The Naperville Sun :: Entertainment ::

Morton Arboretum rolls out theater bikes

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The bike-centric production of the off-Broadway hit "Key Exchange" has three more showings this summer at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. The play traces several weeks in the lives of three friends whose paths cross on the bike trails of Central Park. The audience rides along, stopping at nine spots over an approximately five-mile route in the arboretum.

Seamus McGhee's brings lively pub to downtown Lemont

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

If you go to Seamus McGhee's, it's a good idea to bring along an appetite for something hearty and satisfying.

D.L. Hughley reflects on black comedy

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

It's a beautiful Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, and D.L. Hughley is calling from the golf course. Every few moments, he pauses to talk to his caddy, or greet a friend. But he never lets it distract him from the conversation, and he returns with laser-like focus to his main topic - the state of modern comedy.

Family Calendar

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Five reasons it won't be that bad when summer's over

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

The weather: Hurricanes in New Orleans again, and then there's this heat. Couldn't you live without sticking to your car seat in fall?

Fratellis take slow climb to success in America

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

When the Fratellis released its debut CD, "Costello Music," last year in the United States, plenty of predictions followed that this would be the next band from the United Kingdom to make a big splash in the states.

Ramsay is back in the 'Kitchen'

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

There may be no more overexposed reality TV star these days than temperamental master chef Gordon Ramsay. His popular "Hell's Kitchen" just finished up its fourth season on Fox earlier this summer, while his first show, "Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares," remains a fixture on BBC America.

Now Playing

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

Capsule reviews of films currently playing in local theaters, including "Traitor" and "Tropic Thunder."

Are slots really paying out less now than before?

Wed, 3 Sep 2008 04:00 CST

A shuffle through the Gaming mailbag:

Alone in the Dark: 'College'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

"College" desperately wants to be the next "Superbad." Only it's just super bad. Three high school friends - one sensitive guy, one portly jerk and one nerd - try to turn their disappointing social lives around at a party. As in "Superbad," the friends score with girls, get in a fight and make up before the credits roll.

Alone in the Dark: 'Disaster Movie'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Another in a series of movies that puts pop culture in a blender and comes up with just over an hour of, er, filmed content, "Disaster Movie" does in fact feature a disaster. It's "The Day after Tomorrow" meets "Cloverfield" meets "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull," but that's not all.

Alone in the Dark: 'Babylon A.D.'

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

I can�t decide what is most confusing about �Babylon A.D.,� writes Sun critic Josh Larsen: the nonsensical, science-fiction plot, the participation of classy Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh or the fact that Vin Diesel�s voice has somehow dropped another register.

Donna Summer shuns oldies act to stay fresh

BY KERRI MASON — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It took disco diva Donna Summer 17 years to release a follow-up to 1991's ''Mistaken Identity.'' Not that she was taking it easy. The 59-year-old is mother to three daughters (two of whom are ''in the business''), wife of 27 years and grandma, not to mention painter, amateur interior designer and consistent touring artist. She's at Ravinia on Saturday night.

See summer off in style with these fun ideas

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Sure, there are technically a few weeks left to summer. But everyone is back in school and busy with fall activities, so Labor Day weekend really feels like the last weekend of summer. So if you are not going to the Last Fling or you are just looking for some other ideas, too, here are some ways to celebrate summer's last gasp.

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

This week on "Naperville Connection" the city of Naperville will come together to honor the fallen NNHS graduate, Marine Cpl. Tony Mihalo. NCTV17 will commemorate Mihalo and his courageous efforts for his country with interviews of his close family members. In addition NCTV17 will also cover Mihalo's memorial at 10 a.m. Saturday in the auditorium of Naperville North High School.

NBC's Olympics coverage logs one final ratings win

By Frazier Moore The Associated Press — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- It was seven more golden days for NBC last week, radiant with Olympics coverage that brought the sort of ratings victory a network dreams of.

Culture Calendar

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

MUSIC

Night Life

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

DANCING

If you like fun, then you'll like Last Fling

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

As if the blinking carnival lights and blaring music stages at Last Fling weren't sensory overload enough, this year's event caters more than ever to those with the shortest attention spans: Little kids.

New Maciano's restaurants expand Rosati eatery empire

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

When something works, you stick with it. The Rosati family has seen that simple principle work for them over the decades, and they're counting on it now, as they launch Maciano's Pizza & Pastaria, a new branch of their restaurateurs' family tree.

DeGraw has succeeded by doing it his way

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Gavin DeGraw hasn't exactly super-sized his sound these days, but there's no doubt that with his self-titled second CD, he's trying to move beyond the singer-songwriter image created by his million-selling debut album, "Chariot."

Dice control works, except when it doesn't

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Tom is a dice controller. At least he says he would be if he had time to practice.

McBride's ordinary life fuels her popularity

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's often said that part of Martina McBride's secret to her success is that she is just like her audience. And as a wife and mother to three children, McBride seems more like she lives a normal everyday life than other famous singers.

Family Calendar

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Five worst movies by athletes

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

"Double Team": You probably don't remember this action feature, starring Dennis Rodman and Jean Claude Van Damme, and there's reason. And don't laugh, but Mickey Rourke was also in this irresponsible film.

'Traitor' plays like a policy paper

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Faced with the daunting task of tying a narrative bow on something as messy as contemporary global politics, pictures such as "Lions for Lambs" and now "Traitor" unfold less as stories than as carefully studied policy papers. The characters don't talk like people; they talk like graduate students.

Faris fails to make 'Bunny' funny

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In "The House Bunny," Anna Faris plays Shelley Darlington, a Playboy model who has been kicked out of that sorority and tries to make a home with another one - namely, a campus collection of misfits and nerds who are in danger of losing their home if that can't increase their popularity and attract new pledges.

5 Things to Do

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Fox Valley Folk Music and Storytelling Festival: Annual festival, including barn dance, ghost stories, folk music and storytelling, is at Island Park in Geneva from Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Call 630-844-3655. Visit www.foxvalleyfolk.com.

Family Calendar

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Now Playing

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Capsule reviews of films currently playing in local theaters, including "Death Race," "The House Bunny" and "The Longshots."

Jonas Brothers: Pure pop?

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Jim DeRogatis: The inevitable ascendance of the Jonas Brothers as the male tween-pop phenomenon of the moment was obvious when the group opened for Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus on her massive tour late last year. The brothers crooned, cooed, spun and jumped, but "discreetly libidinous" was the only impression the Broadway-trained, closeted Christian trio from Wyckoff, N.J., made on me that night, and the 11-year-old Hannah/Miley fan beside me wasn't much more enthusiastic.

'Death Race' is a grim, gruesome affair

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Foul language. Cruel violence. Adolescent sexism. These are tried-and-true elements of your average exploitation picture - "Death Race" is based on the 1975 Roger Corman cheapie "Death Race 2000" - yet this update is too brutal and boorish to be a guilty pleasure. It's just guilty.

Former Pee Wee QB no longer a 'Longshot'

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

When Jasmine Plummer got out of the limo at the Los Angeles movie premiere of "The Longshots," on Wednesday night, she thought about getting out of her high heels. Plummer, 15, a sophomore at Joliet West High School, prefers running shoes.

Jonas Brothers living the dream

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Having completed a successful first tour as a headlining act this summer, the career of the Jonas Brothers kicks into high gear this summer with a run of headlining shows at outdoor amphitheater dates (with a few co-headlining shows with Avril Lavigne sprinkled in).

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Join host Nancy Wiersum in this month's episode of "Spotlight on Naperville" as she visits with more not-for-profit organizations, including the founders of the inaugural Naperville Independent Film Festival. You'll also hear about Last Fling, sponsored by the Naperville Jaycees. The Last Fling has all the elements that make up a good time, consisting of exciting rides, games, music and food to enjoy before you go into winter hibernation.

Olympics means more ratings gold for NBC

By Frazier Moore The Associated Press — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- NBC is enjoying a taste of what superstar swimmer Michael Phelps savored last week: a clean sweep.

Culture Calendar

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

ART

Night Life

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

COMEDY

Chalk art festival comes to Glen Ellyn

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

It's one of the most impermanent forms of art ever created, and for a few short days it will add a splash of color to the streets of downtown Glen Ellyn. The "Madonnari on Main" street art festival comes to a section of the village's Main Street from Friday through Sunday.

5 Things to Do

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Heartache Tonight: The Eagles Tribute band is at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theatre to Aug. 23. At 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Call 630-584-6342.

Maroon 5 singer doesn't write fast, but he does it right

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Adam Levine is not one of those songwriters who cranks out a bushel of songs every time his band, Maroon 5, is due to write a new CD. In fact, songwriting is not one of the easier parts for Levine as the singer and a key writer in the band.

Family Calendar

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Mel's Diner in Geneva takes you back to the old days

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

There's nothing fancy about Mel's Diner. But the place has a familiar feel to it, as if you've sat at the counter and sipped a milkshake sometime in the past.

Pay table changes can change the game

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Video poker players looking for the best-paying games can use one simple rule as a starting point: The lower on the pay table a change is made, the bigger the effect it has.

�Fly Me to the Moon� way off course

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A 3-D picture of the blurry, headache-inducing variety, �Fly Me to the Moon� is a miserable little family film.

Alone in the Dark: �Mirrors�

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

At the goofiest point in �Mirrors,� a pane of glass actually bites Kiefer Sutherland, who plays a night watchman patrolling a derelict department store in New York City. Sutherland yells at them � he does a lot of barking at his own reflection in �Mirrors� � but the mirrors don�t listen.

Sensual cast enlivens Allen's 'Barcelona'

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Though "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" is nowhere near as steamy as the commercials suggest, the cast gives it a surprisingly physical sexuality for a Woody Allen picture, writes Sun critic Josh Larsen. Sex is usually an intellectual endeavor for the filmmaker, but this foursome forces him - and us - to get out of our heads.

Stars to shine at Air & Water show

Special to The Beacon News — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The largest free air and water show exhibition in the United States runs Friday through Sunday at Chicago's North Avenue Beach. The 50th annual Chicago Air and Water Show has added a special Friday show featuring Chicagoans Bill Murray and Gary Sinise. The Chicago Air and Water Show takes place along Chicago's lakefront with the focal point at North Avenue Beach and is presented by Shell Oil Products U.S. and the city of Chicago.
� Online: Chicago Air and Water Show

'Wire' sizzles in its final season

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The fifth and final season of HBO's "The Wire" came out on DVD Tuesday, and I couldn't be happier.

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Children of all ages will have a great time singing along with Miss Merry Music as she and her puppet friends teach children different activities to take part in during the dog days of summer. One activity includes fishing; the ancient practice is excellent for kids to learn and enjoy for their entire lives.

Culture Calendar

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

ART

Olympics coverage puts NBC far ahead

By Frazier Moore The Associated Press — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

NEW YORK -- NBC took the gold last week, while rival broadcast networks barely placed.

Night Life

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

COMEDY

'Tropic Thunder' skewers Hollywood stars

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The jokes are machine-gun fast in Ben Stiller's "Tropic Thunder," a spoof of pretentious war movies and Hollywood hubris in general. To help you keep up, we've prepared a guide to the movie's targets.

Plainfield's eatery Tortilla Flatz is homestyle Mexican

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Horacio and Cristina Hernandez have their own perspective on home cooking.

(Hed) p.e. is its own band

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Jared Gomes, frontman of (Hed) p.e., has one fundamental requirement when it comes to his music.

Family Calendar

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

MUSEUMS

Naper Settlement briefs

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Settlement Sundays

5 Things to Do

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Illinois Railway Museum: Day Out With Thomas 2008: The Great Discovery Tour Aug. 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24. Activities start with a 20-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, which departs every 30 minutes, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.ticketweb.com or call 866-468-7630. At 7000 Olson Road, Union (McHenry County). Call 815-923-4000 or visit www.irm.org. How much? $18 for ages two and up. Quilt Show: The popular show returns to Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. See a variety of quilts and textiles displayed throughout the historic village. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 and 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 17. Visit www.napersettlement.museum or call 630-420-6010.

New Horseshoe barge is Vegas-level casino

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

A few minutes before the official media tour of the new half-billion dollar barge at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, I mentioned to a colleague that I'd taken a little private walk around the casino floor. "Is it all they say?" she asked. "Is it really like Vegas?" It really is, I told her.

'Tropic Thunder' spoofs Hollywood hubris

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Ben Stiller has made a lot of Hollywood junk over the past few years, and "Tropic Thunder" feels like an attempt to cleanse these projects from his system. For starters, it proves Stiller can still be funny.

Dinosaur: A sense of time of the giants

By Marie Wilson mwilson@scn1.com — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The United Center is traveling back in time and is being taken over not by basketball or hockey players, but by dinosaurs. Fifteen of them will roam the floor through Aug. 17 in the theatrical show "Walking with Dinosaurs - The Live Experience."

Songs in the key of R: Lewd lyrics, even now

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Jim DeRogatis: Sitting at the defense table in Judge Vincent Gaughan's courtroom on June 13, an emotional R. Kelly greeted the news of his acquittal on charges of making child pornography with the simple statement, "Thank you, Jesus." The Chicago R&B superstar hasn't uttered a word in public since.

'Dark Knight' kicks off Oscar season early

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Remember last Oscar season when all the talk was about how no one had heard of the Best Picture nominees and the Academy Awards had lost touch with popular taste in general? Well, "The Dark Knight" could change all of that.

Theater still home to movies, memories

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

At a time when many movie theaters have closed down or are standing vacant, the Glen Art Theatre in downtown Glen Ellyn is still going strong after more than 80 years. Patrons peruse the marquee, linger in the lobby and break up their day by catching a matinee or evening film.

Culture Calendar

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

ART

Annual Bolingbrook party a real Jubliee

Sun staff — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Bolingbrook Jubilee, the village's big summer festival, is just around the corner. This year's fest will run from 6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 14, 6 to 11 p.m. Aug. 15, noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 16 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 17 on the grounds behind Town Center, 375 W. Briarcliff Road.

Naperville film fest entries top 135

Sun staff — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Naperville Independent Film Festival has received 135 entries in its various film categories, as well as 42 screenplay entries.

NCTV spotlight

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

In 1999, Gary Leavenworth decided to take his love for music one step further and developed "Singing for Seniors," an hour and a half afternoon of free entertainment designed specially for the senior citizens of Naperville. Every year more than 500 people gather for the popular event as Leavenworth has taken the extra initiative to offer free transportation to any senior who needs it.

Paramount offers ticket discount in August

Sun staff — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

With the heat index rising and gas prices soaring, the Paramount Theatre in Aurora wants to offer its patrons some relief this summer. Patrons who place new ticket orders during the month of August and mention code "relief" will receive $10 off any pair of tickets valued at $50 or greater. Free street parking and a location blocks from the Metra station make the Paramount more affordable as well.

Night Life

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

COMEDY

Crime, reality shows still winners

By Lynn Elber The Associated Press — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

LOS ANGELES -- Crimebusters, hoofers and klutzes were ratings winners last week as the summertime slate of police dramas and reality shows held fast.

Dining gets villa vibe at Brio Tuscan Grille

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

There aren't any rolling green hillsides blanketed with lushly productive olive groves at Brio Tuscan Grille in Lombard, but that's probably just because there isn't room for them in the available space.

Sometimes, you don't see a lucky streak coming

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Until I received a phone call from my old friend Greg a couple of weeks ago, I didn't know he played roulette. For that matter, I didn't know he gambled - he was never part of our late-night college poker games.

Naper Settlement briefs

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Settlement Sundays

Mayhem is latest metal fest to hit Chicagoland

By Alan Sculley Special to The Sun — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

On the surface, the Rockstar Mayhem Festival and the Vans Warped Tour would seem to have little in common, other than the fact that both tours are organized by Kevin Lyman.

Fox Valley Youth Orchestra joins group to commission work

Sun staff — Thu, 7 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

The Fox Valley Youth Symphony is joining forces with four other youth orchestras around the country to commission a new work by an up-and-coming young composer.

5 Things to Do

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:00 CST

Keep on truckin': Trucks at the Farm from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 9 and 10 at Dickson-Murst Farm in Montgomery will include food, drinks, games and a chance for truck owners to show off their "baby." Located at 2550 Dickson Road, Montgomery. Call 815-955-0052.