Hadestown: Teen Edition is an impressive Active and Creative Teen Theatre production that brings to life a musical retelling of the mythic young lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice, who go to “hell and back” for King Hades and his wife, Persephone. The show parallels current world issues and humanity’s repeated historical struggles – weaving in grand […]
Newsletter – Event
Posted inMusic
Goodbye to July
As we enter into our last weekend of July, let’s set our sights on more fun in the sun (baby, it’s hot outside) while being cool about it. With the Illinois State Fair just two weeks away, you can just feel summer slip sliding away into the fall. In the meantime, let’s see what’s happening […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Christmastime comedy classic returns to big screen
Christmas is only five months away. Why not take in a comedy classic set during Chrismastime? Watch as Kevin McAllister (played by MacCauley Culkin), battles a pair of burglars after accidentally being left behind by his Paris-bound family. Directed by John Hughes, this 1990 film also stars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the burglars […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Easier to make than it sounds
Panna cotta, meaning “cooked cream” in Italian, is a wobbly, silky, eggless custard-like dessert made with sweetened cream bound with gelatin. It’s one of my favorite make-ahead desserts, especially when I need to use up leftover dairy products in the refrigerator. A panna cotta is pretty easy to make, and it lends itself to improvisation. […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Solar project fast-tracked, landmark housing plans advance
Springfield’s latest council meeting was packed with big decisions and even bigger debates. The council heard a pitch for a 1,200-acre solar project racing to meet a rare fast-track approval window — only 10 projects in the region will make the cut. Questions flew about funding, land use and how this could reshape the city’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Humility: The endangered virtue
Country music is not my favorite genre. However, there is one country song that never fails to bring a smile to my face each time I hear it. That song, “(Always Stay) Humble and Kind,” is sung by Tim McGraw but it was written by Lori McKenna, a mother of five, and it’s easy to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
United Way to host Community Listening Sessions
United Way of Central Illinois will be hosting Community Listening Sessions and a companion Community Survey to gather input directly from residents across Sangamon and Menard Counties. These efforts aim to better understand the challenges facing local families and identify where the greatest needs and gaps exist. Then, United Way can continue to direct grant […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Kidzeum holds ribbon cutting for Route 66 exhibit
Kidzeum of Health and Science is holding a seven-year anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20. The weekend will feature live performances, hands-on science programs, games, giveaways and the grand opening of the brand-new Route 66-themed exhibition, The Road to Adventure: Exploring Route 66. Admission is free on Saturday, while Sunday will […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Eddington examines divisions, Old Guard 2 a rote action film
Aster’s Eddington provides an uncomfortable reflection The first film to take a deep dive into how the Covid-19 crisis affected the U.S., Ari Aster’s Eddington is an uncompromising examination of the divisions that tore communities apart and its continuing repercussions. Though a piece of fiction, Aster and his cast capture the sense of angst that […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Back-to-school events, meals and union contract negotiations
Free summer meals for kids, on-site physicals and immunizations, and a brand new back-to-school event with 70-plus community vendors and 500 backpack giveaways — there’s a lot happening as the new school year approaches. The board also shared key dates for registration and orientation, including special events for incoming 6th and 9th graders to help […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Council calls for changes on derelict properties, urges support for downtown
A sign variance for a taller-than-approved billboard sparked debate at the council meeting. One member argued the owner acted in good faith and that safety concerns were inconclusive, while a resident pushed back, warning about driver distraction and urging limits on how often the sign changes. The council ultimately approved the variance. Frustration boiled over […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Oklahoma!: An old-fashioned treat at The Muni
Oklahoma! debuted on Broadway more than 80 years ago, and its celebration of small-town life and enduring American spirit has made it a cornerstone in the community theater repertoire. The Muni’s co-directing team, Ann Opferman and Gil Opferman, have been involved with four productions of Oklahoma! during their lifetimes. “There are still 700-plus productions of […]
