The stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yardis currently set as a tennis court. And on that court the impactful story of tennis legend Billie Jean King is being played out.
“Billie Jean,” which is a world premiere production, continues through Aug. 10 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The play was written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Marc Bruni. “Billie Jean” was produced and developed in collaboration with Harriet Newman Leve, Stephanie Sandberg, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner.
The show relays the story of King as she goes from a young girl pursuing her dreams to the woman who becomes not only a champion of the game of tennis but a champion for equality on all levels, specifically with women’s rights on the sports field and in business.
Giving powerful performances are Chilina Kennedy as Billie Jean King and Dan Amboyer as her husband Larry King. Also starring in the cast are Julia Antonelli, Elena Hurst, Courtney Rikki Green, Wynn Harmon, Carolyn Holding, Jurgen Hooper, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Lenne Klingaman, Nancy Lemenager and Murphy Taylor Smith.
“Billie Jean” has no lulls and definitely keeps an audience’s attention.
About the show, playwright Gunderson says, “CST is the perfect place to launch this new play about Billie Jean King, her activism, and her ongoing impact on the world. Her story is a hero’s journey, and the house of Shakespeare’s heroes is a fitting home for this theatrical debut about excellence, equality, and heart.”
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 world.
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.
Fairbanks, Alaska, is a land of captivating contrasts, offering truly unforgettable experiences. Chase the aurora borealis, celebrate the summer solstice under 24 hours of daylight, and explore the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Discover 25 compelling reasons to visit Fairbanks in 2025, from relaxing in a natural hot spring to embarking on epic dog mushing adventures and much more.
1. Mesmerizing Northern Lights Watch in awe as the northern lights dance across Fairbanks’ clear, dark skies. From August 21 to April 21, during Aurora Season, this natural phenomenon creates an unforgettable experience. Fairbanks’ location under the Auroral Oval offers prime viewing opportunities, making it a world-renowned destination for aurora seekers.
2. Amazing Alaska Native Events Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of Alaska Native peoples. Participate in cultural events, witness traditional dances, and learn about the unique heritage of Interior Alaska’s first inhabitants.
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16. Endless Daylight Experience the magic of Midnight Sun Season, when the sun barely dips below the horizon. For 70 straight days between mid-May and late July, the skies in Fairbanks don’t truly get dark. Take advantage of the extended days to explore, adventure, and soak up the midnight sun.
17. A New Home for Alaska’s Transportation History The Fountainhead Transportation Museum, opening in fall 2025, is a state-of-the-art museum celebrating Alaska’s history of innovation with over 135 vintage cars, rare aircraft, and cultural treasures. Explore immersive exhibits and stunning restorations in a must-see destination for history and transportation enthusiasts that will combine the existing Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum and Pioneer Air Museum into one new location.
18. Festivals, Fairs and Events Galore Fairbanks is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from rousing street fairs that take over downtown to week-long celebrations and everything in between. Experience the vibrant community spirit and enjoy a variety of entertainment.
19. Unforgettable Adventures to Denali Fairbanks serves as the basecamp to Denali National Park. Enjoy ranger-led programs, hiking trails for all skill levels and scenic bus tours into the heart of the park. Witness the grandeur of Denali and immerse yourself in the pristine Alaskan wilderness.
20. Pristine Waterways for Fishing and Floating Explore the clear waters of local rivers and lakes. Dip a line for fishing in the summer or ice fishing in the winter. Take a scenic riverboat trip, a leisurely float or paddle a kayak and immerse yourself in the natural beauty.
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22. Beautiful Flora and Fauna Discover the diverse plant and animal life of Interior Alaska. Observe wildlife such as moose, caribou and cranes, and explore the ecosystems of the boreal forest and tundra. Explore the stunning variety of plants and flowers at a local botanical garden.
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24. A Tranquil Refuge on the Edge of Town Wander trails through forests and wetlands at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Located just minutes from downtown, stroll through the boreal forest while keeping an eye out for migratory birds and other local wildlife in their natural habitat.
25. Robust Performing Arts Scene Enjoy a variety of performances, from theater productions to musical concerts. Performing arts venues in Fairbanks range from traditional theaters and concert halls to an open-air venue in a meadow and everything in between.
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Special exhibitions include Gerhard Richter at 90 with selections by the artist and Bernardo Bellotto, at 300, with his extraordinary cityscapes. Dresden also celebrates the father of its classical music lineage: Heinrich Schütz.
Baroque Spendor
Restored now to its original baroque splendor, Dresden’s gleaming buildings, including the Royal Palace, the cathedral, the opera, the Brühlsche Terrasse among others, along the banks of the Elbe are a sight to behold. And, inside these buildings are arguably some of the world’s finest treasures. There are many exhibitions in 2022 and Dresden artists, Gerhard Richter and Bernardo Bellotto, lead the way.
Starting off the year with a contemporary flare, is the Gerhard Richter exhibition celebrating the 90th birthday of this special Dresden citizen. Not only was Richter born in Dresden but he also has a special professional connection to the city as his archive is housed at the Dresden State Art Collections. The exhibition, “GERHARD RICHTER. Portraits. Glass. Abstractions” will run from February 5 to May 1 in three rooms of the upper floor of the Albertinum, also a part of the Dresden State Art Collections. Richter picked the pieces for the exhibition from his private collection as well as from the archive while additional of his works are lent by other international institutions.
Bernardo Bellotto’s 300th Birthday
Next up is the exhibition on Bernardo Bellotto, the nephew of the Canaletto, and often referred to as Canaletto the Younger or also just Canaletto. His 300th birthday is an enormous cause célèbre in the Elbe city as he painted extraordinary landscapes that depicted Dresden as it was in its golden age in the mid1700s.
From May 21 to August 28, the Dresden State Art Collections will be showing the exhibition “Enchantingly Real: Bernardo Bellotto at the Court of Saxony” where there will be paintings from the Dresden State Art Collections as well as from other institutions. Bellotto became famous as the court painter for the elector of Saxony, Frederick Augustus II. His famous works are breath- taking depictions of the city and its environs, most measuring over eight feet in width. Dresden and the nearby Pirna will be celebrating the anniversary especially during the Dresden City Festival from August 19 to 21.
Dresden: Musical City
Dresden is also a musical city and one of the most important musicians in setting this foundation is Heinrich Schütz, the royal organist and music director of the Royal Palace in the mid1600s. His work will be celebrated and played at the ‘Barock.Musik.Fest’ from May 2 to May 8 in the Royal Palace as well as from October 7 to 17 during the eponymous festival dedicated to the musician. Schütz is known for writing vocal solos, duets and choir works with and without instruments. He was strongly influenced by Italian composers of the time and yet created a strong German choral tradition that is still lively in the city today.
German Hygiene Museum Dresden
A daring exhibition will take place at the German Hygiene Museum Dresden from April 2, 2022 to January 2, 2023: ‘Artful Intelligence. Machine Learning Human Dreams’ highlights the extent that artificial intelligence can be used in our lives even in such intimate topics about how to realize whether a person is lying, even to him or herself, and what criteria AI is using to make decisions.
Pillnitz Castle
“Plant Fever” is a multifaceted exhibition that will be displayed in Pillnitz Castle, the erstwhile summer palace of Augustus the Strong. Pillnitz is only 20 minutes from Dresden by a very pleasant river boat ride that will take you past beautiful villas and palaces from the 1700s. Designers, scientists, technology experts and plant enthusiasts will be interested in this project that will showcase 50 international projects from April 29 to November 6.
Meissen Porcelain
Blick auf die Albrechtsburg / Dom zu Meißen. Foto Tommy Halfter (DML-BY) // View of Albrechtsburg Castle / Meissen Cathedral! Photo: Tommy Halfter (DML-BY)
Close by will be the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory and showroom with some of the most beautiful porcelain pieces in the world. A special exhibition, called “Johann,” after Johann Boettger, the alchemist who was after gold but ended up with porcelain, or white gold, will be located in the Albrechtsburg (fortress close to the manufactory) for people interested in international and contemporary porcelain. It will run from April 16 to July 2022.
Celebrate the Outdoors
If you are planning a trip to Dresden for spring and summer especially, Dresden has many outdoor cultural events, including film nights on the banks of the Elbe, daily classes at the Japanese Palace, walking and bicycle tours throughout the city and the region. One special way to enjoy and experience the Elbe region is to ride along the Elbe Wine Road from Pirna to Dirnbar-Seusslitz. August 27 and 28 and September 23 and 25 are the local wine festivals in Radebeul and Meissen respectively. Although it is technically Germany’s smallest and most northern wine region, the wines are popular while the landscape and wineries are beautiful places to visit and enjoy a meal.
Dramatic History Comes Alive
Foto: Michael R. Hennig (DML-BY)
In the past year, two excellent permanent exhibitions, the “Zwinger Xperience,” and the “Festung Xperience,” were created to make Dresden’s dramatic history come alive. These 3-D presentations show battles, art, and the people of Dresden’s past. You stand inside Dresden’s fortress underground and in the Zwinger Museum while images and films are projected against the walls and tell deeds of conquests, battles and romance.
State Arts Collection Dresden
Die Prager Straße Dresden. Foto: Tommy Halfter (DML-BY)
There are a number of other exhibitions at the State Art Collections Dresden as well as in the region that are worth visiting throughout the year. Dresden is a cultural jewel on the Elbe so make sure when you come to arrange for walking tours to see the architectures and the landscapes as well as to secure tickets for the museums and the collections. You will be overjoyed at the cultural wealth at every corner at all times of the day.
Foto: Michael R. Hennig
For further information, please contact Victoria Larson, USA Press Representative, State Tourist Board of Saxony at Victoria@vklarsoncommunications.com
