The musical Pippin has been known and loved for its Fosse influence and wonderful score by the multi-award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Prince of Egypt, Wicked) since it burst on the scene in 1972. A dark, comedic, coming-of-age story, it follows the path of Pippin, the naive prince and son of fabled Emperor Charlemagne, who’s […]
Mary Young
Mary Young was born and raised in Springfield and has been performing in, producing and directing live theater for decades. She's done film and voice-over work, performs occasionally with local bands and takes part in improv troupe The Portuguese Rodeo Clown Company.
Posted inFood & Drink
NEW BUSINESS DOWNTOWN (OPENED AFTER 8/1/25)
Anyone who’s a regular at the Old Capitol Farmers Market downtown and loves coffee is probably already familiar with this year’s best new business. Its popular coffee truck has been a regular sight for years – serving up delicious hot and cold drinks with a smile. What’s new is the brick-and-mortar cafe, which opened in […]
Posted inFood & Drink
RESTAURANT FOR DESSERT
Located in The Gables, Pease’s at Bunn Gourmet is an elegant west-side eatery offering tasty treats, comfy seats and a variety of hand-crafted confections. Just walking in the door is to encounter a smorgasbord of options for your sweet tooth, including decadent cakes, flavorful cheesecakes, a variety of ice cream flavors and the not-to-be-missed towering […]
Posted inFood & Drink
HAPPY HOUR / NEW BAR (OPENED AFTER 8/1/25)
Described as a “modern, moody, high-end restaurant,” Vondra Social House has been a hit since its launch in November 2025. Sitting on Edwards Street, just south of the Lincoln Home Historic site, in a 186-year-old, two-story brick building, this new hot spot has consistently received buzz-worthy praise. Eclectic and bold, refreshing and new, the quirky and […]
Posted inGoods & Services
AUTO DEALER (NEW) / AUTO SALESPERSON
Isringhausen has a well-established reputation as a low-pressure, transparent dealership that serves customers from all over, not just here in central Illinois. Consistently winning top honors as the best auto dealership, the business now has another feather to add to its cap thanks to one of the helpful and friendly salespeople – Brandon Horner. In […]
Posted inArts, Culture & Entertainment
PUBLIC ART
Art in public spaces can be a source of pride and help define the local character of a city. It can speak to a community’s history, foster civic pride and tell local stories through diverse voices. The Best Of choice this year for public art checks all of these boxes and more. Launched in 2017 […]
Posted inArts, Culture & Entertainment
PLAY OR MUSICAL
A popular, award-winning musical currently making its way across theaters in the Midwest and beyond, Come From Away is based on the true story of Gander, Newfoundland – the location of one of several airports that took in diverted international planes after U.S. airspace was closed on 9/11. Within hours, the town’s population nearly doubled, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
COFFEE HOUSE / DRIVE-THRU
Another coffee nod goes to local gem Grab-A-Java. A perennial winner of Illinois Times’ Best Coffee House, it’s also received past recognition in the best public art and best barista categories. Grab-A-Java deserves praise not only for its tasty brews and savory or sweet treats but also perseverance amid the rise of a slew of […]
Posted inArts, Culture & Entertainment
THEATER DIRECTOR
“I’m old enough to remember our nation’s bicentennial and how emotional and exciting that time was for our country,” Gus Gordon said in a recent article about the musical 1776. “In this era of overwhelming political division, I think it is very appropriate to remember the incredible adversity our ancestors overcame to create our new […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Turnaway Play looks at a groundbreaking study
What happens when someone seeks an abortion and is turned away, compared to someone who has access? The Turnaway Play addresses this question through the experiences of women who participated in the Turnaway Study, an investigation that recruited roughly 1,000 women across 30 facilities in the U.S. between 2008 and 2010. Written by Lesley Lisa […]
Posted inArts & Culture
We the people should see this production
Attending a tech rehearsal of the compelling play, What the Constitution Means To Me by Heidi Schreck, I, and a handful of other invited guests entered the penumbra of a dimmed theater space, in the midst of final tech week adjustments, and emerged profoundly impacted. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, not being familiar […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Hairspray” sticks with you
One of the most vibrant and well-executed productions I’ve seen done locally is currently playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Co-directors and choreographers Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich and their creative, hard-working team have staged a non-stop, upbeat show that’s guaranteed to take audience members to their much-needed happy place. Not unlike walking […]
