The Downers Grove Sun :: Entertainment ::

No peace on earth: Holiday films go to battle

BY CINDY PEARLMAN — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Holiday movie preview: Viggo Mortensen isn't roasting chestnuts but trying to keep from getting roasted in the cannibal-crazy "The Road." Earthlings aren't exactly welcome when they visit Smurf-colored aliens in James Cameron's "Avatar." Even Daniel Day-Lewis can't find any peace in "Nine." Hopefully for Hollywood all this strife will result in what they really want under their collective Christmas trees: A big box of envelopes that say: "And the nominees are ..."

Choral society to perform 'Messiah'

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

"Downers Grove Choral Society will celebrate its 50th Anniversary Concert with a production of George Frideric Handel's "Messiah" at 3 p.m. Nov. 22 at Downers Grove North High School, 4436 Main St.

Five things to know

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Two Way Street Coffee House: Joe Filisko and Eric Noden, Nov. 20. An unplugged open mike night for high school and college students is offered at 7 p.m. the last Thursday of every month. No cover. Bluegrass Jam at 2 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month. Singarounds are offered at 2 p.m. the first and third Saturdays. At 1047 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. Call 630-969-9720 or visit www.twowaystreet.org.

Culture Calendar

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

ARTISTS/CRAFTERS

Theater to show film for people with autism

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

AMC Entertainment and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis.

Art and museum calendar

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

ART

Tivoli Theatre hosts holiday film fest

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

The Tivoli Theatre, located at 5021 Highland in downtown Downers Grove, will present a diverse Holiday Film Festival Dec. 11 to Dec. 17. The annual fest offers movie lovers a rare opportunity to see five of their all-time holiday favorites on a big screen with great sound in a beautifully restored 1928 movie palace.

Getting satire right: Site is a daily show of humor

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

From Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck to Bill Maher's targets in the 2008 comedic documentary "Religulous," those on the right of the spectrum often wind up as subjects of late-night zingers and scorching sendups. They are less often the originators of those sendups -- standouts such as Dennis Miller and his less comedically accomplished conservative compatriot Rush Limbaugh notwithstanding -- especially when it comes to taking conservative comrades to task.

Streamwood clown joins 'the greatest show'

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Earlier this month, 27-year-old Kyle Barker started to live out his dream in earnest, joining the cast of clowns in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus at Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

Midwest Ballet to perform 'The Nutcracker'

From Submitted Reports — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Midwest Ballet Theatre's highly acclaimed annual production of Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, "The Nutcracker" will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave.