Barbara Vitello
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‘Fear rippled through the community’: 50 years later, Columbo murders still haunt Elk GroveMay 02, 2026 11:45 am - On May 7, 1976, Elk Grove Village police Detective Raymond J. Rose stepped into a Brantwood Avenue home and encountered one of the most shocking crimes in suburban Cook County history. Frank Columbo, 52, his wife Mary, 50, and their 13-year-old son, Michael, were dead. Each had been shot, bludgeoned and stabbed. “It was so horrific and out of the ordinary,” Rose said.
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Aurora’s Copley Comedy Series resumes in JulyMay 01, 2026 4:00 pm - The Copley Comedy Series for fans age 18 and older resumes July 25 at Aurora’s Copley Theatre.
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Buffalo Theatre Ensemble announces 40th anniversary seasonMay 01, 2026 11:32 am - To mark its 40th anniversary, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble will devote its 2026-2027 season to well-loved literary adaptations.
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Spotlight: Buffalo Theatre’s ‘Birthday Candles,’ Goodman’s suspenseful ‘Covenant’ and TimeLine’s new homeApr 29, 2026 5:03 pm - Buffalo Theatre Ensemble concludes its season with Noah Haidle’s “Birthday Candles,” City Lit premieres the musical “Scaramouche,” and TimeLine Theatre inaugurates its new home with the ever-timely “An Enemy of the People.”
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Up close and personal: Red Orchid artistic director loves the connection storefront theater providesApr 29, 2026 2:14 pm - A Red Orchid Theatre artistic director Kirsten Fitzgerald balances her leadership role with the acclaimed Chicago ensemble while also starring in the company’s premiere of “Targeted.”
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Best bets: ESO season comes to a close, and Orion Ensemble disbands after 35 yearsApr 29, 2026 8:16 am - The ESO closes out its season this weekend, the Orion Ensemble bids farewell after 35 years, and comedian Doug Benson hosts a live taping of his podcast, “Doug Loves Movies,” at Zanies Rosemont.
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Impressive ‘Windfall’ ponders the price of a lifeApr 24, 2026 11:49 am - Steppenwolf Theatre premieres “Windfall,” a provocative new play by Tarell Alvin McCraney that examines the value of a life through the prison of an all-too-common tragedy.
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Exit laughing: Northlight Theatre closes Skokie era with hilarious ‘Angel Next Door’Apr 22, 2026 4:21 pm - Northlight Theatre bids farewell to its longtime Skokie home with a hugely entertaining revival of Paul Slade Smith’s screwball comedy “The Angel Next Door.”
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Spotlight: Paramount Theatre revives Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘South Pacific’Apr 21, 2026 2:22 pm - Paramount Theatre stages “South Pacific,” Lifeline Theatre premieres the rock musical “Loki,” Metropolis Performing Arts Centre stages “The Wedding Singer,” and Raven Theatre presents its first musical, the a cappella tuner “Octet.”
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Best Bets: Great America opening, Long Grove Craft Beer Fest and Hannibal BuressApr 21, 2026 12:01 pm - Great America opens for its 50th season, Long Grove hosts its annual craft beer festival, Aurora’s Venue salutes storied Chicago blues label Delmark Records, and comedian Hannibal Buress headlines the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.