'Taming of the Shrew' comes to Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Chicago
How shrewd of you
Give your brain a spring tuneup with a performance of the fast-moving, wordplay-fueled "The Taming of the Shrew," Shakespeare's comedy about odd courtship. London's Bush Theatre artistic director Josie Rourke returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater and has assembled an ensemble, including some of Chicago's most highly regarded comedic actors. If you haven't been in the company of the Bard for awhile, take in a free half-hour introductory lecture presented by scholars or a post-show discussion. There is also an audio-described performance for those with visual impairments and a sign-interpreted performance for patrons with hearing impairments.
Showtimes vary Wednesday, April 7, to June 6 in the Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. Tickets cost $44-$75. (312) 595-5600 or chicagoshakes.com.
'M' is for the many things she does
Tell the kids that all that English homework they've been slaving over this school year will finally pay off. There's still a week to enter the Hyatt Regency Chicago's 2010 All About Mom Contest in honor of Mother's Day. Children from first through fifth grade are invited to write a 100-word essay on why their mom is special to them. Five winning children will be rewarded with a weekend stay for Mom on May 7-8 in one of Hyatt Regency Chicago's most exclusive premier suites. Additionally, mother receives a $100 spa gift certificate. To be considered, all submissions must be made by Friday, April 2, and winners will be chosen and notified by Friday, April 9. Even if you don't win, Hyatt Regency Chicago is offering a special Mother's Day brunch ($39.95 per person) and a rate of $129 and complimentary parking Mother's Day weekend. The exclusive special is based on availability.
Post the essay on Hyatt Regency Chicago's Facebook Mother's Day page (facebook.com/hyattchicago) or email the essay to hrcemarketing@hyatt.com. To reserve the special hotel rate for May 7-9, call (800) 233-1234 or visit chicagoregency.hyatt.com and request or enter special offer code MOM.
Belly up to the barre
American Ballet Theatre's production of "Swan Lake" is coming to Chicago this spring including a special Saturday performance with an appearance by every little girl's favorite dancer, Angelina Ballerina. Angelina will host a tea party for mothers and daughters before the matinee performance with tea service, sandwiches and sweets and will be available for pictures. She will also be on hand for a special meet-and-greet immediately after the performance. The performance is recommended for kids 6 years and older.
Mother-daughter tea at noon with a 2 p.m. matinee performance of "Swan Lake." The meet-and-greet will immediately follow the performance, Saturday, April 17. Tickets that include the tea party and prime orchestra seats for the matinee performance cost $175 per person. Additional performances will be Thursday to Sunday, April 15-18, at the Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive. Tickets range from $20-$125. Call (800) 982-2787 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Midwest
Traversing with the bunny
Turn Easter into more than a ham-fisted holiday and consider visiting Grand Traverse Resort & Spa for an egg-cellent time. During Easter weekend, complimentary activities will be offered for the whole family including an Easter egg hunt and coloring contest; cookie making; live magic show; family movies and popcorn; and Sunday Easter breakfast with the Easter Bunny. As an added bonus, rooms in the hotel start at only $109 per night. The resort also offers an indoor water playground, kids programs, three signature championship golf courses, a spa, fine dining, tennis, two nearby casinos and more.
Saturday and Sunday, April 3-4, at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, in Traverse City, Mich. Make reservations at (800) 236-1577 or visit grandtraverseresort.com.
Girls' getaway in Branson
An affordable girls' getaway is as near as the AAA Four-Diamond Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa in Branson, Mo. Its the Girls' Spa Getaway Package and includes two nights accommodations in a mountain-view double room decorated with French country furnishings; fruit, cheese and wine delivered to your room upon arrival; a 75-minute Signature Pedicure at the resort's Spa Chateau for each guest; all-day access to the indoor and outdoor whirlpools, sauna, eucalyptus steam room and relaxation lounge on the day of your service; a welcome amenity; a Branson Landing Shopping Passport with hundreds of dollars in savings and complimentary valet parking at the resort. In addition, each guest can choose one massage or a facial. There's plenty to do on-site including tennis, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pool and biking trails.
The package is available through Dec. 31 based on space availability, from $420 per person, double occupancy. The price includes all taxes and spa gratuities. Reserve at (888) 333-LAKE (5253) or visit ChateauOnTheLake.com.
A very dairy day
There's no need to wait until summer for a fine Midwestern food fest. The third annual Dairy State Cheese & Beer Festival offers some of the most notable beer and cheese from around the state of Wisconsin. Live music and knowing that your ticket benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha should encourage the short drive just five minutes over the Illinois and Wisconsin border
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Brat Stop, 12304 75th St., Kenosha, Wis. (at the intersection of Highway 50 and I-94). Tickets cost $25 per person in advance, $30 at the door and all purchases include a beer glass. Go to kenoshabeerfest.com for details.
Worth the trip
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival may be 74 years old, but it's spry and new in 2010 with fine art from nationally known artists, live entertainment ranging from music to comedy, a variety of food offerings and Atlanta's spring weather. Visit the International Stage for entertainment from around the globe or the Main Stage presents performers from a variety of musical genres. Don't miss the popular live dog show on the lawn or hit the Friday Night Comedy show. Indulge in fare from top Atlanta restaurants, while the kids play in their own village with an interactive zone in art, exhibits, games and entertainment. The festival won a variety of awards like Readers' Pick for Best Annual Event, Readers' Pick for Favorite Festival and Best Annual Event from city and state magazines and newspapers.
Noon to 9 p.m. Friday, April 16; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 17; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Admission is free. Visit dogwood.org for details.