The North Shore Weekend, May 25th, 2024

“Nothing is promised to the self-confident, but the broken ones have

REALITY CHECK

A new reality television series starring Highland Park couple Billy Corgan and Chloé Mendel takes viewers behind the scenes of what it’s like to run a professional wrestling organization while maintaining a family and a music career. pg12

-Charles Spurgeon

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

17

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Chef Thierry Lefeuvre

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

thetitanicexhibition.com

EDITED

NOW THROUGH MAY 27

INSPIRED BY…

WHERE: North Shore Art League

The North Shore Art League is excited to host its third annual “Inspired by…” Show. The themed show is on display on the second floor of the Community House in Winnetka. Artwork is available for purchase and a portion of all sales supports the North Shore Art League. northshoreartleague.org

NOW THROUGH MAY 31

AMIE CAMPBELL’S GALLERY

WHERE: Vivid Art Gallery

Amie Campbell is this month’s featured artist and her pieces will be displayed in an exhibit until the end of May. Her newest, striking work explores the beauty of botanicals and architecture through a translucent lens. She works in various media including acrylic paints, watercolors, gouache, caran d’ache, and colored pencils. vividartgallery.net

NOW THROUGH JUNE 30

TITANIC: THE EXHIBITION

WHERE: Westfield Old Orchard

Experience the story of the Titanic in an exhibit featured at Westfield Old Orchard, running 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through the end of June. Guests will be able to traverse the Grand Staircase, see recreations of the ship’s interior, view artifacts from the ship, and more. The Discovery Gallery will give a glimpse at what archaeologists saw when they discovered the wreck of the Titanic. This exhibit also pays homage to the SS Eastland Disaster, which is the largest loss of life in a single shipwreck on the Great Lakes. Tickets are on sale now.

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7

CIRCUSVILLE: PLAY UNDER THE BIG TOP

WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum

Bring your kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum to play at the circus! Children can try their hands at all of the vital roles in a circus: star of the show, ticket taker, acrobat, hot dog vendor, and more. Props and costumes for families will be provided. chicagochildrensmuseum.org

NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 13

“SHTETL IN THE SUN”

WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

In the late 1970s, photographer Andy Sweet took numerous photos of Holocaust survivors living hopeful and joyous lives in South Beach, Florida. Through his images, it provides a poignant display of life after tragedy. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s exhibit, “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach 19771980,” celebrates Sweet’s work as a tribute to those who lived during that time. The exhibit will run through October 13. ilholocaustmuseum.org

NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 25, 2025

“KENILWORTH CENTENNIAL HOMES”

WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society

Explore the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes and celebrate their architectural significance with a dynamic exhibit that chronicles the evolution of residential development in the village. The homes featured in this exhibit were built between 1889 and 1924. kenilworthhistory.org

MAY 25 TO 26

BARRINGTON ART FESTIVAL

WHERE: Barrington Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with Barrington’s

Art Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Start your day with coffee and breakfast before exploring art from 125 artists. Partake in a live painting class or stop at the Kids Art Zone. Enter to win a $100 Art Fest gift card to spend this weekend. Barrington’s restaurants, cafes, and retail shops will be open during the festival. amdurproductions.com

MAY 26

ORION CONCERTS

WHERE: Evanston

The Orion Ensemble concludes its 31st season with three “Tribute to Paquito D’Rivera” concerts in May. The Ensemble will welcome guest jazz pianist Bradley Williams for a program featuring works by D’Rivera, Dvorák and de Abreu. The final performance will be held in Evanston May 26. This concert series will serve as a tribute to CubanAmerican jazz legend Paquito D’Rivera. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students 13 and older. Children 12 and younger are free. orionensemble.org

MAY 27

JUBILEE JOG 5K

WHERE: St. Joseph School

St. Joseph Parish’s Jubilee Jog 5k returns for its 30th year. This year, proceeds benefit the Saints JFX Parish Fund that will aid the local community. Race day packets can be picked up Friday, May 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is $25 for children and $50 for adults and will be accepted until start time on race day. The run/ walk will begin at 8 a.m. in St. Joseph School parking lot. jubileejog5k.com

MAY 29

THE PLACEMAKING PROJECT

WHERE: Robert Crown Branch Library

Learn more about an exciting project and plans to preserve, uncover, and collect stories of local Asian-Ameri-

can history in Evanston. From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Evanston ASPA and Evanston Public Library will present their plans for future collections and preservation of local Asian-American history and culture. This adult program will be in person and online. Registration is required. epl.org

MAY 31

CONSERVATION

COCKTAILS: CICADA SENSATION

WHERE: Mellody Farm

Nature Preserve

Join Chicago’s Field Museum Collections Assistant, Jim Lauderman, for an evening presentation about cicadas. He will have examples of a variety of cicadas and will teach about the differences between species. He’ll also discuss the importance of insects and arachnids to man and the environment. This event is for adults only and is from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required. Tickets for members are $15 per person and $20 for non-members. lfola.org

MAY 31 TO JUNE 2

DO DIVISION STREET FEST

WHERE: Chicago

Do Division Street Fest returns to kickoff Chicago’s festival season. This annual event features vendors, live

performances, and a variety of local shopping and food. This year, there will be two stages for live music. Interested festival goers can sign up for a chance to win a prize pack including tickets to performances at both stages. Do Chicago Fashion Fest will showcase a runway and vendors throughout the weekend. westtownchamber.org

JUNE 1

CICADA SENSATION!

WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve

Celebrate the cicadas with Associate Curator of Entomology, Allan Lawrence, and LFOLA staff. From 10 a.m. to noon, there will be cicada specimen to study, games, and hikes throughout the preserve. This year, the Cicada Broods XIII and XIX will emerge simultaneously, which hasn’t happened since Thomas Jefferson’s presidency. All ages are welcome and this event is free. Registration is encouraged. lfola.org

JUNE 1

MAKE A MUG

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Learn how to use a sublimation printer and heat press transfer machines to add a favorite picture or design to a coffee mug. This adult

program will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Media Lab. Registration is required for this event. Supplies and instruction will be provided. lakeforestlibrary.org

JUNE 1

FORT SHERIDAN HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR

WHERE: Fort Sheridan

The Fort Sheridan Historic Society proudly presents “Our Historic Jewel V” house tour. Guests will view renovated historical homes and the mansions from a bygone age. Participants will meet at the Water Tower to purchase tickets and start tours. Tours are from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online and are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. fortsheridanhistoricalsociety.org

JUNE 1 TO 23

JCC CHICAGO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

WHERE: Highland Park, Chicago, and Skokie

The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival returns for its 11th season. This year, films will be shown on the weekends in Highland Park, Chicago, and Skokie. The festival will conclude with a showing at the Illinois Holocaust Museum on June 23. These 23

BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Wilmette Historical Museum Garden Walk

documentaries, dramas, and comedies will include a Q+A after the film. Tickets and special passes are on sale now. jccfilmfest.jccchicago.org

JUNE 3 THROUGH AUGUST

FOOD TRUCK MONDAYS

WHERE: Kenilworth Park District

Enjoy Food Truck Mondays weekly starting June 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Food will be provided by Billy Bricks & Rio Bamba Food Trucks. Music will be provided by The Heavy Sounds and there will also be cornhole league, bocce ball league, margaritas, and family fun.

kenilworthparkdistrict.org

JUNE 6 TO 8

CHILDREN’S BOOK SALE

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

The Friends of Lake Forest Library presents its Children’s Book Sale just in time for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. Browse and purchase gently used and bargain brand children’s books. The sale will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6 and 7, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 in the Lake Forest Foyer. lakeforestlibrary.org

JUNE 6 TO 9

INTERNATIONAL MURAL FESTIVAL

WHERE: Highwood

Celebrate 12 renowned artists and their mural works throughout the city of Highwood. These murals will color the exterior walls of 12 buildings and there will be handson activities, live music, food and drink vendors, an outdoor bar, and a full carnival during this festival. Mural artwork will be displayed in May so they can be viewed prior to the festival.

celebratehighwood.org

JUNE 7

ANCHORS AWEIGH

WHERE: Saddle & Cycle Club

The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital is set to host the pre-eminent event of the season, the Summer Soiree Anchors Aweigh. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., cocktails and culinary delights will be served under the stars while guests

Save-A-Pet Pinstripes fundraiser

dance to the acclaimed yacht rock band, Anchor's Away. The glamorous evening will kick off the summer season while raising critical funds in support of The Woman's Board mission to support the programs and services provided by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Tickets are $250. wbnorthwestern.org

JUNE 7 TO 8 WCNS CHILDREN’S FAIR

WHERE: Village Green

The 77th annual Winnetka Children’s Fair returns to Village Green as the quintessential kick off to summer. The fair will be held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 7 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 8. It’s hosted by the Winnetka Community Nursery School Board of Directors and a group of dedicated parents with aid from local volunteers and the support of businesses in the area. The fair features treats, games, pony, camel, carnival rides and much more. Ticket presales began May 15 and can be picked up at the Will Call at the fair. winnetkacommunitynurseryschool.org

JUNE 8

RAGDALE PUBLIC TOUR

WHERE: Ragdale Campus

Ragdale, the nationally acclaimed artists’ retreat on the former country estate of English architect Howard Van Doren Shaw, offers tours of the historic Ragdale House, visual artist studios, and exquisite gardens. Participants will learn about the Shaw family history and the artists’ residency program that serves nearly 150 artists and authors each year. Tours are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $10/person and online reservations must be made in advance. ragdale.com

JUNE 9

SAVE-A-PET PINSTRIPES FUNDRAISING EVENT

WHERE: Pinstripes South Barrington

Save-A-Pet animal rescue and adoption center is proud to announce its first Pinstripes fundraising event in South Barrington. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., guests will partake in gourmet appetizers, bowling, bocce, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction and more through tickets and special packages. Exciting prizes will also be raffled to raise additional funds for rescued dogs and cats awaiting forever homes. Tickets are $125 per adult and $70 per child (21 and under) and are available online or at the door. saveapetil.org

JUNE 9 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 29

FRENCH MARKET

WHERE: The Lot, Highland Park

The French Market returns to The Lot every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Browse the wares of artisans and food vendors from the Chicago area and find an array of unique products and wares. enjoyhighlandpark.com

JUNE 10

TRIVIA NIGHT

WHERE: Lake Bluff Brewing Company

Enjoy a fun night of trivia at Lake Bluff Brewing Company from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Teams of six can register starting  at 7 p.m. on June 4. Compete for prizes and enjoy food and quality time with friends while testing your trivia knowledge. This event is presented by the Lake Bluff Public Library. lakeblufflibrary.org

JUNE 12

CRAFT A DAD-WORTHY CARD

WHERE: Northfield Public Library

Create a personal Father’s Day card celebrating Dad from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All ages are welcome and materials will be provided. This program will be held in the Northfield Community Room. Registration is required. wnpld.org

JUNE 12

CICADA SAFARI: UNCOVER THE BUZZ

WHERE: Glencoe Public Library

Explore the world of cicadas! Students in grades K through 3 will learn about cicada anatomy and their fascinating life cycle. From underground nymphs to buzzing adults, the secrets of these insects will be revealed. Registration is required and participants will meet in the Hammond Room. glencoelibrary.org

JUNE 20

TEA CUP CANDLES

WHERE: Lake Bluff Public Library

Create a fun and unique candle with simple ingredients from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adults will explore how to safely make candles at home. Registration is required. This event will be held in the Spruth Room. lakeblufflibrary.org

JUNE 22

ART EXPLORATION WITH BERNADETTE: GEOMETRIC COLOR ART

WHERE: Glencoe Public Library

Students in grades 1 through 6 can enjoy an afternoon with Bernadette Foch for a unique class featuring oil pastels, Sharpies, chalk, and color diffusing paper. This program will be held in the Hammond Room from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration is required. glencoelibrary.org

JUNE 22

ANIMAL HOUSE SHELTER CASINO NIGHT

WHERE: 8 Saville Row, Barrington Hills

Support Animal House Shelter and enjoy an evening of gaming, delicious food, drinks, and great company. Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests can try their luck at the poker table, roll the dice at the craps table, play blackjack, or spin the wheel at the roulette table. This fundraiser is for ages 21 and older, has a business casual dress code, and tickets are $150. This event promises to be an evening of glamour, excitement, and compassion in the name of furry friends in

need. animalhouseshelter.com

JUNE 22 TO 23

NSAL ART IN THE VILLAGE

WHERE: Hubbard Woods Park

North Shore Art League’s annual juried art show, Art in the Village, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park will serve as a beautiful setting for this summer art show. Artists from across the country will showcase oil paintings, mixed media, photography, sculpture, and more. As an added attraction, NSAL faculty member and portrait artist, Lisa DePinto, will paint quick oil paintings on site. northshoreartleague.org

JUNE 23

MAX’S WAR

WHERE: Northfield Public Library

Local author Libby Fischer Hellmann will discuss her new book, Max’s War. The epic story is about a Ritchie Boy during World War II. It is a tribute to her late father-inlaw who was active with the OSS and interrogated dozens of German POWs. This adult program will meet from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Northfield Community Room. Registration is required. wnpld.org

JUNE 23

WINGS NORTH SHORE

LADIES LUNCHEON

WHERE: Westmoreland Country Club

Support the WINGS nonprofit by attending the third annual North Shore Ladies Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $200. WINGS makes a difference in the eyes of families suffering domestic abuse and all proceeds will fund its future work. wingsprogram.com

JUNE 30

HISTORIC GARDEN WALK

WHERE: Wilmette Historical Museum

Explore four stunning Wilmette gardens and learn more about their unique designs and features, as well as the exterior architecture and history of their adjoining homes at the Wilmette Historical Museum’s garden walk, held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Advanced tickets are available for $40 for members, $50 for non-members, and $25 for high school and college students. Discounted tickets are available until June 23 and prices will increase by $10 afterwards. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or by visiting the museum. Physical tickets are required and must be picked up in person 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. wilmettehistory.org

JULY 4

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

WHERE: Downtown Highland Park

Highland Park’s Independence Day Celebration returns with new additions. This year will balance the diverse needs of the community by providing space for remembrance as well as familiar traditions. There will be a morning remembrance ceremony, an afternoon parade at 1 p.m. down a new route through downtown, and the return of the family friendly 4th of July Fest from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The remembrance ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and will be open to the public via advanced registration. The ceremony will be held indoors and led by faith leaders, Mayor Rotering, and musicians. It will be presented in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. A remembrance video message will be available to view that morning. cityhpil.com

To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.

North Shore Art in the Village

717 Woodmere Ln., Glenview

465 Evanston Ave., Lake Bluff 1323 Bonnie Glen Ln., Glenview 604 S. Pine St., Mount Prospect

347 Linder Ave., Northfield

467 Spring St., Elgin

312 County Ln., Glenview 1413 London Ln., Glenview

817 Greenacres Ln., Glenview 1532 Woodview Ln., Northbrook

1140 Pam Anne Dr., Glenview 725 Milburn St., Evanston

At first, he was reluctant. Billy Corgan, who has lived much of his life in public view, wasn’t sure if he wanted to turn the cameras on himself and his family. But his production partner had a vision for what a new reality television show could look like, and Corgan signed on.

The new show, Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland, covers both the personal and professional. Corgan’s band, The Smashing Pumpkins, the challenges of running his professional wrestling enterprise, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and he and Mendel’s wedding a few months ago are all featured in the show.

“My life’s pretty calm these days and I’ve had my moments in the past and I just wanted to go about my business,” Corgan says. “We live in such a complicated landscape trying to promote my wrestling company at some point you just have to figure it out. If I’m not willing to put myself all in then what am I asking of others, and I think that was the ultimate deciding factor for me.”

Corgan insisted that the show be entirely organic with no staging of scenes—an authentic documentation of what it’s like to run a professional wrestling company and maintain a musical career with one of the best-known bands on the planet.

“I was willing to give access to tell that story and how you balance that with an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old—to go from a sold-out show to struggling to sell tickets for the NWA,” he says. “The highs and lows are contrasted sharply in the show, and I wanted to tell that story because it’s a uniquely American tale. A guy has a dream, and can he pull it off? Is the dream worth doing? The show gets into a lot of these organic extremes.”

For her part, Mendel says she was supportive of the show and of Billy’s ultimate

and

other is in the DNA of her and Corgan’s marriage.

never questioned Billy’s pursuit in doing the show. We are passionate people, and the show really shines a light on him and the idea that following your passion is so important. I never second-guessed it because I knew my husband’s heart was in the right place.”

For the show, the couple was very careful of what they allowed to be shown. As the executive producer, Corgan had control over what was filmed, camera angles, and what shots made the final cut. Protecting the family’s privacy and private spaces limited the intrusiveness so common in reality television productions.

Highland Park is also a backdrop for a number of episodes in the series. Episode three is about the July 4, 2022, mass shooting in downtown Highland Park and a subsequent fundraiser, “HP Cares for Cooper,” that Corgan, Mendel, and NWA organized for Cooper Roberts, a young boy who was paralyzed in the gunfire.

“I think when Billy and I made the commitment to living in Highland Park full time we always wanted to support our community and to give back,” Mendel says. “It’s really making sure we are part of the positive change in the community. It’s part of our lives and we want our children to be part of that, too.”

As if he’s not busy enough, Corgan and bandmates from The Smashing Pump-

kins will be putting Highland Park in the rearview for a lengthy tour of Europe this summer as well as some stadium dates with Green Day and Rancid, including a show on August 13 at Wrigley Field.

Corgan and Mendel now run five companies between them—including a new fashion brand Mendel recently launched with her father, Gilles Mendel, inspired by the wedding dress he made for her and Corgan’s big day.

“We’re going to have our busiest year yet,” Corgan says of the Pumpkins. “It’s been a while since we’ve been this busy.”

“I think our relationship is very successful because we support each other in our endeavors as crazy as they are,” she says. “I

All eight episodes of Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland are available for streaming free on the CW Network, cwtv.com.

vision for it,

that being supportive of each

BY MITCH HURST

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY

In addition to running a wrestling company and staying active in his band, The Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan is also raising a family in Highland Park with his wife, fashion designer Chloè Mendel.

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EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

I always have a notebook and pen to jot down ideas and inspiration that come to me in my sleep as well as class sequencing, and other things I must remember to do. Everything always seems more important and exciting at 3 a.m.

#ON MY MOBILE

I wish I could say that I’m not attached to my phone, but I am. Without it, I’m not sure how I would function because I use the calendar to remind myself about everything! I use MapMyRun for my daily pre-dawn jogs, the Starbucks app for my daily Venti Green Tea order, Hyperlapse for creating videos to post my teaching schedule on Instagram and Facebook, the Sling app for creating and updating Merlo’s hostess schedule, OpenTable for making and checking reservations on the fly, Mindbody for observing Reach’s daily retail sales and class enrollments when I am not on site, the Hometown Coffee & Juice and True Juice apps for pre-ordering my daily lunch fixes, and Shazam for when I hear a song I must grab for a future yoga playlist! If someone took my phone away, I would most likely be way more present than I claim to be.

#IN MY EARBUDS

I listen to How I Built This with Guy Raz for business inspiration, and SmartLess with Rob Lowe, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, and Just B with Bethenny Frankel podcasts as background noise for the moving meditation that is my daily run. I love that Spotify sends me new music weekly that I use to create playlists for my classes. Depending on my mood, you might hear soundtracks from ‘80s movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High or About Last Night to dance mashups from all the years I spent bartending and dancing at nightclubs in my 20s to any cover I can find. I love familiar, but different.

How do you find true happiness at age 50? For LAURA MERLO, owner of Reach Yoga and co-owner of Merlo’s Italian Restaurant, happiness is creating a life you don’t need a vacation from. Growing up in New York and moving to Chicago in 1992, Merlo settled in Glencoe 13 years ago with her husband, John, and two young kids. Five years ago, when the opportunity arose to buy the town’s beloved yoga studio, her life suddenly had much more meaning. Juggling life as an owner of two thriving businesses while managing the well-being of two teenagers has its challenges, but somehow her work and personal lives flow seamlessly. Merlo notes this wouldn’t be possible without the help and encouragement of an incredibly strong staff and supportive community. This restaurateur and yogi steps away from menus and mats to share how she stays on trend in a busy world.

Pets4Life offers various wellness plans for every stage of your pet’s life. Our plans are tailored for your pet and can include: -vaccines -lab work -wellness exams -spaying and neutering -dental cleaning -and for a limited time, nail trims! Call our vets at (847) 434-2745 to find out how we can set up a plan to meet your pet’s needs.

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CASH OUT

John Travolta stars in a one-dimensional caper about a thug who likes to mastermind major heists that never go off quite as planned.

BY REX REED ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

RUNNING TIME: 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES

RATING: 1 star

John Travolta doesn’t act much anymore. Call it semi-retirement. On the rare occasion when someone talks him into taking up his old position before the camera, it’s always either a favor for a pal who needs a job, or an exercise in poor judgement that raises some financing for a bomb that otherwise would never be made. This is the only reason I can think of for a trash wallow called Cash Out

In this time waster, the star plays Mason Goddard, a thug with a penchant for masterminding major heists like bank robberies and an idiot brother with a talent for screwing them up. For suspense, Mason spends his life planning and negotiating chief larcenies and figuring out ingenuous ways to make them work.

For laughs, he’s got a part-time girlfriend named Amy (Kristin Davis) who works for the FBI without his knowing it. (Pretty stupid for a criminal on the most-wanted list.) Amy works hard to

catch him with a pleasant side effect of champagne, caviar, and sex. First, we see Mason trying to steal a valuable, onein-a-lifetime sports car. He gets caught, and the experience so unnerves him that he retires and moves to an island to drink beer by the case and let himself go to pot, in more ways than one.

Next, his idiot brother Shawn (Lukas Haas) tries in vain to talk Mason into making a comeback with one last “surefire” caper—stealing from a bank in downtown Seattle a safety deposit box containing the combination for a fortune in cryptocurrency. When Shawn’s plan goes south it’s up to Mason to rescue his kid brother while the cops and the FBI surround the bank, all under the command of Mason’s old lover Amy.

As the dumb plot thickens, so does this preposterous couple’s romance. While waiting for reinforcements, she orders a pile of boxes and serves the crooks and their nine hostages pizzas. You can sum it up with a few smiles, a

weak premise that never pays off, and a narrative that is nothing more or less than a big piece of zero.

The moronic, one-dimensional screenplay by Depo Oseni and Doug Richardson (two credits to forget immediately) is awkward and clumsy, and the jerky direction is by someone with the pseudonym IVES. I don’t blame him for wanting to keep his real identity a secret. It would be a shame if it got out.

It’s nice to see Kristin Davis in a larger role than just a supporting sidekick on Sex and the City . As for Travolta, he shuffles through the whole thing scruffy and bald, without bothering to reveal anything about the character he plays. Cash Out provides a paycheck for John Travolta, but it’s nothing to write home about for the weary audience that suffers through it. If nobody cares enough to stage a career intervention, then it’s now up to John Travolta to rescue himself.

MATERIAL PURSUITS

This weekend’s curated luxury trends

HAUTE WHEELS

Chances are you had its poster on your bedroom wall as a kid. The Ferrari F40 is arguably the most iconic car of all time. It was the final car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988 and was one of the first cars to bring Formula 1 technologies to the road. With a minimalist interior surrounding Ferrari’s iconic metal gated shifter, the F40 harkens back to a simpler time. Renowned by collectors now more than ever, values have increased over 420 percent in the past decade alone. As a 1992 model year, this car is one of only 60 made that year for the U.S. market. With only 9,500 miles on the odometer, this Ferrari Classiche certified example is currently being offered by Ferrari Lake Forest. Is it finally time to put your poster car in your garage? For more information, call 847-295-6560 or email nick@ferrarilakeforest.com.

GAME CHANGER

New items to elevate your skin care game.

EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

WORLD CLASS WRISTWATCH

Speaking of rare, an exceptionally unique Philippe Dufour Duality 18K white gold wristwatch with double escapement recently caught our eye at a Phillips listing for The New York Watch Auction. Featuring an additional lacquered dial and hand set, this remarkable, 34mm diameter timepiece comes with a certificate of origin and fitted presentation box. Dufour introduced the Duality in 1996, inspired by a school watch with double balance wheel. Having two balances connected in this way enables greater accuracy as it allows the balances to average out their rates. Fresh-to-themarket, the 1999 Duality timepiece that is up for auction is believed to be the only one in existence to feature a second, lacquered dial with Roman numerals and Breguet-style hands. It is expected to fetch a price as handsome as the wristwatch itself at an estimate of between $800,000 and $1.6 million. phillips.com/detail/philippe-dufour/NY080124/87

THE MARVELOUS MAYBACH

When Wilhelm Maybach and his son Karl Maybach laid the cornerstone for a high-end automobile brand more than a century ago, their vision was to create the “very best from the very best”—a standard of excellence that continues today for every piece that bears the Maybach name. Today, Maybach’s Icons of Luxury collection includes everything from leather goods and saddlery to an optical luxury line that has captivated connoisseurs. Every frame is painstakingly handmade of rare and precious materials such as natural buffalo horn, fine woods, carbon fibre, leather, titanium, 18K gold, and diamonds, using the best of German handcrafting techniques. We love The Editor, a sleek, rimless titanium frame that just floats into view with clean lines and a weightless look and feel. Its “flowing lines” design showcases such precious materials as stunning natural horn and wood temple elements with the legendary Maybach logos. Available for $1,995. maybach-eyewear.com/optical-collection-old/the-editor.

1 The newest launch from Dr. Barbara Sturm, Everything Eye Patches, drsturm.com 2 BABOR, Hyra Plus Ampoule Concentrates, nordstrom. com 3 Sisley Paris, PhytoTeint Perfection Foundation, nordstrom.com 4 Sisley Paris, Instant Correct, net-a-porter. com 5 Westman Atelier, Eye Love You Mascara, net-aporter.com 6 Chantecaille, HD Perfecting Loose Powder, net-a-porter.com 7 Chantecaille, Wild Meadows Blush, net-a-porter.com 8 Decorte, Snow Clarifier Liquid Exfoliating Treatment, nordstrom.com 9 Gucci Beauty, Lipstick in Penelope Plum, net-a-porter.com 10 Augustinus Bader, The Lip Balm, net-a-porter.com 11 Tata Harper, Lip Crème, net-a-porter.com 12 Tom Ford, Beauty Highlighter, net-a-porter.com

HOPE THROUGH ART

The power of art lifts Highland Park native and mixed media artist Jessica Kaplan, who will paint live outdoors at next month’s inaugural International Mural Fest in Highwood.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

The first text message from a woman living in Ireland to Highland Park artist Jessica Kaplan pinged several years ago. The woman wanted to praise and thank Kaplan for brightening her life after months of steady gloom.

They had never met in person.

They had never spoken on the phone.

The life-changing elixir for the Irishwoman was simply viewing online posts of Kaplan’s moving artwork—mainly large-scale abstract expressionist paintings.

“Her life,” Kaplan recalls, “was falling apart. She texted, ‘Your art makes me feel so good.’ My work has been bought by collectors in Australia and in London. That’s such a high honor, having my art in homes of people I don’t know. But, to me, what the lovely lady from Ireland texted is the biggest compliment ever.”

Creating art can be comforting too. Kaplan has been afflicted with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), or myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), for 20 years. ME is a complex chronic disease that devastates the lives of millions around the world. According to the site meaction.net, the average person with ME scores as more disabled on quality of life surveys than those with multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, renal failure, lung disease, heart failure, and cancer.

“When I was living in Chicago (circa 2009), I saw paintings online and then went to a store and bought a bunch of paint,” says Kaplan, who grew up in Highland Park and attended Deerfield High School, where she performed in theatre productions. “That’s how it all started. I didn’t know what I was doing at first. But I liked painting when I found it to be both a release and therapeutic. Painting still takes me away; I get lost when I paint.

“It’s personal,” she adds. “My artwork is emotional, because what you see after it’s finished usually reveals how I felt while creating it.”

Next month, for the first time in her career, Kaplan will paint live for waves of outdoor audiences. She was selected as one of more than a dozen artists for the inaugural International Mural Fest in Highwood June 6 through June 9. Pro lific artists—including graffiti and street artists— from all over the world will showcase the richness, diversity, in clusivity, and creativity of the High wood com munity via their craftsmanship that will develop—in

“It’s going to be so cool and amazing, all of these artists sharing their vibrant art for four days and brightening up Highwood,” Kaplan says of the all-ages, Celebrate Highwood-run fest, which also will feature handson activities for attendees, live music, food and drink vendors, an outdoor bar, and a full carnival. “I was thrilled when

It’s going to be so cool and amazing, all of these artists sharing their vibrant art for four days and brightening up Highwood.

real time—on Highwood buildings, including Public Works, The Recreation Center, Bocce Club, Historical Society, and Buffo’s.

The art created by Kaplan and a handful of other artists, however, won’t adorn the exterior of a building. Kaplan will work for many hours a couple of days on that weekend to make a four-foot-by-five-foot panel come alive as an engaging art installation. As a mixed media artist, she uses acrylic paint, spray paint, and ink, among other materials. Her finished product and those of others will be auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting The Art Center of

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Lulu asked me to be a part of the fest, but it certainly will be challenging to paint while people watch me.”

Lulu is Highwood native and art dealer and collector Laura Reich of Collect with Lulu, a New York City-based curator. Collect with Lulu combined forces with Koz and his Silvertuna Studios, a New York City-based production company that specializes in the arts, to select the fest’s superstar artists.

Chicago-area artists slated to beautify the City of Highwood include Ruben Aguirre, Asend One, Anna Murphy, Dont Fret, E.

DESIGN

John Conatser FOUNDER

Jennifer Sturgeon

Gaven Conatser ACCOUNT

Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mitch Hurst, Bill McLean

Linda Lewis PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Chris Geimer ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATION

Lee, and Stuk One. So is Eelco, a Dutch painter, muralist, and illustrator.

“We are passionate about public art, knowing what a difference the beauty of art can make in our daily lives,” Reich said in a statement. “Bringing artists to create these murals will be a positive experience highlighting a city I love, while supporting small businesses. Highwood is such a gem, and being a part of its transformation into an arts destination is a dream come true.”

Kaplan’s dream, beginning at the age of 5, was to become a movie actor. Her favorite flick as a youngster was Beaches, starring Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. She has watched it more than a few times and has cried while viewing it the same number of times. Kaplan received a degree in theater at the University of Kansas and spent more than seven years in California, where she did voice overs for commercials, including a pair of McDonald’s ads, and owned an airbrush spray tan business called Golden Touch Tan. Among her pleased clients were Paris Hilton and Khloe Kardashian.

In 2008 she moved to Chicago and soon discovered that decorating canvases that don’t have heartbeats had the potential to be a highly fulfilling endeavor.

“Art is a tough business,” admits Kaplan, who now calls Highland Park home again and visits Arizona regularly with her biggest fans, parents Allen and Cheryl. “But I consider it fun too. A fun painting to me is a bright one. Bright means hope to me. I painted the word ‘love’ 100 times for one of my bright paintings.

“I love it when others interpret my art and want to discuss it with me,” she continues. “Art—and I’m not just talking about painting—has this wonderful way of connecting us all.”

For more information about the International Mural Fest, visit celebratehighwood. org. For more information about efforts to raise awareness for myalgic encephalomyelitis, visit meaction.net. To see Jessica Kaplan’s artwork, visit jessicakaplan.com.

Cheyanne Lencioni ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT