbobonstage.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.
Davies said she has long been interested in theater and live performance, as well as what they bring to an audience.
“What I like about theater is hearing a reaction to what you’re doing on stage, whether it’s a gasp, a laugh or a chuckle. You know you’re touching someone,” Davies said.
Davies added the immediacy you get in the theater is great and nothing is ever exactly the same twice.
“You can’t get that on television,” she said.
Davies stars alongside actor Kevin Giese in “Misery,” The play, directed by John Hancock, continues to June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre. “Misery,” based on the book by Stephen King, is a thriller which recounts the story of writer Paul Sheldon who is held hostage in the home of his deranged number one fan Annie Wilkes after his car crashes near her house.
About the production “Misery,” Davies said it’s “very emotional.” It’s also a production with highly dramatic ups and downs and “blood and guts,” she added.
Davies said she admired Kathy Bates work in the hit film version of “Misery,” which she’s seen once.
Working with Dunes Summer Arts Theatre on this show, Davies said, is a real honor.
She said she wanted to give a “shoutout” to her “Misery” costar Giese, as well as director Hancock who are both terrific to work with.
Davies, who has been retired from television broadcasting for the past five years, lives in southwestern Michigan. She is heavily involved in the arts and theatrical community and serves as board chair for Acorn Center for The Performing Arts in Three Oaks, Michigan.
Throughout her career, Davies was a TV journalist in Chicago, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. She spent 37 years as a reporter, host and executive producer at ABC-7 Chicago.
Davies said she entered the field of broadcast journalism when she was in her twenties.
“There weren’t a lot of women in it (then) and I didn’t have a lot of competition.”
Davies said she’s enjoying her stage stint at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre and wouldn’t mind doing future work with the organization.
FYI: “Misery” continues through June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City. Tickets range from $30 to $35. Visit dunearts.org.
Cover photo: Kevin Giese and Janet Davies are pictured in a scene from “Misery.” Photo by Tony V. Martin
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.
Fans of Shakespeare’s beloved “Romeo & Juliet” will, no doubt, be fascinated by one of the shows currently playing in Chicago.
The musical “& Juliet” takes the bard”s popular tragedy and rewrites the story as an energetic comedic production with a soaring soundtrack featuring contemporary pop tunes by Max Martin.
This jukebox musical offers a fascinating look at what happens if Juliet doesn’t kill herself after Romeo dies. There are many twists and turns in this production which also features creative choreography.
Among actors offering strong performances are Rachel Simone Webb as Juliet, Corey Mach as Shakespeare, Teal Wicks as Anne, Paul Jordan Jansen as Lance and Nick Drake as May.
Anyone who grew up being a fan of the pop hits written by Max Martin will find that the use of these tunes are woven into the production in a clever way. Tunes made famous by Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and others star.
Among the song highlights are “Larger Than Life,” “I Want It That Way,” “Baby One More Time,” “It’s My Life,” “Roar,” “Stronger” and much more.
Get thee to the theater to see this show.
For more information on “& Juliet,” visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Sidebar: Teal Wicks enjoying Chicago run of ‘& Juliet’
Actor/singer Teal Wicks is thrilled to be starring as Anne Hathaway in the touring production of “& Juliet.”
And being in Chicago for the performance of the show, she said, is wonderful.
“I love Chicago. It’s such a great town,” she said.
“Chicago audiences are very well seasoned. They’re very smart theater goers,” she added.
Wicks said the musical, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2023, is “wrapped in a fun pop” soundtrack with a story which “has a lot of heart.”
The actress said she was drawn to the show after “reading the script,” which she thought was so “clever and funny.”
Wicks said she also fell in love with the character Anne, whom she portrays.
About the Max Martin tunes used in the show, Wicks said it’s such a clever way of weaving them into the script.
She also added the tunes are some of the biggest contemporary hits.
The pop songs, she said, are the true “love language” of today. And that parallels with Shakespeare being the “pop icon” of his time.
Wicks said she’s excited about the fact that “& Juliet” will return to Chicago in 2026. The musical is scheduled to play The Auditorium Theatre July 22 to Aug. 2 in 2026.
Travel/Food is pleased to welcome guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez who will be frequenting contributing to our site. Eloise 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.
Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is ending its U.S. run this weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indy. Starting tomorrow night and running until Sunday, November 3, Swift will be playing three shows with an opening act by Gracie Abrams.
Taylor Swift
To say the city is abuzz would be a huge understatement. Indy has geared up in a big way with events not only for those who can afford the ticket price—a quick look at prices on vividseats.com shows a range from $29,221 to $240,424 with a purchase minimum of 2 to 4.
TICKET OR NOT EXPECT A DINO-MITE/MEGA TIME
But even if the price is too steep, you can still get the ultimate Taylor vibe by visiting Indy this weekend where it’s all things Taylor full time. After all, even the dinosaurs at the Indianpolis Children’s Museum are Swifties, catch them wearing friendship bracelets.
“It’s all about giving everyone a mega experience whether they’re going to a concert or not,” says Clare Clark, Senior Communications Manager for Visit Indy, who estimates that about 200,000 Swifties will travel to Indianapolis.
HERE’S THE LOW DOWN
“Get ready to shake it off and dive into a weekend that’s pure magic!’” reads the press release. “Whether you’re on a quest for friendship bracelets or ready to dance to live music, this city is turning up the volume on all things Taylor. From museum events that will make you feel like you’re in a love story, to trivia games that’ll have you saying, “I remember it all too well,” there’s something for every Swiftie in Indy.”
And indeed there is.
SWIFT CITY SESSIONS, FOOD TRUCKS, SPARK ON MONUMENT CIRCLE, AND MORE
The music never stops in Indy. Throughout downtown, Indy Arts Council will host over 120 local pop-up performances featuring musicians and spoken word artists, at over 13 iconic locations in the city like Bicentennial Unity Plaza, the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Lugar Plaza, Hudnut Commons, and Monument Circle. Plus make & take art stations in the Indianapolis Artsgarden, offering eras-themed crafts like your own eras-themed sunglasses, flower crowns, guitar pics, friendship bracelets, and more.
• A 34-story Taylor Swift decal is installed on the side of the JW Marriott.
• 32 city street signs were renamed in honor of Taylor Swift.
• Welcome signage deployed throughout IND.
• Dino-sized friendship bracelets at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.
INDY IS SERVING SOME SWIFT-INSPIRED SIPS TO GET YOU INTO THE CONCERT SPIRIT
Enjoy Sun King Brewery’s Cherry Limeade Ale, dubbed “1,2,3 Let’s Go B*tch.” This refreshing ale blends cherry and lime flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and tart beverage. With its bright color and crisp taste, it’s ideal for summer sipping or as a fun addition to any gathering.
NO CHAMPAGNE PROBLEMS HERE
Don’t miss the Eras Cider Box at Ash & Elm Cider Co. which is themed ciders and a lively atmosphere celebrating Taylor’s Eras Tour. This collection features a variety of ciders inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Each cider offers a distinct flavor profile, allowing you to explore different tastes while celebrating the Swiftie in all of us.
FOOD TRUCK SCHEDULE: SWIFTIES GOTTA EAT
Monument Circle at SPARK Friday: 12–8 pm Saturday: 12–8 pm Sunday: 12–8 pm
Hudnut Commons on Maryland Street Friday: 12–8 pm Saturday: 12–8 pm Sunday: 12–8 pm
Taylor Swift
MERCH SALES
Not all destinations let those not attending a Swift concert by merchandise, but really it’s like going on vacation and now coming home with a t-shirt. Were you really there? The same questions arises, according to Visit Indy, if you don’t take home merch, did you even go?
Commemorate your Eras Tour experience by loading up on merch in the Indiana Convention Center (Hall I) which is conveniently across the street from Lucas Oil Stadium. Please be patient and expect long lines.
MERCHANDISE OPEN HOURS:
Wednesday: 10 am–8 pm Thursday: 10 am–8 pm Friday: 12–8 pm Saturday: 12–8 pm Sunday: No Merch Sales at Center
GETTING THERE
PARKING NEAR LUCAS OIL STADIUM
Although downtown Indianapolis has over 73,000 parking spots, demand is expected to exceed supply during Taylor Swift’s three-night stop at Lucas Oil Stadium. Luckily, several options are available to reserve parking in advance, ensuring you can enjoy the event without worry.
ParkMobile: 200 N. Illinois St. spots available for $67.20. Parking is between 5 pm and midnight on show days. Download the ParkMobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store. You can also use the app to find day-of parking around downtown Indianapolis.
SpotHero: Spots near Lucas Oil Stadium range from $75 to $100.
Denison Parking: Prices range from $31 (furthest) to $86 (closest).
South St. between Missouri & West St. Between 10 pm–1 am
Lilly Lot at Delaware & South St. Between 10 pm–1 am
NOTE: Demand for Rideshare is expected to exceed capacity. Expect surge charges and long waits.
PARENT PICKUP ZONE
Lilly Lot at Delaware & South St. Between 10 pm–1 am
DROP OFF ZONE
McCarty Street south of LOS
INDYGO
IndyGo, with the rapid transit Red Line and new Purple Line, makes a convenient option to and from the stadium. Check out IndyGo’s guide to Taylor Swift Weekend here.
For more information on all the Swiftie events, click here.
Fans of large scale blockbuster musicals, whether they’re on stage or screen, will want to secure a ticket to a hot show heating up The Windy City’s theater scene.
“Some Like It Hot” is currently gracing the stage at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The musical continues to Nov. 3.
The production, which is set in Chicago during Prohibition, is based on the classic comedic 1959 film “Some Like It Hot” which starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe.
Directed by Academy Award winner Billy Wilder (“Sunset Boulevard” and “Double Indemnity,” the romantic comedy/musical tells the tale of two musicians who are chased down by members of The Mob after they witness a gangster crime. Dressing up as women to join an all-girl band, the musicians flee the city as a variety of crazy antics, impersonations and other mayhem surround them.
The production is a winner on many levels. From the fast-paced humor to the powerful dance numbers and engaging tunes, this show gets a thumbs up for energy and for pure entertainment from start to finish.
Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine and Tavis Cordell as Jerry/Daphne offer strong performances as the musicians on the run. Both are fine comedic actors with dynamic song and dance skills. Also offering a standout performance in the show is Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar.
Among highlighted musical numbers in “Some Like It Hot” are “I’m California Bound,” “Take It Up A Step,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Fly, Mariposa, Fly” and “Tip Tap Trouble.”
Attendees of this show won’t be disappointed. Plan to snap up a ticket before it leaves town.
FYI: “Some Like It Hot” runs to Nov. 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $30 to $125. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Sidebar headline: Spotlight on Matt Loehr of “Some Like It Hot”
Actor Matt Loehr has been enjoying his work in the touring production of “Some Like It Hot.” The show continues to Nov. 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.
“It’s an absolute dream come true,” Loehr said, about his role as Joe/Josephine in the musical.
In the role, Loehr has the opportunity to show off his acting, singing and dancing skills.
“It’s a job that has everything. And I’m a performer in musical theater who likes to do everything, Loehr said about the triple threats of acting, singing and dancing.
The role, which is a highly physical one, he said, can be “a lot on the body and the brain.”
Loehr said he saw the classic film “Some Like It Hot” for the first time in his twenties and then “rewatched” it prior to auditioning for the live production.
The actor, who said he grew listening to all types of music, has long been interested in the entertainment field and is “grateful” to be working in the industry.
Loehr hopes audience members are truly entertained by the show and can leave their lives behind for a few hours and “have a good time.”
Travel/Food is pleased to welcome guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez who will be frequenting contributing to our site. Eloise 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.
Running now through January 7, 2024, Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden (located in Glencoe, Chicago’s North Shore) returns for its fifth season with an illuminated outdoor trail dazzling with brand new installations from around the world and beloved returning favorites such as the Winter Cathedral and a reimagined version of the Fire Garden.New works from international artists include Lilies, from UK artist Jigantics (illuminated 5-foot lilies float elegantly on water, providing a mesmerizing view from the bridge above and igniting a sense of warmth and excitement), Night Lights, from French artist TILT (delicate lamp-shaped lights that extend nearly 19 feet high amplify a cozy atmosphere with a display of soft ambient colors) and Sea of Light, from UK artist Ithaca (thousands of individually controlled balls of LED light make Evening Island sparkle and dance their way to a bespoke soundtrack in multiple patterns and colors). Tickets sell out quickly so it is recommended to book your time and date in advance; advance tickets for adults (non-members) begin at $34 and children (ages 3-12) at $19.
The Christkindlmarket celebrates its 27th season at Daley Plaza, its fifth year at Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville, and its second time at RiverEdge Park in Aurora. This year, Christkindlmarket is introducing its first ceramic beer stein with a holiday-themed design ($20), as well as location-specific $8 souvenir mugs with unique designs at each market (for example: the Chicago mug shows off downtown landmarks like the City Hall building and Daley Plaza’s Picasso sculpture while the Wrigleyville mug shows off Hotel Zachary, the intersection sign of Clark & Addison, and much more.) These mugs are hotly anticipated collector’s items for locals who have turned Christkindlmarket into a holiday tradition since 1996. Modeled after the 16th-century holiday markets in Germany, the free-admission outdoor bazaar is a hub for traditional German fare, delightful warm beverages and handcrafted gifts for purchase, and charming holiday vibes the entire family can enjoy. And now in its third year, another popular favorite is back – the annual Christkindlmarkt ornament, hand-painted and glass blown in Europe, portraying a market scene with holiday elements on its ice blue background ($41 at all info booths).
Admission to the market is free but food, beverages, and handcrafted gifts all must be purchased. All markets open on November 17; Aurora and Chicago locations close on December 24 and Wrigleyville on December 31.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry (running through January 7, 2024) is a beloved annual tradition that began in 1942 with a single tree. Today the Museum features a four-story floor-to-dome Grand Tree, surrounded by more than 50 trees and displays decorated by volunteers to represent holiday traditions from cultures around the world.
This year the museum will also be celebrating the wonders of snow, with an exhibition in the Lower Court featuring intricate photographs of snowflakes taken by Caltech physicist Ken Libbrecht.
Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum (Though January 6, 2024) invites visitors to celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape. Journey along a 1-mile paved walking path (that is fully ADA compliant for guests with limited mobility), amid festive music and lighting effects, explore exciting new features and immersive installations. Afterwards, warm up by a cracking fire and roast marshmallows for s’mores, or stop in one of the concession tents for a snack and beverage. Ginkgo Restaurant in the Visitor Center will serve dinner guests view the display’s finale on Meadow Lake. The Arboretum Store will also be open for holiday shopping; gifts include a special temperature-activated, color-changing ceramic mug that will be available for purchase during all Illumination dates. Tickets start at $28 per person for nonmembers.
People ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Plaza Ice Rink in Chicago’s Millennium Park; December 2021.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park offers ice skating all winter, through March, weather permitting. Admission is free, but online reservations are required and skate rentals are available. You’ll be surrounded by the downtown skyline, with magical Christmas lights from the City of Chicago Christmas tree reflected in ‘The Bean’ / Cloud Gate sculpture. OR, head over to Maggie Daley Park, right next to Millennium Park, to the picturesque Skating Ribbon that meanders around snow-dusted pine trees and whimsical play spaces. The path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink.
The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle (November 24 – December 31, 2023) at Lighthouse Artspace Chicago brings cutting-edge technology to meet the artistry of ballet dancers. This mesmerizing 30-minute immersive experience, set to Tchailkovsky’s music, weaves the classic tale of Marie and her toy nutcracker. Join them, on their magical adventure through the Land of Sweets, brought to life by renowned ballet dancers and innovative projection mapping technology. Pricing begins at $29.99 per person.
While you’re here… Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago is bringing a new pop-up bar experience, Bar Humbug, to reign in the holiday season. The ArtSpace will be transformed into a winter wonderland with wall-to-wall holiday scenes. A lot like traditional German beer halls, there will be long tables and plush banquettes for groups to gather. Bar Humbug will present live musicians and DJs playing the holiday classics. Guests must be 21 to enter.
ZooLights Presented by ComEd and Invesco QQQ will include new and exciting LED light displays, photo ops, and interactive programming including a never-before-seen garden-themed light show on the zoo’s South Lawn. Festive photo ops will dot the zoo, as well as costumed characters and Victorian carolers on select nights. Food and beverages including festive cocktails and hot cocoa will be available at Edie Levy’s Landmark Café. Snowy’s Sprits & S’more and various snack stations around the zoo. Check the calendar for special events such as sensory-friendly nights, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration, and adults-only evenings. General admission ZooLights tickets are $7 per person. Tickets on Fridays, Saturdays, Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 22), and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) are $10 per person. As part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, general admission is FREE on Mondays. Ticket sales from ZooLights directly support the zoo’s world-class animal care, global conservation efforts, and innovative learning programs and help keep the zoo free to the public 365 days a year. ZooLights will run through January 7, 2024.
For more information on Chicago holiday happenings, visit Choose Chicago.
We may be in the midst of prime summertime, and there’s still fall and the whole holiday season ahead, but we’re getting ready and counting the days to one of the most exciting cultural events in the country. Yes, you guessed it. Mardi Gras, the iconic Carnival celebration, is just six months away and thus it’s not too early to mark your calendars and make your plans for this incredible, weeks-long event filled with music, parades, costumes and the true spirit of the South.
In 2023, Mardi Gras lands on February 13.
We wanted to get the word out before your inboxes are completely full of haunts, harvests and holidays … because we feel compelled to remind you that all the fun of Mardi Gras extends well beyond New Orleans. We represent six destinations along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Louisiana, all of which have a story-worthy (and family-friendly!) Mardi Gras celebration just waiting to be shared with you. (Please note that these websites will be updated with details in the coming months, so keep referring back to them as you work on stories.)
Alabama
Mobile, Alabama(the true home of America’s first Mardi Gras!)
