THINGS TO DO • BOOKS • DANCE • THEATER • ART • MUSIC • MOVIES
MARCH 20-MARCH 26, 2014
www.thesouthern.com
MOVING TOWARD MAINSTREAM
Cape Comic Con appeals to all kinds of pop culture fans
TOP 20 RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Coffeehouse is a ‘Crossroads’ favorite
OPENING IN THEATERS
‘Divergent,’ ‘Muppets’ getting good reviews FLIPSIDE Thursday, March 20, 2014 Page 1
CONTACT US: 800-228-0429 flipside@thesouthern.com Adam Testa, Lifestyles writer adam.testa@thesouthern.com / ext. 5031 Brenda Kirkpatrick, Flipside content coordinator flipside@thesouthern.com / ext. 5089 Brandon Byars, online brandon.byars@thesouthern.com / ext. 5018 Cara Recine, Lifestyles and special projects editor cara.recine@thesouthern.com / ext. 5075 The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-908) is published daily at a yearly subscription rate of $219.96. It is published at 710 N. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, IL 62901. It is owned by Lee Enterprises of Davenport, Iowa. Cover Illustration by Nick Burke
Rend Lake College Spring Musical
Directed by Sara Alstat
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS FOOD THEATER THINGS TO DO
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week:
CROSSROADS COFFEE COMPANY JOE SZYNKOWSKI FOR THE SOUTHERN
DETAILS
If Southern Illinois ever makes it through its onagain, off-again relationship with the 2014 winter, Crossroads Coffee Company will deserve a heap of praise. Hot coffee and fresh breakfast draw in customers looking for a warm-up before, during and after their workday. Large cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing fly out of the oven and onto the plates of many sweet-toothed customers every morning starting at 6 a.m. Croissants, omelets to order, Belgian waffles, and biscuits and gravy give Crossroads’ breakfast menu a savory side. Recent coffee specials have included New Orleans with Chicory, Chocolate Cherry, and Bourbon Peach. Papua New Guinea, Irish Crème, and Simply Sinful have also graced the chalk menu board, giving patrons plenty of delectable coffee choices. Crossroads now also suits the night owls looking for a hot sandwich and a cold beer. The popular Carterville establishment began selling
Top 20 Restaurant of the Week: Crossroads Coffee Company What: Coffee, cinnamon rolls, sandwiches, burgers, homemade desserts, beer, wine Where: 209 W. Commercial Drive, Carterville Hours: 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday Phone: 618-985-1080 Web: www.crossroadscoffee.webs.com
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
Crossroads Coffee has become a Carterville favorite.
local beers and wines last year and has expanded its menu dramatically. Diners can order wine by the glass, including selections from Alto Vineyards and Pheasant Hollow wineries, and can choose from IPA, wheat, or lager beers. “We’re seeing a big push since we started selling beer and wine,” said owner Dan Gentz. “We’re just trying to get the word out there.” Every day is a new adventure at Crossroads. Bag tournaments, fundraisers and local artist showcases are constantly in the works for a business dedicated to helping its community. Gentz is also focused on continually evolving his menu to fit the tastes of
Dirt Cheap Chicken Says: April 3-6 • RLC Theatre, Ina 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday • 2 p.m. Sunday Tickets $12 per person RLC Box Office – 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman • Music by Alan Menken • LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 • Phone: 212-541-4684 • Fax: 212-397-4684 • www.MTIShows.com
Page 2 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Flipside
SPRING ON IN AND PICK UP A COLD ONE Surgeon General’s Warning: Quitting smoking now greatly reduces serious risks to your health. Must be 21 or older to purchase liquor.
BITBURGER GERMAN BEER BUSCH ICE NATTY ICE - BUD ICE 16 OZ. CANS BUD LIGHT RAZ-BER-RITA Cheap! Cheap! Fun! Fun!
his diverse customer base. For $4.99, you can pick up six wings of your choice slathered in either buffalo sauce, Kentucky bourbon, Asian zing, garlic parmesan or BBQ. Other popular items include the Reuben sandwich, the Corona battered fish fillet sandwich, and the best-selling Crossroads burger. Lunch and dinner can be topped off with homemade desserts — made on site daily. Cheesecake, cookies, muffins, and espresso brownies are just a small portion of Crossroads’ bakery offerings. Gentz urges Southern Illinoisans to keep up with Crossroads on Facebook, where he posts daily
specials, upcoming promotions and everything in between. “We try to keep everything updated with new menu items and events,” he said. Businesses and local groups are welcome to conduct meetings at Crossroads, which offers free wi-fi and ample seating inside and on the patio. Private parties can also be accommodated with reservations. If you can’t make it into Crossroads, Gentz and his staff offer local deliveries and catering services.
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Movies Art Wineries Books Cover Story Theater Things to do Music Call For Art
Sundays, anthill gallery; go to Cobden; connection between yellowmooncafe.com for Luna towns and sports; artifacts and stories; history of athletGallery hours ics in Union County and Rebirth: Spring theme on display at the Marion Carnegie Southern Illinois from Gorham to Goreville; through April Library by members of the 16; special program features Little Egypt Arts Association film of 1964 state basketball in Marion; through March; game between Cobden and 618-998-8530 or Pekin, 3 p.m. Sunday, March www.littleegyptarts.com 23, St. Joseph Church Hall, Abstract and Collage: Cobden; 618-893-2865 or Little Egypt Art Centre, 601 Tower Square, Marion; through 618-893-2567 Reinventing Collage: March 31; 618-998-8530 or Art Events The Art of Romare Bearden, www.littleegyptarts.com Free Puppet Making Mounds African American Michelle Fredman and Workshop: Led by Jonny Gray, Museum, 216 N. Front St., 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, March Jane Morgan: Artists of the Month, North wall, Little Egypt Mounds; through April 27; 22, Carbondale Community Arts Centre, 601 Tower Square, 2-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Farmer’s Market; learn about 618-745-6183 Marion; through March; 618native and endangered Caught in the Sweep of 998-8530 or species and make a puppet History: Egypt in the Civil www.littleegyptarts.com based on favorites; bring War — The Second Year exhibit Jo Ellen Lambert: Artist large cardboard if possible; and documentary now on of the Month, North window, cbursell@siu.edu display, The General John A. Little Egypt Arts Centre, 601 Paint the Town: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, Anna Tower Square, Marion; through Logan Museum, 1613 Edith St., Murphysboro; through April; March; 618-998-8530 or Arts Center, 125 W. Davie 618-684-3455; to www.littleegyptarts.co St., Anna; transform asphalt www.loganmuseum.org Beginnings: Quilts by parking lot into a work of art; Master Artists from the Pradnya Dharmadhikari, purchase four-by-four-foot Museum’s Art Collection: Carbondale Public Library, square for $15; paints and through April 1, 618-457-0354 University Museum, SIU; brushes included; music and food; register at 904-625-1109 artists featured include Pierre Hometown Teams: or email vabchlee@gmail.com Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Bonnard, Pablo Picasso, Union County Museum, 117 S. Berthe Morisot, Jacob Appleknocker Drive, downtown Lawrence, Pierre-Auguste Exhibits The Jacobs Family Art: Paintings and photographs Join our Wine Club by Bradley and Charles Renaissance noRton H Jacobs, Longbranch Café & US Bakery, 100 E. Jackson St., PoRt & cReam sheRRy N BANDS... O EXCUSE, Carbondale; through March 10% off Bottles W E HAvE 24; benefits Brehm School 20% off Cases Foundation; 618-529-4488 BEEr! Jo Dodd, Joanna Gray and Rene DeGroof: The Join Us For “sUnset Fridays” - sUn sets at 7:10 Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- “SATURDAY MUSIC EVENT” 3/22 “SUNDAY IN THE PARK” 3/23 Friday; through March 26; 618-993-2657 FREE Mike Chervinko: Historic MUSIC Photographs of the Tri-State 2-5 Tornado, University Museum, SIU; through March 30; Bill Harper Barry Cloyd www.museum.siu.edu; (Americana/Roots/Blues/Celtic) (Classic Folk/Rock & Country) 618-453-5388 Upcoming Event Off The Wall Group Artist Adventures in Wine & Chocolate • 4/6 • 2pm Exhibition: anthill gallery Tour the Vineyard with Wine Whisperer Karen Hand and and Luna Gallery in the Yellow Learn How to Pair Wine with Chocolate. Tickets are $15/person in advance ~ $20/person at the door Moon Café, both on Front but space is limited, so don’t wait! street, downtown Cobden; through March; 11 a.m.3150 S. Rocky Comfort Rd. Makanda • 618-995-WINE New Spring Hours blueskyvineyard.com 5 p.m. Wednesday through Mon.-Thur. 10:00-6:30 • Fri. 10:00-Sunset • Sat. 10:00-7:30 • Sun. 12-7:00 Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. 2014 Judged Art Competition and Exhibition: Anna Arts Center; includes painting and drawings, photography and fine crafts, such as fibers, sculpture, pottery, furniture, stained glass, blown glass, jewelry and metalsmithing; 904-625-1109; 618-697-0009; vabchlee@ gmail.com
Renoir and Max Ernst; through May 9; 618-453-5388; www.museum.siu.edu Artist Trading Cards Project: Curated by Bob DeHoet, University Museum, SIU; through May 9; www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388 Cast in Carbondale: Sculptures and drawings by visiting artists from the Thomas Walsh Donation, University Museum, SIU; through May 9; www.museum. siu.edu; 618-453-5388 Master Artists from the Art Collection: Curated by Dona Bachman, University Museum, SIU; through May 9; www.museum.siu.edu; 618-453-5388 Modern Dialect: American paintings from the John and Susan Horseman Collection, Cedarhurst Center for the
Arts, 2600 E. Richmond Road, Mount Vernon; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; through May 11; 618242-1236; www.cedarhurst.org New Work: SIU students and faculty in the Department of Cinema and Photography, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 E. Richmond Road, Mount Vernon; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; through May 11; 618-242-1236; www.cedarhurst.org Shrode Fine Art and Craft Competition exhibit: Much of the art created by artists from across Southern Illinois, Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, 2600 E. Richmond Road, Mount Vernon; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday; through May 11; 618242-1236; www.cedarhurst.org The Urge to Embellish:
Illinois State Museum Southern Illinois Art Gallery, Art & Artisans Center, 14967 Gun Creek Trail, Whittington, six miles north of Benton; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; through May 25; 618-629-2220; www. museum.state.il.us/ismsites/ so-il 2-5-Oh! Surprise, Sadness and Struggle in the Mound City: Salon 53 Gallery, St. Louis; one of the artist featured is Najjar AbdulMusawwir, associate professor of Fine Arts Africana Studies, SIU; through Dec. 31; 314-4944660; FreiWhea@aol.com
Receptions Student Art Show: Reception 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Rend Lake College, 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina; through May 2; 618-437-5321; www.rlc.edu
Worth the Drive!
Monday $10 margarita pitchers $4 spiked lemonades, $1 drafts $6 large thin crust pepperoni pizzas
ThurSday $8 draft pitchers $4 cherry bombs $10 any large pizza
TueSday all top shelf liquor $3.50, $3 specialty/Import beer bottles Bottomless boneless wings Kids eat free
FrIday $2 rails, $2 domestic bottles Seafood specials
wedneSday $3 for any Pinnalce Vodka flavor $10 for any bottle of wine $1 off all steak entrées
SaTurday bucket specials: $10 domestic, $13 premium domestic, $16 specialty/import $4.50 any bomb 11-4 half priced appetizers, Prime rib begins at 4pm
Through the end of winter every day- $4 bloody marys, Irish coffees, apple pie martinis and cinnamon latte shots
SloT MachIneS now avaIlable!
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Eatcourtside.com Flipside Thursday, March 20, 2014 Page 3
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC Authors, Books
Brase Arena Building, Cape Girardeau; Cosplay, gaming, vendors; day, $5; weekend, $15; www.cape-con.com. Dinner & Trivia Night: To Benefit Arthritis Foundation, 7 p.m., Friday, March 21, Carterville Community Center; $200 in advance for up to eight people; doors open 6 p.m.; reserve at 1-877-480-4040 27th St. Patrick’s Day Festival: Friday and Saturday, March 21 to 22, Murphysboro; features Irish music, food, 5K run/walk, parade, kid’s fest, contests; concert by The Dorians, 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, Liberty Theatre; call 618684-5880; Saturday activities include walk/run, 9 a.m.; parade, 11 a.m.; Irish Kids’ Festival, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Murphysboro Youth Center; also, beer tasting, bocce tourney, Irish Dart Tournament, arm wrestling tournament; Comedy 618-684-6421 or visit www. The Carbondale murphysborochamber.com Comedians: 9 p.m. Mondays, Science Center Kids Hangar 9, Carbondale; Walk: 8:30 a.m. Saturday, 10 p.m. Wednesdays, Station March 22, the University Mall, 13, Carbondale; see The Carbondale; registration/ Carbondale Comedians on check in, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Facebook food court entrance; $12 for children under 14; $16 for Events adults; also, balloon artist, Cape Comic Con: science demonstration; 4-10 p.m. Friday, March 21, yoursciencecenter.org; 61810 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 529-5431; si.sciencecenter@ March 22 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. gmail.com Sunday, March 23, A.C. Egyptian Swap Meet: Book signing: By Daniel Nallery, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library, 101 S. 7th St. Mount Vernon; he will discuss his children’s books; 618-242-6322; www. mtvbrehm.lib.il.us Book signing: By David E. Christensen, author of The Apocalytic Century, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, the Bookworm, 618 E. Walnut St., Carbondale; 618-457-2665 Carbondale Library Spring Book Sale: Friday Preview, 4-6 p.m. April 4, Brush Building, next door to Carbondale Public Library, 405 W. Main St.; $5 or free for Friends members; also, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 6; 618-529-3307 or 618-457-0354
Live Entertainment Saturday, March 22nd • 3pm-7pm
Breeden, Bradley & Maze Sunday, March 23rd • 1pm-5pm
Eli Tellor
Wine of the Month $1 off Vidal Blanc
Serving a Variety of Local Beer Serving Food Daily Custom Labels Available
starviewvineyards.com • (618) 893-WINE • 5100 Wing Hill Rd. Cobden, IL M-F 11am-5pm • Sat 11am-7pm • Sun 12pm-5pm
Page 4 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Flipside
centered around New York City’s Chinatown; immigrants share stories of personal and political upheaval; cbursell@siu.edu Theater/Performance An Evening with Groucho: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, John A. Logan College, Carterville; $15/$10; 618-985-2828 Kenny Evans: Golden oldies show, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22, The Gathering Place Dinner Theatre, 290 S. Burns St., Sparta; $35; meal included; www.thegatheringplaceoffbroadway.com; 618-965-3726 Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.: Rescheduled performance, 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23, Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St., Anna; $8; 618-6970009; vabchlee@gmail.com Rock of Ages: 7:15 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, March 25-26, Carson Center, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah; $35/$46/$57; 270-4504444; www.thecarsoncenter. org Beauty and the Beast: Thursday-Sunday, March 27-March 30, Marion Cultural Films and Civic Center; weekday Elton John: The Million and Saturday performances, Dollar Piano, 7 p.m. 7 p.m.; Sunday performance, Wednesday March 26, 2 p.m.; $15; Artstarts Carbondale Showplace 8 production; 618 997-4030; movie theater, 1263 E. Main St.; captured live from Elton’s marionccc.com Big Muddy New Plays residency at The Colosseum Festival: April 3-6, C.H. at Caesars Palace in Las Moe Theater, SIU; includes Vegas; also presented at Joan’s Laughter, 7:30 p.m. the Cinemark movie Thursday through Saturday theater in Paducah; www. April 3-5 and 2 p.m. Sunday, FathomEvents.com Film Fridays Screening: April 6; also, Trixxxie 2.0, reading, 1 p.m. Saturday, Hollis Frampton, structural filmmaker, 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 and Be Free, Little March 21, Communications Teacup Pig reading, 4 p.m. Saturday, April 5; readings Building, room 1116, SIU; three films featured focus on are free; tickets for Joan’s Laughter, adults, $16; structuralist tendencies — when the film itself becomes students, $6; 618-453-6000; the subject; discussion after SouthernTicketsOnline.com Lucky Old Sons: film; free; cbursell@siu.edu 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April Free screening: Your 5, The Gathering Place Day Is My Night, 6:30 p.m. Dinner Theatre, 290 S. Friday, March 28, Guyon Burns St., Sparta; $35; meal Auditorium, Morris Library, SIU; followed by a discussion included; www.thegatheringplaceoffbroadway.com; with visiting documentary filmmaker Lynne Sachs; film 618-965-3726 Car, truck and bike swap meet, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, March 23, Du Quoin State Fairgrounds, Expo Hall; sponsored by The Egyptian Antique Automobile Club; admission, $3; 618-687-2235 The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats: 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, Cedarhurst Center For The Arts, Mitchell Museum Performance Hall, Mount Vernon; $5/$4; 2 and under, free; 618-242-1236 ext. 221; www.cedarhurst.org. Big Spring is Blooming: Party and auctions, 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 4, Carbondale Civic Center; hosted by The Brehm School Foundation; place bids online starting March 20 at www.32auctions. com/BrehmFoundation; submit donations by March 17; www.events.brehm.org; 618-457-0371 ext. 1802; camfield@brehm.org Shawnee Hills Arts Council Spring Arts Festival: Friday-Sunday, April 4-6, Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St.; 618-697-0009 or email vabchlee@gmail.com
COURTESY FABULOUS CHINESE ACROBATS
The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Mitchell Museum Performance Hall.
Fabulous Chinese Acrobats will perform feats of wonder MOUNT VERNON — The Fabulous Chinese Acrobats will be strutting their stuff at 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, in the Cedarhurst Center for the Arts Mitchell Museum Performance Hall. The acrobats will tumble and flip, twist and bend in mesmerizing ways, demonstrating how practice, concentration and hard work turn their bodies into moving works of art. The acrobats skillfully balance and juggle items such as porcelain jars, silk umbrellas, tables and each other as they share this ancient and colorful art form. Tickets may be purchased in advance or bought on the day of the performance. Admission is $5 per person or $4 for Cedarhurst members. Children 2-years-old and younger are admitted free. Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is located at 2600 Richview Road. For more information, call 618-242-1236 or go to www.cedarhurst.org. — The Southern
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC
Christensen to sign copies of book on apocalyptic century
THE SOUTHERN FILE PHOTO
The stones and gems of Fall Creek Enterprises Rock Shop are reflected in the glass case Sherry Rohlfing of Centralia looks through during the 2008 Gem and Mineral Show at The Pavilion of the City of Marion.
CARBONDALE — Retired SIU professor David E. Christensen will discuss and sign copies of his new book from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in the Bookworm, located at 618 E. Walnut St. “This Apocalyptic Century” focuses on several crises bearing down on humans. Christensen believes that the “apocalypse we face is not one that will be thrust upon us from on high but instead is what we have done to ourselves as we have used Earth’s resources as if they were endless and have depended on Earth systems as if they were
forever self-repairing.” A cluster of inter-related crises are undermining civilization as we know it, Christensen writes. He says these crises include the Earth’s overpopulation, our unsustainable global food system, our overstressed fresh water supply system, a global climate that is changing, our deeply flawed “free market” economic system and our never-ending and futile war system. Christensen’s “This Apocalyptic Century” analyzes these crises and calls for citizens and leaders everywhere to change their beliefs and attitudes
as necessary, to accept the reality of these crises, and to work with others to deal with the crises as best we can. He says a key question behind those efforts should always be: What kind of world do we want to leave for our children and grandchildren? Christensen, 92, retired as a geography professor from SIU in 1984. He traveled widely during World War II, and as an educator he gained a global perspective as he studied, traveled, lectured or taught in 21 countries. This Apocalyptic Century sells for $13.95. For more information, call the Bookworm at 618-457-2665. — The Southern
Gem and Mineral Show coming to Marion in April MARION — The annual Gem and Mineral Show is set for April 5 and 6 in The Pavilion of the City of Marion. The show will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 5, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6. The event will feature exhibits of minerals, fossils, Indian artifacts, gemstones, jewelry, shells and lapidary work. There will be working demonstrations of lapidary skills, arrowhead making, rock painting and related crafts. Numerous silent auctions will be conducted and door prizes awarded.
The show will also feature fluorescent mineral light shows. Dealers will have items for sale relating to the gem and mineral hobby. Also, the Ben E. Clement Museum will have a special exhibit of minerals from a world class collection. The Gem and Mineral show is put together by the Southern Illinois Earth Science Club. Admission is $2 for adults and children 18 and younger under are admitted free. To learn more about the event, go to www.siesclub.org.
an authentic thai cuisine experience
— The Southern
Egyptian Auto Club hosts swap meet this weekend U QUOIN — The Egyptian Antique D Automobile Club annual car, truck and bike swap meet will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23, in the Expo Hall of the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Admission to the swamp meet is $3. EAAC hosts two major events each year, the car/truck/bike swap meet plus a car show on the third Sunday in August as part of the Thresherman’s
Show in Pinckneyville. Membership in EAAC costs $20 annually. Regular club meetings are 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month in the Crab Orchard Boat Club at the Blue Heron Marina in Carterville. For more information, call 618-6872235 or 630-508-3534. — The Southern
100 s. illinois ave • 618.457.6900 lunch: 11-2:45 mon-fri/dinner: 5-8:45 sun-thurs/dinner: 5-9:45 fri & sat
1.00 OFF Lunch Special
$
One lunch special per coupon. Valid Monday thru Thursday only. 100 s. illinois ave • carbondale expires: 4/7/14
Flipside Thursday, March 20, 2014 Page 5
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC
Spring Arts Festival coming to Anna in April
com to register. The art festivities include the Judged Art Competition and Exhibition Reception and Awards Presentations from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, ANNA — Artists of April 6. all ages are expected to The exhibit will be attend the 3rd annual open to the public from Shawnee Hills Arts 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday Council Spring Arts Festival Friday to Sunday, and Saturday, April 4-5. To enter the exhibition, April 4 to 6. call 618-697-0009, or One of the highlights email vabchlee@gmail. of the event is Paint the com. Town which turns the The festival will also parking lot across the street from the Anna Arts include a presentation Center, 125 W. Davie St., of “Shrek the Musical” into an art gallery. Fami- at 7 p.m. Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5, and lies and individuals will 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, gather from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5 to in the Anna-Jonesboro paint a four-foot-square. Community High School. Tickets are $10 for Tickets are $15, which includes a square, paints adults and $7 for students. Call 618-833-8502 and paint brushes. for more information. Call 904-625-1109 or email vabchlee@gmail. — The Southern
Win Tickets to See
Author talks about ‘Legacies of The Civil War’ MOUNT VERNON — Author Anita Quick will speak about “Legacies of The Civil War” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library, 101 S. 7th St. She will explore how the “rebellion of 1861 changed the American landscape and would forever change the way we live. The Civil War divided and then defined our country, and we exist under its influence from the time we get up in the morning until we go to bed at night.” Quick said income tax, sized clothing, national holidays, the Medal of Honor, national cemeteries and home delivery of mail were all instituted because of the Civil War. The war would claim the lives of an estimated 750,000 Americans and was the first modern war, with Napoleonic tactics giving way to trench warfare. For more information, call 618-242-6322 or go to www.mtvbrehm.lib.il.us.
Moving toward the mainstream Cape Comic Con appeals to all kinds of pop culture fans ADAM TESTA THE SOUTHERN
CAPE GIRARDEAU — The San Diego Comic-Con has become a mecca of pop culture through the years, and its continued success has created opportunities for smaller conventions to set up shop in cities from coast to coast. Most major cities across the country have launched their own comic-con events, bringing in artists, celebrities and more for multi-day affairs, drawing crowds up to the thousands.
— The Southern
April 9-10 • 7:15PM
Inspired by the “Bring It On” film, this production features an original story by Tony Award winner Jeff Whitty.
Visit www.thesouthern.com/carsoncenter
to enter the drawing for a chance to win 2 tickets to see Bring It On the Musical live at the Carson Center!
Carson Center
Sponsored by:
SIH Arthritis Walk Team hosts trivia CARTERVILLE — The Arthritis Walk Team from Southern Illinois Healthcare will host its sixth annual trivia night on Friday in the Carterville Community Center. All proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Advance registration is preferred. To make a reservation or for more information call 1-877480-4040. — The Southern
Page 6 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Flipside
ART SERVICES
CAPE COMIC CON WHAT: Cosplay, gaming, vendors and more WHEN: 4-10 p.m. Friday, March 21; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 22; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 23 WHERE: A.C.BraseArenaBuilding, Cape Girardeau TICKETS: General admission tickets are $5 for single day or $15 for weekend pass FOR A DETAILED SCHEDULE and more information, visit www.cape-con.com. But people like Ken Murphy want fans to realize the fun and excitement isn’t limited to big cities. Murphy, who ran a comic book shop in Cape Girardeau for 13 years, first dreamt of planning a convention as part of a 10th anniversary celebration for his shop. And that’s just what he did in 2006. Having a connection through a customer to Gary Friedrich, cocreator of the “Ghost Rider” series, Murphy built the con around his appearance. “We had a really successful, really fun first year,” Murphy said, noting the event drew about 400 attendees. The event has seen continued growth each year, with about 1,100 people attending last year. Murphy hopes to see that number grow to at least 1,200 or 1,300 when the Cape Comic Con returns to the A.C. Brase Arena Building, 410 Kiwanis Drive, from Friday, March 21, to Sunday, March 23. “I get vendors wanting to come back every year,” Murphy said. “It took a track record of success in this community to make that happen. Now we’re able to get a chance to compete with places like Tulsa, Okla., or Indianapolis.” Featured guests on this year’s lineup include professional wrestling icon Jim Cornette; “Superman: Earth One” illustrator Shane Davis; artist Michelle SEE COMIC CON / PAGE 7
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC Cafés Coulter, Goot and Wall: 7 p.m. Thursday, Grotto Lounge/Newell House, 201 E. Main St., Carbondale; 618-549-6400 Dana and Susan Robinson: 8 p.m. Friday, Yellow Moon Café, 110 N. Front St., Cobden; yellowmooncafe.com; 618-893-2233 Steve Kaufman: 8-11 p.m. Friday, Fat Patties’ Red Corner, 611 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale; 618-529-3287 Tim Biety: 9 p.m. Saturday, Grotto Lounge/Newell House, 201 E. Main St., Carbondale; 618-549-6400
Wineries FRIDAY Heath Holloman: 6-9 p.m. Rustle Hill Winery Murphy 500: 7-10 p.m. Walker’s Bluff SATURDAY Barry Cloyd: 2-5 p.m. Blue Sky Vineyard Ol’ Moose: 2-6 p.m. Owl Creek Vineyard Eli Tellor: 3-6 p.m. Alto Vineyards Breeden, Bradley & Maze: 3-7 p.m., Walker’s Bluff Eli Tellor: 1-5 p.m. StarView Vineyards King Juba: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Von Jakob Winery & Brewery Corey Kidd: 6-9 p.m. Rustle Hill Winery Riplee Pryor: 7-10 p.m., Walker’s Bluff SUNDAY Eli Tellor: 1-5 p.m. StarView Vineyards Bill Harper: 2-5 p.m. Blue Sky Vineyard Zola Road: 2-5 p.m. Walker’s Bluff Fabulous Decline: 2:305:30 p.m. Von Jakob Winery & Brewery Bosco & Whiteford: 2-6 p.m., Owl Creek Vineyard Merlot & A Masterpiece: 3-5 p.m., Walker’s Bluff FIND THEM HERE Alto Vineyards, Illinois 127, Alto Pass Blue Sky Vineyard, 3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road,
Auditorium, SIU; Steve Nelson on vibraphone, Peter Washington on bass and Lewis Nash on drums; general admission, $12; students, $6; SIU students with 618-351-5089 valid ID, free; 618-453-6000; SouthernTicketsOnline.com brenda.kirkpatrick@ Scottish singer Jim thesouthern.com Malcolm: 7:30 p.m. Saturday March 22, Varsity Center for the Arts, Carbondale; doors open, 7 p.m.; $15; children, 12 and under, free; 618-549-3090 Pianist Adam Marks: Presents Interplay, 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30, Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg; a multli-media piano concert travelogue in the lobby of performance center; coffee concert; $10 Locally Grown Music Festival: 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13, Rustle Hill Winery, US 51, Makanda Cobden; features Meridian Honker Hill Winery, 4861 90, The Bankesters, Storm Spillway Road, Carbondale Crows and The Flowers of Evil; Orlandini Vineyard, 410 benefits Carbondale’s New Thorn Lane, Makanda School; admission, free; food Owl Creek Vineyard, 2655 and beverage sales, wristbands Water Valley Road, Cobden for kids’ activities and t-shirt Lincoln Heritage Winery, 772 sales; 618-457-4765 Kaolin Road, Cobden Kentucky Pheasant Hollow Winery, Talent Search 2014: 14931 Illinois 37, Whittington 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March Rustle Hill Winery, U.S. 51, 22, Kentucky Opry, 88 Cobden Chilton Lane, Benton, Ky.; StarView Vineyards, 5100 $16/$15/$10/$7.50; www.kenWing Hill Road, Cobden tuckyopry.com; 888-459-8704 Von Jakob Winery & Chicago: Concert, 7:30 p.m. Brewery, 230 Illinois 127, Alto Sunday, May 18, The Carson Pass Walker’s Bluff, 326 Vermont Center, Paducah; tickets now on sale; $135-$39; 270-450Road, Carterville 4444; www.thecarsoncenter. org
TO BE LISTED
Concerts
Southern Illinois Crystal and Friends: Night of Singing for Miracles, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St., Anna; dinner at 7 p.m. followed by music featuring Southern Illinois talent; proceeds benefit Children’s Miracle Network hospitals; hosted by Crystal Davis, Miss Southern Sweetheart 2014; $20; 618-614-0020; 618-614-2551 The Renee Rosnes Quartet: Jazz, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, Shryock
Missouri Hunter Hayes: We’re Not Invisible Tour, 7 p.m. Friday, April 11, Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; opening acts, Danielle Bradbery, winner of Season 4 of The Voice and Dan & Shay; $35/$45/$95/$109.50; 573-651-5000
Recital Student Recital: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, Rend Lake College, 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina; 618-437-5321; www.rlc
COMIC CON: Appeals to all kinds of pop culture fans FROM PAGE 6
a weekend pass. Other aspects of the convention, like the Jim Cornette Experience and certain gaming events, have additional fees. Full admission price information can be found on the event website, www.cape-con.com. For Murphy, the most important thing is for the event to be accessible to people in the Ken Murphy, local community. “This is my home; I founder Cape Comic Con want it to be here,” he said. “One of the best feelings I have is when I get thanked for doing the show. People tend to appreciate it when you bring this kind of event to the area.”
“This is my home; I want it to be here. One of the best feelings I have is when I get thanked for doing the show. People tend to appreciate it when you bring this kind of event to the area.”
Delecki, who inked several of Davis’ covers; Douglas Paszkiewicz, creator independent comic “Arsenic Lullaby;” and Missouri-based artist Brian Koschak, who drew a number of “Star Wars” comics for Dark Horse. In addition to the featured guests, the convention will also include a variety of vendors, numerous gaming sessions and a cosplay contest, among other activities. After filling the building with more than 300 people for last year’s cosplay exhibition, this year’s event will feature a red carpet walk and Hollywood feel for participants. While comic conventions used to be a niche affair, they’re becoming more mainstream, Murphy said. In the wake of movies such as “Avengers” and Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy, the characters and stories once reserved for comic book pages are finding new, wider audiences. Each of those films drew millions of moviegoers and broke box office records. “They weren’t all comic book fans,” he said. “That is mainstream America that is going and enjoying these shows. And that opens their eyes to events like mine.” General admission tickets for Cape Comic Con are $5 for one day or $15 for
adam.testa@thesouthern.com 618-351-5031
Flipside Thursday, March 20, 2014 Page 7
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC Bars & Clubs
SATURDAY Carbondale: Hangar 9, THURSDAY Chicago Farmer w/The Whistle Carbondale: Hangar 9, Pigs, 10 p.m. Shattered Sound Pinch Penny Pub, Brushville PKs, KP Time/The Hakks PKs, Well Well Wells Tres Hombres, The Well, Well, Tres Hombres, Wild Murphy Wells and The New Year Marion: Hideout Restaurant, Marion: The Mansion, Big Lake Bob Pina, piano 5:30-9:30 p.m. Country Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Eagles, Big Country, 7-10 p.m. Thompsonville: Lion’s Club, Thompsonville: Old Country The Swing N’ Country Dance Store Dance Barn, Lil’ Boot & Band, 7-9:30 p.m. Classic Country, 7-10 p.m. Whittington: Corner Dance FRIDAY Carbondale: Hangar 9, Indigo Hall, As Time Goes By Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m. Sun w/Zombie Manana PKs, Black Blacks SUNDAY Pinch Penny Pub, 17th Floor Marion: Eagles, Big Country, Tres Hombres, Bob Reuter’s 6-9 p.m. Alley Ghost w/County Graves Ina: Community Building, MONDAY Friday Night Jam Band, Du Quoin: Derby’s 6:30-9:30 p.m. Community Hall, Jerry’s Marion: Youth Center, Craig’s Jammers, 7-9 p.m. Country Band, 6-9 p.m. Marion: Youth Center, Craig’s Whittington: Corner Country Band, 6-9 p.m. Dance Hall, Battle Creek Band, 7:30-10:30 p.m. TUESDAY
Page 8 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Flipside
Orient, 618-932-3401 Lion’s Club: South Street, Thompsonville 618-218-4888 Marion American Legion: Longstreet Road, Marion 618-997-6168 Marion Eagles: Russell and Longstreet Roads, Marion FIND THEM HERE 618-993-6300 Hideout Restaurant: Marion Youth Center: 211 E. 2602 Wanda Drive, Marion Boulevard, Marion 618-922-7853 618-997-8325 N-Kahootz Night Club: 115 W. CornerDance Hall: 200 Cherry St., Herrin 618-942-9345 Franklin St., Whittington Old Country Store Dance 618-303-5266 Barn: Main Street, Thompsonville Curbside: 227 W. Main St., 618-218-4676 Carbondale 618-490-1539 PK’s: 308 S. Illinois Ave., Derby’s Community Hall: 214 High St., Du Quoin 618-201-1753 Carbondale 618-529-1124 Pinch Penny Pub: 700 Germantown American E. Grand Ave., Carbondale Legion: 1105 Sycamore St. 618-549-3348 618-363-2662 Steeleville American Legion: Gwen Wynn Senior 303 S. Chester St., Steeleville Center: North 9th St., Benton 618-965-3362 618-967-4635 Tres Hombres: 119 N. Hangar 9: 511 S. Illinois Ave., Washington St., Carbondale Carbondale 618-549-0511 Herrin Teen Town: 105 N. 13th 618-457-3308 The Mansion: 1602 Heartland St., Herrin 618-889-3651 Just Elsie’s: 302 Jackson St., Drive, Marion 618-917-5230 Herrin: Teen Town, Country Ramrods, 7-10 p.m. Marion: Hideout Restaurant, Bob Pina, piano 5:30-8:30 p.m. Thompsonville: Lion’s Club, Mike’s Good Time Country Band, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Hunter Hayes bucks the odds to become superstar Watching young children play music on television is cute and entertaining — for a few minutes. In the back of their mind, the viewer has to be thinking what is going to COUNTRY happen SCENE to this kid Vince Hoffard when they get older. Music is going to be tossed to the side when sports, dating, higher education and financial responsibilities hit them square in the face. Hunter Hayes captured
the attention of the nation in 1996 when he played his little accordion and belted out “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” on Nickelodeon game show “Figure It Out.” Making the moment special for the 6-year old son of Cajun parents was the fact he was backed by superstar Hank Williams Jr. and the song was a classic from the undisputed king of country music — Hank Williams. The video would have gone viral instantly on YouTube if it would have been released today. Hayes isn’t like most kids. The thought of quitting music has never crossed his mind. He became obsessed with the creative process. All he wanted to do was play and sing. He recorded an album when he was nine and another when he was 10. He practiced non-stop. All day. Everyday. His family relocated from Southern Louisiana to Nashville for their son to be at the epicenter of the country music universe. He soaked up knowledge like a sponge, learned the craft of songwriting and his tune “Storm Warning” attracted the attention of a music executive and earned him a record deal. Hayes’ second single “Wanted” vaulted him overnight from industry newcomer to superstar. He has toured with Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. Last year, he headlined a sold out tour for Country Music Television (CMT.) It’s on to bigger and better things in 2014. Hayes will bring his We’re Not Invisible Tour to the Show Me Center in
Movies Art Wineries Books Cover Story Theater Things to do Music DETAILS Who: We’re Not Invisible Tour featuring Hunter Hayes, Danielle Bradbery and Dan & Shay When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 11 Where: The Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau Tickets: $35-$109.50 Info: Call 573-651-5000 show in Pittsburgh, with eight events sandwiched in between. A performance at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J., the venue that launched the career of Bruce Springsteen, will highlight the whirlwind tour. The current record of eight is held by the Flaming Lips. Hayes will attempt his record-breaking feat just three days after the release of new album “Storyline.” Bradbery was only 16 when she became the youngest winner in the history of “The Voice.” She advanced through the competition using a string of
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at a keg party in Dec. 2012. They started co-writing the next day. Their first collaboration was put on hold by Rascal Flatts. Within two months, they were under contract by prestigious Warner/Chappell Music. The Dan & Shay duo released debut single “19 You + Me” in October and it peaked at No. 15 on the AP Billboard charts. They followed-up with current Hunter Hayes performs on stage at the 56th annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, in Los single “What You Do To Angeles. Hayes will bring his Were Not Invisible Tour to the Me.” Both songs are on new Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau at 7 p.m. on April 11.
golden country hits by Pam Tillis, Patty Loveless and a knockout punch of “Born To Fly” by Sara Evans. Her team was captained by country superstar Blake Shelton, who called Bradbery “the most important artist to ever walk across ‘The Voice’ stage.” A native of Cypress, Texas, she proved the power of television by signing a recording contract with Big Machine Records the day after winning “The Voice” title. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut on the stage
of the historic Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 12. Bradbery self-titled debut album was released Nov. 25. She is currently on the charts with her first single, “The Heart Of Dixie.” Her song “My Way” was featured at the Sochi Winter Olympics and she will tour this summer with Brad Paisley. Shay Mooney of Arkansas and Pennsylvania native Dan Smyers were just two of thousands of struggling songwriters that inhabit Music City when they met
the W
album “Where It All Began,” which will be released April 1. Dan & Shay have been nominated for the Duo of the Year Award by the Academy of Country Music. The award will be presented in Las Vegas on April 6. They are scheduled to tour with Blake Shelton this summer. VINCE HOFFARD can be reached at 618-658-9095 or vincehoffard@outlook.com.
©2013 Feld Entertainment
Cape Girardeau at 7 p.m. on April 11. Opening acts will be Danielle Bradbery, winner of Season 4 of “The Voice” and Dan & Shay. Tickets are $35, $45, $109.50 and $95 for special premium seating that includes an autographed album. A VIP package that includes the best seats in the house and “coffee with Hunter” are $215.50 each. For more information contact the Show Me Center box office at 573-6515000. Now a seasoned veteran at age 22, Hayes is creating an impressive body of work. His constantly expanding list of hits now includes: “I Want Crazy,” “Somebody’s Heartbreak” and current smash “Invisible.” Hayes will attempt to break a Guinness World Record on May 9 by playing 10 concerts in a 24-hour period. The marathon will start at 8 a.m. in New York City with an appearance on Good Morning America and conclude with a 5 a.m.
Kids’ Tickets $10! Ages 2-12. Limit of four (4) kids’ tickets with purchase of a full-price adult ticket. Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Excludes Opening Night performance. Excludes premium seats.
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MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC
Irish Festival presents Scottish singer Jim Malcolm in concert in Carbondale CARBONDALE — Scottish singer Jim Malcolm will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Varsity Center for the Arts. Malcolm is the former lead singer with the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs, who played in Carbondale 10 years ago at the Southern Illinois Irish Festival. His appearance is sponsored by the festival, in conjunction with Cousin Andy’s CoffeePROVIDED BY JIM MALCOLM house folk music series. Malcolm sings tradiScottish singer Jim Malcolm will present a concert at tional songs of Scotland 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Varsity Center for the Arts.
and his own songs in a style that has been called “modern and accessible, yet utterly authentic.” He is highly regarded as an interpreter of the songs of Robert Burns. Doors and bar open at 7 p.m. Admission at the door is $15 for adults and children over 12. Advance reservations may be made by calling Mike Shanahan at 618-549-3090 or Bryan Kelso Crow at 618-3033320.
Blue Oyster Cult returns to HerrinFesta
Tyler Farr will perform on Monday, May 26. Monday’s opening act will be Cache River Band. A Thursday artist has not yet been named but Mr. Swamp Fox will be the opening act. Advance tickets for all HerrinFesta Italiana shows are available at www.herrinfesta.com.
HERRIN — Legendary rock band Blue Oyster Cult returns to perform in the annual HerrinFesta Italiana celebration in May. The band performed a concert at HerrinFesta in 2002. Hits include “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla,” and “Burnin’
for You.” The band will perform Saturday, May 24, following opening acts by Rich Fabec Band and Southbound. Other acts include Three Days Grace performing Friday, May 23 with opening acts
Outdoor Inspired
Anondyne Sky and The Windshield Hours. Nashville artist Thomas Rhett will perform on Sunday, May 25. His current hit song, “Get Me Some of That,” has been on the Billboard Hot Country Chart for 16 weeks. Opening acts on Sunday will be We Got It Covered and Drew Baldridge.
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Miss Piggy, Kermit and the whole gang is back in ‘Muppets Most Wanted,’ which opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and AMC Centre 8 in Marion.
Your kids aren’t into The Muppets? Hire a sitter Muppets Most Wanted *** Rated PG for some mild action; starring The Muppets, with Tina Fey, Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Jemaine Clement, Celine Dion, Ray Liotta; directed by James Bobin; opening Friday in Marion and Carbondale ROGER MOORE MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
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Page 10 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Flipside
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“Muppets Most Wanted” is funnier than the last Muppets movie, with far better songs (by Bret McKenzie), punnier puns and all manner of geo-political gags, cultural wisecracks and
star cameos. Sure, you can take the kids. But will they get the Swedish Chef-in-aremake-of-Ingmar Bergman-film-”The Seventh Seal” joke? Will they know who Celine Dion is, and why Miss Piggy wanting to sing a duet with her is funny? And clocking in at a kidpatience-testing 1:52, you have to wonder if Disney doesn’t realize, after the 2011 Muppet revival, that it’s making these films not for children, but for the people who loved the TV show back when Liberace and Liza Minnelli were guest starring with Jim
Movies Art Wineries Books Cover Story Theater Things to do Music Henson & Co. Lady Gaga and Usher may need no 10-and-under introduction. But Salma Hayek, Josh Groban, Ray Liotta, Saoirse Ronan, Danny Trejo,”Thor” villain Tom Hiddleston (in light red hair), Tony Bennett and Frank Langella? They’re going to give grown-ups a giggle. Kermit and the Muppets have barely reunited as a group when a predatory manager (Ricky Gervais) lures them into a world tour with promises of soldout shows and worldwide Muppet adoration. But the tour is basically a plot by Dominic Badguy (“It’s pronounced ‘Bad-gee.’ It’s French.”) to put a criminal mastermind and Kermit look-alike in charge of The Muppet Show. Constantine, “the world’s most dangerous frog,” breaks out of a Russian gulag, covers his facial mole in green makeup and tries to twist his Russian accent into Kermit speech to make the switcheroo work. Somehow, almost everybody is fooled, even the insistently lovesick Miss Piggy. But “Most Wanted” is amusing enough to make you think, “So what if the kids don’t dig it?
‘Divergent’ is ‘Hunger Games’ without arrows Divergent ** Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality; starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ashley Judd, Tony Goldwyn, Miles Teller; directed by Neil Burgerl; opening Friday in Carbondale and Marion. ROGER MOORE MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS
“Divergent,” the latest outcast-teen-battles-The System thriller, is similar enough to “The Hunger Games” that hardcore Katniss fans may dismiss it. But it’s a more streamlined film, with a love story with genuine heat and deaths with genuine pathos. And director Neil Burger (“The Illusionist,” “Limitless”) inserts us into this world with a lack of fuss that the stiff, exposition-stuffed “Games” films have never managed. So let’s skip past any suggestions of novelist Veronica Roth knocking off the formula of Suzanne Collins’ wildly successful “Games” novels. Remember, one has
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“Katniss” for a heroine, the other “Tris.” World of difference. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) lives in a post-war future in the semi-ruined city of Chicago. Fenced in against the devastated outside world in battered but still habitable wind-generator equipped skyscrapers, the El trains still run and society still functions thanks to “factions.” We have the Candor faction, famed for popping off without selfcensoring, and Amity faction,the earnest, workers and land-loving farmers. The Erudite, let by imperious Kate Winslet, are the scientific, smart class, and Dauntless is the reckless “soldier” faction of young fighters who dive off the El rather than waiting for it to stop. And then there is Abegnation, which, if you look it up, means “self-denial.” They are the self-sacrificing public servants. Tris, or Beatrice, as her parents (Tony Goldwyn, Ashley Judd) know her, grew up in that class — redistributing food, governing by consensus, liberal. It’s an
easy fit. Abegnations may “reject vanity” and wear drab clothes in shades of gray, but that doesn’t mean a girl can’t have makeup, lip gloss and highlights, never a hair out of place. When teens hit a certain age, they go through “The Test” and are told where their strengths lie. And like a college kid declaring a major, there is a “Choosing Ceremony” where you cut your hand and with a drop of blood, declare your faction — for life. Tris is confused; empathetic but fearless, smart but earthy. Her “Test” doesn’t take. The tester (Maggie Q) tells her she’s “Divergent,” and that the other factions fear Divergents. So Tris has a secret she keeps as she declares “Dauntless” and undertakes Darwinian training with the leather-jacketed jocks, learning to fight with guns, knives and her fists, learning to conquer her fears. Woodley is a wonderful, transparent actress who lets us see her thoughts, See ‘Divergent’ / Page 12
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Flipside Thursday, March 20, 2014 Page 11
MOVIES ART WINERIES BOOKS COVER STORY THEATER THINGS TO DO MUSIC
‘DIVERGENT’: A solid movie
where The System is literally inside your head. especially when it comes As science fiction, it’s no to the hunky stand-off- heavier than Stephenie Meyer’s “The Host,” ish Dauntless lad (Theo or “Ender’s Game” or James) who trains her. any of the other Young No, she doesn’t have Adult fare in this genre any memorable lines. — a world we recognize, And yes, she seems too sliced up into stark metdainty and fragile to aphors of social strata. be up to this soldierBut “Hunger Games” ing thing. fans shouldn’t feel Especially when you superior in looking compare her to the down on this sci-fi raw-boned and gangly variation on a rebel teen Jennifer Lawrence of theme. This latest fran“Hunger Games.” But chise is not inferior. It’s Woodley makes Tris pretty much the same vulnerable and cunning as she is given drugs that “Games,” give or take a bow and arrow. And play tricks on her mind by not diverging from to test her. that simple formula for What novelist Roth was aiming for here was a Young Adult sci-fi hit, a parable about creating the author and filmwell-rounded, compas- makers reveal the shalsionate adults in a world lowness of both series. FROM PAGE 11
AP
Shailene Woodley (left) and Christian Madsen star in ‘Divergent,’ which opens Friday at ShowPlace 8 in Carbondale and AMC Centre 8 in Marion.
2014 Participating Restaurants
Small Town American Grill Courtside Grill & Bar is locally owned and operated and their small town pride is evident in everything from the table top pictures and local sports décor to our menu featuring hometown-favorite, made from scratch dishes. The menu consists of a wide variety including steaks, chicken, seafood, burgers, subs, and pizza. All steaks are hand cut on site, our soups are always made in house, and our produce is the freshest available. Weekly specials provide our diners with something not typically found in a small town establishment such as Prime Rib, Seafood Specialties, and Baby Back Ribs.
618-351-5049
thesouthern.com/top20 Page 12 Thursday, March 20, 2014 Flipside
2 East Water Street, Pinckneyville, IL 62274 618-357-2244
Annex Coffee & Deli Bennie’s Italian Foods BJ’s Garden Inn Café Blend Tea & Crepe Lounge Boondock’s Seafood Co. Bottom’s Up Bar & Grill Centralia House Chuck’s BBQ Courtside Grill Crossroads Coffee Delaney’s On Broadway Egyptian Hills Resort Fat Patties Grandma Helen’s Jack Russell Fish Company Miranda’s On Main Pagliai’s Pizza & Pasta Pizza & Pasta Express Riverview Mansion Hotel & Levee Lounge Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant Southern Que Barbecue Taqueria La Fogata Thai Taste Whaler’s Catch