It’s been 36 years since Michael Keaton won over audiences with his off-color ad-libs and outrageous antics in the humorous horror hit Beetlejuice (1988). Although on screen for a mere 17 minutes, the titular “ghost with the most” has since become a pop culture phenomenon via theme parks, video games, an animated series, a Broadway […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Enjoy a Night at the Opera & Other Live Premieres
Patrons of the performing arts can be the first to see opera, dance and theater productions premiering in Chicago this autumn. OPERA Dame Jane Glover conducts the North American premiere of Leonora performed by Chicago Opera Theater at the Studebaker Theater (Oct. 1, 4 and 6). Soprano Vanessa Becerra plays the title role and tenor […]
Posted inJust the Tip
Just the Tip: Our Sex Life Got Worse
Just the Tip is a sex and relationship column hosted by queer non-monogamous kinkster Jera Brown. Here you will find interviews with sexuality researchers and educators as well as smart and compassionate responses to anonymous questions. If you would like to be interviewed or have a sex or love question you’d like Jera to answer, […]
Posted inPolitics
DNC: Family Reunion Feels, Nods to Trailblazers and a Focus on Moving Forward
The Democratic National Convention in Chicago was like one big party/family reunion with lots of music, food, hugs and excitement, mixed with business, hope and acknowledgement of history being made. I was excited to be there in the midst of barriers being broken, to hear the messaging, and to get a sense of focus and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Revival Plays Revive Interest in Chicago’s Theater Scene
Since what goes around comes around, theater-goers have a chance to see popular plays coming to the Windy City this fall. Tony Award-winner Anna D. Shapiro directs a revival of Michael Frayn’s theatrical romp Noises Off (Sep. 12-Oct. 27) presented by Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Geffen Playhouse. “It’s a gift to have Anna back in […]
Posted inFilm & TV
Review: The Postman Always Rings Thrice — 1 Plot Done 3 Ways
“I always wanted to be a femme fatale,” Diane von Furstenberg once said. Perhaps she was influenced by the film noir directors who were influenced by James M. Cain’s crime novel “The Postman Always Rings Twice” (1934). Cain’s tale about a woman who conspires with her lover to murder her husband wasn’t just a hit with […]
Posted inEssays
Trigger Warning: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Survivor Guilt
Eds. Note: This piece originally ran on June 8, 2018. To mark the 20th anniversary of Aaron’s passing, we’re re-running it today, September 3, 2024. Rest in power, Aaron. — Karen Trigger warning: mental health. Simply put, suicide can kiss my ASS. If you’re a fellow family/friend survivor, I’m sending you tons of love this […]
Posted inFilm & TV
Review: ‘Merchant Ivory’ Offers an Inside Look at Outside Filmmakers
The Guinness Book of World Records seems an unlikely place to find Merchant and Ivory (the filmmakers of posh costume dramas from the 1980s and ’90s) but the two are cited as having the longest collaboration (1961-2005) between a producer and director per their company Merchant Ivory Productions. The documentary Merchant Ivory elaborates on the […]
Posted inFeatured
Photos: Kamala Harris Accepts Her Party’s Nomination for President During Night 4 of the DNC
On Aug. 22, 2024, during the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris made history in accepting the Democratic presidential nomination. Former Arizona Representative Gabrielle Giffords and, her husband, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly were among the political figures who addressed the packed […]
Posted inFeatured
Photos: Oprah Surprises, Bill Clinton Inspires & Tim Walz Headlines Night 3 of the DNC
On Aug. 21, the third night of the Democratic National Convention – held at the United Center in Chicago – featured the theme “A Fight for Our Freedoms.” World leaders including Representative Nancy Pelosi, House of Representatives Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg all delivered powerful remarks, as did Oprah Winfrey […]