Mary Houlihan - For the Sun-Times

While Delany has carved out a successful career in film and television, new creative possibilities keep bringing her back to live theater.
The ‘Illinoise’ musical, the boxing opera ‘Champion’ and a background singer’s headlining concert are among the entertainment highlights of the week ahead.
The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, a play starring Dana Delany and a ‘Ted Lasso’ star’s comedy shows are among the entertainment highlights of the week ahead.
The Fillet of Solo Festival, Allison Russell in concert, and MLK Day celebrations are among the entertainment highlights in the week ahead.
The Young Playwrights Festival, Smokey Robinson in concert, winter flower shows, and Handel’s “Messiah” at Symphony Center are among the highlights in the coming weeks.
A Grinch musical, a hip-hop ‘Nutcracker’ and holiday concerts from jazz, blues and CSO musicians are among the highlights of the week ahead.
A Doja Cat tour stop, Cirque du Soleil’s holiday show and several ‘Nutcracker’ productions are among the entertainment highlights of the week ahead.
The Joffrey ‘Nutcracker,’ Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball, and a Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace are among the highlights in the week ahead.
Two-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell tapped Jasmine Amy Rogers for the lead role in the world-premiere musical at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.