Family Friendly: Miss Wendy will take kids on a trip with songs

Wendy Morgan of the Vocal Gymnasium loves performing for kids. “It’s so lovely to see the smiles on their faces and to take them on a journey,” Morgan said.

Choir showcases vocal shadings

The beautiful Italian word “chiaroscuro” originally referred to the use of light and darkness in Renaissance painting. However, according to Jennifer Whiting, conductor of the Northbrook Community Choir, it can also be used by singers to describe the balance of dark and bright timbres of the voice.

Rachleff steps down at Chicago Philharmonic

Lawrence Rachleff has conducted the Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra since it was founded as Symphony II in 1988.

“I used to come for at least three concerts a season,” said the maestro, when reached in Houston where he is professor of music and music director of …

For de Rossi, return to ‘Arrested’ surreal

Portia de Rossi remembers a time when she couldn’t get “Arrested.” To land the role of Lindsay Bluth Funke in the cult hit “Arrested Development,” she pulled out all the stops.

‘The Liar’ a study in untruth and consequences

Moving to Paris gives Dorante the opportunity to reinvent himself. And he does it with a vengeance in David Ives adaptation of “The Liar,” Corneille’s classic 1643 farce. You see, once Dorante starts lying, he can’t stop so his tales become more and more complex.

Stingrays easy to handle in new Shedd exhibit

In her 24 years as a Shedd Aquarium member, Joan Reylek has only once touched a Shedd animal, during an errant encounter with a sea otter.

Star power: Technology revolutionizes Sky Show

As a pulsing nebula races toward the watchful audience, a hand shoots up to touch it. More hands follow suit, straining skywards. For the kids taking in the Adler’s newest show, “Cosmic Wonder,” outer space is just out of reach.

Table Hopping: Norton’s secret for success? Simply good food

“Give people what they want,” is the no-nonsense motto of Richard Holleb, owner of Norton’s restaurant in Highland Park. The casual and friendly atmosphere he and partner, Jeffrey Mages, have created over the last 14 years in their “Cheer’s”-worthy haunt is a direct result of that credo.

New releases on DVD, Blu-ray

Young love casts a powerful spell in “Beautiful Creatures,” Arnold Schwarzenneger returns to action in “The Last Stand,” Jude Law writes a prescription for disaster in “Side Effects” and Pacino, Walken and Arkin have a big night on the town in “Stand Up Guys.”

Billboard awards are Taylor-made

Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards. Swift won eight of 11 awards, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album for “Red.” She told the crowd: “You are the longest and best relationship I ever had.” She also had a colorful performance of her hit “22” — starting backstage and working her way to the main stage on the back of a bike with help from a dozen background dancers and a flurry of red balloons.

Arts and entertainment calendar for May 23

Check out the variety of fun events and activities in your area this week!

Have piano skills, will travel

Rock music done duo-piano style isn’t something you see — or hear — every day, especially on Steinway concert grands. That’s one good reason to be there when Wilmette native jazz pianist Adam Kromelow and Angelo Di Loreto perform the music of Genesis May 21 and 22 at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Northbrook and in Hinsdale.

Movies opening, still in theaters

Michael Shannon kills for a living in “The Iceman” and the crew of the Enterprise warps back into action in “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

Table Hopping: To taste Paris, head to Mundelein

“When I was three years old I said to my mom, ‘I want to become a chef,’” said Claude Bouteille, the long-time chef and baker who has been plying his craft in the north of Chicago for the past 22 years.

Family Friendly: Botanic garden celebrates children

Craft projects, music and traditional folktales will teach families about children’s celebrations in Japan during the Malott Japanese Garden Children’s Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18 and May 19 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.