In adapting Jordan Harper’s novel, She Rides Shotgun, a couple of happy accidents took place during its prolonged production. A change of locale and the discovery of a brilliant young actress helped transform this story of urban crime into something more meaningful and poignant. Charting the cross-country journey of recently paroled convict Nathan Mcclusky (Taron […]
Newsletter – Event
Posted inArts & Culture
What I did for love
As a young woman, I saw the 1975 musical A Chorus Line. Set on the stage of a Broadway theater, the musical provides a glimpse into the personalities of 17 Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on the chorus line as they describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The solution for oversized zucchini
Anyone who has grown zucchini in a garden will inevitably end up with a few mammoth squash that seemingly appear out of nowhere, especially after a generous dose of summer rain. Too tough and fibery to sauté or grill, I’d grate the first jumbo zucchinis of the season to use in quick breads, but toward […]
Posted inMusic
Rolling into August
August is upon us and with it comes a break in the hot and heavy heat and humidity of recent weeks. I’ve heard of a few gigs being canceled because of the heat wave, but now we’re back on track. Next week comes the Illinois State Fair and its rush of live music performances. Let’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Annual event features cruise, actor Erik Estrada and more
This annual car show, in its 12th year, begins with a classic car cruise at 6 p.m. Friday. The cruise will begin at the Horace Mann parking lot and travel to Cherry Hills Church, the site of the show. This year’s event features actor Erik Estrada, star of the television show CHiPs. The car show […]
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Back-to-school events, after-school updates, and budget process begins
The board opened with a heartfelt remembrance of a former member who led through some of the district’s toughest times. – Over 1,000 families attended a back-to-school event, receiving book bags, supplies and strong community support. – Upcoming walk-in clinics for student physicals and immunizations were announced, along with orientation details for incoming freshmen and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Together a disturbing look at co-dependency, Gilmore 2 under par
Together a graphic look at love and dependency Curiously paced and at times a bit overt, Michael Shanks’ Together ultimately overcomes these faults to deliver an entertaining, albeit disturbing examination of co-dependency. Intimate in setting and scope, the couple at the center of this ever-devolving relationship enact a relatable situation for married viewers who find […]
Posted inTurning Points
John “Jack” Madura
John “Jack” Madura, 84, of Springfield, died at 7:08 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Jack was born Feb. 6, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and Esther (Songhurst) Madura. He married Judy Thomas on Dec. 28, 1965. He was a proud graduate of Fenger High School on the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The Fantastic Four movie we’ve wanted, The Home an effective thriller, Oh, Hi, a rom-com gone wrong
Shakman and cast finally do Four justice One of the more vexing things for fans of Marvel Comics is the inability to successfully translate the initial property of the four-color universe to the big screen. Hitting newsstands during the fall of 1961, The Fantastic Four was the first superhero-based comic created by Stan Lee and Jack […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Hadestown: Teens tackle the underworld
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 […]
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 […]
