Articles by Patricia Simms

Next Theatre RETURN TO HAIFA Review – Extended to March 21

An extraordinary story, a fine production, its haunting message will linger with you long after your leave the theater

Lyric Damnation of Faust Review - Life in the Faust Lane

Only opera could pull off the twists and turns this story takes. The complexity, the ingenious staging—the great singers, the light show and projections create an ethereal earthly setting and a ghastly otherworldly setting

Elixir of Love Review - A Great Valentine Date

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day date? This is it

Lakeside Singers Holiday Concert Review – Make It a Tradition

At “In the Frosty Air,” this year’s holiday concert, we enjoyed the spectacular voices of The Lakeside Singers in their trademark jolly, joyous concert in two well-defined "acts" that even include a costume change to make sure we get it

Alan Gross Interview - A Chicago Playwright You Should Know

Alan and I have been friends since the ‘60s. So our interview is part reunion and part celebration of the opening of his new play, HIGH HOLIDAYS at the Goodman Theatre

The Night Season Review - Love Labored

The Night Season celebrates the story of the Kennedy family living with the fallout of the desertion by their mother 15 years ago

Back the Bid Chicago Architecture Foundation Tour Review – Brought Back by Popular Demand

On Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 9:30am, Back the Bid Day, the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) will give you a chance to visualize the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics here in our home town, Chicago

Last of My Species Review - Redmoon's Spectacle '09

Part pop concert, part theatrical event with wild dance against a backdrop of weird contraptions and weirder orchestra, Species takes us into a world all its own

Jersey Boys Review - Broadway Really Has Come to Chicago

The record-breaking hit JERSEY BOYS is celebrating its second smash year in Chicago

Trattoria Isabella Review - A Chicago Restaurant You Should Know

The romantic setting, the floor-to-ceiling windows and Frank Sinatra's sensational voice crooning in the background got us off to a great start

Ravinia Review – NIGHT AND DAY A Cole Porter Evening

The de-lovely concert certainly was not “Just one of Those Things.” When my husband suggests we go to Ravinia again, I’ll say, “Let’s Do It”

GODS OF THE ANDES Review - a great read for mere mortals

Zimmerman's characters are so real, his ear for dialogue so pitch-perfect, his gift for storytelling studded with gentle humor is so captivating, he involves the reader at every turn

Pane Caldo Review – a feast for the all the senses

Translated literally, pane caldo means warm bread. Now take that image of warmth, the staff of life and the comforting, nurturing emotions all that stirs in you and you’ll have a sense of the ambiance of Pane Caldo

Vista Print Yard Sign Review – Sales Success for Us and 25 Percent Savings For You

By just reading this article, you can profit from our courtyard sale! Go to www.VistaPrint.com, order any of the many gorgeous products, mention chicago-splash.com and you’ll receive a 25% discount on your order!

Brasserie Jo Review – C’est si bon

We boarded the CTA, walked a short distance on a beautiful night and Voilá! arrived in Paris ala Brasserie JO

Arabian Nights Review - Your Story or Your Life

Scheherezade's life literally depended on the power of her stories and she came through with one mesmerizing tale after another, saving her life and affirming ours

Blues Legends Review – Six Generations of Mississippi Blues

The greatest way to CURE the blues is to experience the blues! I’m here to tell you there is no finer way to do that than to sing, dance, wave, jump and jive with the genuine Mississippi article.

Graduate Showcase Review - DePaul Theater School, a class act for 80 years

New York. Chicago. Los Angeles. The casting directors, agents, producers, managers, directors and other theater artists came out to see the graduates of this seminal school of dramatic arts

Crosby, Stills and Nash Review - boomers bring ‘em back

There we were. Crosby, Stills, Nash and the “Forever Young.” There is nothing even close to the sheer joy of the live experience of the band of your youth

Mayor Morton Award Review - A lifetime of community service recognized

After two "retirements" now, the question is not what she will do next, but can we keep up with her

Windy City Rhythms Goes Global Review – WOW

Our evening was full of surprises! And what surprises! We—and by that I do mean the entire audience—were captivated by what we saw and heard and felt—the beat

Blues on the North Shore Review - Brought back by popular demand

On June 12, 2009, the blues fun begins and ends at SPACE in Evanston, the north shore showcase of the best of the Mississippi Delta Bluesmen

Love Person Review - the languages of love

Two couples, three cultures and four relationships - gay and straight - blossom, break, sustain, repair and flourish in this contemporary romantic tale about the “language” of love

Balanced Kitchen Review - A Chicago Caterer You Should Know

The Balanced Kitchen laid before us a such a lavish palette of delicious, healthy treats our delighted palates didn’t even notice it was good-for-you food

Twelfth Night Review – Chicago's Love Splash

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier concludes its 2008/09 season with a flood of madcap comedy told in Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare’s tale of disorder, mistaken identity and revelry

Lyric Opera Season Review – A New Subscriber Shares Shining Memories

The beauty of the Lyric Opera reaches so many touch (sight,sound, memory, comfort,emotion, luxury) points it creates a perfectly lyrical operatic experience

Lakeside Singers Review – Celebrating 10 Years of Feel Good Concerts

Incubated by the Music Institute of Chicago, for ten years now, the Lakeside Singers have been bridging the worlds of classical and popular choral music by presenting a wide range of musical styles at the highest artistic level

Chicago Jazz Orchestra Review – A Tour de Force Performance of American Masterpieces

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra did it all. Right there, in a more than sold out Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, we were mesmerized, surprised, amused and astonished by spectacularly fine music