Meet our new Shelter Director: Brandi Edson | Brandi began her career with The Caring Place in 2010.

Largest Permanent Art Projection in the World to Feature Collaborations with Art Institute of Chicago and Arts of Life, Launching April 1

Projection by The Adler Planetarium Featuring Music from Sun Ra to Kick Off Alignment with 2020 Year of Chicago Music, Opening May 16

***RECOMMENDED*** One of the oddly pleasurable advantages of meeting a complete stranger for the very first time is the fact that it affords you the opportunity to completely reinvent yourself. A brand new identity. Casual encounter. Brief interlude. Whatever you may call it, this informal exchange of ideas or random and seemingly innocent conversation can be fun. After all, who wouldn't want to leave their dreary relationship or monotonous job behind them as they create an entirely fresh and different reality? This is exactly what happens when the female protagonist in Leslye Headland's "The Layover" finds herself seated next to an alluring gentleman on a flight. That initial contact leads these two characters down some very dark passages as it ultimately permanently alters the course of each of their lives forever.  3 SPOTLIGHTS

***RECOMMENDED*** First Floor Theater is presenting the Chicago premiere of "Plano" as part of Steppenwolf's LookOut Series. This play, written by Will Arbery in 2018, enjoyed a successful run off-Broadway last year. It is presented here with a very strong cast of female actors. The promotional materials define "Plano" as a dark comedy, but under the swift direction of Steppenwolf ensemble member Audrey Francis in which much of the hidden nuances are delivered at an oftentimes breakneck speed it comes off as more of a comedy of the absurd.  3 SPOTLIGHTS

DOT OFFICE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICE

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. -- The Purdue University Northwest Pride today announced the addition of Esports as PNW’s 14th varsity athletic program. Esports – a competitive, organized, and multiplayer online video game competition – is among the world’s fastest growing sport at the collegiate level. In fall 2020, PNW will be the first public university in Indiana to offer Esports at the varsity level.

State commits to renewing signature health coverage program; asks for historic waiver

****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Every once in a while, whether an average theatergoer or devoted patron, you are fortunate enough to discover something truly remarkable upon the stage. When all of the key elements -- script, acting, direction and design -- magically coalesce into an evening in the theater which stuns you with its immense power and delves deep within your heart and opens your mind with its staggering brilliance, well, then you know that you have witnessed something miraculous. One such production is "Kill Move Paradise" in its Chicago premiere at TimeLine Theatre Company. This is easily the most insightful, stimulating and essential play presented in Chicago thus far in 2020.  4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS

***RECOMMENDED*** Invictus Theatre Company, the fledgling theatrical company that aims to promote a better understanding of language, has chosen to produce Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun" for the second production of their first full season. Thanks to some articulate direction and very strong performances, Hansberry's classic -- presented here in its entirety, unlike the original 1959 Broadway debut that excised one character and deleted another scene entirely -- reminds us just how greatly talented of a writer Hansberry truly was and proves that we really haven't progressed very far in the more than 60 years since it was written. 3 AND 1/2 SPOTLIGHTS

The Shops at North Bridge announced that luxury travel goods and accessories brand MCM (Modern Creation München) has opened its first Chicago retail location at the shopping center. The Chicago location will mark the brand’s 21st location in the United States.