Reviews

Jonah Weisskopf, guru of the Gallery Art Bar in Urbana, had the best quote of the weekend. “We literally have arts oozing out of every part of Champaign-Urbana. This is such a gifted and diverse …

A few weeks ago, someone on Instagram messaged me to ask if I’d reviewed Pia’s Sports Bar before. Though I’d definitely driven by the place many times, I’d actually never been. That same kind stranger …

Some musicals feel fresh and new no matter how many times you see them. The excitement of seeing what a different theater, director, designer, and actor may do with a favorite piece is palpable for …

On an unusually warm day for early April, the crowd outside of the City Center were able to take in the beautiful weather while waiting to enter the venue. Although doors opened at 7 p.m., …

From 21-year-olds celebrating their birthday to old men holding up bar stools, there’s every type of person patronizing Esquire Lounge. Located on the northeast corner of Chester and Walnut, the entrance to Esquire is on …

The essence of a good story is its relatability. When you see yourself reflected in the characters and story on stage, that’s the magic of theatre. Of course, with a musical, a great score with …

This week, the Lyric Theatre at Illinois put on a production of Black Square, an opera with music by Ilya Demutsky, and a libretto by Igor Konyukhov and Olga Maslova. The opera is based on …

Italian beef: Depending on personal preference, this could look a few ways. First, a nice, well-groomed hoagie or firm-type bun with sliced beef in the middle dressed up nicely with some sport peppers and/or cheeses. …

Krannert Art Museum’s East Gallery was bustling last Saturday afternoon for the 2024 MFA exhibition’s opening reception. This year’s cohort of MFA Art and Design students produced an impressive variety of art. From leaded glass, …