Conan O’Brien to host the 97th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, Page D2
are
from this year’s Oscar nominees for Best Picture, “Wicked,” “Anora,” ”Emilia Perez” and “The Substance.” The 97th Academy Awards air on Sunday.
OSCARS
The Republican offers thoughts on this year’s major categories, nominees before Sunday’s show
2025
The Associated Press
After devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards are going forward.
Like the Grammys and other awards shows this year, the ceremony will be transformed by the fires and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has pledged to help its members and the broader film community recover.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s show:
When are the Oscars?
The Academy Awards will take place Sunday, March 2, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The show, to be broadcast live by ABC, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Clockwise from top left
scenes
Conan O'Brien wil host the 97th annual Academy Awards this Sunday. Above, the comedian appears onstage at the eighth annual Love Rocks NYC concert at the Beacon Theatre on March 7, 2024, in New York. (CHARLES
From ‘The Brutalist’ to ‘Wicked,’ here’s where to watch this year’s nominees
The Associated Press has pulled together a guide for what you need to know about this season’s big contenders, and where to watch them.
“Emilia Pérez” (13 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Netflix
Jacques Audiard’s audacious musical crime thriller about a Mexican drug lord who undergoes gender-affirming surgery is steamrolling awards season, with a leading 13 Oscar nominations, including best picture, SAG noms for Karla Sofía Gascón and Zoe Saldaña, who also won at the Globes, and a DGA nom. It also won the best musical/comedy Golden Globe, best original song (“El Mal”) and best picture not in the English language.
“The Brutalist” (10 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Google Play, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime
A major player, despite the lack of a SAG ensemble nomination, this film stars
SEE NOMINEES, PAGE D7
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D2
Are the Oscars streaming?
For the first time, the Oscars will be streamed live on Hulu. You can also watch via Hulu Live TV, YouTubeTV, AT&T TV and FuboTV. With authentication from your provider, you can watch on ABC.com and the ABC app.
Who’s hosting the Oscars?
For the first time, Conan O’Brien is hosting the Academy Awards. O’Brien, the latenight host turned podcaster and occasional movie star, said upon the announcement: “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
How have the wildfires altered the show?
The wildfires that consumed large parts of Los Angeles in early January led some to call for the cancellation of the Academy Awards. The academy twice postponed the announcement of nominations but never pushed the March 2 date of the ceremony. Academy leaders have argued the show must go ahead, for their economic impact on Los Angeles and as a symbol of resilience.
Organizers have vowed this year’s awards will “celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and acknowledge those who fought so bravely against the wildfires.”
Still, the fires have curtailed much of the usual frothiness of Hollywood’s awards season. The film academy canceled its annual nominees luncheon.
For many involved in the Oscars, the fires have been felt acutely. O’Brien’s Pacific Palisades home survived but his family has been unable to go back to it. O’Brien’s assistant and podcast co-host Sona Movsesian lost her home.
“I know so many people who lost their homes and I’m just, was ridiculously lucky,” O’Brien told The Associated Press. “So we want to make sure that that show reflects what’s happening and that we put a light on the right people in the right way.”
Who’s presenting at the Oscars?
More stars were added to the presenter lineup recently, including Selena Gomez, Oprah Winfrey, Joe Alwyn, Goldie Hawn, Ben Stiller, Ana de Armas, Sterling K. Brown, Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp and Connie Nielsen. They’ll join the likes of Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb and Bowen Yang, as well as last year’s acting winners — Emma Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Cillian Murphy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph — on the Oscar stage.
Though the academy initially said it would bring back the “fab five” style of presenting the acting awards, with five
previous winners per category, organizers have reportedly abandoned those plans for this year’s ceremony. Nick Offerman will also be participating as the Oscars announcer.
Who’s nominated?
Below is a list of some of the major categories for this year’s show, with thoughts from The Republican. A complete list of categories and nominees can be found online at oscars.org.
Best picture
“Anora”
“The Brutalist”
“A Complete Unknown” “Conclave”
“Dune: Part Two”
“Emilia Perez” “I’m Still Here” “Nickel Boys” “The Substance” “Wicked”
What The Republican thinks:
“While ‘Wicked’ and ‘Anora’ have dominated headlines (and the box office) this year, I’d love to see ‘The Substance’ come out on top for Best Picture. We rarely see horror films in the spotlight, and body horror films like ‘The Substance’ even less so. ‘The Substance’ reminds us of not
Stars presenting awards at the Oscars ceremony this year include, from left, Selena Gomez and Oprah Winfrey. (ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Elle Fanning, left, as Sylvie Russo and Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan take a motorcycle ride to the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a fictitious scene in "A Complete Unknown." (SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES / TNS)
SEE OSCARS, PAGE D6
280 MEMORIAL AVE, WEST SPRINGFIELD MA 825 HAMPDEN STREET, HOLYOKE, MA
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SPRINGFIELD
Mickey Mouse leads search party at MassMutual Center
Disney on Ice skates into venue for 4-day run
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
There is a search party going on at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
But don’t worry, it’s nothing bad and no one has gone missing.
Instead, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Minnie and Donald are launching a fun adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts as part of Disney on Ice’s Mickey’s Search Party beginning Thursday, Feb. 27, for a fourday run.
The journey with Mickey Mouse and pals begins as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Audiences will travel with them across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney-Pixar’s “Coco” into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Next, they embark to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa from “Frozen” as a video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace.
While accompanying Mickey as he travels with his friends, audiences will see Belle from “Beauty and the Beast” lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. The power of teamwork will be demonstrated when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story” recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. There will be laughs galore as the pirates flip, tumble and twist
on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Then everyone can sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and come face to face with the fiery wrath of Te Ka. It all ends with characters from “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” as the search party turns into an all-out magical celebration.
Along the way, audiences can sing along to favorite Disney tunes such as “Be Our Guest,” “How Far I’ll Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Under the Sea” and “Let It Go.”
“I’ve always wanted to skate with Disney on Ice,” said Kelley Harding, 26, of Lexington, an ensemble skater with the show since 2023.
“My mother brought my brother and me to the Lexington Recreation Center where they had a good program to learn how to skate. I was
Back Porch Festival to honor Neil Young with tribute show
Tabout four at the time. Then when I was around 10, I continued at the Boston Skating Club,” she added. (Two young skaters from the historic Boston club were killed recently in a tragic plane crash.)
She eventually began competing and was a silver medalist at the TOI French Nations Cup and gold medalist at the TOI Us Nationals, both in 2019, and later turned to coaching hockey players and giving skating lessons to kids. Then everything changed.
“Adam Blake, a choreographer for Disney on Ice, saw me skating one day at the Boston Skating Club and encouraged me to go to Knoxville, Tennessee, where I did a live audition in front of some folks from Disney,” Harding said about later learning she passed the audition and would be skating as part of “Mickey’s Search
HIS YEAR’S BACK Porch Festival will run March 7-9 and will feature Lucinda Williams as its headline act. But, as usual, the event will also pay tribute to another artist — in this case, Neil Young. Williams will play the Academy of Music on March 9, but on March 7, a lineup of local artists will showcase songs from Young’s long and memorable career. Among the acts that will pay tribute to Young are Suitcase Junket, Billy Keane, and Robin Lane and Winterpills. The festival also features a “ramble” all three nights, with more than 60 artists playing at 10 venues around Northampton. Go to backporchfest.com for details.
We spoke to Philip Price of
Winterpills, who will perform some of Young’s songs in their duo format (Price and Flora Reed), backed by an allstar house band known as the Deep River Ramblers.
Q. How far back does your Neil Young fandom go? What was it about him that first caught your ear?
Northampton-based band Winterpills will play the Iron Horse Music Hall. (JOANNA CHATTMAN PHOTO)
George Lenker
LIVE WIRE
Disney on Ice skates into the MassMutual Center in Springfield, starting today through March 2. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
‘FENCES’
August Wilson’s play opens at Majestic Theater
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
The life of former Negro-league baseball player
Troy Maxson, here a sanitation worker trying his best to support his family, is explored in “Fences,” the Tony Award and 1987 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by August Wilson, opening tonight at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater. The show runs through April 6.
The play focuses on Maxson, a 53-year-old working class head of the household who struggles with providing for his family. He lives with his wife, Rose, and his teenage son, Cory. In his younger days, Maxson was an excellent baseball player and even played in the Negro Leagues, but that was before the color barrier in Major League Baseball had been broken. “Fences” explores the
understanding of growing up and living in that particular community to tell a compelling story. His plays are character-driven, and he creates incredibly interesting characters who draw an audience in.”
The cast includes Dominic Carter as Maxson, Martinez Napoleon as Gabriel, Greg Alexander as Jim, Kyle Boatwright as Rose, Silk Johnson as Lyons, Mike Daniel as Cory, and Louise Coly/Malayah Charland as Raynelle.
The play is directed by Michael Ofori.
Wilson — who is often referred to as the “theater’s poet of Black America” — is best known for a series of 10 plays that chronicle the 20th century Black experience. All but one of Wilson’s plays are set in the Hill District, the working-class neighborhood of his birth in 1945. Each play is set in a different decade and collectively became known as the American Century Cycle.
“Each of the plays in the cycle deals with a totally different subject matter. August
“August Wilson in his brilliance has been able in his writings to focus not just on the wellbeing of the African-American family in this country, but on its many different facets from spiritual to financial well-being.”
Michael Ofori, director of ‘Fences’ at the Majestic Theater
evolving challenge of a family attempting to build a safe home in the racially stratified 1950s suburban America.
“The play is a great classic story in the way it provides a snapshot of the struggles faced in keeping a family together through everyday challenges. August Wilson was a remarkable American playwright who wrote about his lived experience,“ Danny Eaton, founder and producing director of the Majestic Theater, wrote in a news release to promote the show.
”‘Fences’ is set in Pittsburgh, and Wilson channeled his
calling 413-747-7797. (KAIT RANKINS
everyone sees a little bit of themselves in the play.
“What is unique about August Wilson is that in his writings he talks about real people and real issues. There is a universality to his work. Everybody comes from a family no matter what it is. Usually around Thanksgiving on campus I talk with my students about what that might be like for them. People usually have
different relations with their family members whatever the dynamics may be. Hopefully people can connect with the familial aspect of the play, but also with the beauty of his poetry and with the musicality of it, and just the rhythm and life in his plays no matter what the content is. And I hope people will enjoy that,” he said.
Tickets to the show range
from $35 to $38 and can be purchased in person at the box office or by calling 413747-7797. Box office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Doors to the theater will open one hour before the start of a show, which is also when the café opens. For more information, visit www. majestictheater.com.
Wilson in his brilliance has been able in his writings to focus not just on the well-being of the African-American family in this country, but on its many different facets from spiritual to financial well-being. This play deals specifically with family and focuses on the deep construction and sanctity of the Black family at a time in America when opportunities were few and far between,” said Ofori, lecturer on acting and directing in the Film Media Theater and Dance Departments at Mount Holyoke College.
Ofori noted he hopes that
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Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm.
Minimum Admission $50
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THURSDAY
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DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
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Actors, from left, Greg Alexander, Dominic Carter and Silk Johnson are shown in a scene from “Fences” by August Wilson. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama will be presented at West Springfield’s Majestic Theater tonight through April 6. Tickets are $35-$38 and can be purchased in person at the box office or by
PHOTO)
only the realities of aging, but society’s very real obsession with trying to stay young via plastic surgeries, liposuctions and all other sorts of procedures. The pressures from not only society but social media to remain young and perfect are squeezed tighter and tighter into this movie until, quite literally, it all explodes. We haven’t seen a horror movie take home a major award since ‘Get Out’ took Best Original Screenplay in 2017, and I think ‘The Substance’ stands a real shot at some recognition.” — Ashley Potter, Features Editor “In movies, 2023 was a hard act to follow. This year’s list of best picture nominees is less impressive compared to dramas like ‘Past Lives’ and knockouts like ‘Barbie,’ but there were several films that I enjoyed. I’ve seen most but not all best picture nominees. Overall, I think ‘Conclave,’ a movie following the selection of a pope, was my favorite. When a family member suggested I watch it, insisting it was excellent, I thought “eh,” feelings probably mostly stemming from going to Catholic school and no longer being religious. I decided to at least start the movie, and expected to not finish it, but I was quickly pulled in. It was surprisingly dramatic, funny, and well-acted. It’s sense of mystery reeled me in. ‘The Substance,’ a sometimes-gruesome social commentary, is worth seeing. After the gore and shock of the film wore off, I found myself liking it more. I was surprised
‘Anora’ was nominated but also recommend watching it. Though a controversial film, ‘Emilia Perez’ was an interesting story with great acting. But why it was a musical, I don’t know.” — Greta Jochem, Investigative Editor
Best actor
Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist” Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown” Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing” Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave” Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice”
What The Republican thinks:
“Timothée Chalamet gave his all in the Bob Dylan biopic ‘A Complete Unknown,’ not only through his acting and singing, which he reportedly did live on set, but through his preparation for the role. He spent five-plus years learning how to play guitar and harmonica, working with a dialect coach (to capture that Midwestern accent as authentically as possible), and spending time in Dylan’s hometown to fully immersive himself in the musical icon’s life story. It all comes through in the finished film, and I’m not the first to praise him for a job well done. Plus, if he wins, Chalamet will be the youngest actor in Oscar history to win in the Best Actor category, which would be interesting to see.” — Ashley Potter
Best actress
Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
Karla Sofía Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”
Mikey Madison, “Anora”
Demi Moore, “The Substance” Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”
What The Republican thinks:
“My heart says Demi Moore for her performance in ‘The Substance,’ which felt at its most powerful when there was no actual horror happening on the screen. There’s a scene in the film where Elisabeth Sparkle, Moore’s character, is preparing for a date, but the more she compares herself to a younger Margaret Qualley (Sue), the more she begins to judge herself for what she perceives to be “flaws.”
(Imagine Demi Moore having any flaws!) Any older woman trying to get back into the dating scene could feel that gut-wrenching moment when she gives up on herself and loses control under the societal pressure to be ‘young’ and ‘perfect.’”
“I could also see Mikey Madison rightfully taking home the award, as she embodied the sexy, the confident, the furious and the heartbroken all in one movie in ‘Anora.’ Watching all of the chaos unfold through Ani’s eyes really makes you think
about sex workers and the stigma surrounding them, and the whole film I found myself holding my breath, waiting for her to finally break down, so when she does — in the last few moments of screen time — my heart broke with hers.”
— Ashley Potter
Above, far left: Adrien Brody, left, and Felicity Jones in a scene from “The Brutalist.” Immediately above: Cynthia Erivo in a scene from the film “Wicked.” At left: Ralph Fiennes stars in director Edward Berger’s “Conclave.”
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Best director
Sean Baker, “Anora”
Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist” James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown”
Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Perez”
Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”
What The Republican thinks:
“As much as I’d love to be all in with ‘The Substance,’ I think the most realistic
SATURDAY, MARCH 1
APPEARANCE
Season Supporter
Nominees
Adrien Brody as a noted architect and Holocaust survivor who attempts to start life anew in America and gets a life-changing commission from Guy Pearce’s wealthy industrialist. It won the Golden Globe for best director, best drama and best actor. Felicity Jones was also among its Oscar nominations.
“Wicked” (10 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home, Apple TV and Google Play
Jon M. Chu’s vibrant adaptation of the popular movie musical (well, the first half) was widely recognized by the academy, with nods for Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and best picture. It also snagged a coveted best ensemble nomination from SAG, as well as individual nods for Erivo, Grande and Jonathan Bailey.
“A Complete Unknown” (8 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on YouTube
James Mangold’s acclaimed Bob Dylan biopic did well Oscar morning with best picture, best director, best actor for Timothée Chalamet, supporting actress for Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez, and supporting actor for Edward Norton as Pete Seeger.
“Conclave” (8 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Peacock, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play and Amazon Prime
This pulpy, smart thriller about the selection of a new pope got a DGA nom for director Edward Berger and a SAG nod for Ralph Fiennes’ lead performance. It also won the best screenplay Golden Globe. Berger was not nominated for a best director Oscar, but Isabella Rossellini got in for supporting actress.
“Anora” (6 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango at Home
Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner about a New York stripper’s rollercoaster romance with a Russian oligarch’s son may not have won big (or at all) at the Golden Globes, but the shine is still there — especially after Directors Guild and Screen Actors Guild nominations for Mikey Madison and Yura Borisov, and their respective Oscar nominations.
“Dune: Part Two” (5 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Sling TV, Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home, Google Play and Apple TV
The first “Dune” got a best picture nomination, but Denis Villeneuve was snubbed for a directing nod — and the same thing happened with “Part Two.” He was also left off the Directors Guild of America list.
“The Substance” (5 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Fandango at Home Demi Moore’s turn as an aging actor who goes to extremes to preserve her looks in Coralie Fargeat’s body horror already won her a Golden Globe, got her a SAG nomination and an Oscar nod. It was also nominated for best picture and best director.
“I’m Still Here” (3 Oscar nominations) In limited theaters
This Brazilian film from Walter Salles stars Fernanda Torres (who won the Golden Globe) as Eunice Paiva, the wife of Rubens Paiva, a former leftist Brazilian congressman who was taken and not returned during the country’s military dictatorship. It made best picture, best actress and best international feature.
“Sing Sing” (3 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home and Google Play
Colman Domingo has received a lot of recognition for his performance as an incarcerated man who helps lead a theater program for
Oscars
winner will be Sean Baker for ‘Anora.’ The film has received praise since it hit the big screen, and Baker’s work is what makes it such a standout. Something I didn’t know about the film until after watching it was that the first 10 minutes, where Ani (Mikey Madison) is shown working at a strip club, were completely improvised — with further actor adlibs and improvisation throughout the movie (including Baker’s decision to have the actors interact with real-life people off the street in multiple scenes).
While not my top film of the year, watching ‘Anora’ unfold feels a lot like being a fly on the wall, from Ani being hired by Ivan ‘Vanya’ Zakharov, to their whirlwind marriage together, to the more tense and heart-pounding moments when her ‘fairytale’ comes crashing down. Baker goes for this vintage-looking Hollywood style, with close-up shots of everything from the New York City subway station to the inside of strip clubs and diners, which allows the characters he’s created to really shine.” — Ashley Potter
Best supporting actor
Yura Borisov, “Anora” Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown” Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist” Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”
What The Republican thinks:
“Igor (Yura Borisov) isn’t even introduced in ‘Anora’ until the film is well underway, when we’re so swept up in the whirlwind romance between Ani and Ivan that we forget not all is as it seems. He’s the quieter of two henchmen that drop in, and much of Borisov’s acting comes through his facial features and his body language, so much so that he feels like a real person and less like a scripted character. Borisov is able to be both gentle, like when he’s the first to speak
Roz, voiced by Lupita N'yongo, background, and Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor, in a scene from DreamWorks Animation's "The Wild Robot." (DREAMWORKS ANIMATION/UNIVERSAL PICTURES VIA AP)
to Ani in English, and quietly intimidating, like when he’s the only character (other than Ani) to stand up to Ivan and his family. It’s also definitely worth mentioning that Borisov is the first Russian actor to earn an Oscar nomination in a performance category since 1977, and he’d be the first to win since 1964.” — Ashley Potter
Best supporting actress
Monika Barbara, “A Complete Unknown” Ariana Grande, “Wicked”z Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”
Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”
What The Republican thinks:
“In her ‘Wicked’ performance, Ariana Grande the pop singer fades away and
Glinda the Good Witch takes center stage. I remember when the casting for ‘Wicked’ was first announced and people questioned the casting, worried that Grande would try to “popify” Glinda. Grande went on to prove the naysayers wrong with powerful vocals (that sound not at all like pop music), strong acting, and mannerisms that are the perfect mix of Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Glinda and Grande’s own blend of mean girl. Whether it’s making faces in the background of a scene or dragging herself around on the floor dramatically during her performance of ‘Popular,’ Grande captures Glinda’s spirit and steps into her pink heels with ease. In my opinion, she more than deserves the Best Supporting Actress nod.” — Ashley Potter
Best animated film
“Flow”
“Inside Out 2”
“Memoir of a Snail”
“Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
“The Wild Robot”
What The Republican thinks:
“’Flow’ and ‘The Wild Robot’ were both great. ‘Flow’ follows the adventures of a cat during a massive flood as it interacts with other creatures and navigates the new world. The movie has no dialogue but manages to tell a compelling and emotional story with a beautiful backdrop.” — Greta Jochem
This photo released by Neon shows Yura Borisov in a scene from "Anora." (AUGUSTA QUIRK / NEON VIA AP)
Why do we go out to drink beer?
THERE ARE PROBably more reasons for people going out to pubs than there are beer brands.
Since there are more that 19,000 breweries in the world, that’s quite a lot of reasons, and so maybe I’m exaggerating a bit.
What I’m getting at here is that people decide to head out to their local bar (or travel to a more distant one) for multifarious reasons. Many of these causes are quite similar, of course, but when I talk to various folks I can usually discover new insights into the rationales that people use for bellying up to the bar.
After all, we all simply could buy beer at a store and drink at home. That’s certainly a much cheaper option and doesn’t involve worrying about things like driving after drinking — or even putting on pants. Yet most beer drinkers regularly brave all types of weather for the simple pleasure of drinking outside the home.
One of the main reasons we grab a seat at a favorite bar is the social aspect. Perhaps we are meeting up with friends, celebrating some milestone or event or simply catching up. We may crave a little camaraderie with like-minded individuals who appreciate good beer or share fandom for a certain sports team. Or possibly we just want to get out of the house after some bad weather or prolonged bout of solitude for whatever reason.
But there are plenty of folks (myself included sometimes) who just want to have beer on tap and be in the milieu without necessarily engaging with it. I can sit quietly in a bar for hours and barely speak to anyone outside of ordering my beers from the bartender. There is a certain comfort that one can find in a pub,
even when you don’t know anyone — sometimes especially when you don’t know anyone.
These are often the people you might see reading at the bar. I have been known to do that, but not that often. Sometimes I just like sitting and thinking with a pint in front of me. I’m not really even paying much attention to the people around me. (I’m not a “people-watcher” — a pastime whose appeal eludes me.) I just more or less take on a meditative state. It’s very relaxing. Of course, when one sits at a bar (and not a table), one can’t expect total disengagement with the world. After all, you have chosen to be out in public,and pubs are hubs of social activity. I, for one, never try to spurn conversations. After all, I write this column and repeatedly have told people please say “hello” if they see me out and about. For me, it’s part of the job. And I know plenty of folks who drink solo, but who are comfortable with both disengaging or entering into conversation with others.
I’ve seen my pub pal Hambone at various beer venues, and he’s almost always flying solo. Although he’s comfortable never saying a word, he’s also the friendliest guy you’ll ever meet. Besides the beer, what are your main reasons for heading out instead of drinking at home? Let me know at geolenker@yahoo.com.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
A sampling of spring
Old Deerfield spring craft fair returns to Eastern States Exposition
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Now that the Christmas decorations are packed away, if you are looking to decorate your home for St. Patrick’s Day or Easter this weekend’s Old Deerfield Craft Fair Spring Sampler will have plenty of shamrocks and bunnies to get you started.
The annual show — featuring everything from birdhouses to wreaths and more — will be held inside the Young Building on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, March 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $6 for adults and children 12 and under are free.
“People have been itching to get out of their homes from the cold and snow and our show offers a breath of fresh air for them,” said John O’Neill, co-coordinator of the Spring Sampler.
Among the more than 120 crafters and artisans at the fair will be Patricia Graziano of Feeding Hills who makes
a variety of sewn gifts for babies and small children as she says, “handcrafted carefully with a child in mind.” She calls her business Handcrafted by GG.
“I’m a retired Springfield elementary school teacher who loves kids. I love to sew and I started making woodland creatures to give to my daughter-in-law at her shower,” Graziano said, noting it “took off from there.”
When coming up with a name for her business, Graziano put two meaningful words together, “Handmade” that signifies the love and care that goes into a gift made by her, and “GG” because it is her grandma title, which she said is “one of my many cherished roles.”
“Basically, my whole shop is for people looking for a very unique gift to give at a shower, birthday party, or for the holidays and other occasions. I’m always looking for different, whimsical patterns of soft fabric,” Graziano said.
She makes coveralls, bunting, hats from summer bonnets to trappers for the winter, bibs, drool cloths, booties, rattles and many more cute things.
It is her cuddly soft-sculpture animals, both big and small, that attract a lot of
attention. Her adorable elephant made from a uniquely-patterned colorful fabric is an eye-catcher and her most popular among customers.
“Some people tell me they are buying them for their grandchild, but I know it is really for them,” Graziano said, whose collection includes mermaids, giraffes and other loveable creatures, along dolls that she also handcrafts.
Graziano also makes memory bears — a keepsake teddy bear made from clothing of a deceased love one that has a special meaning for them or the intended recipient.
“I also have reading pillows that I make from patterns like Winnie the Pooh, Sesame Street and several superheroes. The have a slot in them for kids to pop their favorite book in for reading when they go to bed,” she said.
And, just in time for Easter, she will have for sale little fuzzy bunnies that come with a cloth basket for them to sit in.
If food is on your mind, a variety of specialty food vendors offer everything from chocolatey goods to sauces, oils and spices to take home. And, if you are looking for a bite to eat, Eastern States Exposition concessions inside
Above, from left, Aurora Walker, of Agawam, holds a stuffed kitty from Catastic Crafts by Kaity, and Nan Hurlburt, of Tangled Vine Jewelry, smiles from benind a display of earrings during a past Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair. The show returns to the Eastern States Exposition this weekend. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS)
George Lenker Beer Nut
Ranch dressing surpasses ketchup as top condiment
THE MOST POPULAR of condiments in American restaurants is...
If you blurt out “ketchup” as your answer, you’ll find that the data now suggests otherwise. Ranch dressing increasingly rules as condiment, dressing and dip across most segments of the food-awayfrom-home landscape.
Ranch dressing was first created in 1949 by plumberturned-chef Steve Henson, who was working in Alaska at the time. Henson later moved to California with his wife, Gail, and his dressing creation, a blend of buttermilk, mayonnaise and herbs, became a favorite in their Hidden Valley Ranch dining room.
By 1983, Henson’s dressing formulation had been sold to a major company and soon packets of a dry mix that could be reconstituted into the dressing were in supermarkets nationwide. Demand for the product further took off after the 1986 introduction by snack food giant Frito-Lay of their Cool Ranch Doritos chips. By 1994, ranch dressing had also established a presence in the pizza world, when Domino’s began promoting it as a dip for chicken wings and pizza crust.
In 2024, sales of ranch dressing reached $1.3 billion, surpassing ketchup in the dollar value of product sold.
Ranch has become an integral part of the casual dining experience, where it’s promoted as a sauce or dip that can enhance all sorts of foods, not just salads. To that end the original ranch dressing formulation has given way to a broad assortment of flavor tweaks and reworks.
Typical of what ranch dressing has become is the “Kickin’ Ranch” that Champaign, Illinois-based Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shops created. Originally developed as a sandwich condiment, their formulation reputedly incorporates hot cherry pepper puree and the pickling liquid the peppers are packed in to
create a spicy, slightly tart version of ranch dressing.
“Kickin’ Ranch” has achieved a nearly cult-like following among the customers of Jimmy John’s 2,700plus locations, so this January the chain took the “Kickin’ Ranch” experience to a new level, introducing it as a “soup” that’s sold in 6-ounce portions. This new Kickin’ Ranch soup is being promoted as an Instagram-worthy effort to accommodate those fans who claim “Kickin’ Ranch” is “good enough to eat with a spoon.”
For those curious to try the Kickin’ Ranch soup, Jimmy John’s Sandwich Shop locations can be found at 544 N. Main St. in Leominster and on Mercantile Street in Worcester.
Side
Dishes
• The Notch 8 Grille in Northampton will host a wine dinner on Thursday, March 6 starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature wines produced by Cakebread Cellars of Rutherford, California, a producer of fine Napa Valley wines for more than 50 years.
The evening’s five-course menu will begin with a caramelized pear burrata, then proceed on to a course of poached apple, blue crab and shrimp toast. The dinner’s third act is to be pork belly finished with cashew butter; that culinary effort will be followed by Arctic char served with spring vegetables and baby greens.
Beef Wellington with parsnip puree is to be the dinner’s main entree.
Each course of the dinner
Friendly’s Restaurants are celebrating 90 years in business this year by bringing back some of the classics, including the Happy Ending Meal Deal. Above, a finished Jim Dandy sundae is presented at Friendly’s in this file photo. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)
will be paired with a different Cakebread Cellars vintage.
Tickets for the dinner, which can be ordered at Eventbrite. com, are $132.81, a price that includes gratuity and tax.
The Notch 8 Grille answers at 413-326-4151.
• The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge is to be the site of a Winter Wine Fair on Saturday, March 8.
The event, which will benefit Community Access to the Arts, will feature wines selected and stocked by several of Berkshire County’s best wine merchants. The culinary staff at the Red Lion Inn is contributing their expertise as well, preparing “small bites” to be enjoyed along with the wine samplings at the tasting. The Wine Fair will also include a raffle with prizes such as overnight stays, gift baskets and special wines.
Two sessions of the Winter Wine Fair are planned, one starting at 2 p.m. and running
5 p.m., is priced at $70, cash or check only, with full payment due when reservations are made.
For more information email the restaurant at partnersrestaurant@yahoo.com or call 413-786-0975.
• The Table 3 Restaurant Group in Sturbridge is hosting a Wild Game Dinner at its function venue, The Barn at Wight Farm.
Planned for Thursday, March 6, the dinner is to include six courses created by two Table 3 chefs, Tony Pitts and Deven Senior. A whole Louisiana alligator, bacon-wrapped and slow-roasted, is to be the culinary centerpiece of the menu lineup.
The event’s ticket price of $80 (which does not include tax or gratuity) includes all game courses, dessert and coffee. Reservations for the dinner can be made by calling 774-241-8450; a $25 deposit is required at the time of making the reservation.
The Barn at Wight Farm is located at 420 Main St. in Sturbridge.
until 3:15 p.m. and a second starting at 3:30 p.m. and running until 5 p.m.
Tickets to either session, which are priced at $35 plus a convenience fee, can be ordered at Eventbrite.com.
The Red Lion Inn answers at 413-298-5545.
• Friendly’s Restaurants are celebrating 90 years of operation this year by bringing back of a number of the chain’s menu classics.
These include the Tuna Salad Supermelt, several Quesadillas, the Beef Tips and Mash entree and the Happy Ending Meal Deal.
Participation in this 90th anniversary menu “lookback” may vary with individual Friendly’s locations.
• Partners Restaurant and Catering of Feeding Hills is presenting a “second edition” of its 26th annual Game Dinner, to be held on Saturday, March 1.
The dinner, which begins at
• The Crestview Country Club in Agawam is presenting a dinner-entertainment evening on Friday, March 7 starting at 5:45 p.m.
The event, a “Tribute to James Taylor and Simon & Garfunkel,” will feature Good Acoustics, a Western Massachusetts-based group featuring Mike Smith, Dave Fazio and Bill DeSanty. A full buffet dinner and dessert will precede the show, with dinner beginning at 6 p.m. The performance by Good Acoustics is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Tickets are $65 plus convenience fees and can be ordered at ticketleap.events. The Crestview Country Club answers at 413-786-2593.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College’s hospitality and culinary arts program and has nearly 50 years of restaurant and educational experience. Robert can be reached online at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com.
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
THURSDAY
Jazz Jam at LAVA: Thu., 6-8 p.m., LAVA Center. Join David Greenberg, Arlene Robbins and other local musicians for a jazz jam session. Come to listen or come to play, all levels of musicianship are welcome, $1-$5 suggested donation. For more information, email David at david.greenberg3@gmail. com, 324 Main St., Greenfield.
Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: Thu.-Fri., online, "The Digital Bard: Live Online Workshops," through Feb. 28, 1-2 p.m. A nine-part Zoom workshop series offering insights into Shakespeare's works. Learn from acclaimed actors and directors from Shakespeare's Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cost is $25 per workshop. Register at montagueshakespearefestival. com
FRIDAY
52 Sumner presents Paul the Beatle: Fri., 7-9:30 p.m. 52 Sumner, doors open at 6 p.m. For tickets, visit 52sumner.com/event-listings/, starting at $28.52. 52 Sumner Ave., Springfield.
Friday Fish Fry: Fri., 5-7 p.m. Swift River Sportsman's Club, starting Feb. 28 and running through April 18. Prices range from $14 for fish and chips to $18 for a fish, shrimp and chip combo. Clam chowder also will be available. Come out and enjoy one of the best fish dinners in the area with generous portions. For more information, please call the club at 413-323-9387, 350 Cold Spring Rd, Belchertown.
Montague Shakespeare Festival 2025 Workshops: See Thursday listing
SATURDAY
Chair Caning & Basket Weaving Classes: Sat., 1:30 p.m., Holyoke Creative Arts Center. Restore heirloom pieces or create new ones with traditional crafts of a bygone era including chair caning, rush seating, flat reed seat weaving, and basket weaving. Students can bring their own project or learn on one of the chairs in the HCAC studio. This class is taught open-studio style and is open to beginners as well as advanced students. To register, email Admin@HolyokeCAC.org, $115. 150 Front St. Suite 5, West Springfield; holyokecac. org.
CitySpace Bluegrass — Pickers, Singers, & Strummers: Sat., 4 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, Every first Saturday of the month, free. 43 Main St., Easthampton;
CT River Working Group Association Dog Show: Sat.-Sun., Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex. Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, 413-737-2443 or thebige.com.
First Company Governor's Foot Guard Dog Show & Obedience Trials: Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Mallary Complex. Free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or thebige.com
The Great Escape — The Journey Tribute: Sat., Crestview Country Club, featuring a buffet and a show that gets you on your feet. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for dinner and dinner begins at 6 p.m., music starts at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit ticketleap.events/tickets/crestviewcountryclub/thegreatescape2025, $65 dinner and show; $35 show only. 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, 413-786-2593.
Pop-Up Market: In 2025, CitySpace is hosting a series of mini Pop-Up Markets on the first Saturday of the month from 4-7 p.m. during CitySpace Bluegrass and Art Walk Easthampton. Free. 43 Main St., Easthampton.
Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair: Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Eastern States Exposition, Young Building. The fair features 150 juried artisans in all crafts media, including garden and Easter-themed items. There will be free demonstrations by crafters, music, craft activities for families, and chances to win door prizes donated by crafters, as well as $50 shopping certificates, with multiple winners each day. Admission: $6; children 12 and under free; parking $5 cash, collected by Eastern States Exposition. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-7372443 or thebige.com.
Songwriter Showcase presents Jess Martin: Sat., 6 p.m. Ana Bandeira Chocolates, Jess Martin is a punk rock Joan Baez, presenting their cafe collection of songs with the talented Emmett Troxel on bass. Free. 48 Main St., Northampton.
St. Mary's Parish School Auction & Raffle presented by ASignature Fence: Sat., 5 p.m. St. Mary's High School, featuring more than 250 auction and raffle prizes plus buy a ticket for a chance to win $5,000 cash. The St. Mary’s Parish School PTO is thrilled to announce the return of the Annual Auction and Raffle. Presented by A Signature Fence. Donations are now being accepted. 27 Bartlett St., Westfield.
SUNDAY
CT River Working Group Asso-
CALENDAR
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield is hosting a Dr. Seuss Birthday Party on Saturday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held rain, shine or snow.
Above, Julia gives the Cat in the Hat a big hug during a past birthday party at the museum. (ED COHEN PHOTO)
ciation Dog Show: See Saturday listing
First Company Governor's Foot Guard Dog Show & Obedience Trials: See Saturday listing Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair: See Saturday listing
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith
Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: “Ancient Treasures,” a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org; Feb. 17-21, school break program “Critter Crossing.”. Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: Permanent exhibit: more than two dozen Indian motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D’Amour
and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the event in the Welcome Center. Arrive early to secure desired entry time. Takes place in all 5 museums. For more information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Quadrangle admission - $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Outdoors
Museum of Fine Arts: Museum a la Carte. Feb. 27, 12:15 p.m. “1000 Hands of the Guru,” $4, free for members. Film screening — 66 minutes. In-person or online. To register for online version, visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.
Springfield Science Museum: “The Robot Zoo,” through May 4. Discover the magic of nature as a master engineer. Free with museum admission. Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station Exhibit. The live animal center has been reopened as “Living Waters: From Oceans to Valleys”.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Dr. Seuss Birthday Party: March 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Rain, shine or snow. Join the Museums for an all-day salute to beloved children’s author and Springfield-native Theodor Seuss Geisel. Free with museum admission. Please note that while the birthday activities will be open to all visitors, timed entry to the Dr. Seuss Museum is limited
Great Falls Discovery Center: Indoor StoryWalk, through Feb. 28. “Rabbit’s Snow Dance” by Joseph Bruchac. Explore the lives of active and resting winter wildlife through stories. For ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Meet at the welcome desk. At the end of the StoryWalk enjoy reading more books about snow and winter from their collection. Kidleidoscope Story Hour: Feb. 28, “Beavers,” 10:3011:30 a.m. Program includes a story, activities, and crafts. Activities are indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Siblings and friends welcome. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Meet in the Great Hall. Nice & Easy Walks. Fridays, Feb. 28, 1-2 p.m. Easy-paced, 1 to 2-mile guided walk, along the Canalside Rail Trail or downtown Turners Falls, geared for seniors, but open to all. Enjoy natural and local history along the way. Dress for the weather with sturdy footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the main entrance. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls or greatfallsma.org. Mt. Greylock State Reservation: Visitor Center open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Interpretive exhibits explore the park story through artifacts and displays. Trail maps, hike guidance, 13-minute orientation film, bathrooms, drinking water available. Wheelchair accessible. Qi Gong/ Tai Chi: Feb. 27, March 27, 2-3:30 p.m. For ages 12 and older. Wear comfortable, appropriate winter clothing. Program will be held indoors, or outdoors in fair weather. Winter Tree Identification Hike: Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For ages 8 and older. Dress for winter weather. Nature Scavenger Hunt: Ongoing, Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For children and families. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough
Natural Bridge State Park: Visitors Center exhibits, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round; explore the park story through displays, artifacts and scavenger hunts. $2 parking fee; programs are free. 107 McAuley Road, North Adams.
Live Wire
A. It goes straight back as far as my childhood. My first guitar was a cheap knockoff of a Telecaster called a Telestar. I built a bright red amp from a Heathkit kit. The first song I learned was “Cinnamon Girl.” I was 10. The album “After The Gold Rush,” to me, is a deeply northern, rain and snow, Vermont-in-the-early’70s album.
It smells like woodsmoke and my parents arguing. His high, wavery voice landed somewhere between a female voice and a male voice and an alien being and always felt fragile and open to me. He was capable of gorgeous pop hooks and straight twang and dissonance and the sound of collapse.
Q. Young has had a lot
Spring
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the Young Building have a lunch and snack menu to feed your hunger.
Dondero Orchards of South Glastonbury, Connecticut — a family-owned farm celebrating 114 years in business — will be among the many specialty food vendors at the craft fair.
“It’s our 15th year exhibiting at several Old Deerfield Craft Fairs running throughout the year,” said owner Sandra Dondero, whose four children ranging in age from 14 to 23 help out at the farm and the fair.
Visitors to the Dondero Orchards booth will have plenty to choose from — jams and jellies of all kinds, including their top-rated Blueberry Rhubarb and Hot Pepper Jelly by the CT Specialty Food Association, pickles, pickled beets and cucumbers and cabbage, relishes, as well as basil, cilantro and arugula pestos good for dipping or spreading on crackers, and more goodies.
“Among our most popular products with customers at the craft fair are our dill and
think he gets enough credit for being a proto punk; everyone always talks about Iggy and the Stooges filling that role, but Neil was right there. Come “Rust Never Sleeps,” he straight up embraced it. “Sedan Delivery” is a punk classic.
Q. Do you have a favorite album or a favorite song?
A. “After the Gold Rush” and “Rust Never Sleeps” top my list, followed closely by “Tonight’s the Night,” “Harvest,” and the second album.
Q. Why do you think his music has made him such a universal icon?
too; I don’t want to leave. My son loves that song too, I sing it to him almost every night.
Q. Besides this show, what’s been happening with Winterpills?
of different sounds over the years, all united by his voice. Which of his flavors do you like best and why?
A. I’m mostly fond of his output from the ’60s straight through to the ’90s, honest-
ly. I know one of his biggest albums is the “Harvest Moon” album, but it sort of stopped there for me. I would never write him off, but, man, what a run of music up until then. How he could go from the most simple acoustic ballads to these roaring rockers. I don’t
A. He’s deeply authentic and original. He’s both sloppy and a master craftsman. Ever since I heard him sing, ‘I was lying in a burned-out basement with the full moon in my eyes,” I knew that basement and that moon forever, and I’m lying there
A. Making a new album in our new slow cooker. It’s such an amazing slow cooker that it takes 8 years to cook a simple pot of lentil soup. I’m expecting some real depth of flavor, or it goes straight into the trash. A new album later this year, we pray. We’re up in it right now as we speak. Twenty years since the first; this will be our eighth. Our live shows the past year have been the best shows we’ve ever played, so … I’m optimistic about the Red Sox this year.
Tickets to the Neil Young tribute show, featuring the Winterpills, begin at $32.99 and can be purchased on the Academy of Music’s website, aomtheatre. com.
Proceeds from the weekend event support the many historical and educational programs of the nonprofit Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, organizers of the Old Deerfield Craft Fairs.
bread and butter pickles and our Traffic Jam with peaches, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries all mixed in,” Dondero said.
If you want to bring home one of their tasty pies, it’s a good idea to head over to their booth early.
“We always sell out of them,” Dondero said about the apple, blueberry, fruit of the
farm, and strawberry rhubarb pies baked at the farm which opens for the season this month.
And, if you miss out on one of the pies, there still might be some cookies left to purchase — among them, oatmeal craisin with chocolate chips, peanut butter, chocolate chunk, and lemon raspberry.
While shopping the many
aisles of the craft fair, visitors will be serenaded by the soothing sounds of Piper Pichette who will perform on her strolling harp. There will also be a free family craft table for kids to create something special.
The Eastern States Exposition charges $5 for parking, however, visitors can turn in the parking receipt at the information booth for a 2-for-1
coupon to the September craft fair, to be held outdoors at Old Deerfield.
Proceeds from the weekend event support the many historical and educational programs of the nonprofit Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, organizers of the Old Deerfield Craft Fairs.
For more information, visit deerfield-craft.org.
Local band Winterpills will play the Academy of Music on Friday, March 7, as part of a Neil Young tribute show. (JOANNA
CHATTMAN PHOTO)
Above, from left, Tod Smith of Tod Smith Artwork shows off a welded trivet and Pamila Satchfield of Lakefall Arts adjusts some wind chimes during a past Old Deerfield Spring Sampler Craft Fair at the Eastern States Exposition. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTOS)
Nominees
fellow inmates. Domingo, the screenplay and the music were recognized by the academy.
“The Wild Robot” (3 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Peacock, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime
Chris Sanders’ charming adaptation of Peter Brown’s book about a smart robot who gets stranded in the wilderness and becomes caretaker to a young gosling is in the animated feature discussion.
“The Apprentice” (2 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Microsoft Store and Fandango at Home
Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong got Oscar nominations for portraying Donald Trump and his lawyer Roy Cohn in this film about the future U.S. president.
“Flow” (2 Oscar nominations)
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Party.”
Harding notes she “enjoy expressing myself through movement and bringing joy to skating.”
“Skating gives you freedom to be super creative on the ice and it gives me a feeling of just being free and move how I want to,” said Harding, who is also a dancer.
Besides bringing “joy” to the audience from her performance in the show, Harding noted being on tour with Disney has brought her “joy.”
“I love traveling and meeting people as we go from city to city. It’s awesome. The relationships you make along the way and the places you get to see and experience are so cool,” Harding said, who recently got to see Mount Rushmore on a day off from the tour.
While she enjoys exploring
Streaming on Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Fandango at Home
This wordless Latvian film about a cat escaping a great flood has become a favorite in the animation category. It was nominated for an animation and international feature Oscar.
“Nickel Boys” (2 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Google Play, Apple TV, Amazon Prime and Fandango at Home
RaMell Ross used first-person POV to adapt Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about an abusive reform school in the Jim Crow South.
“A Real Pain” (2 Oscar nominations)
Streaming on Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home and Amazon Prime
Kieran Culkin is quickly becoming the supporting actor favorite in the awards race for playing the chaotic, charismatic Benji in Jesse Eisenberg’s tragicomic film about odd couple cousins on a Holocaust tour in Poland.
new places, Springfield is not far from her home in Lexington, and Harding plans on visiting her mom and dad and her dog while she’s in the area.
“And I may try to fit in some time for some nature walks or even skiing,” Harding said.
Harding, who has dyslexia, devotes her time to working with children with learning disabilities.
“To this day it is still hard for me to read, don’t hand me something to read out loud. But my dyslexia doesn’t affect my skating. If anything, it frees me up to be more creative on the ice. I share with the children that I have dyslexia and offer them tips how to skate or to do other things that helped me in my journey,” she said.
Showtimes are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at noon and 4 p.m. Tickets, ranging from $24 to $99, are available online at massmutualcenter.com.
