Chicago Broadcasting Network

Man shot at Broadway and Foster. Too often these days , individuals resort to firearms to settle disputes. Certainly no one wants to be assaulted physically under any circumstances but people seems to turn to the use of deadly force quickly and easily and with little thought or care for the sanctity of life. 

Reports of deadly violence permeates our nightly news. Sadly even now it’s found its way into our own news platform which has been dedicated primarily to lifestyle reporting. But sometimes news finds you and we can’t turn a blind eye as violence and the threat of violence creeps closer and closer to home. 

A walking architectural tour of the Chicago Old Town / Gold Coast Chicago area conducted by Reno Lovison can be used as a guide or simply enjoyed by anyone somewhat familiar with the area or looking to become more familiar. Included is the House of Glunz, Architectural Artifacts store, Pallette and Chisel Academy of Fine Arts, Ambassador Hotel, several schools, homes and more.

“Falling for Make Believe” purports to be “The Real Story Behind the Music of Rodgers and Hart,” but might more accurately be called the real story behind the suffering of Lorenz Hart. Listen to the entire review. “Falling for Make Believe” is at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave in Downtown Skokie through Oct 16, 2022. Running time is about 2 hours including a short intermission. Tickets can be purchased online at SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761. 

The popular musical composed by Jerry Herman based on Thornton Wilder’s hit play “The Matchmaker” is a perfect wedding of story and music.

No doubt the original 1964 production was inspired by the feminist movement of its time, reminding women of the limitations their grandmothers endured. “Hello Dolly” is a gentle and entertaining look back at how far we have come and perhaps a cautionary glimpse at where we might return.

“Hello Dolly” is at the Marriott Theatre, in the Chicago suburb of Lincolnshire, IL through October 16, 2022. Running time is two and a half hours with one 15 minute intermission. For tickets and information visit marriotttheatre.com  or phone: (847) 634-0200.

I had a little tongue in cheek melodramatic fun with this review/announcement of the world premiere hybrid radio drama, Orson Welles’ Dracula onstage at the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago through September 25, 2022. Ticket information is available at glassappletheatre.com

The The Glass Apple Theatre cast includes: Andrew Bosworth as Dracula . . . with Connor Brennan, Chris Jensen, Madeline Logan, Sam Martin, Katie O’Neill and Howard Raik.

Note: Music and sound effects are the fabrication of podcast host and editor Reno Lovison and not that of the theater producers who likely have a much higher artistic standard.

Review of "Hala" an indie film written and directed by Minhal Baig, a female Pakistani-American, inspired by her experiences growing up on the far Northside of Chicago.

If you have your own recollections of Maxwell Street or just want a glimpse at a piece of the not too distant Chicago past, I highly recommend the documentary film “And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell Street” available online at Tubi.tv 

Sighted and visually impaired members of the Chicago Uptown Lions Club  take a special accessibility and inclusion tour of the newly renovated Lion House at Lincoln Park Zoo. The state-of-the-art habitat has been renamed the Pepper Family Wildlife Center and is home to a pride of African Lions.

I got a sneak preview of “Belfast” one of the highlights of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival. This podcast includes my review followed by some pre-movie comments from the writer/director Sir Kenneth Branaugh who was present to introduce his semi-autobiographical film.

"Belfast" is told from the viewpoint a nine year-old boy as his world is turned upside down by the 1969 turmoil of Northern Ireland that consumed his neighborhood and ultimately his innocence.

Connie Wilson talks with Rebecca Hall the the director of "Passing" on the red carpet at The 57th Chicago International Film Festival.