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.
Illinois
Podtalk: John LaFlamboy, Proprietor of HellsGate Haunted House
Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 28, 2023 - 3:34pmCHICAGO – It began with a boy and his dream (nightmare?). John LaFlamboy, to be exact, as he took an idea he had in college and made it his life’s work. He owns and operates the HellsGate Haunted House in Lockport (Illinois), which was designed, built and put together by Haunted House experts expressly for the spookiest month of the year. For info on how to purchase tickets, click HellsGate.
Podtalk: Nicole Bernardi-Reis on ‘With This Light,’ in Chicagoland on August 11th, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on August 8, 2023 - 7:06pmCHICAGO – Nicole Bernardi-Reis is a veteran local producer, yet found another calling within the film arts as co-director … with Laura Bermúdez … of “With This Light.” The documentary is the story of Sister Maria Rosa Leggoi, a Honduran nun who spent her life building and providing shelter for orphaned, poverty stricken and abused children. “With This Light,” makes its Chicagoland premiere on August 9th, 2023, and begins a one week run at the Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park (Illinois) on August 11th. Click LIGHT for details.
Podtalk: Director Leo Milano for His Debut Feature ‘The Crusades,' Releasing July 7, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 2, 2023 - 4:54pmCHICAGO – It’s rare to see a director debut that is nuanced, anarchistic and different, but the high school coming-of-age comedy “The Crusades” – by first-timer Leo Milano – scores with its solid comedic script, unique characters and passionate homage to Chicagoland’s Northwest Burbs, as well as featuring hot actor Rudy Pankow (Netflix’s “Outer Banks”).
Podtalk: May Pang to Appear at Art Post Gallery for Her John Lennon Photos, June 16-18, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 16, 2023 - 12:00amNORTHBROOK, Ill. – May Pang is an essential part of John Lennon’s history, having been his lover from 1973 to 1975. While with John, she clicked a number of candid photos, collected in the exhibit “The Lost Weekend – The Photography of May Pang” at the Art Post Gallery in Northbrook (Illinois) from June 16th through the 18th, 2023. Pang will appear at the exhibit for all three days, and all of the photos will be available for purchase. For more information, click May Pang.
Podtalk: Grand Opening of Emagine Batavia Theater Includes ‘Halloween’ film Q&A, June 1, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 31, 2023 - 4:18pmCHICAGO – Chicagoland will be getting a new and exciting movie theater experience, beginning June 1st, 2023, with the Grand Opening of Emagine Batavia (Illinois) theaters. As part of the celebration, actor James Jude Courtney … who took the role of Michael Myers in the 2018 “Halloween” reboot … will be making an appearance to meet fans before the 7pm screening and participate in a “VIP Q&A.” For tickets, click EMAGINE.
Exclusive Portraits: Andrew McCarthy on Book ‘Walking with Sam’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 30, 2023 - 8:48amCHICAGO – Sharing his travels was the aim of actor Andrew McCarthy, and he was able to do with this son, as chronicled in his new book “Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain.” Photographer Joe Arce crossed his path and took Exclusive Portraits for HollywoodChicago.com.
Slideshow, Interview: Singer/Songwriter Lara Bell in Chicagoland
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 13, 2023 - 11:44amHUNTLEY, Ill. – Lara Bell has been performing in various locations in Chicagoland since she was 16 years old, maintaining her status as an up-and-coming singer/songwriter, and she recently captivated audiences at shows in West Dundee and Huntley, Illinois, with her expressive stage presence and impressive musical talents.
Interview: Actor Jill Thiel on Eclectic Full Contact Theatre ‘The Wonder,’ Thru May 13, 2023
Submitted by PatrickMcD on May 10, 2023 - 1:20pmCHICAGO – One of the oddest cases of unknown Illinois history involves the “Watseka Wonder.” In the the 19th Century, the tiny town in the Land of Lincoln drew nationwide attention for a certified case of “spiritual” possession.
Podtalk: Sophia Wong Boccio on Asian Pop-Up Cinema SEASON 16
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 21, 2023 - 12:00pmCHICAGO – The Asian Pop Up Cinema (APUC), a Chicago cultural institution, launched Season 16 this past week with a sensational pre-season event featuring Hong Kong superstar Aaron Kwok and the Japan Cinema Showcase. Wrapping up the showcase is “Unami,” CLICK HERE for details.
Audio Film Review: As the Tree Bends, So Grows ‘The Son’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on January 24, 2023 - 4:27pmCHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “The Son,” a follow up film by writer/director Florian Zeller (“The Father”) … which is another family drama also based on his own play. in theaters beginning January 20th.