CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.
The Office
Exclusive Portrait: Rainn Wilson at Chicago Humanities Festival, April 21st, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 21, 2023 - 12:49pmCHICAGO –Rainn Wilson is best known of course in his magnificent interpretation as Dwight Schrute on TV’s ‘The Office,’ but his foray into spirituality is why he is appearing at the Chicago Humanities Festival on Friday, April 21st, 2023, promoting his new book, “Soul Boom: Why We Need Spiritual Revolution.” For tickets and more info, click
Via Zoom: Director Mary Wall’s ‘The Fan Connection’ at Wilmette Theatre, Oct. 7-8, 2022
Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 7, 2022 - 7:47amCHICAGO – A fascinating documentary on the essence of ardent hockey fanatics is in “The Fan Connection’ by Mary Wall, her debut film. Wall is originally from the Buffalo, New York, area and observed the hope that the Buffalo Sabres NHL hockey team gave the sports crazy city, which resulted in her chronicle in “The Fan Connection.” The film will screen at the Wilmette (Illinois) Theatre on October 7th and 8th, with an appearance by Mary Wall. Click LET’S GO BUFFALO for details and a ticket link.
Podtalk: Director Stephen Merchant for ‘Fighting with My Family’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 20, 2019 - 2:18pmCHICAGO – Stephen Merchant is well known for his hilarious takes on über-tall (he’s six-foot-seven) and awkward comedy. He helped create the British “The Office” TV series with longtime collaborator Ricky Gervais, and HBO shows like “Extras” and “Hello Ladies.” He writes and directs his first major feature, the pro wrestling film “Fighting with My Family.”
Interview: John Krasinski Turns Toward Family in ‘The Hollars’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 1, 2016 - 12:01pmCHICAGO – Any story involving family interactions is ripe for exploration, and John Krasinski (“The Office”) performs in and takes the director’s chair for the new film, “The Hollars.” This is his second directorial effort, looking at the somewhat dysfunctional title family during a medical crisis involving the mother (Margo Martindale).
Interview: Actor Craig Robinson, Director Chad Hartigan Reflect on ‘Morris From America’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 22, 2016 - 6:14pmCHICAGO – When a 13 year old African American teenager is suddenly put into the atmosphere of Germany – specifically Old Heidelberg – then a whole new adventure awaits for “Morris from America.” Craig Robinson (“The Office”) portrays the title character’s father, and the film is directed by Chad Hartigan.
Film Review: ‘4th Man Out’ Puts a Contemporary Spin on Orientation
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 6, 2016 - 12:01pmCHICAGO – Undoubtedly, one of the most poignant days of a gay person’s life is when they “come out” to family and friends. “4th Man Out” explores these moments, within the non-judgmental standards of the millennial generation. It’s only life, after all.
Interview: ‘4th Man Out’ Cast, Including Kate Flannery of ‘The Office’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 1, 2016 - 1:01pmCHICAGO – The times, they are a-changing, and much of that change comes from a millennial generation who accept all the people and experiences of their time. The new film “4th Man Out” explores what happens when one member of a close-knit male group of longtime friends reveals his orientation, and features Kate Flannery (“The Office”) and a stellar cast.
Slideshow: Rainn Wilson Releases New Book ‘The Bassoon King’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on November 22, 2015 - 8:02amCHICAGO – He may be Dwight Schrute of “The Office” forever in reruns, but he is also – according to his new memoir – “The Bassoon King.” Rainn Dietrich Wilson created the offbeat Schrute, and has had a diverse and high profile career. He was at the Yellow Box Theater in Naperville, Ill., recently, being interview by Chicago artist Tony Fitzpatrick, in an event sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop.
Interview: Hilarious Writer & Director Paul Feig, of New Film 'Spy'
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 4, 2015 - 9:25pmCHICAGO – He’s not a household name, but he has certainly rocked a few houses…with laughter. Writer/director Paul Feig has a new film called “Spy,” in which he re-teams with two of the supporting cast of his “Bridesmaids” romp, Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne. “Spy” opens on Friday, June 5th.
Exclusive Portrait: B.J. Novak Authors ‘The Book With No Pictures’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 11, 2015 - 5:07pmCHICAGO – It’s easy to recognize the author, producer and actor B.J. Novak from his many years on the TV series “The Office.” His latest project is his children’s title, “The Book with No Pictures,” and he came to Chicago last fall, for an appearance sponsored by Anderson’s Bookshop (Naperville, Ill.) at North Central College.