Cue the pop jazz theme music, designer fashion labels and the New York City cityscapes: The “Sex and the City” ladies are back — well, at least most of them.

Sarah Jessica Parker (who played Carrie Bradshaw) in January announced the new “Sex and the City” reboot series “And Just Like That …”, in which she will star (and executive produce) with Cynthia Nixon (Miranda) and Kristin Davis (Charlotte). Parker, 55, posted a teaser video of iconic New York City locations and sounds to Instagram on Jan. 10 with the caption, “I couldn’t help but wonder … where are they now? X, SJ.”

But what about the series’ love-to-hate character Mr. Big?

On Wednesday, HBO Max announced Chris Noth will reprise his role as John James Preston, Carrie’s complicated love interest. (Remember, “Sex and the City 2” ended with Carrie and Big being married with a black diamond ring and living happily ever after.)

“How could we ever do a new chapter of the ‘Sex And The City’ story without our Mr. Big?” executive producer Michael Patrick King said in a press release.

Months later, fans are still excited to know more, as details surfaced that production would begin in late spring. Here’s what we know so far:

What is the ‘Sex and the City’ reboot about?

The revival, in New York City (of course) follows three of the series’ main characters – Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte — as “they navigate the journey from the complicated reality of life and friendship in their 30s to the even more complicated reality of life and friendship in their 50s,” HBO Max says.

As before, the series is based on the Candice Bushnell book “Sex and the City” and the influence of the original 1998-2004 HBO series created by Darren Star. But HBO Max chief content officer Casey Bloys told TV Line he’s “not trying to re-do Sex and the City.”

How long will ‘And Just Like That …’ run? Where can I watch?

“And Just Like That …” will consist of 10 30-minute episodes and will stream on HBO Max. So far, the streaming service has only revealed plans for one season.

A premiere date has not been announced.

What happened to Samantha?

Fans of original series will notice a major character missing — Samantha Jones, who is not included in the reboot’s description.

The original girl squad consisted of four career women: Carrie, a columnist obsessed with fashion, dating and relationships; Charlotte, an art dealer obsessed with the idea of marriage; Miranda, a Type-A lawyer; and Samantha, who was a public relations professional with an emphasis on relations. Samantha spent much of the series chasing sexual conquests and offering NSFW punchlines.

Actress Kim Cattrall played Samantha in the series and the two “Sex and the City” movies in 2008 and 2010, which received mixed reviews. But in a 2019 Mail Online interview, she vowed to “never” appear in another movie, squashing any hopes of her return to the franchise.

“Never. It’s a no from me,” the 64-year-old actress said at the time, implying her decision was rooted in her feud with former co-star Sarah Jessica Parker. “You learn lessons in life and my lesson is to do work with good people and try and make it fun,” she added.

Fans commented on Parker’s Instagram post about a missing Samantha. One user @j.asminemartin explained in the comments: “they dislike each other.” Parker replied: “I’ve never said that. Never would. Samantha isnt (sic) part of this story. But she will always be part of us.” Another user, @sylviasalcedola, wrote that she “will miss Kim/Samantha.” Parker wrote back, “we will too. We loved her so.”

Cattrall’s conflict with Parker has unfolded on social media.

When Cattrall’s brother died in 2018, Parker sent condolences on Instagram. Cattrall followed up with an post that read “I don’t need your love or support at this tragic time @sarahjessicaparker.”

She added: “Your continuous reaching out is a painful reminder of how cruel you really were then and now.”

Bloys says Cattrall’s absence is indicative of the story line for “And Just Like That …”

“Friendships fade, and new friendships start. So I think it is all very indicative of the real stages, the actual stages of life… They’re trying to tell an honest story about being a woman in her 50s in New York,” he told TV Line. “So it should all feel somewhat organic, and the friends that you have when you’re 30, you may not have when you’re 50.”

New woman on the block?

One “new friendship,” as Bloys put it, possibly blossoming on the reboot could involve Sara Ramirez (“Grey’s Anatomy”).

HBO Max announced a new reoccurring character is coming to the city: Che Diaz, a nonbinary podcast host played by Ramirez. Diaz uses them/they pronouns with a “big heart,” “outrageous sense of humor and progressive, human overview of gender roles,” according to the character description.

Contributing: Cydney Henderson, Bryan Alexander, Charles Trepany

Read more at usatoday.com

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Welcome to our guide of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.

Lyric Opera

‘Hansel & Gretel’ in the Park

When: Through June 18

Where: North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski

What: The Lyric Opera, Chicago Park District and the Greater Chicago Food Depository team up to present free, live performances of Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 opera based on the fairy tale. This is a new production conceived and directed by Matthew Ozawa and sung in English.

More information: lyricopera.org/hanselandgretel

The Chicago Dogs

Chicago Dogs

When: 7:05 p.m. May 28 and 29

Where: Impact Field, 9850 Balmoral, Rosemont

What: The baseball team’s home season opens with the first of 53 games in Rosemont. Named after Chicago’s favorite culinary tradition, the Dogs will honor Chicago’s favorite condiment by giving complimentary mustard costumes and bottles of Vienna Yellow Mustard to fans at games on May 28-29. Tickets: $9-$25.

More information: thechicagodogs.com

‘Take Flight’

Museum of Science and Industry

When: Permanent

Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.

What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.

More information: msichicago.org

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Still looking for Memorial Day plans? Skip the crowds (and expensive air travel) to road trip somewhere new! Here are four great Memorial Day getaway trips that are driving distance from Chicago. Don’t forget to pack lots of snacks, a killer playlist, and extra change for tolls along your journey. Happy travels! 

Saugatuck, Michigan

IN THE CAR: 140 miles / 2.25 hours

Miles and miles of stunning beach along Lake Michigan. All sorts of winding, wood trails. Fresh organic eats from award-winning chefs. Just a few reasons you’ll fall in love with the quaint town of Saugatuck. Need a few things to do? No worries, we put together an itinerary for you! 

Saturday: Catch some rays at Oval Beach, one of the top freshwater beaches in the United States. Just a heads up, parking is $10 but the views are absolutely worth it. 

Sunday: Red or white? Spend the day sipping vino and feelin’ fancy with your squad at Fenn Valley Vineyards. 

Monday: Work up a serious sweat by climbing all 302 stairs at Mount Baldhead. Oof. 

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

IN THE CAR: 80 miles / 1.5 hours

It might sound corny but this one-of-a-kind lake town will take your breath away. And with so many fun things to do, it’s hard to pick just a few. But we got you covered. Not sure where to stay? Check out the Lake Lawn Resort for some Memorial Day festivities including a pig roast on Sunday! One, two, or three-night packages are available and the Lakeside Pig Roast and Lawn Party is open to resort guests as well as day visitors.

Saturday: Head to the Fireside Theatre for “Rock & Roll Is Here To Stay” featuring classics from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Get your tickets here. 

Sunday: Who doesn’t love shopping? Load up on souvenirs at White River Gifts and the Waterfront Gift Shop located inside the Abbey Resort. 

Monday: Soak up the sun at Lake Geneva Riviera Beach. Admission is $8 for adults. 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

IN THE CAR: 90 miles / 2 hours

Head to north Wisconsin’s largest city for a weekend full of excitement. Whether you’re looking for well-deserved rest and relaxation or a schedule packed with activities, Milwaukee delivers. Here’s some stuff to do during Memorial Day in MKE.

Saturday: Spend the day exploring and learning at the Milwaukee Public Museum. Ticket prices are $22. Get yours here. 

Sunday: Feeling outdoorsy? Do some urban hiking at Lapham Peak State Park, featuring more than 17 miles of challenging loop trails. 

Monday: Head to Juneau Park or West Milwaukee Park to peep out the Traveling Beer Gardens. And you can feel good with every sip: all revenue collected goes back into improving the parks!

Indianapolis

IN THE CAR: 180 miles / 3 hours

Ever been to Hoosier country? Do yourself a favor and drive south to Indiana’s capital. From the world’s largest children’s museum to the world’s largest single-day sporting event, Indy has major fun at every turn. Here’s what’s happening.

Friday: Head to the Indy 500 for Miller Lite Carb Day, the most exciting practice session of the year! Drivers racing in the Indianapolis 500 will have two hours to make their cars race ready during this final practice. Tickets are $25, get yours here. 

Saturday: Spend an evening at Mallow Run Winery for their Picnic Concert Series Kickoff with My Yellow Rickshaw. Music starts at 6pm. Plus, enjoy FREE admission!  

Sunday: Go for a Gondola Ride with the World Famous Singing Gondoliers! A 60 minute ride for 2 people will set you back about $180.00 each. Book your experience here. 

Memorial Day Getaway Featured Photo by Cam Brennan on Unsplash

The post 4 Places Near Chicago For the Perfect Memorial Day Getaway appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Welcome to our guide of events and entertainment in Chicago at our city’s best museums and galleries. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.

The Hartwell Memorial Window

When: Permanent

Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan

What: A magnificent stained glass window made by Tiffany Studios in 1917 is now on permanent display at the Art Institute. The Hartwell Memorial Window, attributed to Agnes F. Northrop, Tiffany’s leading landscape window designer, was originally commissioned for a church as the gift of Mary L. Hartwell in memory of her husband Frederick W. Hartwell. It consists of 48 different panels, and is a scenic view of Mount Chocorua, a peak in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The window, located near the museum’s entrance, is one of the most ambitious landscape window projects produced by Tiffany. Museum admission: $14-$25.

More information: artic.edu

Chicago Cultural Center

DCASE

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily

Where: 77 E. Randolph

What: The Loop landmark reopens June 2 with new hours and two new exhibitions: “Jeremiah Hulsebos-Spofford: League of Nations,” which examines power structures and copies through architectural installation and sculpture, and “what flies but never lands,” works that reflect on time in a moments of willful and forced forgetting. Admission is free.

More information: chicagoculturalcenter.org

‘Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition’

SEE Attractions

When: Ongoing

Where: Oakbrook Center, 2120 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook

What: For a new perspective on some of the world’s greatest art check out this immersive exhibition showcasing the artist’s renowned ceiling frescos from the Vatican chapel. The reproductions were made using a photographic technique that captures the look and feel of the original paintings. Tickets: $14-$26.60.

More information: sistinechapelexhibit.com/chicago/

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Two people were killed, and 19 others were wounded in shootings in Chicago Wednesday, including a 16-year-old boy gunned down in Roseland on the Far South Side.

The teen was inside a home in the first block of East 113th Place when was shot in the head about 6:05 p.m., Chicago police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name hasn’t been released.

Less than four hours later, a 21-year-old man was shot and killed in the South Shore neighborhood. He was sitting in a car in the 7500 block of South Chappel Avenue when another car pulled up and someone began firing about 2:20 p.m., police said.

He was struck in the head and neck and pronounced dead at the scene.

Other shootings:

— A 19-year-old man was shot in West Englewood on the South Side. He was walking in the 6700 block of South Wood Street when someone fired from a silver car about 10:50 p.m., police said. The man was struck in the arm and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.

— A man and woman were wounded in Hyde Park on the South Side. The two were shot while in a car in the 1700 block of East 57th Street about 9:15 p.m., police said. The 26-year-old man was struck in the chest, shoulder and hand, and was transported in critical condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center. The woman, 23, was shot in the leg and was taken to the same hospital in good condition.

— Four people were wounded in two shootings around 7 p.m. in Englewood on the South Side.

A 15-year-old boy was in a car in the 1500 block of West 71st Street, when he was shot in the hand about 7 p.m., police said. He was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital in good condition.

Around the same time, three men were shot in a drive-by in Englewood. They were standing on the sidewalk about 7 p.m. in the 6700 block of South Ada Street when someone in a passing car fired shots, police said. The group had gotten into an argument with the gunman earlier. A 27-year-old man and two others, 44 and 45, suffered gunshot wounds to the body and were taken to a hospital.

— A man was wounded in Woodlawn on the South Side. He was shot while standing on the sidewalk about 4:35 p.m. in the 6600 block of South Evans Avenue, police said. The 25-year-old was struck in the back and went to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

— A man was wounded in a drive-by in Little Village on the Southwest Side. The 22-year-old was sitting in a car about 2:55 p.m. in the 2100 block of South Western Avenue when another car approached and someone fired shots, police said. He was struck in the hip and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition.

— Three teens and a man were shot after getting into an argument inside an apartment in Englewood. The four — ages 15, 16, 17 and 22 — were in a second-floor apartment with several other people in the 7200 block of South Princeton Avenue, when someone got into an argument and opened fire about 1:05 a.m., police said. All four were taken to hospitals and listed in serious condition. The 15-year-old was struck in the back of his head and taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where police initially said he was pronounced dead. But it was later reported that he had been resuscitated. The 16-year-old was shot in his neck and taken to Comer Children’s Hospital. The 17-year-old was struck in the left shoulder and brought to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. The 22-year-old was struck in the back and groin and was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Police initially reported the victims were all teenagers.

Six others were wounded in shootings citywide.

Ten people were shot, two fatally, Tuesday citywide.

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Welcome to our round up of movie screenings and events in Chicago. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on shows and activities.

Paramount Pictures

‘Back on the Big Screen’

When: May 28-June 10

Where: Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport

What: The Music Box welcomes back audiences May 28-June 10 with a mini-festival of movies that demand to be seen in person in a theater. The first week includes Terrence Malick’s “Days of Heaven”; Jacques Tati’s “Playtime”; Orson Welles’ “Touch of Evil”; Akira Kurosawa’s “Ran” and Dario Argento’s “Suspiria.” Followed in the second week by William Castle’s “The Tingler”; Giuseppe Tornatore’s “Cinema Paradiso”; Tsai Ming-Liang’s “Goodbye, Dragon Inn”; Sarah Jacobson’s “Mary Jane’s Not a Virgin Anymore” and Joe Dante’s “Matinee.” Tickets: $11.

More information: musicboxtheatre.com

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“If we stay silent, it will be the end of us,” Mdou Moctar sings in French on the title track of his new album, Afrique Victime (Matador). If there’s one thing you can say for sure about Moctar, it’s that he’s not silent.…Read More

“I try and make the music for the dancers—like Teklife, Beatdown House, everybody in the footwork community. It’s all for them.”

Christopher Santoso, 32, is a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design who moved to Chicago in 2014 to get closer to its footwork scene.…Read More