WARNING: This article uses racial and ethnic epithets.As we enter February, it's no coincidence that several mainstream theaters are offering plays featuring African-American actors and directors.

Chicago's reputation as a place where New York shows are born has come a long, long way from the occasional shot 20 years ago to a regular parade of productions nowadays.

With over 800 shows each year, Chicago theater companies often jostle in vain to open their shows on a night when no other show is opening. At least several times a year, theater critics face calendars crammed with a dozen or more new productions opening in a three or four day stretch.

UPDATED: Weisberg speaks out to Jim DeRogatisCrain's Chicago Business political reporter Greg Hinz broke the news that Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) since 1989, has tendered her resignation effective February 1.Now 85, Weisb

 Chicago's daily papers and online entertainment media announced January 18th, that the Belarus Free Theatre will make its Chicago debut Feb.

Updated: Weisberg speaks out to Jim DeRogatisA month ago, my WBEZ blog colleague Jim DeRogatis broke the story about the city administrative reshuffle merging the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Mayor's Office of Special Events, effective January 1

In the last few years, at least two blockbuster feature films have shot on the streets of Chicago: "Batman, The Dark Knight" in 2007 (released in 2008) and "Transformers 3, Dark of the Moon" just last year (release date next July 1).