Entertainment : In Depth: \'Nebraska\' follows \'Cake Wars at Vinton Palace

ACT I’s rollicking production of “Red Velvet Cake War” commandeered the Palace stage this week. The huge opening night crowd loved it! Tickets still remain for the last three shows, but are selling fast. Purchase yours today at www.act1.org.

One of our friends from Farmers Savings Bank & Trust called “Red Velvet” an “eye-popping adventure!” Don’t miss this delicious treat! Be sure to have an extra few dollars in your pocket to make a donation to the food pantry and receive a red velvet cupcake, mouth-watering works of art baked by the show’s esteemed director, Doug Martens.

NEBRASKA

After weeks of rehearsals, set building and painting, prop collecting, and four hilarious shows, following Sunday’s performance, the stage will be dismantled and cleared at a dismaying rate, and the silver screen lowered for “Nebraska.”

This Oscar nominated picture will open for a short run, Sunday through Thursday, March 9 through 13 at 7 pm, and Monday, March 10 at 2 pm.

77-year-old Bruce Dern, nominated for the Academy’s Best Actor award, gives the performance of a lifetime as Woody Grant, the grumpy old guy who receives a sweepstakes letter and is convinced he won. So sure is he of his newfound fortune that he begins the journey from Missouri to Nebraska on foot to collect his winnings.

His son David, artfully played by former Saturday Night Live cast member Will Forte, is finally convinced to drive him, hoping to reconnect with a father he barely knows.

86-year-old June Squibb, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, steals scenes as Woody’s foul-mouthed, long-suffering wife.

“Nebraska,” directed by Alexander Payne (“The Descendants” and “Sideways”) is rated R for language. I’m not sure if your older kids will be interested in attending this movie with you, but did learn that one nasty word kept this film from being rated PG-13. It wasn’t the f-word, which is uttered twice.

One more note regarding “Nebraska.” Although quite comedic throughout, this poetic journey was filmed in melancholic black and white.