The brilliant minds behind the international hit Menopause The Musical® have done it again – this time with the hilarious and insightful new musical sensation, Motherhood the Musical®,debuting this week at the Royal George Theatre.  

Motherhood the Musical is a four-woman show from author and songwriter Sue Fabisch, that follows the humorous and loving journey of Amy, a soon-to-be first-time mom; Barb, an over-worked, underpaid, stressed-out mother of five; Brooke, a lawyer who works too much and barely sees her kids; and Tasha, a single mom struggling to balance work, family and a divorce.

The 20-song musical hailed as “Engaging, hilarious, and touching!” by Variety, includes the hilarious Billboard Top 10 comedy hit, “The Kids Are Finally Asleep;” the rousing call-to-shoppers, “Costco Queen;” and the tender ballad, “I’m Danny’s Mom.”

Opening March 30th at the Royal George Theatre located at 1641 N. Halstead. Performances are Wed-Thu at 7:30pm, Fri at 8pm, Sat at 2pm & 8pm, and Sun at 2pm & 5:30pm. Tickets range from $48-$65, and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800/982-2787 or at the Royal George Theatre box office.

Here in his home base of Chicago, everyone knows Rick Bayless as the creator of and driving force behind three of the city’s most in-demand eateries – Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and Xoco, a Mexican trifecta that generates lines of hungry hopefuls on several streets in the River North neighborhood every day. Outside of Illinois, meanwhile, foodies all over the world know him as the tour guide for Mexico: One Plate at a Time on PBS and the winner of the Bravo competition Top Chef Masters.

What nobody knows Bayless as – for now, at least – is a stage actor. But that’s set to change this week when he teams up with one of the city’s most imaginative theatrical troupes in the Lookingglass Theater production Rick Bayless in Cascabel, starring the celebrity chef as the singing, dancing and, yes, cooking main character. With a love story and acrobats and on-stage food preparation (ticket prices include the full meal from the play), this unusual stew of sights, sounds and tastes is unlike anything that’s been attempted in a Chicago theater.

Will it work? As anyone who has tasted the man’s cooking can attest, it’s tough to bet against Bayless.

March 24 through April 22 at Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Avenue. Call 312/337-0665 for ticket information and availability.  

While non-Indians may not be as familiar with the stories and rituals associated with the traditional Indian celebration of Holi––the two-day festival (beginning this year on March 8) known for its party-like atmosphere, which often includes the custom of celebrants throwing colored powder at one another in a symbolic welcome to the new season––anyone who has spent a few winters in the Midwest knows that any good spring party is an opportunity not to be missed. So even if they’re not slinging the colored powder at all of these great Indian restaurants around town, you can bet there will be a little extra excitement in the air:

Chicago Curry House
The off-the-beaten-path neighborhood location keeps things a bit lower-key here, but the consistently fresh ingredients, inventive preparations, and impeccable service are helping to get the word out on this hidden gem in Chicago’s South Loop. Curry House is getting in on the Holi Days festivities by offering guests a special 3-course lunch ($22) and dinner ($33) menu offering a mouth-watering selection of Tandoori Prawns, Chef Special Lobster Curry, Chicken Tikka Masala and more. 899 S. Plymouth Ct; 312/362-9999.

Indian Garden
Tandoori favorites and a handful of lamb and vegetarian specialties highlight the wide-ranging menu, while the lunch buffet remains a huge draw. On Saturday, March 10th, dress in your most vibrant and colorful frocks and head to Indian Garden to celebrate the arrival of spring and harvests to come. The day’s festivities will include stop a grand buffet, wine & beer, Indian DJ, Bhangra and Bollywood Dancing from 11:30am-3pm for $40pp. 247 E. Ontario; 312/280-4910.

India House
If you can find a moment to look away from the 150+ item menu, you’ll be able to watch the chefs pull some delectable possibilities from the traditional tandoor oven in the glass-enclosed kitchen. Take advantage of the exceptional lunch buffet offered Mon-Wed for $14.99 and Thu-Sun for $15.99.  Because a good Indian menu tends to be wide-ranging to the point of daunting, the buffet set-up is a natural, giving veterans and newcomers alike a chance to sample many of the great lamb, chicken, seafood and vegetarian selections for one low price. 59 W. Grand; 312/645-9500.