advertisement
The life of Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela) gets another look in “Back to Black.”

Amy Winehouse story flattened in frustrating biopic ‘Back to Black’

“Back to Black” as a movie is a tame and mediocre affair. A conventionally told biopic about a talented artist — Amy Winehouse — who became famous, struggled with drugs, depression and bulimia, and died early.

Isabella Esler plays Lydia and Broadway veteran Justin Collette plays the titular undead spirit in the national tour of the musical “Beetlejuice,” running May 21-26 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre.

Spotlight: ‘Beetlejuice’ and The Beatles tribute return to Chicago stages

“Beetlejuice” the musical and a Beatles tribute return to Chicago for brief runs. Plus, local theater divas unite for a Season of Concern concert to benefit theater artists dealing with major health crises.

Chocolate lovers won't want to miss the Long Grove Chocolate Fest this weekend.

Things to do May 17-23: Long Grove Chocolate Fest, Aurora Greek Fest, Wanda Sykes and more

Mark your calendars for the Long Grove Chocolate Fest and Aurora Greek Fest and performances by Wanda Sykes, WAR’s 50th Anniversary Tour, the Decemberists and more happening this week.

Paloma Nozicka and Nate Santana rehearse for Steppenwolf Theatre's Chicago premiere of “The Thanksgiving Play.”

Something to write home about: Glenview native makes Steppenwolf debut

Actress/writer Paloma Nozicka never really considered making performing a career until she graduated from college with journalism and theater degrees and found it was easier to land an acting job than a reporting job.

The Village Squire is celebrating 50 years in business in West Dundee.

50 years and counting for the Village Squire in West Dundee

A community fixture in West Dundee is marking a half century of hospitality at the corner of Washington and Second Street downtown this month. The Village Squire is celeb...

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Nancy, left, and Ann Wilson of Heart bring their “Royal Flush Tour” to Rosemont’s Allstate Arena Friday, May 17, with opener Cheap Trick.

A ‘Royal Flush’: Rock trailblazer Heart reunites for new song, world tour playing Rosemont’s Allstate

Heart — the pioneering band that melds Nancy Wilson’s shredding guitar with her sister Ann’s powerhouse vocals — will be headlining Rosemont’s Allstate Arena Friday, May 17, with Cheap Trick as the opener.

Wheaton will hold its first Bloody Mary Fest on Saturday, May 18.

Happy hour will come early during Wheaton’s first Bloody Mary Fest

With a tagline of “10 a.m. is the new 10 p.m.,” Wheaton’s first Bloody Mary Fest on Saturday, May 18, is looking to make the morning hours happier.