The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Saturday, April 27, 2024

Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times

Nicki Minaj Presents: Pink Friday 2 World Tour - New York
Music
Nicki Minaj conquers the United Center in long-awaited return to Chicago
Minaj had some good company for her United Center kickoff, bringing out two of Chicago’s own for special guest spots: rapper G Herbo and singer-producer Jeremih.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
CST_Izzard_Hamlet_04_byCarolRosegg.jpg Eddie Izzard performs Shakespeare's Hamlet in strictly limited Chicago Shakespeare Theater engagement, April 19–May 4, 2024. Photo by Carol Rosegg.
Theater
To be or not to be Hamlet (and everybody else)? Eddie Izzard answers the question in solo show
The veteran stand-up comedian, activist, marathoner stars as the title — and every — character in Shakespeare’s iconic work.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
A.J. Croce had found his own success as a musician before taking up the songs of his famous father.
Music
A.J. Croce says 'I love you' in songs from his father Jim's repertoire
Playing hits including “Operator” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” connect the musician to his late, “complicated” dad.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
Raye Zaragoza as 'Tiger Lily' Photo by Jeremy Daniel.jpg
Theater
‘Peter Pan’ star brings powerful representation to Tiger Lily role
Actress Raye Zaragoza celebrates her Native American heritage in a bold new way in a revamped production of the musical.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
OLIVIA-032024_016.jpg Olivia Rodrigo performs to a sold-out crowd at the United Center on Tuesday night.
Music
Olivia Rodrigo holds nothing back in supercharged set at United Center — including release date for deluxe 'GUTS'
The singer revealed the album will drop Friday. She returns to the venue Wednesday night for the second of two shows in Chicago.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
COPY Mitch Rowland - Lead Press Photo (c) Luke Atkinson.jpeg copy.jpg
Music
Mitch Rowland — Harry Styles’ go-to guitarist finds his own music direction
The singer-guitarist is making a music connection with fans through a collection of pensive indie folk compositions.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
Drummer Bailey Minzenberger (left) and singer-guitarist Niko Kapetan of Friko met as students at Evanston Township High School.
Music
Chicago band Friko accelerates its ascent with dazzling debut album
‘It’s been a very slow build,’ singer-guitarist Niko Kapetan says as the indie scene embraces the trio’s multi-genre sound.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
Jon Batiste kisses wife Suleika Jaouad while entering the Grammy Awards on Feb. 4 in Los Angeles.
Music
Even without new trophies, Jon Batiste a Grammy winner
For the musician, who comes to Chicago this week with his ‘campaign for joy and optimism,’ bringing his wife to the ceremony after her leukemia fight felt like victory enough.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times
 
IMG_0062.jpeg Chance the Rapper headlines the Ramova Theatre on Friday night in Chicago.
Music
Chance the Rapper reveals dazzling Ramova Theatre — and potent new music — in dynamic concert
The new material seemed to pull from Chance’s much-anticipated upcoming album, “Star Line Gallery,” which perhaps signals the release date is getting closer.
By Selena Fragassi - For the Sun-Times