Beacon News :: Entertainment ::

Odd couple: Rachel Maddow, Pat Buchanan

The Associated Press — Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

The two couldn't be more different politically: Rachel Maddow frequently invites conservative Pat Buchanan onto her new prime-time MSNBC show. But the mix works, and is part of the reason Maddow's liberal talk show has found a surprising amount of success.

Newman did it better than most

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Screen legend Paul Newman, who died Sept. 26 at age 83, retired from movies early last year after starring in more than 50 movies in a career that spanned five decades. His last performance was as the voice of a legendary racer in the animated feature "Cars."

Take that, Tina: Palin wants to spoof her spoofer

Mon, 6 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Bill Zwecker: It's looking more and more likely that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin will appear on ''Saturday Night Live'' -- to have some fun with Tina Fey.

'Flash of Genius' a bit boring

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

"Flash of Genius" thinks it's an inspirational, based-on-fact, little-man-beats-the-system drama, when in fact it is one of the more depressing pictures I've seen in quite some time.

Kathleen Edwards gets back to basics

By ALAN SCULLEY Special to The Sun — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

On tour behind her recently released third CD, "Asking For Flowers," Kathleen Edwards is giving audiences a sense of how she envisioned the record. "My initial vision for the record was to do something really minimalist, and almost like a folk record where it was just me playing the songs," Edwards said in a recent phone interview.

'Knight Rider' lacks what made original a classic

By STEVE BROWN sbrown@scn1.com — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Fans of the original "Knight Rider" have clamored for a series to fill the void left by an enjoyable show that was abruptly canceled in 1986 after four seasons. But NBC's revamp of the series, which had its premiere Sept. 24, but proved to be disappointing.

'Flash' glosses over sad side of auto saga

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Movies often lie to us, and sometimes they lie to themselves. "Flash of Genius" thinks it's an inspirational, based-on-fact, little-man-beats-the-system drama, when in fact it is one of the more depressing pictures I've seen in quite some time. It asks you to smile in the face of enormous sadness.

Big, big lineups set for fall shows

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

You don't have to endure the traffic, expense and hassle to see a good show. Great performances are all around you; you just have to know where to look. Here are some of the good ones on the horizon this fall at the Paramount, the Rialto, the McAninch Arts Center and the Hemmens Cultural Center.

Meet 'Other Boleyn' author

By RANDALL G. MIELKE Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Although best-selling authors often achieve fame and fortune through their work, the challenges of the profession sometimes come in the form of what sacrifices they might have to make. Historical fiction author Philippa Gregory, who lives in England, will tour the United States from Sept. 24 through Oct. 17. She makes a stop at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday.

Raabe finds great satisfaction off stage

By RANDALL G. MIELKE Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

As a professional singer in front of a 12-piece orchestra, one might think that Max Raabe finds performing the best part of his job. Although he enjoys singing to appreciative audiences, it ranks second to the satisfaction that Raabe finds off stage.

Blackberry farm packs in fun over pumpkin weekend

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Blackberry Farm will celebrate the fall season throughout the month of October with its "Pumpkin Weekends" beginning Saturday. Each weekend, Blackberry Farm will be festively decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season.

Garfield Farm Museum's Harvest Days focus on American thrift

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Making do and prospering are traditional values that are reflected at Garfield Farm Museum's Harvest Days from 11:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Springsteen, Joel team up for Obama

The Associated Press — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Rock stars Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel are teaming up for their first joint concert to benefit Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

'10 Cent Night' worth more as slice of Americana

Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:00 CST

Hedy Weiss: The opening scene in �Ten Cent Night,� Chicago-based playwright Marisa Wegrzyn�s zestily written, impeccably acted dysfunctional family tragicomedy, is a classic piece of Americana. Although Wegrzyn�s incest-fueled story easily stretches credibility at times, this is a playwright with a true gift for dialogue, a genuine talent for creating fully playable characters.

Fall Moon Fest promotes unity via arts

BY SUN STAFF — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 00:01 CST

A showcase of traditional and modern Chinese performing arts and culture of the Chinese people will take place Saturday in Naperville. The Dong Fang Chinese Performing Arts Association will present its annual Golden Fall Moon Festival performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Pfeiffer Hall at North Central College, 310 E. Benton Ave.

Ledger's ex-lawyer, insurer spar over policy

The Associated Press — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A former attorney for Heath Ledger is suing over a $10 million life insurance policy he claims has gone unpaid since the actor's death earlier this year.

Eateries feed breakfast anytime crowd

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It's an old claim that breakfast is the day's most important meal. The owners of the newly opened crop of breakfast restaurants in Naperville and Aurora might agree.

Big Brother gets ruthless in 'Eagle Eye'

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A tight, jittery conspiracy drama, �Eagle Eye� envisions an omnipresent enemy that can infiltrate any telephone, commandeer all television monitors and even manipulate traffic signals to engineer lethal car crashes. This time, Big Brother doesn�t only want to listen to us � he wants to kill us.

What's the best thing about the Grammys?

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It's common wisdom that the Grammy awards don't really mean anything. Far be it from me to question that wisdom. The Academy has a long history of blundering their way through with a minimal understanding of the bigger world of music.

Send us your Scarecrow Festival memories

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Do you have some favorite memories of the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival?

'Late Night catechism' is back in session

By RANDALL G. MIELKE Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The interactive show Put The Nuns in Charge!, which was performed at the Copley Theatre in the spring, has prompted the return of its predecessor to the same theater. Late Nite Catechism will run at the Copley Theatre from Oct. 1 through Nov. 2.

Sundae smackdown

By LINDA GIRARDI Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Colonial Caf� & Ice Cream has opened the ballot box for its 2008 Presidential Soda Straw Poll -- a decades-old tradition entitling people of all ages an opportunity to cast their vote while tasting one of two dreamy ice cream concoctions: The Ba-racky Road Sundae or The McCandy Cain Sundae.

'Enchanted' evening at Pheasant Run

By RANDALL G. MIELKE Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Some Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein, being presented by the Noble Fool Theatricals at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, is just that: an enchanting evening of song and entertainment.

Aurora school-business partnership sets kickoff

Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Business Education Partnership Committee of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce kicks off its 2008-09 season with a program and breakfast on Tuesday. Sponsored by Rush-Copley Medical Center and Communities In Schools, the event is scheduled for 8 a.m. at the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Lake St. in Aurora.

Fox Valley Philharmonic Mozart concert Sunday

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Fox Valley Philharmonic will perform an all-Mozart concert on Sunday, featuring Thomas Jostlein, assistant principal horn of the New York Philharmonic, and Edita Eppolito, piano virtuoso from Batavia.

Artist aids Lincoln Manor restoration

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Boulder Hill artist Charles Durran has always had an appreciation for art.

Hollywood Blvd. hosts Lesile Nielsen

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Leslie Nielsen, acclaimed funnyman of such classics as �Airplane!� and �The Naked Gun,� is coming to Woodridge. He�s serious, and don�t call him Shirley. Nielsen, an Emmy Award-nominated comedian and actor, will appear at Hollywood Blvd. movie theater Sept. 27.

10 questions with comedian Bert Borth

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It takes a certain kind of insanity to get up on a stage in front of people and try to make them laugh. It takes a different kind of insanity to make stand-up comedy your main job for nearly 30 years, and counting.

Run-D.M.C., Metallica nominated for Rock Hall

The Associated Press — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Run-D.M.C. could "Walk This Way" into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 1980s rap act, along with Metallica and the Stooges, are among the nine nominees for next year's hall of fame class, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation announced Monday.

Hail the conquering 'Heroes,' worth watching again

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

"What happened to you, Claire? How did you get to this place?" -- Peter Petrelli (Milo Ventimiglia) in Monday's season premiere of "Heroes." How did we get here, indeed? "Heroes," once a blazing-hot nova of a series that was must-see watching in its first season, grew tepid and unwatchable in its sophomore outing.

Drummer, DJ escape fatal plane crash

By JIM DAVENPORT The Associated Press — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Hours after performing for thousands of South Carolina college students, former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and celebrity disc jockey DJ AM were critically injured in a fiery Learjet crash that killed four people, authorities said Saturday.

Send us your Scarecrow Festival memories

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Do you have some favorite memories of the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival?

Rock out with Obama's soundtrack

The Associated Press — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Barack Obama�s presidential campaign, which has inspired a multitude of songs by stars and amateurs alike, is now getting an official soundtrack. ��Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement,�� which takes its title from an Obama campaign slogan, features Kanye West, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder and others.

Casting call draws acting hopefuls to St. Charles

By Romi Herron For The Courier News — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

James Vallo spent years in Los Angeles building his entertainment career, attending red carpet film premieres -- some of them for his own works -- and hanging out with celebrity friends while living in Hollywood. Yet, he chose St. Charles for his latest casting call.

Avoid animated 'Igor' - for your kid's sake

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Ever since "Shrek," far too many animated films have been so busy trying to entertain the parents in the audience that they've forgotten about their first priority: the kids. The "Shrek" movies get the balance right - they're kids flicks first - but "Igor" fails in the same way that something like "Hoodwinked" did. It ignores younger viewers while crudely courting Mom and Dad.

High society play trundles into the Albright Theatre

By JIM EDWARDS Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Albright Theatre pulled out all the stops with this play to introduce its 35th season. This is one of the largest casts to appear in the Valley in the last few years and a welcome alternative to plays featuring only two players.

Stage and Sound

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

YOU BE THE CRITIC 'Burn' leaves audience feeling fried

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

BURN AFTER READING: When a computer disc containing memoirs of CIA analyst Osborne Cox (John Malkovich) is discovered by blundering Washington, D.C., gym employees Linda and Chad (Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt), the two plan to blackmail Cox so Linda can afford cosmetic surgery. Since the Coen brothers are directing the passage, the journey from point A to point B skips merrily across unalphabetized territory. Laced into the mix is ex-Secret Service agent Harry (George Clooney), who's having an affair with Osborne's wife (Tilda Swinton). For aficionados, this may be a perfect-pitch walk through the bizarre, but most were left with strange looks on their faces. Viewers said: "Just loved it" ... "Slightly insane" (many) ... "Crazy" ... "Hilarious until the ending" ... "Typical Coen brothers work" ... and "Very good black humor. The cast is a plus."

Send us Scarecrow Festival memories

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Do you have some favorite memories of the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival?

'Terrace' another Sam Jackson blow-up

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Samuel L. Jackson is one of our best actors - an effortlessly mesmerizing presence - yet all filmmakers and audiences seem to want to watch him do is blow his top. He does, reliably, in "Lakeview Terrace," which is a fairly insidious domestic thriller up until that inevitable point. Once Jackson goes berserk, it's all downhill, as usual.

Reality TV goes from strike issue to Emmys star

BY LYNN ELBER Associated Press — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

For reality television, this weekend�s Emmy ceremony promises heady and unprecedented attention. For the Writers Guild of America, scant months from a bitter strike that fought and failed to unionize so-called unscripted programs, the star billing is salt in a wound.

Colbert decor: Spoof host sets musical Xmas show

FROM BILLBOARD — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson and Toby Keith will be among the stars singing with Stephen Colbert on the funnyman�s first holiday TV special. ��A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!,�� airing Nov. 23 on Comedy Central, will find Colbert snowed in at his cabin in upstate New York and passing the time with his musically inclined friends.

Is Fox's 'House' warming?

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The season premiere of Fox's hit series "House" carries the title "Dying Changes Everything" and, boy, does it ever. Tonight's episode is a must-watch for fans of the show. When we last checked in on Greg House (Hugh Laurie) and the rest of the staff of Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, James Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) was dealing with the sudden death of his girlfriend Amber Volakis (a k a Cutthroat Bitch, played by Anne Dudek).

Fresh ideas for fall projects at home show

Special to the beacon news — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

From classic construction to dynamic designs, explore the latest in home improvements at the 48th season Old House New House Home Show, Sept. 26-28. Discover 300 deluxe displays with cutting-edge kitchens, baths, building, remodeling and landscaping at Pheasant Run's Mega Center and Ballroom, 4051 East Main Street in St. Charles.

Healthy back is most important tool for home improvement enthusiast

special to the beacon news — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

NORTH AURORA -- Laura White has spent the last three weeks in her bathroom -- redecorating. She's stripping wallpaper. She's painting. She's up and down a ladder.

Home projects top fall 'to do' lists as cooler weather nears

By Jeanie Mayer Special to the Beacon News — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Whether it is the Farmer's Almanac which promises abundant snowfall this year or the cooler-than-usual temperatures of this summer, area residents are taking advantage of the autumn season by gearing-up for winter's chill.

Key upgrades for increased property value

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It's a simple formula: upgrades equal "sold." For a home to sell quickly and for the price desired, it must be "finished" with as many structural and interior design upgrades as possible...and nothing's too small to leverage in establishing a home's price point.

Home green home

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

ST. CHARLES -- As houses go, the one unveiled last month in the Red Oaks subdivision off Silver Glen Road is more than impressive.

Why winterize your home?

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Right now we're basking in the sunshine, but before you know it, the cooler temperatures of winter will set in. While it's still comfortable outside is a great time to winterize your home or business, especially since the U.S. Department of Energy is once again forecasting a huge hike in residential heating bills.

Alone in the Dark: 'Family That Preys'

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A strong cast - specifically, Angela Bassett - salvaged "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," but Alfre Woodard and Kathy Bates can't do the same with "Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys."

Dub thee forgiven?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

You would never know it to look at me now, but I'm an old-school metalhead at heart.

Geneva fest celebrates all things autumn

By Michele du Vair Special to the Sun — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Aline Leboulanger greets a regular customer by name, asks if her dog would like a bowl of water, then runs off behind a counter to retrieve it. They chat a bit in Leboulanger's Geneva wine shop then somehow fit in the sale of a $10 bottle of wine on a beautiful August morning.

Pairings to please the palate

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

In the fall, roll out the barrel is a popular phrase. In Geneva, it's roll out the red carpet.

'Righteous Kill' wastes iconic cast

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

"Righteous Kill" reveals what Robert De Niro and Al Pacino truly have in common, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen. Neither can say no to a crappy script.

Motors and memories

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

"This is a classic muscle car," owner Jack Smith said.

Festival of the Vine Schedule

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Friday, Sept. 12

'The Philadelphia Story' opens season at Albright Theatre

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The Albright Theatre Company opens their 35th season with The Philadelphia Story , Philip Barry's classic romantic comedy.

New Maciano's restaurants expand Rosati eatery empire

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When something works, you stick with it.

MUSCLE MANIA

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Muscle cars never really went out of style.

Screenwriter grad to lead West parade

BY ELISABETH KILPATRICK Ekilpatrick@scn1.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

He headed west to Hollywood, gained some fame, and now is coming back home to lead West Aurora High School's homecoming parade next month.

Women of 'The Women' wouldn't hurt a fly

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

In the 1939 version of "The Women," the characters went after each other's throats (and husbands). No such vindictiveness exists in "The Women" of 2008. Here, Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Debra Messing and Jada Pinkett Smith mostly share giggles and tearful hugs.

'Burn' returns Coens to black comedy

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

And you thought "No Country for Old Men" was nihilistic. As a follow-up to their bleak Oscar winner of last year, filmmaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen offer another gloomy depiction of the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Except, this time, it's a comedy.

Finish this homework before hitting theaters

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Hopefully the start of the school year has gotten you used to homework, because our fall movie preview comes with a few assignments. Gone are the flicks of summer, brainless exercises that require audiences to have little more than a pulse. Fall brings loftier fare, such as literary adaptations, historical dramas and political exercises.

Russell Martin debuts new home products

special to the beacon news — Mon, 8 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Russell Martin of Naperville has long been known as one of the area's premier carpet retailers, carpet installers and rug cleaners. Now they have added a new line of home furnishings created by the innovative Company C.

'Entourage' crew returns

BY FRAIZER MOORE Associated Press — Sun, 7 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When last spotted, the happy-go-lucky lads of "Entourage" weren't feeling quite so happy or lucky. At the Cannes Film Festival, Vince's new film, "Medellin" (his dream project), had a disastrous screening. Now the dismal reviews continue to pile up. Vince hides out in a Mexican retreat with his chum Turtle and wonders if his career as a hot young marquee idol has vanished. Meanwhile, Vince's best friend and manager, Eric, is struggling to hatch a plan for putting Vince back on top. Vince's half brother, Drama, who in the past has lurked in Vince's shadow as a would-be star, is doing well on TV -- but turned into a prima donna. The fifth season of "Entourage" premieres on HBO at 9 p.m. today.