Arts

In The Next Room, or the vibrator play is a heart-warming (and heart-breaking) story of self-discovery, self-exploration, and everyone's desire for a direct current with another heart. 

Mathew chats with director Jaclyn Loewenstein about the Station Theatre's production of Bess Wohl's intimate (and mostly silent) new play.

In advance of their shows on November 3-4, Protagonist Pizza gets a behind the scenes look at Hazelwood Jr. High.

Jarrod previews this weekend's New Art Film Festival by talking to participants about what the festival means to them, and more.

Kate Fenton discusses Sarah Ruhl's In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play) with Lisa Gaye Dixon, the director of the upcoming production by Illinois Theatre. 

In this installment of The Process, Protagonist Pizza Productions take a look at the world of capoeira in Urbana.

Jeff previews the upcoming production of Travesties at Krannert Center.

Rebecca went to see Title and Deed and left feeling both enriched and slightly foolish. Or fooled by a well-composed production. 

Kate takes a look at Twin City Theatre Company's production of the absurdist classic Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett. 

Kate takes a look at Parkland Theatre's production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a classic of the American canon that has become crucially relevant once again. 

Rebecca spends an evening at the theatre…political rally…tribunal…funeral theatre.
Forget it; you decide.

Mathew chats with director Jace Jamison about Twin City Theatre Company's upcoming production of Waiting for Godot.

Mathew interviews director Deb Richardson about her upcoming production of Will Eno's one-person show.

Jeff speaks with director Tom Mitchell before his adaptation of All the King's Men debuts at Krannert Center.

Witchhunts and webs are discussed with Mathew Green, director of Parkland Theatre's season-opener. 

Rebecca interviews author Anthony Marra about mixtapes, Russia, and humor as a means of resisting — all in prep of his PygLitFest appearance Friday. 

Caldecott Medalist Javaka Steptoe is presenting two programs for PygLitFest and spoke with Rebecca about the importance of “heartfelt stories that bring joy, that say something new.” 

Rebecca is so tired of the LIT pun, but honestly, it works and it's just right there. Still, check out who all is reading at Exile on Main on Saturday afternoon. 

George Saunders speaks with Rebecca about the theatricality of his new book, his upcoming appearance as part of Pygmalion Literature Festival, and the friends who help him remember what art really means. 

It is a bit unusual for a professor from the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology to publish a novel like this, and Jason talks more with author Bob Switzer.

Marika checks out Krannert Art Museum's opening night, and previews the upcoming fall season.

Protagonist Pizza Productions​ takes a look at University of Illinois faculty member Lisa Gaye Dixon's process of acting and directing, plus more.

Amie Whittemore, author of the recently published collection, Glass Harvest (Autumn House Press), talked about the “priceless opportunities” living in the C-U area offered her and about her mentor, the late Brigit Pegeen Kelly.

Nika checks in with the cast and crew of the upcoming Twin City Theatre Company production of Billy Elliot, the Musical.

Kate Fenton sits down with the guys from Protagonist Pizza Productions to figure out what exactly is a protagonist pizza?

The filmmaking community and the community at large all came together to celebrate the creativity of our brightest artistic stars: young and old.

Rebecca refuses to pun about the best summer event in C-U: a celebration of local film, design, and acting that exists solely because and for the benefit of the imagination of kids. 

Track 9, an atmospheric thriller by localish author Sue Rovens, poses some questions that Rebecca has spent about a month pondering.

Kate Fenton looks into the not-so-distant future with the Station Theatre's Marjorie Prime. 

Marika investigates the newest gallery in C-U: The Gilbert Gallery.

Rebecca gives a glimpse of the delights of nearby BloNo’s Bardfest, with insights from two talented locals: Nisi Sturgis and Jordan Coughtry.

Rebecca and Mathew sit and chat about the Station’s summer season closer, Marjorie Prime.

Whether you're a passing acquaintence or bosom companion of the grounds of Allerton's park, a new local history and architecture book will reveal every nook and cranny. 

Rebecca previews the Dr. Seuss revue being staged by the Urbana Park District's Youth Summer Theatre program. Katie Odom neglects to answer in rhyme, but that's still fine. 

Rebecca tries to discern exactly what went down at the ballpark during Bleacher Bums.

Local artist and skateboarder Dan White shared some of his highs and lows with Nika 

Twin City Squared’s new production was originally scheduled closer to baseball’s pre-season, but gets underway tonight.

Jordan reviews Michael Duffy's book From Chicago to Vietnam: A Memoir of War.

Rebecca examines how the “strange”ers in the Station Theatre’s production of The Foreigner aren’t all that far from home.

Who are the artists in our neighborhood? Marika finds out and speaks with some of the talent on display at last weekend's opening reception. 

Rebecca speaks with both the director and leading man of the Station’s newest production, The Foreigner, written by Larry Shue and directed by Thom Schnarre. 

Veteran youth- and Parkland-production actor Jasmine takes a look at what makes Hairspray shape up into a noteworthy youth musical. 

40 North's latest exhibition turns an old saying around and backs it up with evidence. 

The best Artistic Endeavors of 2016-7, according to our Arts Editor and staff. Share if you agree. Or if you disagree. Or if you just want people to remember how awesome C-U is. 

Highlighting PK presenters without ruining the reasons to go is harder than you think. Here's several hot takes in 24 words or less. 

Mara finds that one's enjoyment of the Station Theatre's latest production may depend on one's ability to get into an appropriate “Party” mood.

Unable to tastefully play on the word in this play's title, Rebecca gets to the business of describing Twin City Squared's first production of their season. 

Sara finds enthusiasm for Caitlin Skelcey, a jewlery artist who is inspired by bones!