Recent Articles
They Made Art the Old-Fashioned Way – They Urned It…
By Wes Hessel Greektown Chicago, in conjunction with the Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation, has begun a display of new takes on those classic pieces of amphorae, Greek urns. 31 (no, Baskin-Robbins is not a sponsor) of these creations by local artists, as well as student groups from high schools and Greek instructional institutions, were debuted […]
“Marvelous…” – That’s What Oil Lamp Theater Is
By Cate Rees-Hessel Once again, Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview brings us a fabulous production; “The Marvelous Wonderettes” is a fun, insightful, and campy show. It reminded me just a bit of the play “Vanities”, but with an uplifting and empowering happy ending. I love the very encouraging sisterhood played out on the stage. The […]
“The Search is Over” for the Best New Musical of 2025…
By Cate Rees-Hessel “Always Something There…” is the best new musical of the 2025 season. Set in the year 1989 (one of my favorite times), this upbeat production is extremely well crafted – I love traveling back to this wild and crazy decade. I had big hair and sequin Madonna boots, met my future husband, […]
“Always” Shines with Empowerment
By Cate Rees-Hessel Drury Lane’s “Always…Patsy Cline” is one of the best productions I have ever seen. The rapport between the two women is heartfelt and sincere; this story is beautiful, the sisterhood between the ladies is empowering. They hit it off straight away, a fan becoming a true friend and penpal. The relationship between […]
“That’s What Friends Are For”
By Cate Rees-Hessel Just when you think Jackie Taylor’s Black Ensemble Theater can’t bring another show stopper to the stage, they do just that. “That’s What Friends Are For” is absolutely fabulous. The story of a Vegas reunion concert by the grand dames of music, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, and Patti LaBelle, this original work […]
“The Terminator” in Concert Friday Night at Auditorium
By Wes Hessel Just as “The Arnold” promised in the original movie, he’s back, only this time the 1984 film will be accompanied by the Chicago Philharmonic, playing the movie’s classic score live. Yes, it’s Friday, the 13th of June at 7:30 pm, but this is a lucky opportunity, the latest installment in the extremely […]
“42 Balloons” Rise to the Top
By Cate Rees-Hessel Balloons are a marvelous way to start the summer season, so how about 42 of them? Chicago Shakespeare’s stellar production of “42 Balloons” is a very high energy tale that tells the poignant true story of “Lawn Chair Larry” and his dream of piloting into the air. This musical honors his memory […]
June 2025 @ the Franklin Park Library
Franklin Park Public Library District We are located at 10311 Grand Avenue in Franklin Park, IL and offer a range of services and programs for children, teens and adults. Further information is available at www.fppld.org or by calling 847-455-6016. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required for ALL library programs. Hours of Service:Monday-Wednesday 9:00 AM – […]
“Iraq, But Funny” Pleases Audience
By Cate Rees-Hessel with Flo Mano Once again, Tony award winning Lookingglass Theatre brings us the very finest in thought-provoking entertainment, the world premiere of “Iraq, But Funny”. As a part-Iraqi woman, I can certainly appreciate the fast-paced dynamics of this wonderful play; a great comedy, with something for everyone. Five generations of women dealing […]
In “Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues”, Stories Speak
By Cate Rees-Hessel American Blues’ stellar production of the Chicago premiere of Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues tells the poignant story of an unlikely friendship between an old vaudeville performer and a teenage boy. They end together because of uncontrollable circumstances. but build a piquant relationship that makes for a a very moving story. The play […]
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