It’s not too late to celebrate the Spooky Season by visiting one of the Black Lagoon Halloween pop-ups. The highly acclaimed Halloween pop-up features hauntingly new & delicious cocktails such as Griselda’s Revenge–a tropical, herbaceous cooler fit for a swamp queen–and theNocturna Colada, which is the piña colada of your darkest dreams.
Find the Black Lagoon venue nearest you by visiting Black Lagoon Pop-Up. And for those who live in Phoenix, the Pop-up runs until November 3rd at Sunny’s, located at 2701 E. Indian School Road. You don’t have to wear a costume but why not?
The venues all have immersive atmospheres along with brand-new cocktail menu, created by bar industry luminaries Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage.
This year’s lineup With Black Lagoon’s unique blend of spooky ambience and expertly crafted drinks, it’s an event that’s not to be missed.
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.
Black Lagoon, the award-winning Halloween pop-up celebration from industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage, has revealed its full cocktail lineup and official spirit partners for the 2025 season. Now in its fifth year, the darkly imaginative bar takeover expands to 38 cities across North America this October, offering fans more sinister sips and haunted thrills than ever before.
Conceived in 2019 at The Dungeon, a cult-favorite dive bar in New Orleans, founders Hayes and Ramage knew they were onto something wickedly unique and deliciously dark. Black Lagoon officially launched its first bar pop-up in 2021. Five years later, it has now cast its veil of darkness over major cities throughout the U.S. and Canada, expanding to 38 locations for the 2025 season.
“We wanted this year’s cocktails to push the boundaries of spooky creativity while also being approachable, fun and above all, delicious,” says co-founder Erin Hayes. “It’s important to us that every drink feels like an experience, whether you’re sipping tequila, rum, or even a zero-proof cocktail.”
This year’s cocktail menu features spine-chilling originals including:
Death’s Door (non-alcoholic): Spirit-free alternative, Giffard Pineapple, miso falernum, lime, soda
Black Lagoon’s 2025 cocktails are powered by Lalo Tequila, Fords Gin, Kraken Rum (Gold & Black), Mr Black Cold Brew Liqueur, Giffard Liqueurs, Lustau Sherry/Vermouth, and Bitter Queens, with Canadian partners including Absolut Vodka, and Lot 40 Rye.
“Partnering with some of the most exciting spirit brands out there makes the magic possible,” adds co-founder Kelsey Ramage. “Each sponsor brings a unique character that fits right into the Black Lagoon universe and flavors we bring to life each year.”
For its fifth season, Black Lagoon continues its reign as North America’s premier Halloween bar pop-up, transforming the following cities and venues, with dates varying by location:
Guests will step into eerie, immersive worlds where haunted house-inspired décor comes to life—think skulls, coffins, and macabre details that embrace goth, horror, and the spirit of Halloween across every city. To explore the nightmarish world of Black Lagoon this Halloween season, please visit www.blacklagoonpopup.com and follow along on Instagram at @blacklagoonpopup.
About Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is an immersive Halloween bar pop-up where mixology meets the macabre. Created by industry veterans Kelsey Ramage and Erin Hayes, Black Lagoon helps cocktail bars present a dark celebration for those who revel in the mysterious and bizarre, where guests can transport themselves to a world that blurs that line between reality and the supernatural. Black Lagoon was named Canada’s Best Pop-Up Bar by Canada’s 100 Best in 2022.
Ready for a new take on lunch? Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood at Somerset Viceroy Chicago or opt for the sophisticated artistry of modern Japanese cuisine in the West Loop at Nobu Chicago. Our suggestion? Try both.
The Somerset Burger. Photo credit Viceroy Chicago.
Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, Viceroy Chicago’s signature restaurant, Somerset, embodies the motto of “Bright Flavors & Gold Coast Glamour.” The menu blends old-world Mediterranean traditions with a fresh, modern edge, creating a perfect atmosphere for a business lunch or a social outing.
Beet Salad. Photo credit Viceroy Chicago.
Guests can experience the “dance of zesty harissa, smoky zaatar, and the earthy warmth of pistachio and dukkah” through a variety of shareable plates and composed dishes. Those looking for a more substantial lunch can opt for the acclaimed Somerset Burger, layered with chermoula aioli and caramelized onion, or the Crispy Pork Milanese topped with fresh arugula and parmesan. Other midday favorites include Crispy Brussels Sprouts with pumpkin seed pesto or a bubbling Lobster Mac crowned with chili crumb.
Photo credit Viceroy Chicago.
With its elegant, light-filled dining room and spacious patio overlooking State Street, Somerset offers a stylish yet relaxed setting that works as both a place for a power lunch or an afternoon escape. Paired with curated wines and inventive cocktails, Somerset transforms every midday meal into a vibrant celebration of flavor, culture, and connection. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m to 3 p.m.
Nobu Chicago Bar Lounge. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
For a truly elevated midday experience, Nobu Chicago offers a Prix Fixe Lunch Menu available weekdays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. For a set price of $40, guests can embark on a three-course culinary journey, selecting from signature Nobu favorites like Yellowtail Jalapeño or Tuna Sashimi Salad for the cold course, followed by a hot dish such as Rock Shrimp Tempura Creamy Spicy or Wagyu Sliders. Complete the experience with a decadent dessert like the Whisky Cappuccino.
Rock Shrimp Tempura at Nobu Chicago. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
Beyond the prix fixe, the full lunch menu presents a wide range of options for every palate. Guests can indulge in renowned dishes like the Black Cod with Miso or explore the extensive sushi and sashimi selection, including specialties like Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna.
Nobu Chicago Sushi Bar. Photo credit Nobu Chicago.
For a comprehensive tasting, the Signature Bento offers a curated selection of some of Nobu’s most celebrated dishes. In addition to its acclaimed dining, Nobu Chicago’s appeal was highlighted by Travel + Leisure readers, who named it one of the “10 Favorite Hotels in Chicago of 2025” for its prime location for dining and shopping in the Fulton Market District.
Magical moves and a stellar collection of songs are taking the spotlight on stage at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre.
“MJ the Musical” has returned to The Windy City on the First National Tour and is energetically relaying the life story and career of the iconic entertainer Michael Jackson. The show runs through Aug. 24.
Jordan Markus stars as Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.
In this production, which is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon with book by Lynn Nottage, Jackson is seen preparing for his massive 1992 Dangerous tour, which had immense risks and stresses as it was mounted. While he’s rehearsing for the tour, a cameraman and reporter are allowed in to document the making of the tour and to interview Jackson about his work, the inspirations for his music and thoughts about his fame and career.
As the show goes on, the audience journeys to all stages of Jackson’s career from his days as a youngster with the Jackson 5 to his various solo work as well as his relationship with his family and his domineering father.
Pictured is a scene from “MJ the Musical,” currently in Chicago. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Jordan Markus stars as MJ. The dancer/singer proves he’s perfect for the role as he slides artistically across the stage interpreting Jackson’s moves smoothly. Markus’ vocals are dynamic and he definitely does justice to Jackson’s tunes.
Kudos also to Devin Bowles for his strong performance as Joseph Jackson. Bowles also performs as tour director Rob. Among other performers starring in “MJ” are Melvin Gray Jr., Quentin Blanton Jr., Bryce A. Holmes, Erik Hamilton, Brandon Lee Harris, Kristin Stokes, Kevin Cruz, J. Daughtry and others.
Outstanding musical numbers include “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Dancing Machine,” “Thriller,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and “I Want You Back.”
“MJ” is truly the celebration of the music of an entertainment genius.
FYI: “MJ the Musical” continues to Aug.24 at James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $49-$153. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
Top photo: Jordan Markus with “MJ” in the first national tour of “MJ.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.
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.
