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Barbara Vitello

LEGAL AFFAIRS WRITER

Barbara Vitello, legal affairs writer and theater critic, joined the Daily Herald in 1997. Assigned to cover arts, entertainment and culture, she served as critic at large until 2008, when she took over the Cook County courts beat.

A Lisagor Award winner, Barbara has bachelor's and master's degrees from Northwestern University.

Portrait of a master: Pianist Hershey Felder dazzles in ‘Monsieur Chopin’

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 18, 2024 6:33 am - Accomplished pianist Hershey Felder displays his prowess in Writers Theatre’s “Monsieur Chopin — A Play With Music,” written by and starring the pianist/writer/actor/composer who first introduced the show to Chicago 19 years ago.
How police, fire departments help first responders cope in the wake of tragedies

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 16, 2024 5:24 pm - Fifteen years ago today, Shelly Engelhardt, her daughter Amanda and son Jeff experienced an unimaginable tragedy when Amanda’s then-boyfriend - in a jealousy-fueled attack - stabbed to death three Engelhardt family members in their Hoffman Estates home. They weren’t the only ones traumatized. The heinous attack also affected first responders, including Kasia Cawley, one of the Hoffman Estates police detectives assigned to the case. “It always stays with you,” said Cawley, now Hoffman Estates chief of police. “You’re never going to forget it.”
‘Working every day toward forgiveness’: 15 years later, loss remains for Engelhardt family

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 16, 2024 5:14 pm - Jeff Engelhardt has lived two lives. The first ended 15 years ago when he lost his father, younger sister and maternal grandmother to an unprovoked attack by his older s...
‘Seinfeld’s’ Jason Alexander makes local stage debut in Chicago Shakes’ premiere

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 16, 2024 11:47 am - Emmy and Tony Award-winner Jason Alexander makes his Chicago stage debut, Aurora’s Paramount Theatre revives the ever-popular “Beautiful” and Steppenwolf stages a satire that stings.
Best Bets: Wynton Marsalis in Aurora, Nicki Minaj at the United Center

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 15, 2024 10:41 am - Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra headlines a benefit concert at Aurora University, Nicki Minaj and Monica play two nights at the United Center, the St. Charles Singers celebrate nature and romance, and the Morton Arboretum welcomes canine friends.
Award-winning New Philharmonic announces 2024-2025 season at the MAC

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 15, 2024 6:30 am - The New Philharmonic announces its 2024-2025 season, the 20th under conductor Kirk Musprat.
DuPage County confirms first measles case in 15 years

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 13, 2024 5:17 pm - The DuPage County Health Department on Saturday confirmed the first case of measles in a DuPage resident since 2009.
Medical examiner confirms accidental drowning in death of Zion 4-year-old

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 13, 2024 5:18 pm - Glenview police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office continue to investigate the April 9 death of a 4-year-old Zion boy.
Palatine man seriously injured in early morning crash

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 13, 2024 5:20 pm - A 28-year-old Palatine man was seriously injured early Saturday during a head-on crash in unincorporated Wauconda. Authorities say the man’s vehicle struck a large tree head-on after the vehicle crossed the centerline driving south on Fairfield Road.
Spring theater forecast: City, suburban theaters showcase new works

By Barbara Vitello
Apr 16, 2024 1:05 pm - Adventurous theatergoers eager for new works have a lot to look forward to come spring and summer, including world and regional premieres, two of which feature bona fide sitcom stars Jason Alexander and Laurie Metcalf.

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