The Doings Western Springs

‘Epic’ makes room for melancholy

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:16:02 -0500

It’s not surprising that the latest animated adventure from Blue Sky Studios would look great and serve up plenty of slam-bang action and comedy.

Movies opening, still in theaters

Fri, 24 May 2013 17:20:01 -0500

Miniature forces of good and evil battle big-time in “Epic,” Vin Diesel revs up yet again for “Fast & Furious 6,” Greta Gerwig’s gotta dance in “Frances Ha” and the Wolfpack boys return for more headaches in “The Hangover III,” all in area theaters.

Stingrays easy to handle in new Shedd exhibit

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:14:01 -0500

In her 24 years as a Shedd Aquarium member, Joan Reylek has only once touched a Shedd animal, during an errant encounter with a sea otter.

Arts and entertainment calendar for May 30

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:08:40 -0500

Check out the variety of fun events and activities in your area this week!

Family Friendly: Spend a night under the stars

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:02:00 -0500

Your family can enjoy a beautiful night under the stars at Family Camp Out Moonfest, 7 p.m. June 21 to 7 a.m. June 22 at Harvester Park, 15W400 Harvester Drive, Burr Ridge.

For de Rossi, return to ‘Arrested’ surreal

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:46:47 -0500

Portia de Rossi remembers a time when she couldn’t get “Arrested.” To land the role of Lindsay Bluth Funke in the cult hit “Arrested Development,” she pulled out all the stops.

Butterflies in bloom at Botanic Garden

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:31:39 -0500

Hundreds of brilliantly colored butterflies will soon dart around the “Butterflies & Blooms” exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Absorbing exhibit: A look at ‘Minerals in Food’

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:24:02 -0500

The expression, “that’s my two cents,” takes on new meaning when you realize that the human body does contain copper, as well as many other minerals, metals and trace elements that are derived from the “rock” of Earth’s crust. Rocks are broken down into soil, from which plants grow, then consumed by animals and people, in a symbiotic and inter-connected relationship that’s been rock solid for eons. “Minerals in Food” is the subject of an exhibit at Elmhurst’s Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, along with a repeat showing of the popular “Rock Cafe,” presented in tandem to educate about the …

Star power: Technology revolutionizes Sky Show

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:18:01 -0500

As a pulsing nebula races toward the watchful audience, a hand shoots up to touch it. More hands follow suit, straining skywards. For the kids taking in the Adler’s newest show, “Cosmic Wonder,” outer space is just out of reach.

New releases on DVD, Blu-ray

Thu, 23 May 2013 03:02:43 -0500

Young love casts a powerful spell in “Beautiful Creatures,” Arnold Schwarzenneger returns to action in “The Last Stand,” Jude Law writes a prescription for disaster in “Side Effects” and Pacino, Walken and Arkin have a big night on the town in “Stand Up Guys.”

Billboard awards are Taylor-made

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:44:01 -0500

Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards. Swift won eight of 11 awards, including top artist and top Billboard 200 album for “Red.” She told the crowd: “You are the longest and best relationship I ever had.” She also had a colorful performance of her hit “22” — starting backstage and working her way to the main stage on the back of a bike with help from a dozen background dancers and a flurry of red balloons.

Arts and entertainment calendar for May 23

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:46 -0500

Check out the variety of fun events and activities in your area this week!

Have piano skills, will travel

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:32:01 -0500

Rock music done duo-piano style isn’t something you see — or hear — every day, especially on Steinway concert grands. That’s one good reason to be there when Wilmette native jazz pianist Adam Kromelow and Angelo Di Loreto perform the music of Genesis May 21 and 22 at the Steinway Piano Gallery in Northbrook and in Hinsdale.

Movies opening, still in theaters

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:57:16 -0500

Michael Shannon kills for a living in “The Iceman” and the crew of the Enterprise warps back into action in “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

Family Friendly: Civil War comes to Naper Settlement

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:58:02 -0500

Kids can chat with President Lincoln during Civil War Days, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.

Spotlight: People to watch

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:20:02 -0500

Clear choice: Maggie Cain of Glenview is reprising her role as Amanda, a faded southern belle clinging to the past, in Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co’s restaging of its acclaimed production of “The Glass Menagerie.”