Stories by marc vitali

(Credit: HMS Media and Chicago Shakespeare)

‘Shakespeare in Love’ Bridges Gap from Film to Stage

It’s not often that an Oscar winner for best picture gets translated to the stage. “Shakespeare in Love” is getting its U.S. premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

(Courtesy of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment)

The Gift of ‘Seinfeld’ That Just Won’t Quit

Local author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong on the cultural impact of the TV show “Seinfeld.”

Celebrating 30 Years of Art at a Chicago Museum Without Borders

Contemporary art with Mexican roots: Celebrating 30 years at Chicago’s National Museum of Mexican Art.

(© Sabine Weiss / Courtesy Stephen Daiter Gallery, Chicago)

Photographer Sabine Weiss, 92, ‘Very Pleased’ With Life’s Work

Chicago Tonight meets a celebrated photographer who captured the human condition with her camera.

Lisa O’Hare and Richard Grant (Courtesy of Lyric Opera)

‘My Fair Lady’ Brings Lerner and Loewe to Lyric Opera

From “Downton Abbey” to “My Fair Lady,” a conversation with the stars of Lyric Opera’s spring musical.

(Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer on ‘Heaviest’ Photo He Ever Made

The Chicago Tribune just won its first Pulitzer Prize for feature photography. We talk with Jason Wambsgans, who was awarded the prize.

Tracy Letts Talks New Play ‘Linda Vista’ at Steppenwolf

The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning artist talks about his new adult comedy on stage at Steppenwolf, Chicago’s theater scene and more.

(© Sabine Weiss / Courtesy Stephen Daiter Gallery, Chicago)

Photographer Sabine Weiss, 92, ‘Very Pleased’ With Life’s Work

Chicago Tonight meets a celebrated photographer who captured the human condition with her camera.

From the exhibition “Kings and Queens: Pinball, Imagists and Chicago.” (James Prinz / Elmhurst Art Museum)

Pinball Meets Paschke in ‘Kings and Queens’ Exhibition

Pinball machines and Ed Paschke paintings go side by side as a suburban museum becomes an artful arcade.

Rob Rapley

Exploring ‘The Great War’ on PBS

Meet one of the filmmakers behind a new “American Experience” series about the United States’ entry into World War I.

Singer Liz Callaway Returns to Chicago

She made her Broadway debut in Stephen Sondheim’s “Merrily We Roll Along” in 1981. Liz Callaway joins us in conversation and performance.

David Schwimmer on ‘Beyond Caring’ at Lookingglass

Actor David Schwimmer talks television, movies and the new play he brought to Lookingglass Theatre.

Malcolm X College door painting by Eugene Eda Wade. (Photo by Lee Bey)

Monumental Exhibitions Open Doors to Chicago History

Two shows at the Chicago Cultural Center open doors to a local arts movement from 50 years ago.

James McNeill Whistler. “Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1 (Portrait of the Artist's Mother),” 1871. Musée d'Orsay, Paris, RF 699. © RMN-Grand Palais / Art Resource, NY.

The Surprising Story Behind ‘Whistler’s Mother’

We visit the Art Institute of Chicago to find out more about the 19th century oil painting “Arrangement in Grey and Black, Number One” – commonly known as “Whistler’s Mother.” 

Jun Fujita (Courtesy of Graham and Pamela Lee)

Remembering a Forgotten Photographer of Chicago History

One hundred years ago he took unforgettable photos of Chicago in turbulent times. Exploring the life of Jun Fujita, a Japanese immigrant who captured city history.

A meltwater river formed by glacier melt in Greenland. (James Balog / Museum of Science and Industry)

‘Extreme Ice’ at MSI Takes Dramatic Look at Climate Change

The changing face of glaciers around the world is the topic of a new exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry.

“Armor for Man and Horse,” about 1520 with modern costume. South German, Nuremberg. The Art Institute of Chicago, George F. Harding Collection.

Art Institute Expands Display of Arms, Armor and Medieval Art

The Art Institute of Chicago unveils new galleries of medieval and Renaissance art – including the re-installation of the popular arms and armor collection. We get a sneak peek.

Chicago Singer Bethany Thomas Releases ‘First’ EP

Next week, the Jeff Award-winning actress and singer releases her first recording, called “First.” She joins us in performance and discussion.

From the exhibition “Kings and Queens: Pinball, Imagists and Chicago.” (James Prinz / Elmhurst Art Museum)

Pinball Meets Paschke in ‘Kings and Queens’ Exhibition

Pinball machines and Ed Paschke paintings go side by side as a suburban museum becomes an artful arcade.

Revolutionary Dance of Merce Cunningham in the Spotlight at MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago joined forces with the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis for a dual exhibition about an artist of dance who worked with celebrated artists of other disciplines.

Malcolm X College door painting by Eugene Eda Wade. (Photo by Lee Bey)

Monumental Exhibitions Open Doors to Chicago History

Two new shows at the Chicago Cultural Center open doors to a local arts movement from 50 years ago.

Spring 2016 at the Chicago Botanic Garden (Courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden)

Eliza Fournier: How to Garden When the Weather Gets Weird

The master gardener joins us to share some gardening tips for warm winter weather.

Paul-Jordan Jansen and Bri Sudia in Paramount Theatre’s “Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” (Liz Lauren / Paramount Theatre)

Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘Sweeney Todd,’ ‘Uncle Vanya,’ ‘Game Changers,’ More

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora is serving up a gothic new staging of the Stephen Sondheim hit “Sweeney Todd.” We discuss that show and other new productions, with the Chicago Sun-Times dance and theater critic.

Maya Angelou in a scene from the documentary “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise.”

Documentary Explores Life of Legendary Writer Maya Angelou

The moving and powerful life of Maya Angelou: A new film explores the many facets of the acclaimed poet and writer.

Merce Cunningham, 2008. (Cameron Wittig, courtesy of Walker Art Center, Minneapolis)

Revolutionary Dance of Merce Cunningham in the Spotlight at MCA

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago joined forces with the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis for a dual exhibition about an artist of dance who worked with celebrated artists of other disciplines.

(Courtesy of Donna Seaman)

New Book ‘Identity Unknown’ Rediscovers Women in the Art World

Among America’s female artists, Georgia O’Keeffe gets much of the attention. But there are many other worthy – but lesser-known – female artists.