Entertainment

Congratulations to Alisabeth von Presley (formerly Alisabeth Caraway) of Cedar Rapids, who played the major role of Snookie Updagraff in our 2006 production of 110 in the Shade and who was also a choreographer for that show on her selection as on of the competitors on the upcoming season of American Idol! A news release from Kirkwood Community College adds this information: On day two of the hit TV show American Idol’s 12th season, Kirkwood Community College presented one of its top voices to the world, albeit for just a brief moment.

We’re expecting large crowds this week at the Palace when “Lincoln” opens Friday, January 18 through Thursday, January 24, with shows every evening at 7 pm, and Monday at 2 pm. Daniel Day Lewis, who has twice won an Academy Award for Best Actor in “My Left Foot” (1989) and “There Will Be Blood” (2007), is again nominated for his performance as Abraham Lincoln.

  Oh, so very patient Twilight fans, and those catching it for the second, third, or fourth time – “Breaking Dawn, part 2” has arrived!  Playing Friday, January 11 through Thursday, January 17 at 7 pm nightly, and Monday, January 14 at 2 pm, Bella, Edward, and Jacob, joined by Renesmee and the whole Cullen clan, battle the Volturi in this fifth and final Twilight film.

This is a brand-new Bond with love and respect for the old Bond. ~ Roger Ebert  Bond is back!  Daniel Craig and Judi Dench take the screen this week in “Skyfall,” running Friday, January 4 through Thursday, January 10 at 7 pm every evening, and Monday, January 7 at 2 pm at the Vinton Palace.  Bond 23 is smart and sexy, filled with exhilarating action scenes.

  ACT I is holding auditions for the musical, “Drowsy Chaperone”.  It will be directed by Steve Arnold. Musical Director:  Dave Gates Rehearsal pianist:  Mary Ann Whelchel Audition dates: Saturday, January 5 – 2:00 p.m.  Sunday, January 6 – 2:00 p.m. ACT I’s new West Building site – enter by 905 E Ave door 9 to 13 male roles – must be able to play 20 years old or older – 2 are non-singing 5 to 9 female roles – must be able to play 20 years old or older Rehearsals will be held at the ACT I West Building location – rehearsal dates and times will be available at auditions Performance dates:  March 1, 2 and 3                                   March 8, 9 and 10 Location:  Palace Theatre “Drowsy Chaperone” is a musical comedy.

Kids – time to spend those stocking-stuffer Palace Bucks!  “Rise of the Guardians” opens Friday, December 28 and runs through Thursday, January 3.  The Palace also has three special matinees scheduled – Saturday, December 29 and Monday, December 31 at 2 pm, and Wednesday, January 2 at 4 pm.   Santa, Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, and several more guardians of childhood are featured in this fast-paced, hilarious, 3D adventure.

“Cloud Atlas” plays the Palace Friday through Sunday, December 21-23, and Wednesday and Thursday, December 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. There are no shows on Christmas Eve or Christmas. I’ve been reading about this film for several weeks, and still have no real handle on the storyline.  Recently, Palace projectionist Will Hancock and I stood in the back of the auditorium together as the trailer played, collecting seat savers, and agreed – the multiple character-time traveling premise is intriguing.

  True Story:  Several years ago Gerald and I boarded a small prop plane and were then told by the flight attendant over the loud speaker that take off would be temporarily delayed because there was an issue with the plane.  The pilot believed the problem would be quickly corrected and we would then be on our way.  A short while later the pilot appeared at the front of the plane, holding a roll of duct tape.

The Palace will show “Argo,” the latest Ben Affleck offering based on the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, beginning December 7. Patrons attending the Monday, December 10 matinee or evening show will be treated to a visit from former hostage Kathryn Koob. Kathryn grew up near Jesup, Iowa—and though she has traveled the world and lived in several different countries, she claims there is no better place than Iowa to enjoy retirement.

The R-rated “Argo” plays the Palace Friday, December 7 through Thursday, December 13 at 7 pm every night, and Monday, December 10 at 2 pm.  “Argo” is based on the true story of the 1979 Iran Hostage Crisis, and the successful ruse invented by a CIA agent (Ben Affleck), a Hollywood make-up artist (John Goodman), and a movie producer (Alan Arkin) to rescue six American hostages trapped in the Canadian Embassy.