Stories by hope holmberg

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Tarell Alvin McCraney, an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre, was the recipient of a $625,000 “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation this year. We revisit our conversation with him. Read an interview.

Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews

Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss reviews new plays at Steppenwolf, Lookingglass, and some unusual holiday shows. Watch web extra video reviews.

Tarell Alvin McCraney

Tarell Alvin McCraney, an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre, was the recipient of a $625,000 “genius grant” from the MacArthur Foundation this year. He joins us. Read an interview.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 12/13 – 12/15

Randolph Street's Holiday Market, an art show in Bucktown, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concert; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 12/6– 12/8

A festive aquatic show, Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier, and holiday shopping at the Merchandise Mart; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 11/28 – 12/1

A Thanksgiving Day Parade, a holiday market, and ice skating at the zoo; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Scientific Chicago with Neil Shubin

Lasers, Robotic Fish & Big Bang Afterglow

What is a robotic razor fish teaching scientists about building better robots? Why are Argonne scientists going down to the South Pole? And how can a tiny laser boost high-speed data transmission? Our science guy, Neil Shubin, has those stories and more research news in this edition of Scientific Chicago. Read an article.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 11/22 – 11/24 


A holiday parade, the Chicago Book Expo, and a Food Film Festival; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

10 Steps for Academic Success

What can parents and caregivers do to prepare middle school students for educational success? WTTW’s list of 10 suggestions includes staying in contact with teachers, knowing your child’s friends, and making attendance and punctuality a priority. Read an article.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 11/15 – 11/17

An exhibit at the Art Institute that celebrates food, an acoustic music festival, and ice skating at Millennium Park; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

The 25,000 Mile Love Story

The director and star of an adventurous documentary join us to recount the five-year trip that traversed six continents and 37 countries. Athlete Serge Roetheli and filmmaker John Davies discuss The 25,000 Mile Love Story, a film that details the impossible journey of one endurance athlete’s desire to help children throughout the world. Watch video footage from their journey and read an interview with a producer and editor of the film.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 11/8 – 11/10

Lord of the Flies at Steppenwolf Theatre, a fiber art event at Chicago Botanic Garden, and The Rascals reunite for a concert; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Hedy Weiss: Theater Reviews

Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss joins us to review shows currently on Chicago area stages. Learn more about the plays, and watch Hedy's web extra video review.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 11/1 – 11/3

Orpheus and Euridice at the Eckhart Park Pool, a winter farmers’ market, and an art exposition at Navy Pier; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Paul Natkin

Chicago’s premier rock and roll photographer talks about 37 years of incredible access to the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and everybody who’s anybody in popular music. We revisit a conversation with Paul Natkin in his home studio, and on assignment shooting the Chicago Blues Fest. Read a Q&A, view a slideshow, and watch a web-extra video.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 10/25 – 10/27

 A Halloween Celebration at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Bill T. Jones at Columbia College, and an exhibit about the 1893 World’s Fair at The Field Museum; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Stanley Tigerman appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Oct. 24, 2013.

Stanley Tigerman to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Architect Stanley Tigerman has been a self-described outsider since he began his career in the 1950s. He joins us to talk about his decadeslong career.

Bill T. Jones

Two-time Tony Award winner, MacArthur genius, and maverick of modern dance Bill T. Jones joins us for a conversation about storytelling through movement and music. Read an interview and watch a web extra video clip.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 10/18 -10/20

Once at the Oriental Theatre, a 3-D film about “space junk” and lots of desserts at Navy Pier; Chicago Tonight knows what’s going on this weekend.

Defying "Gravity"

The movie Gravity, starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, has become a runaway box office hit and critical success. And while it’s been hailed for its groundbreaking technical accomplishments, how realistic is it? We hear from some Adler Planetarium astronomers about what they thought of the scientific aspects of the film. Read an Q & A.

Web Extra: Sting’s “The Last Ship”

On Friday, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Sting introduced his new musical, The Last Ship, at Broadway Playhouse in Chicago. The musical, which will open on Broadway in 2014, is a story inspired by Sting’s own childhood experience in a shipyard town in England. Watch Sting perform a song from the musical, view a slideshow, and read a blog about the event.

Weekend Events Around the Town: 10/11 -10/13

A Civil War exhibit, food trucks, and the Chicago Marathon; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Nely Galán Inspires Latinas with Adelante Movement

Television producer, inspirational speaker and founder of The Adelante Movement Nely Galán hosts her national tour in Chicago this weekend. The Adelante Movement seeks to unite and empower women economically. The event will feature inspirational speakers, business workshops, networking sessions, and personal and financial business advice. Read an interview.

Joan Allen

We talk with Academy Award nominee Joan Allen about her latest performance in The Wheel at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a play about what happens to hope and human nature in times of war. Read an interview and watch web extra videos.

Weekend Events Around Town: 10/4 -10/6

Model cars, a Fall Bulb Festival, and treasures created by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Driehaus Museum. Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

"Old Jews Telling Jokes"

Old Jews Telling Jokes is an onstage celebration of Jewish humor. We speak with Saturday Night Live alum Tim Kazurinsky and actress Dara Cameron about the hit comedy that makes its Chicago debut at The Royal George Theatre this week. Watch online skits and read an interview.