WENDI KROMASH

Evanston

Reporter and Feature Writer at Evanston RoundTable

Featured in: Favicon

evanstonroundtable.com Favicon

playbill.com Favicon

nub.news

Articles

Chute Middle School principal McHolland gets Outstanding Educator Award from Scouting America

3 days ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

On Friday, May 2, Chute Middle School principal James McHolland (known at school as “Mr. Mac”) received one of Scouting America’s most prestigious honors, the Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award. The event, called the Whitney M. Young Jr. Awards Breakfast, is an annual celebration that honors individuals who positively impact young people’s lives. Community leaders, educators, families and advocates gathered at the breakfast, bound by their shared commitment to empower the next generation.
Enjoy the Waa-Mu musical 'Arch Madness' at Northwestern University

1 week ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

A winsome cast with strong singers and expressive actors filled the stage of the Cahn Auditorium, 600 Emerson St., on May 2, for opening night of the current Waa-Mu musical, Arch Madness. It’s a delightful, fun and thoughtful show — and it’s especially appealing to fans of musicals. Arch Madness consists of four “mini musicals” that take place on campus, represented on stage by a movable mockup of the Northwestern Arch.
Orbert Davis to pay tribute to Miles Davis' legacy

1 week ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

Orbert Davis and the Orbert Davis Sextet will play a tribute concert on Friday, May 9, at Studio5 focusing on the music of Miles Davis to commemorate what would have been the iconic musician’s 99th birthday on May 26. The concert is sold out but will be live-streamed live for Chicago Jazz Live on WDCB. Orbert Davis is an Emmy-Award-winning trumpeter, composer and teacher. He has composed music for television, theater, film, special outside performances in parks, ensembles and symphonies.
Joanne Telser-Frère: A champion for illiterate adults

1 week ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

Imagine going through life not being able to read. For millions of adults in the United States, it’s a reality. Joanne Telser-Frère, an Evanston resident and ETHS graduate, created a program that teaches adults how to read. She works at Literacy Chicago as the director of adult literacy and program development. Last month she was recognized by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) with a national award as the Outstanding Administrator of the Year for 2025.
Waa-Mu's 'Arch madness' - A year-long musical journey - Evanston RoundTable

2 weeks ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

This year, the Waa-Mu show presents four, one-act mini-musicals about life at Northwestern in Arch Madness. The mini-musicals are linked together through the storyline. Described as “a love letter to Northwestern,” Arch Madness explores the past in order to find a new way to the future. “Our tagline is, ‘Northwestern’s past, present and future collide'” said musical supervisor Ryan T. Nelson.
Beloved Fred Anzevino of Theo Cabaret Theatre passes away

2 weeks ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

Fred Anzevino, founder of Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, died on April 28. He was 67 years old. Theo’s board of directors and staff emailed an announcement with the news. The text of the email follows. “The Board of Directors and Staff of Theo are saddened to share with you that our beloved Fred Anzevino has passed away following a brief illness.
Evanston Art Center hosts a fun-filled day of creativity

2 weeks ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

Carolyn O’Brien sponsored a free party on Sunday afternoon at the Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St. She also established the first meeting of the Fun & Games Guild. About 150 people showed up to experience what was billed as one-time-only event. It was a creative happening, a burst of childlike play combined with music, musical conversations, juggling, singing, laughing and screaming. Yes, screaming. With plastic chickens. Some guests dressed up for occasion, but most people wore casual attire.
Man of La Mancha: A timely portrayal at Northwestern

2 weeks ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

The Northwestern University production of Man of La Mancha that opened on Friday is excellent and well worth seeing before it closes May 4. It is deeply serious and often funny, balancing comedy and tragedy while presenting a philosophical choice about how we each choose to live our lives. The show is updated in a contemporary setting, shown here as a detention center at the southern border of the United States. Undocumented individuals await deportation.
Unique art event 'Fun & Games' set for April 27

2 weeks ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

Something magical will take place at the Evanston Art Center at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27. “Fun & Games” is a one-time only, free event limited to 200 people. Artist and musician Carolyn O’Brien created this multidisciplinary event as a way to cope with and heal from depression. The result is a unique art experience that is as much an expression of self-compassion as it is a creative happening. There is a cocktail party before the show including drinks with and without alcohol.
A visit to Zen Leaf dispensary on April 20

3 weeks ago | evanstonroundtable.com | WENDI KROMASH

April 20, 4/20 (four-twenty) is slang in cannabis culture for when — like the day or time (4:20 p.m.) — to smoke pot. It’s known variously as 420, 4:20 and 4/20. Three years ago I wrote about my experience purchasing and recreationally ingesting gummies with CBD (cannabidiol). It seemed a good time to provide an update.