Stories by dan andries

The cast of “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre. (Photo: Liz Lauren)

‘A Christmas Carol’ at Goodman Theatre Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The Goodman Theatre marks its 40th year of presenting the holiday classic with some new actors, some new interpretations and new ways to bring in audiences.  

Floating Museum Begins its 3-Month Journey Up the Chicago River

There’s a new floating attraction along Chicago’s Riverwalk. We go for a look.

A Walk in the Woods? Try a Flying Leap at New Zip Line Course

There's something new to do in the Forest Preserves of Cook County, but it will test the upper body strength of anyone brave enough to try it–and it might put a dent in your pocketbook.

Chef Rick Bayless Talks Mexican Wine, New Restaurant and Recipes

Chef Rick Bayless joins us to talk about the wines of Mexico, his latest restaurant, and new dishes and drinks.

Pinballs from Stern's company are destined for spots across the U.S. and around the world. (Dan Andries / Chicago Tonight)

Pinball Resurgence Keeps Elk Grove Village Factory Humming

An inside look at the world of pinball machines with the president of the world's largest pinball company, Gary Stern. 

Chicago's old main post office. (Brianbobcat / Creative Commons)

Old Main Post Office: Troubled Giant on Brink of Transformation

The building that thousands of cars drive under every day will be turned into commercial office space. Looking at the future of a building that's been empty since 1997. 

Community Activists Share Expectations for Obama Library

The site for the Obama Presidential library has been chosen and now community activists tell us what they expect as the project moves forward.

Cartoonists of the Gilded Age on Display at Driehaus Museum

Revisit the wry cartoons of the turn of the century satirical magazine, Puck.

Jeanne Nolan, the Organic Gardener

Tips for Midsummer Gardens, from Planting to Pruning to Harvesting

The WTTW organic garden is growing at an astonishing pace, with sweet corn towering over the plot and many vegetables ready for the grill. But if your own garden–like ours–is looking a little too lush, not to worry: There are easy ways to tame it, says Jeanne Nolan, the Organic Gardener.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Donald Trump (Trump photo by Michael Vadon / Flickr)

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Poised to be Donald Trump’s Running Mate

It's almost official: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is reportedly going to be Donald Trump's vice presidential running mate. WBEZ fills us in on what it means for Indiana and the nation. 

A Walk in the Woods? Try a Flying Leap at New Zip Line Course

Summer is the time to get outdoors and there's something new to do in the Forest Preserves of Cook County. But it will test the upper body strength of anyone brave enough to try it–and it might put a dent in your pocketbook.

Rick Bayless (Galdones Photography)

Chef Rick Bayless Dishes on Winning Julia Child Award

Chef Rick Bayless prepares a drink, makes a dish and talks about his new restaurants and winning the prestigious Julia Child Award.

Widening the Divide: School Improvements and Racial and Class Inequities

Why does one crowded CPS school look forward to a multimillion-dollar annex while another, just a few blocks away, fears closure for under-enrollment? WBEZ education reporter Becky Vevea fills us in on a troubling trend.

Indian stepwells (Courtesy Victoria Lautman)

Hidden Treasures of India Documented by Chicago-Based Arts Journalist

Arts journalist Victoria Lautman shares the mystery and beauty of India's stepwells, stunning architectural structures hundreds of years old that can be up to 10 stories deep.

Following Lucas Museum Exit, What’s Next for Friends of the Parks?

Now that it’s clear that “Star Wars” creator George Lucas will be taking his project to another state, what of the small nonprofit group that fell the mighty filmmaker and his supporter, Mayor Rahm Emanuel? Friends of the Parks Executive Director Juanita Irizarry joins us.

Waiting on Springfield to Make a Move

A day of special session for the Illinois House and Senate ended with no significant action on a budget agreement. Amanda Vinicky shares details of what’s been happening behind the scenes.

1st Summer Harvest Finds Organic Garden Thriving

We get a tasty sampling of the first harvest of our garden with organic gardener Jeanne Nolan.

What Stunning Brexit Vote Means for US

The Leave votes have carried the day in what has been called the single most important vote in Europe in the past 50 years. A look at the impact of the referendum which is expected to mark the end of Britain's membership in the European Union.

‘Braving It’ Tells Father-Daughter Adventure in Alaskan Wilderness

A father and daughter travel to the far reaches of Alaskan wild and live to write about it in a new book.

The Propeller Group. "The Living Need Light, The Dead Need Music," 2014. (Courtesy the Museum of Contemporary Art)

Relationship Today Between Vietnam, U.S. at Heart of Propeller Group Show

The conflict between the U.S. and Vietnam in the 1970s serves as inspiration for a Vietnamese artist collective that now has a show at the MCA.

Despite Rauner’s Last-Ditch Stopgap Proposal, No Budget

It’s the final day of the spring session for the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, and despite maneuvering on all sides to float a solution, the state still does not have a budget. But that doesn’t mean it’s over. 

Kristen Magee (Gloria), Chris Stack (Sidney Brustein) and Grant James Varjas (David) in "The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window" by Lorraine Hansberry. (Courtesy of Goodman Theatre)

Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window,’ More

The Chicago Sun-Times theater critic reviews four plays that address societal challenges and conflicts, including Goodman Theatre’s revival of the rarely staged second play by “Raisin in the Sun” author Lorraine Hansberry.

US Federal Reserve Expected to Increase Interest Rate

Excitement on Wall Street as a possible interest rate hike approaches. Why some surprises in the U.S. economy have investors and analysts feeling good.

Now On Stage: 'All Our Tragic'

12-Hour Performance to Feature 32 Greek Tragedies

Last summer, Sean Graney, founder of The Hypocrites, debuted All Our Tragic, his lengthy adaptation of every extant Greek tragedy. As the performance returns to the stage, we revisit our story on the 12-hour play.

"Street Smarts: Architect David M. Schwarz"

Geoffrey Baer's latest documentary exploring the career of the winner of the Richard H. Driehaus Prize at the University of Notre Dame is Street Smarts: Architect David M. Schwarz.We get a preview.

‘David Bowie Is’

193,000 visit MCA to see touring exhibition

The touring exhibition on the history, music, fashion, art, legacy, and identity of David Bowie landed in Chicago at the MCA. During its 15-week run, 193,000 people saw "David Bowie Is." We revisit the story.