Stories by marc vitali

‘Hamilton’ Voices Rise at Women’s March on Chicago

Three Schuyler Sisters of Chicago’s “Hamilton” to Speak and Sing on Saturday

“Hamilton” may be the story of the Founding Fathers, but at its core are the Schuyler Sisters. Meet the actors who portray the three sisters in advance of their appearance Saturday at the Women’s March on Chicago.

“Hamilton” dancer Yossi Chaikin. (Chicago Tonight)

‘Hamilton’ Master Class a Special Opportunity at Little Black Pearl

One of the dance captains of “Hamilton” taught a master class at a Chicago school for the arts. We were there to witness the cultural exchange.

Kurt Vonnegut Artwork Finds New Home at Chicago Veterans Museum

We speak with the president of the National Veterans Art Museum about a new exhibition of sketches by the acclaimed author of “Slaughterhouse Five.”

LADZ (John Arsenault and Adrian Gilliland), Eden #31, 2012. (Photo courtesy of the artists)

‘AIDS in America’ Exhibition Responds to Cultural Climate of 1980s

An ambitious new art exhibition looks at the cultural impact of, and creative response to, AIDS in America.

Stitches in Time: Historic Quilts at DuSable Museum

A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.

(J.B. Spector / Museum of Science and Industry)

Wild Things of Author, Artist Maurice Sendak Unleashed at MSI

The author of “Where the Wild Things Are” upended expectations by depicting menace, anxiety and “wild” behavior in picture books devoured by young people. We visit an exhibition highlighting his long career.

‘Art of the Blues’ Compiles Visual Treasury of the Golden Age of Blues

A new book looks at the visual art associated with the blues over the course of its dynamic history. 

Works by George C. Clark: “Self Portrait,” left, and “Vilja.” (Courtesy of George C. Clark)

Longtime Chicago Portrait Artist Focuses on the Face

We meet George C. Clark, a one-time commercial artist in his studio – and at the Cultural Center – for a peek at portraiture, real and imaginary.

Joshua Mhoon

Local Piano Prodigy Takes His Artistry Around the World

Young keyboard sensation Joshua Mhoon joins us in performance and conversation about his studies in Chicago and abroad.

Erwin Helfer, Blues Professor, Pounding Pianos at Age 80

A Chicago master of blues and boogie-woogie piano joins us in conversation and performance.

Dwight Neal (left) and Shari Addison perform in “The Other Cinderella.” (Credit: Michael Courier)

Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘The Hunter and the Bear,’ ‘The Other Cinderella,’ More

With an abundance of theatrical magic on Chicago-area stages this season, Chicago Sun-Times theater critic Hedy Weiss gives her take on five plays.

Art Institute Takes Fresh Look at Pioneering Artist, Teacher

Bold paintings from the 1920s, plus photographs and industrial design: A new show looks at an international artist who made a big impression in Chicago.

(Photo by Andy Goodwin)

Grammy Nominee Robbie Fulks Through the Years on WTTW

Singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks joins us in discussion and performance of two songs that could win Grammy Awards in February.

(Cheryl Mann / Joffrey Ballet)

Joffrey Ballet’s Reimagined ‘Nutcracker’ Inspired by Chicago History

Backstage at the Joffrey Ballet before the recent launch of the all-new “Nutcracker” set in Chicago.

Japanese irezumi by Horiyoshi (© Martin Hladik / Courtesy of The Field Museum)

‘Tattoo’ Exhibit Aims to Create a Lasting Impression

Tattoos are making a big impression at the Field Museum. We visit the exhibition about the history and culture of the tattoo.

‘Hamilton’ Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda: Chicago is Best Theater Town

The creator of “Hamilton” talks about Chicago, “Sesame Street” and his theatrical blockbuster.

Actor Geraldine Chaplin Reflects on Lengthy Film Career

We revisit an interview with actress Geraldine Chaplin, who tells us about making the classic film “Doctor Zhivago,” her experiences in Chicago and her famous father, Charlie Chaplin.

(J.B. Spector / Museum of Science and Industry)

Wild Things of Author, Artist Maurice Sendak Unleashed at MSI

The author of “Where the Wild Things Are” upended expectations by depicting menace, anxiety and “wild” behavior in picture books devoured by young people. We visit an exhibition highlighting his long career.

Doctor Uses Magic to Heal, Teach and Entertain

Meet a medical doctor who moonlights as a magician. Northwestern University’s Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz joins us to explore the mysteries of medicine and magic.

(Cheryl Mann / Joffrey Ballet)

Joffrey Ballet’s Reimagined ‘Nutcracker’ Inspired by Chicago History

We go backstage at the Joffrey Ballet as the company prepares to launch an all-new “Nutcracker” set in Chicago.

Stitches in Time: Historic Quilts at DuSable Museum

A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.

LADZ (John Arsenault and Adrian Gilliland), Eden #31, 2012. (Photo courtesy of the artists)

‘AIDS in America’ Exhibition Responds to Cultural Climate of 1980s

An ambitious new art exhibition looks at the cultural impact of, and creative response to, AIDS in America.

Rare Holiday Crèche on Display at Art Institute of Chicago

A spectacular Nativity set blends heavenly drama with earthly delights. “Chicago Tonight” visited the museum and found an elaborate piece of art originally seen in churches in 18th century Naples.

Actor Robert Bathurst (“Downton Abbey”) portrays King Charles in “King Charles III.” (Liz Lauren / Chicago Shakespeare Theater)

‘Downton Abbey’ Actor Robert Bathurst Portrays Prince Charles as King

He played a pivotal role in “Downton Abbey.” Now he takes the throne as King Charles. English actor Robert Bathurst is here to talk about royalty, “Downton” and the stage.

Miguel Cervantes and Ari Asfar in the Chicago production of “Hamilton: An American Musical.” (Joan Marcus / Broadway in Chicago)

In Chicago, ‘Hamilton’ Actor Addresses Political Firestorm

Was Duel in New York Just a Distraction?

The culture wars are heating up again, one duel at a time.

Angela Ingersoll as “Judy Garland" (Photo by Kelsey Jorissen)

Hedy Weiss Reviews: ‘End of the Rainbow,’ ‘King Charles III,’ More

Judy Garland was one of the most distinctive American entertainers of the 20th Century. A new play looks at the extreme highs and lows of a legendary life in showbiz that ended at age 47. Hedy Weiss reviews that show, plus four other productions in and around Chicago.