The Naperville 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 ..."

Bella mopes through pretentious 'New Moon'

BY DAVID GERMAIN, AP Movie Writer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Where would Hollywood be without that old stand-by -- the vampire-werewolf-schoolgirl love triangle? As every Stephenie Meyer fan knows, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is the one where studly vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) dumps his human girlfriend, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), for her own safety. She turns to old chum Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) for solace, unaware that he's a werewolf, and therefore Edward's sworn enemy from way back.

Let's start missing Oprah!

BY FRAZIER MOORE, The Associated Press — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Is it too soon to begin missing Oprah?

MSI visitors can dream of a 'White House' Christmas

BY JENNIFER BURKLOW Kid Zone — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

When the Museum of Science and Industry opens its doors today, it will be decked out in its annual holiday splendor -- but with a special treat. Opening alongside "Christmas Around the World" and "Holidays of Lights" will be "The White House: A Look Inside."

Holiday happenings

By ANNIE ALLEMAN For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Naperville isn't hurting for holiday happenings. From breakfasts with Santa to a ride on the Holly Trolley, the town is bursting with Christmas spirit.

Local kids, touring actors get a thrill from 'Wizard'

By RANDALL G. MIELKE For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

When a dozen area children take the Paramount Theatre stage Nov. 27 and Nov. 28 for NETworks Presentations of the musical "The Wizard of Oz," they will have an experience they will never forget. It is also a special moment for Adam Jepsen, a Park Ridge native, who plays The Scarecrow in the national touring production.

Five things to do

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

If you are looking for something to do around town this week, here are some suggestions.

'Nutcracker' dancers get a taste of touring

By RANDALL G. MIELKE For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

Performers participating in Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet production of "The Nutcracker," which will be presented at the Rialto Square Theater on Nov. 29, get an opportunity to experience what it might be like to dance with a professional touring company.

NCC enters the land of 'Seussical'

By ANNIE ALLEMAN For Sun-Times Media — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01 CST

Some of Dr. Seuss's best-loved characters and stories hit the stage in a mish-mash musical adventure. Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and the Cat in the Hat are a few of the characters who come to life in Theatreworks USA's production of "Seussical." The musical will be Nov. 21 at North Central College.

Culture Calendar

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00 CST

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