Entertainment : In Depth - SCHEDULE CHANGE AT THE PALACE!

“Water for Elephants” and “Hop” will swap weeks at the theatre.  Fox has not released the per capita on “Water for Elephants,” which means we can’t afford to show it at only $2 a ticket. 

Instead, “Hop” will open in a short run, Sunday, May 22 through Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m., and Monday, May 23 at 2 p.m.

This children’s movie is a mix of live animation (James Marsden) and animation (Hugh Laurie voices the dad!).  EB (Russell Brand), the hare apparent to the Easter Bunny throne, wants to be a rock star instead.  In an act of defiance, he hops off to Hollywood to fulfill that dream, and narrowly misses being run down by James Marsden. 

Much fun and candy-colored antics ensue.  “Hop” is rated PG and runs 95 minutes.  Just what the kids have been waiting for!

THE SAD CAFÉ

On Thursday, May 19 at 7 p.m. the Palace is pleased to present an advance screening of the independent film, “The Sad Café.” 

“The Sad Café” was directed by Bennie Wooodell (previously a film student at Columbia College in Chicago,) and filmed in the summer and fall of 2010 in Chrystal Lake and Chicago, Illinois, and Racine, Wisconsin. 

“The Sad Café” is the story of Jack (Brad Fowler), a gun for hire who desires more out of life. His past yields great caution to bringing others close to him. Rose (Katie Lanigan) works at a café run by her father. She feels left behind in the world and longs to find her one and only. Every day Jack comes into her café. Every day she has his tea waiting for him. Every day they are silent with each other until one day, thanks to Jack’s partner Steve (John Laflamboy), he decides he can’t continue living this way. Jack surprises Rose with flowers and the romance begins, leading Jack to the decision of a lifetime. What Jack is not prepared for is the alteration of not only his life, but the life of Rose as well. 

At this time, there is no established rating for this film, however, parents should use caution in purchasing tickets for young children.  Some material may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.

Comedian and actor Brad Fowler, of Cedar Rapids contacted us about six weeks ago to offer this unique opportunity.  “The Sad Café” will also present an advance showing in Chicago on May 21, but Brad really wanted an opportunity for his friends and family in Iowa to see his work. 

PLAZA SUITE ONE MORE WEEKEND

ACT I presents “Plaza Suite” Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m.

“Plaza Suite,” a comedy by Neil Simon, is composed of three acts, each involving different characters but all set in Suite 719 of New York City's Plaza Hotel. The first act, Visitor From Mamaroneck, introduces the audience to the unhappily wedded couple, Sam and Karen Nash (played by David Medin and DeEtta Andersen),who are revisiting their honeymoon suite in an attempt by Karen to bring the love back into their marriage. This act also features actors Jonah and Ashley Lorsung.

The second act, Visitor from Hollywood, involves a meeting between movie producer Jesse Kiplinger (Alex Vasquez) and his old flame, suburban housewife Muriel Tate April Seitz).

Act Three, Visitor from Forest Hills, revolves around married couple Roy and Norma Hubley (Melody Spence and Joel Weber) on their daughter Mimsey's (Ashley Lorsung) wedding day.

Directed by Halane Cummings of Urbana, this ACT I show brings several new faces to the Palace stage, including a few old favorites!  Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and may be purchased online at www.act1.org.