entertainment
Believable chaos results in ‘Unnecessary Farce’
Paul Slade Smith of Oak Park was the first to laugh at “Unnecessary Farce,” the comedy now on stage at Mayslake Peabody Estate. Years later, the playwright said he laughed again as he watched actors from First Folio Theatre prepare his play for the Oak …
Making art from visions of Africa
All his life, Amani Borah has been making art for pleasure, drawing pictures for the fun of it and giving them away, usually, or even throwing them away. So it came as a bit of a surprise to him when he had his first exhibit …
New this week on video
Shakespeare turns out to have been a bit of a poser in the historical drama “Anonymous” and Santa Claus turns out to be a bit of a stoner in “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas.”
All the necessary hijinx for an exuberant ‘Farce’
Fast paced, totally silly and punctuated by sexual shenanigans and constantly slamming doors, “Unnecessary Farce” has all the joyfully ridiculous elements of a classic farce. Sure, Paul Slade Smith’s romp of frequently pantsless cops, Scottish mafia dons (who knew?) and clueless politicos (please to excuse …
Oak Park Library presents program on Big Bill Broonzy
Bob Riesman, author of I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy , along with guitarist/singer Chris Walz, presents “Big Bill Broonzy: Words and Music” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. The …
Author finds Viking legacy in today’s America
Being born with Norwegian, Swedish and Danish blood pumping through his veins and living in Minnesota wasn’t enough for author Eric Dregni to convey the Scandinavian experience in America to readers. So, after having penned In Cod We Trust, a book about living in Norway …
Arts and entertainment calendar for Feb. 9
Stage
“Accidental Rapture,” a comedy about faith, friendship and the end of the world, will be presented through Feb. 18 by 16th Street Theater at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th St., Berwyn. Richard and Kim believe in God. Amy and Paul don’t. So when …
Art League unpacks its treasures
To celebrate 90 years of supporting the visual arts, Oak Park Art League puts its permanent collection in the spotlight with “A Special Exhibition of the Permanent Collection of the Oak Park Art League” at the Oak Park Public Library Gallery through Jan. 30. “We …
River Forest fest hosts some cool creations
Family Friendly: Chill out at River Forest’s Winter Fest. Or catch Ella Jenkins in Oak Park, Gaming Day in River Forest, Kidzone in Franklin Park and much more.
Candlelight theater holds a reunion
“A Chorus Line” was just one of the great shows produced during the 38-year life of America’s first dinner theater, Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, which closed in 1997. A gala reunion of the people who created and, for 38 years, led Candlelight takes place from 6:30p.m.-12:30 …
Oak Park artist’s flowers brighten conservatory
The vibrant, colorful flowers of Oak Park artist Roberta L. Raymond bring a hint of summer warmth to the Oak Park Conservatory. “Flowers are just an endless subject matter,” said Raymond. “They’re an endless inspiration. The flowers that come up in the spring, I just …
Oak Park’s Jim Gill honored by ALA
Oak Park musician Jim Gill was recently honored by the American Library Association with its highest award for recorded materials. On Jan. 23, the association named Gill’s new CD and DVD, “Music Play for Folks of All Stripes,” a 2012 Notable Children’s Recording. Gill’s recorded …
Chicago a cappella sings spirituals
“Wade in the Water” is the name of one of the more well-known African-American spirituals, and it is also the title of the latest concert from Chicago a cappella. Chicago a cappella performs at 8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Wentz Concert Hall at North Central …
Wilder festival at Oak Park Library
The Oak Park Public Library has gone wild about Wilder, with six classic films from “Billy Wilder: Master Movie-Maker” on tap Feb. 6-March 12. Doug Deuchler, a teacher, author and playwright whose movie series presentations have become a popular draw at the library, will kick …
Blackhurst’s Rose is ferocious heart of ‘Gypsy’
Everything is, indeed, coming up roses for the Drury Lane Oak Brook production of “Gypsy,” thanks in no small part to a galvanizing performance by Klea Blackhurst. The all-American story of a mother in relentless search of the American Dream and the daughter she pushes …
New troupe offers magic of ‘Bell, Book and Candle’
Paradise Playhouse brings a bewitching tale tricks and treats to Oak Park with its production of the rarely produced “Bell, Book, and Candle” by John Van Druten at Open Door Theatre February 10-26. “It’s a great show,” said director Jim Leonard. “For a lot of …
