Queen Of Spades

New to the Lyric Opera, Tchaikovsky’s broodingly romantic thriller, The Queen of Spades, is a tour de force. The lead tenor plays the terrifyingly obsessed Gherman (Brandon Jovanovich), an unhappy soldier desperate to know a secret hidden by a mysterious old countess, Lisa (Sondra Radvanovsky)—the mystery of winning at cards. As Gherman’s obsession begins to overwhelm him, it leads to devastation both for him and for Lisa, the countess’s granddaughter, whom Gherman loves. Tchaikovsky’s music (conducted by Sir Andrew Davis) is the height of Russian romanticism in its melancholy soulfulness, its white-hot passion, and the sweeping grandeur of its orchestra—a masterpiece from the genius who gave the world “Eugene Onegin” and “Swan Lake.” The Queen of Spades runs from February 15 to March 1. For more information and tickets, visit lyricopera.org.

What’s Cooking?

The Seasoned Plate is a collection of delicious and healthy real food recipes sorted by season. Chef and author Nicole Putzel loves to create seasonal, vegetable-centric recipe once a week, and during the summer months, the produce for the recipes is harvested from her backyard—truly organic-garden-to-plate dining. She started sharing the dishes with photographer Claudia Chocano who then styled the food in its true edible form—no tricks—and once they were satisfied with the visual appeal, Chocano photographed the dishes in natural, seasonal light. Once the photos had been taken, the two friends sat at the kitchen table and consumed the fruits of their labors. This cookbook is the result of a beautiful recipe: one of food, friendship, and wellness. Eat up! For more information, visit putzelkitchen.com.

A Celebration of Strength

On Saturday, February 1, Pillars Community Health will host its annual gala, “The Ball,” at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The black-tie affair, co-chaired by Paula Horvath and Becky Spratford, will feature dinner, live music, auctions, and casino gaming. Proceeds will benefit the agency’s mission of providing health and social services to the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago. It’s a charitable way to honor both Pillars and those who’ve found the strength to seek help from them; their patients’ stories of survival are a moving reminder of the organization’s commitment to “heal, care, and educate” the community. For more information, visit pillarscommunityhealth.org.

Use Your Prime Membership to Help a Pup

Perhaps you’re relieved to finish a hectic season of holiday shopping and charity drives. The Hinsdale Humane Society understands, which is why they’ve made contributing to their cause as easy as clicking a button. Much-needed donations for their shelter animals—cat and dog food, blankets, toys—can be purchased via an Amazon wishlist on their website. Or, for the ultimate contribution, visit the shelter and consider adding a fur baby to the family. For more information, visit hinsdalehumanesociety.org.