$61,000 Going Directly to Artists in 2020-2021 Cycle | SPARK Grant Program Expands to 25 Awardees

Although I wasn’t able to attend – I was recovering from knee replacement surgery – my niece Becka Salach Smith and her sons, Parker (9) and Winston (4), went in my place.  Becka sais "We had a blast! Thanks so much! Parker didn't like the smell and Winston didnt want to wear his ear covers."

***RECOMMENDED*** For Oscar Wilde, it was the love that dare not speak its name. For Kitty Warren, the central character of George Bernard Shaw's "Mrs. Warren's Profession," it is her very profession which is never mentioned. Written in 1893, extremely early in Shaw's long and prolific career and only his second full-length play, he never expected it to receive a license from the Lord Chamberlain which would have allowed it to be performed. He was correct. The controversial work was banned due to its scandalous subject matter during the strict Victorian era and did not enjoy its first public performance on a London stage until 1925. Now, thanks to Promethean Theatre Ensemble and a decidedly modern and fresh adaptation by Melanie Spewock, we have this sparkling production which is a total delight to experience.  3 AND 1/2 SPOTLIGHTS

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED****  Oftentimes, despite our best efforts and idealistic intentions, things fall apart. We let our fellow man down repeatedly by acts of ignorance or physical violence committed against one another. When the victim of that destruction is a member of the animal kingdom, some may feel that the offense is even greater. These defenseless and harmless creatures, many of which are on the ever-growing list of endangered species, face a brutal future as many of them are approaching total extinction. Whether threatened by the ravages of climate change (the recent bushfires in Australia that saw the astounding fatality rate of and impact upon countless koalas, kangaroos and wallabies is just one example) or by basic and all-consuming human greed, animals in the wilderness today are living -- and trying to survive -- in an alarmingly hostile world. The story of one such animal, an elephant named Mlima, is the basis for Lynn Nottage's multi-faceted and haunting play "Mlima's Tale," which is receiving its Midwest premiere in a beautiful production by Griffin Theatre Company at the Raven Theatre.  4 SPOTLIGHTS

State secures 2.6M PPE items to be made by Hoosier manufacturers, donated by businesses for front-line medical workers

Due to the Conoravirus pandemic, the Gary Schools are closed through the end of the academic year. However, the District is committed to delivering a virtual educational experience with diverse and engaging offerings to every child. In an effort to ensure online access, the Gary Community School Corporation will distribute loaner laptops to all high school students this week.

Chicago Fire FC announced today that defender Francisco Calvo and eMLS competitor Enrique Espinoza (gamertag: TheBITW7) will represent the Club in the eMLS Tournament Special presented by Coca-Cola® and PlayStation® to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, PlayMakers Laboratory announced today it will postpone its upcoming production of THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: A Hip-Hopera. The hip-hop-infused revue, originally scheduled for May 8 – 23, 2020, will be presented this fall at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. New dates will be announced shortly.

Update: The passenger injured in last night’s accident, identified as Jason Tolle , 45 of Pierceton, has died as a result of injuries from blunt force trauma. Family notification has been made.

Chicago Humanities Festival Shifts Strategy in Reaction to Covid-19 Pandemic | Mission remains same: connecting people and ideas even in time of disconnection