The bluesy, politically charged music of Nina Simone is the aural background for Sunset Baby, Timeline Theatre’s Chicago premiere of the 2012 play by Dominique Morisseau. Nina (AnJi White), the stubborn, independent woman whose life, dreams and family are the heart of this story, is Simone’s namesake.

“Son of Saul” is Hungary’s Official Oscar Submission and the buzz on the street says it’s a strong candidate to take home the Oscar. Actually, I’m voting for “Labyrinth of Lies” as Best Foreign Film with “Son of Saul” as the alternate.

YES falls into a category, a genre, if you will, in which two characters, metaphorically speaking, battle to the death. In between drinking scotch, perhaps even vodka – bottles of liquor, one beside his bed, another aside his desk, and doing coke twice – Patrick begins, under the guise of giving Jeremiah acting lessons, taking charge of the seemingly innocent seventeen year old.

As gimmicks go this one takes the cake. No, make that wine bottle.

A pig is included in an avant-garde performance of Elektra Sophocles' classic story of murder, deception and revenge. The Amy Liv Young version of the Greek tragedy had its U.S. premiere at New York Live Arts.

Shakespeare & Company announceds its lineup for the 2016 summer season, which includes three Shakespeare plays: The Merchant of Venice, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Twelfth Night, plus the Regional Premieres of Or, by Liz Duffy Adams and Lauren Gunderson’s The Taming. Additional titles include Ugly Lies the Bone by Lindsey Ferrentino, a bracing drama fresh from an acclaimed Off-Broadway production, Sotto Voce by Pulitzer Prize-winner Nilo Cruz, and the return of Stephan Wolfert in Cry "Havoc!"

Tereceira Island is one of nine islands that make up the archipelago of the Azorian islands. Located nine hundred miles west of Lisbon, the Azores are the closest European hamlet. Flying time from Boston is under five hours. This article introduces the islands and is the first of sever al reports.

Four especially penetrating films focused on women that articulate a wide-ranging cultural critique. Taken together their impact should be nothing less than profound. “Room,” “Brooklyn,” “Carol” and “45 Years” have rightfully received their nomination due in the awards in advance of the Oscars. Their impact has been amplified with greater complexity by the indie jewel “Tangerine,” giving us more reason for rejoicing.

Griffin Theatre creates a perfect microcosm of the pre-feminist age in London Wall, the 1931 John Van Druten play about the personal lives and work culture in a London law firm. Robin Witt directs a smart, sprightly trip into the past that manages to shine a light on the present as well.

Disgraced is engaging, thought-provoking theatre. The narrative is about difficult situations in a compicated world. . It demands that you pay attention from the opening scene until the play's end. A stellar cast and perceptive direction make this an evening of theatre that you will not soon forget.

Yankee Magazine just named Ogunquit #1 of 25 Best Beach Towns in New England. It was tops in picturesque quality, shopping, accessibility, natural life and many more assets.

PBS announces new programs and initiatives launching in 2016.

HAMILTON’S AMERICA is produced by Academy Award® and Emmy®-Winning producers RadicalMedia (What Happened Miss Simone?, Keith Richards: Under The Influence, In the Heights: Chasing Broadway Dreams for PBS). The documentary combines interviews with experts and prominent personalities, new footage of the production in New York, and cast-led expeditions to DC, Philadelphia and New York.

The Cleveland Orchestra shone in the new and the recent as they gave bells and chimes to Ophelia's descent to madness and drummed up Shostakovich's fury at Stalin's regime.

The American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA) announces that playwright Sharyn Rothstein has been awarded the 2015 Francesca Primus Prize for her play By the Water. Rothstein will receive the $10,000 award check immediately and be officially congratulated at an upcoming ATCA conference. Jointly sponsored by ATCA and the Francesca Ronnie Primus Foundation, the Primus Prize is given annually to an emerging woman playwright.

One of the most visited attraction in Sioux Falls is Falls Park, home to the Falls of the Big Sioux River located on the north end of downtown. Enjoy magnificent rock formations washed by water of the Big Sioux River. Here you can find rushing triple falls, visitor center, five-story viewing tower, historic ruins, horse barn, recreational trails, café, sculptures and more.

Dan LeFranc’s script takes us through this awkward renewal of family connections and the gradual exposure of family history and the actions of both father and mother. Director Joanie Schultz is a Chicago-based freelance director who has directed productions in Washington DC and Kansas City as well as many Chicago shows.

How do smaller houses solve budget issues? Imaginatively in Pforzheim. The curtain which at first appears to be a rich taffeta, drawn back with ropes, decorated with ribbons and bows is painted on a moveable backdrop. Regal is presented with non-imperial efficiency. The costumes, when they are worn, are delightful. Arnalta looks a bit like a nun in stark black in white, in contrast to the brilliant orange feathers of Ottavia. When she ascends with her mistress at the opera’s end, she strips and dresses as the lady-in-waiting of the Empress. This strip is a fun and amusing touch.

Much of a cruise is predictable and then there are those surprises that catch you off-guard. As I was literally running through the gift shop area to get to my next activity, a lovely young lady stopped me and encouraged me to put my name in the bowl for a watch prize that was about to happen. Lo and behold, my name was called and I won the men's watch

Barrington Stage is the first to announce its program for the 2016 season. For the winter blues there will be the 10x10 New Play Festival February 11-28. The shoulder season warms up with previews beginning May 10 with the world premiere of a musical "Presto Change-o."

Recently we visited Dartmouth College where we learned that the Hood Museum of Art will close in March for renovations to begin this summer. We discussed these plans with an old friend, John Stomberg, who has just arrived in Hanover as the new director of the museum.

In recent years several serious artists, Amanda Parer among them, have created giant inflatable pieces with the aim of making cultural and political statements. Last year, five giant white rabbits took over the Lawn on D for a few days. They were not just visually compelling but intellectually provocative.

Iconic himself, Richard Sapper, an industrial designer whose sleek, precision-engineered prototypes spawned the Alessi espresso maker, the Tizio lamp and the IBM ThinkPad, died on Dec. 31 in Milan. He set the highest standards for industrial design in the latter half of the 20th Century and the early 21st Century.

The 39th annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival, one of the world’s longest-running major jazz events, will be held on Saturday, June 25 and Sunday, June 26 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). This year’s festival will feature headliner Smokey Robinson; Chick Corea Trilogy; Joey Alexander; Steps Ahead Reunion; Pieces of a Dream; Pat Martino Organ Trio plus Horns; and Christian Scott, among many others.

Pamela Tatge comments, “It will be an honor and a thrill for me to have the opportunity to lead Jacob’s Pillow’s next stage of development. The Pillow’s leading role as a dance presenter, its support of artistic development and new work, and its deep audience engagement programming is of vital importance nationally and internationally; its educational and archival resources are unmatched. The passion and dedication of the Pillow’s Board and staff is palpable and inspiring. I look forward to working with them and to partnering with regional, national, and international dance artists and colleagues to continue the work of this truly extraordinary organization.”