Features Improv Centralby Alan GrossImprovisational theatre just may be our most significant export to Western civilization. But don’t ask for a definition. The Quest of George Anastaploby Andrew PatnerHis goal was to become a lawyer. His foes included McCarthyism and an inflexible judiciary. His case is a stain on the Illinois bar. Wanted: Dead or … Read more
Features Let Us Now Praise Catholic Schoolsby Alfredo S. LanierThe way the parochial schools are educating growing numbers of minority children offers some important lessons for all of us. The Schools Under Bernardin: What to Expectby Dale KeigerAfter years of autocratic rule, Chicago gets an Archbishop who seeks a consensus. Paby Jack StarA writer looks … Read more
Features The High Cost of Letting Edison Do Itby Alfredo S. LanierCommonwealth Edison’s commitment to nuclear energy remains strong. Is it a case of foresight or folly? The Best of Dines, the Worst of Dinesby Carla and Allen KelsonOnce again, the restaurants our readers like most and the ones they love to hate. Plus stupendous … Read more
Features Big Jim and Adlai: Squaring Off Illinois-styleby Henry HansonIn a state not known for its statesmanlike governors, the winner of this year’s race could find himself on his way the White House. How to Revive the State’s Antique Economyby Ralph Whitehead, Jr.As the industries that made us strong continue to weaken, the pressure increases … Read more
Features On the Streets with the Tac Teamby Jack StarThe stakeouts are many, the shootouts few. But cops in the tactical unit have a well-honed sense of survival. Radical Sleekby Judith NeisserMaking waves in the world of furniture design, five Chicagoans both shock and delight. In Good Formby Brenda ShapiroIn the eighties, houses are again … Read more
Features The Secret Battle Over Charlie Swibelby Steven GittelsonChicago wasn’t ready for public housing reform, and Washington wasn’t ready for Chicago. Tales From the “House of 400 Thieves”by Alan GrossIs there such a thing as “wholesale to the public”? Come to the Mallers Building and find out. John Cage Takes Chancesby Raymond Wilding-WhiteThe controversial composer … Read more
Features Joys of Summer Winter was dreadful; spring wasn’t much better. When you live here, celebrating summer should be a civic duty. 101 Great Escapes and Escapadesby Suzanne Chazin, Bob Cooper, Steve Fiffer, Jamie Gilson, Laurie Gottlieb, Alan Gross, Hal Higdon, Gale Kappe, Don Klimovich, Christine Koyama, Alfredo S. Lanier, Judith Neisser, David Novick, Andrew … Read more
Features A Ring of Pearlsby Ron GrossmanTravel through a land of country estates, ethnic enclaves, an industrial basin, and a nuclear accelerator where the buffalo roam. Mapping It Outby Ron GrossmanA guide to ethnic suburbia, plus eight unique tours Painting by Numbersby Pierre deViseAn urbanologist looks beyond the city and asks: What’s your culture quotient? … Read more
Orbert Davis, who plays Millennium Park on August 27th
What was high school really like for the actors in High School Musical?
