A 30-year-old man was extradited from Arizona Oct. 26, 2021, and charged with a fatal shooting in April 2021, in Canaryville. | windzepher – stock.adobe.com

William Lariat, 30, was charged with a felony count of first-degree murder.

A man was extradited from Arizona and charged with a fatal shooting in April in Canaryville on the South Side, according to Chicago police.

William Lariat, 30, was charged with a felony count of first-degree murder, police said.

Ryan Jackson, 29, was in the 4600 block of South Normal Avenue about 3 a.m. April 27, when someone in a dark-colored SUV fired shots, police said. He was struck in the head and pronounced dead at the scene.

Lariat was taken into custody about 9:35 p.m. Tuesday at O’Hare Airport, after being extradited from Arizona, police said. He was identified by police as the person who allegedly fired the fatal shots.

He is due in bond court Wednesday.

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Cassie Cutler and Oliver Parkinson defy gravity in Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour feast for the senses running through Nov. 28 at the downtown Cambria Hotel. The show, the first to open to live audiences in the Loop since the pandemic shuttered theaters for 16 months, offered a needed, if brief, escape from news cycle reality. | Provided/Broadway In Chicago

Seeking respite from the reality of the news cycle, I found what I needed at Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour feast for the senses running thru Nov. 28 downtown. The comedic cirque show was the first to open to live audiences in the Loop after the pandemic shuttered theaters for 16 months.

With a distressing news cycle — September the deadliest COVID-19 month for Illinois since winter; police and firefighters bucking vaccine mandates, Chicago violence unchecked by summer’s end — I found myself in need of a brief respite from reality.

In search of local entertainment to accomplish that goal, I found it at Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour show, a feast for the senses, running thru Nov. 28 at the downtown Cambria Hotel.

The comedic cirque show, the first to open to live audiences in the Loop after the pandemic shuttered theaters for 16 months, has been taking audiences on a riveting excursion at the enchanting Spiegeltent ZaZou — a recreation of the opulent, early 20th century European cabaret tents known for their red velvet and brocade, mirrors, stained glass and mahogany.

Not only was I transported by the astounding acts of acrobatics and contortion, the laugh-from-the-belly circus shenanigans and the gripping cabaret, but I was enchanted by the performers’ fascinating back stories. How I love stories.

This one begins with proof of vaccination required — and masks, except during your meal.

Cleopatra (Storm Marrero) awakens after 2000 years in a sarcophagus, entering a dinner joint where Chef Caesar (Frank Ferrante) and kitchen crew leader Marco Antonio (Joe De Paul) are preparing the nightly feast. The characters quickly whisk you through madness, mayhem and magic — drawing oohs and aahs at each new performance height.

There’s the acrobatics of mesmerizing trapeze artists Duo 19 (Oliver Parkinson and Cassie Cutler). They soar to the tent’s peak — twirling and flipping, catching each other and your heart that is in your throat, as upward you stare, speechless but for the gasps.

Provided/Broadway In Chicago
Ringmaster Frank Ferrante instigates madness and magic in Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour feast for the senses running through Nov. 28 at the downtown Cambria Hotel.

Then there are the extraordinary gymnastics of aerialist Lea Hinz, who ascends to the tent peak on a hoop from which she spins, drops, hangs; suspended only by feet or neck.

There’s contortionist Vita Radionova, a beast at hula-hooping — adding the thick circles thrown at her without missing a beat, one after the other, until you’ve lost count and she is consumed by a spiraling hoop barrel. She leaves your head spinning.

There is comedy, and magic tricks, slapstick, but no matter. On the wings of admiration and awe at these mind-boggling performances, its vaudeville material still elicits silly delight.

Then there’s the powerhouse vocals of Cleopatra. Marrero brings the house down, adding concert vibes to the cirque and comedy. And the vocals of her attendant, the singer Cunio, shakes the rafters.

Provided/Broadway In Chicago.
Contortionist Vita Radionova is a beast at hula-hooping — adding the thick circles until you’ve lost count and she is consumed by a spiraling hoop barrel — at Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour feast for the senses running through Nov. 28 at the downtown Cambria Hotel.

Since this first show opened in early July, Broadway In Chicago (BIC) is back in full swing.

Tuesday marked the highly anticipated opening of Heidi Schreck’s Tony Award-nominated, Pulitzer Prize finalist play “What the Constitution Means To Me,” running Oct. 26-Nov. 7 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

One of the largest commercial touring homes in the country, BIC typically draws more than 1.7 million visitors annually to its five theaters, including the Cadillac Palace, CIBC, James M. Nederlander and Auditorium Theatres.

“What the Constitution Means To Me” had opened here in March 2020. The pandemic shut it down a month later. Teatro Zinzanni brought downtown’s theater lights back.

Fall offerings include the pre-Broadway premiere of “Paradise Square,” running Nov. 2-Dec. 5 at the Nederlander, about a New York City neighborhood where escaped former slaves and free-born African Americans welcomed Irish immigrants who were escaping the Great Famine. The groups lived harmoniously — until the deadly New York Draft Riots of July 1863.

Provided/Broadway In Chicago
The powerhouse vocals of Cleopatra (Storm Marrero) added concert vibes to the acrobatic cirque and comedy of Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour feast for the senses running through Nov. 28 at the downtown Cambria Hotel. Cleopatra is now being played by Liv Warfield, former vocalist for 3rdEyeGirl, the group created by the late artist Prince.

As at Teatro Zinzanni, masks and proof of vaccination are required for all BIC venues.

“Nineteen months ago, we were bringing 1.7 million people into the theater district; then like a lightswitch, the pandemic turned it off. For 16 months, there was nothing happening,” said BIC Vice President Eileen LaCario.

“We were basically completely sidelined. Unlike restaurants, theater doesn’t take out. Now, it’s joy to see people back in the theater, back downtown. Whether we’re wearing masks or not, or showing vaccination cards or not, it’s still a wonderful experience.”

And that it was, for someone seeking brief break from reality.

Provided/Broadway In Chicago
Performing high-wire acrobatics or walking on soda bottles, Cassie Cutler of trapeze all-stars DUO19 showed no respect for gravity in Teatro Zinzanni, a 2 1/2-hour feast for the senses running through Nov. 28 at the downtown Cambria Hotel.

And oh yeah, the stories. Ferrante is the same actor who, at age 23, racked up awards for the title role in Off-Broadway’s “Groucho: A Life In Revue,” written by Marx’s son, Arthur.

New York native Marrero made waves as the first Afro-Latina ringmaster ever to run the Big Apple Circus, in its 2019-2020 season. At this writing, Cleopatra is now being played by Liv Warfield, former vocalist for 3rdEyeGirl, the rock group created by the late artist Prince.

Parkinson is a former Mixed Martial Arts champion with a Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry. He and Cutler made history in 2010 as the first American circus artists to perform in Havana, Cuba — since 1959.

Radionova is a former contestant on “America’s Got Talent,” making it to the quarterfinals during the show’s 2015 season.

Their fascinating back stories made these amazing performances that much more engrossing for this storyteller, and an enjoyable, if ever brief, escape from reality.

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The city’s most buzzed-about restaurants this month.Read More

The Chicago Blackhawks had a very tough day on Tuesday. So many facts were revealed about the sexual assault allegations that have been there for a while now. The incident happened in 2010 but the facts started coming out this year. One of the fallout was that Stan Bowman is out as the team’s general […] Chicago Blackhawks: Stan Bowman is out as Team USA general manager – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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Sal Macais with the good northern pike he caught and released on the Chicago lakefront. | Provided

Trying to put northern pike in its place as a top predator in Illinois, one that has a growing presence on the Chicago lakefront; plus the Stray Cast.

Sal Macias emailed that he had ”a classic fisherman’s story.”

And he did.

”I was fishing the lakefront around the Shedd [Aquarium] and, after about half an hour of bumps and follow-ups, finally hooked up,” he emailed. ”To my surprise, it was a northern [pike]. As I tried to land it, it shook its head and cut my line. Needless to say, it got away.

”So about 30 minutes later, I hooked a second one. This time, with patience, I got it. After releasing it, I kept casting and had a big one following my lure. Didn’t get it, but I could see my chartreuse lure in its mouth. By the way, the one that got away was bigger.”

The big one that got away is another classic.

Interest in pike on the lakefront is one of the greatest changes in the last 25 years.

”I don’t have any data to support it, but from angler reports, there does seem to be good numbers of healthy pike in and around our harbors in recent years,” Lake Michigan program manager Vic Santucci emailed. ”I would credit the increase to clear water allowing more vegetation growth and possibly warmer temperatures extending the growing season.”

A couple of days after Macias sent his story, Wayne Hankins went into Henry’s Sports and Bait to ask about the state record. He had a grainy photo of a pike he had caught and released late at night after work at Belmont Harbor. It was caught on a Big Dude lure on 12-pound Trilene on a 9 1/2-foot Daiwa crappie rod, then released.

The late Walter Klenzak caught the long-standing Illinois-record northern pike (26 pounds, 15 ounces) on Nov. 9, 1989, from Monster Lake, now part of Mazonia South. According to heartlandoutdoors.com, it came on a Hellbender lure.

When I told Hankins the record, he said, ”He didn’t weigh that much.”

State record or not, there’s joy in catching pike. They grow big, they are one of our most beautifully marked native fish, they fight hard and they hit lures and live bait aggressively.

Take Katie Hall with her personal-best catch. Her husband, James, emailed: ”Our whole family went out fishing [earlier this month] at a private club my father is a member of. She caught this northern within the first hour of us fishing.”

And speaking of striking aggressively, he added: ”She caught it throwing a buzzbait. We were working some topwater baits in a shallow, weedy flat area. She made a perfect cast between a few weed mats. She took about five or six turns of the reel when this northern came out and absolutely smashed the buzzbait. She fought it perfectly, walking around the boat and keeping tension on the fish the whole time. Definitely a proud husband moment.”

That sums up the pike experience.

Provided
Katie Hall holds her personal-best catch, a good northern pike caught at a private club.

Shabbona

Regulations at Shabbona Lake are now no-wake for boats. It previously was limited to 10-horsepower or under.

Wild things

This gem came from the fall-color report for northeastern Illinois from enjoyillinois.com: ”Persimmons are starting to blush apricot and muted yellow; oaks are sliding closer to the full extent of their glory but remain days or even weeks away from peak.”

Unfortunately for those of us who gather persimmons, the first frost will not come until November. A good frost takes the edge off persimmons.

Illinois hunting

Duck and Canada goose seasons open Saturday in the central zone. . . . Crow season opens Thursday.

Stray cast

Professional football in Chicago has a similar history to fishing Heidecke Lake on a calm, high-sky day.

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One person was killed, and eight others were wounded Oct. 26, 2021, in Chicago. | Sun-Times file photo

The day’s fatal shooting occurred in Englewood.

One person was killed, and eight others were wounded in shootings Tuesday in Chicago, including a 74-year-old man who was found fatally shot inside his residence in Englewood on the South Side.

Police were responding to a request for a well-being check from a family member in the 6900 block of South Aberdeen Street when officers found the door open and later discovered the man unresponsive on the floor with a gunshot wound to his head, Chicago police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name hasn’t been released yet. Police say the incident occurred between 7:30 p.m. Monday and 6:55 p.m. Tuesday.

In non-fatal shootings, two people were shot and wounded in West Garfield Park on the West Side. The two men, 19 and 47, were in the street about 7:45 p.m. in the 4000 block of West Wilcox Street when they were shot by an unknown gunman, police said. The 19-year-old was shot in the right leg, and the 47-year-old was shot in his back. Both were taken to Stroger Hospital, where the older man was in fair condition, and the younger in good condition.

Two men were wounded in a drive-by shooting while walking in Humboldt Park on the West Side Tuesday morning. Someone fired shots from a passing black car around 9:10 a.m. in the 3400 block of West Chicago Avenue, police said. The men, 27 and 44, were both shot several times. The younger man took himself to Humboldt Park Health Hospital, while the older man was transported to Stroger Hospital. Their conditions were stabilized.

Three others were wounded in shootings citywide.

Two people were killed, and four others were wounded, in shootings Monday across Chicago.

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Moon Alert

There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions until 11 p.m. PDT. The moon is in Cancer.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Today you welcome a chance to cocoon at home and hide from the everyday busyness of the world around you. You need to catch your breath and get grounded. A conversation with a female relative could be significant.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

This is a restless day for you, which is why you need to get out and talk to others. You want to inform people and enlighten them by sharing your ideas and opinions. Short trips will appeal. Expect to be in touch with relatives, siblings and neighbors.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

“Show me the money!” Today your mind is on money and possessions. You feel possessive about something that you own and don’t want to lend it to anyone. (“My precious!”) If shopping, you are more likely to make “emotional” purchases instead of practical ones. Be aware of this. (Save your receipts – and the box.)

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Today the moon is in your sign, which happens for two days every month. When this occurs, you have a heightened emotional response to everything around you. However, the good news is that when the moon is in your sign, your luck improves! (It’s as if the universe owes you a favor.) Yay!

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You want to keep things low-key because you’re happy to work alone or behind the scenes. You might be more involved than usual with a parent and family issues. One thing is certain: despite your desire to be quiet, you’re very persuasive!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

This is an excellent day to discuss your hopes and dreams for the future with someone, perhaps a female companion. The reason for this is that someone else’s feedback will help you. You might see ways to expand your goals or tweak them? Who knows?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Today you are high visibility, which means people notice you more than usual. In fact, some people are discussing personal details about your private life. (Like, what’s with that?) This could relate to financial issues. It might also relate to something you recently have said, because with Mercury in your sign now, you’re chatty!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Today you want to do something different. You want to shake things up a bit because you’re hungry for adventure. Ideally, it’s a good day to travel. If you can’t travel, talk to people from different backgrounds and learn something new.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Do not ignore financial matters related to inheritances, taxes, shared property and insurance because these issues are highlighted for your sign today. Tidy up loose details. Check bank accounts. Assume nothing and know what is happening. When to comes to money, information is power.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Today the moon is opposite your sign, which happens for two days every month. When this occurs, you have to go more than halfway when dealing with others, which is not a big deal. It simply requires patience and a little friendly cooperation.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You continue to look great in the eyes of others because the sun is at the top of your chart casting you in a flattering spotlight. Meanwhile, today the moon urges you to get better organized at work and at home. You might also see ways to improve your health.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

This is a great day to play and schmooze! Accept all invitations for social outings, luncheons, dinners and fun times with others. Enjoy sports events and playful activities with kids. Let your hair down and enjoy!

If Your Birthday Is Today

Actress Inbar Lavi (1986) shares your birthday. You are practical, sensible and intelligent. You are also knowledgeable and modern-thinking. People know they can rely on you. This year your focus on service to others and family will be strong. In addition, you will also serve yourself in some capacity, possibly even doing makeover for yourself this year. You want to make changes for the better!

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Atlanta Braves’ Adam Duvall hits a two-run home run during the third inning of Game 1 in baseball’s World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) | Sue Ogrocki/AP

Jorge Soler became the first player to begin a Series with a home run, Adam Duvall added a two-run shot and the Braves overcame the loss of starting pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg to capture the opener of the Fall Classic.

HOUSTON — A healthy swing by Jorge Soler powered the Atlanta Braves to a smashing start in the World Series.

Making his first start since testing positive for COVID-19, Soler became the first player to begin a World Series with a home run and the Braves, despite the loss of pitcher Charlie Morton to a broken leg, hushed the Houston Astros 6-2 Tuesday night in Game 1.

Boosted by a strong bullpen effort, a two-run homer by Adam Duvall and a late sacrifice fly from Freddie Freeman, the Braves coasted in their first Series appearance since Chipper Jones and their Big Three aces ascended in 1999.

Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and the Astros mostly looked lost at the plate. This is their third World Series in five seasons — and first since their illegal sign-stealing scheme was revealed.

Before the game, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said there were plenty of sleuths monitoring the dugouts, clubhouse and stands to guard against any possible shenanigans.

“There’s a lot more people watching what goes on as a result of the issues that we’ve had,” he said.

Soler’s no-doubt jolt into the left-field seats on Framber Valdez’s third pitch quickly took all the juice out of Minute Maid Park, quieting a boisterous, sellout crowd.

Fresh off dispatching the defending World Series champion Dodgers in the playoffs, the Braves weren’t done, either. Aggressive in every way, they kept teeing off against their former, longtime National League rivals.

Moments later, Ozzie Albies stole a base and Austin Riley hit an RBI double, taking a rare swing at a 3-0 pitch.

Soler added an RBI grounder in the second and when Duvall launched a two-run homer, it was 5-0 and the Braves had made even more October history — the only team to score in each of the first three innings in a World Series opener.

At that point, Braves batters were far from the only ones making noise. The few Atlanta fans sprinkled in the sea of orange had started their familiar chant, too.

By then, it looked as if everything was going right for the Braves.

But baseball can be a fickle game, and the fates can spin faster than the best curveball.

Because in the bottom the third, Atlanta absorbed its own big hit.

As he struck out Altuve, Morton suddenly grimaced and took an awkward step. His teammates, manager Brian Snitker and a trainer soon joined him on the mound, and just like that, Morton was gone.

Turned out a hard comebacker by Yuli Gurriel that ricocheted off Morton’s leg to Freeman at first base for an out to begin the second had done more damage than anyone realized.

Morton stayed in for another inning, amazingly, before gingerly walking off with a fractured right fibula. The 37-year-old righty, the winning pitcher for the Astros in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series, will be replaced on the roster. He’s expected to be OK for spring training.

A.J. Minter replaced Morton and got the win, permitting one run in 2 2/3 innings. Atlanta relievers Tyler Matzek, Luke Jackson and Will Smith finished it.

Game 2 is Wednesday night, with Braves lefty Max Fried starting against Astros right-hander Jose Urquidy.

Altuve and the Astros did little all night. The All-Star second baseman struck out three times — he’d never done that in 73 prior postseason games.

Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez and the Astros never seriously threatened in the later innings. Their only runs, in fact, came on shortstop Dansby Swanson’s fielding error in the fourth and Correa’s groundout in the eighth.

In fact, the game wasn’t nearly as close as the score indicated. It was more like a romp — during the seventh-inning stretch, as fans did a sing-a-long to “Deep In The Heart of Texas,” Braves backup catcher William Contreras locked arms with starter Travis d’Arnaud and did a little Texas two-step as they switched places warming up Jackson.

STATS AND STUFF

It was the first World Series action with a packed stadium since Game 7 at this very park in 2019, when a sellout crowd silently filed out after watching the Nationals rally past Houston. That night, the biggest mystery was why didn’t manager A.J. Hinch summon ace Gerrit Cole from the bullpen — soon after, a lot of people had a lot bigger questions about the Astros. … The Astros fell to 0-4 in World Series openers. … No team has won a World Series game in its own park since the Dodgers beat Boston in 18 innings in Game 3 of 2018. The visiting team won every game in 2019, and last year’s Series was played at a neutral-site in Arlington, Texas.

UP NEXT

Braves: Fried finished strong down the stretch and excelled in two playoff starts, but then faltered in Game 5 of the NLCS at Dodger Stadium. With a chance to clinch, the Atlanta ace gave up five runs and eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Astros: Urquidy was tagged by Boston for six runs in 1 2/3 innings in his previous start in Game 3 of the ALCS. He has postseason pedigree, though, pitching five scoreless innings as a rookie to beat Washington in Game 4 of the 2019 World Series.

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