Arts

Deke Weaver’s play is still on Greg’s mind a week later.

One of our finest local filmmakers-gone-national has a new documentary out. Jay Rosenstein’s latest will get its Champaign premiere on Thursday at The Art Theater.

It’s back, and (theoretically) better than ever.

It’s a busy weekend, but make sure you carve out enough time to see the latest entry in the Unreliable Bestiary series (for FREE!).

And this time they’ve brought the finished product!

Don’t be bashful with your inner artist; this weekend marks the Grand Opening of Art Coop’s new space in Lincoln Square. You should be there.

This whole Great Recession thing has more than meets the eye, as Brit discovers in her review of Jess Walter’s “The Financial Lives of the Poets.”

We are more than happy to get our hands a little dirty for The Girl Who Played with Fire.

After considering the cliched history of Americana classic (and Bacon-lover favorite) Footloose, Val evaluates CUTC’s production accordingly.

Val recalls his experience at Karen Vaccaro’s And I Remember.

 Val interviews Karen Vaccaro in anticipation for her one woman show, “And I Remember.”

Daniel breaks down The Station’s short running but risque rendition of Tony Award winning The Little Dog Laughed

Daniel chats with Matt Green, director of The Station’s short running but promising production of The Little Dog Laughed

In remembrance of Jon Schoenoff, head of Audio at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, we offer the words from three of his colleagues: Mark Rubel of Pogo Studios, Jon Pines of Private Studios, and David Spelman of Ellnora: The Guitar Festival at Krannert.

The local author (and Smile Politely contributor) offers his impressionistic take on post-apocalyptic fiction in his new novel.

Laura explains why Jennifer Weiner’s books go beyond mere “chick lit.”

A look at Christopher Nolan’s latest mind-melter, Inception.

Val checks out Sirens in the Night at Indi Go and lives to tell the tale.

Though conflicted, Matt finds a way to laugh at, and even enjoy, Ug, The Caveman Musical

Daniel considers the body in Patrick Earl Hammie’s Recent Works, and he likes what he sees.

Matt previews the Station Theatre’s latest production: Ug, the caveman musical.  Yeah, it’s about cavemen.

A review of this week’s Late Night Movie, The Runaways, in which Hollywood starlets seek to establish their punk rock cred.

Michael Kleen, author of the new book Paranormal Illinois, shares some of his favorite haunts.

Aquatown, a new stage production with deep roots in water conservation, comes to the UC-IMC tonight and continues through the weekend.

Matt waxes poetic about Picasso.

Daniel considers what he perceives to be the ups and the downs of Carnivale Debauche.

Daniel previews C-U’s very own burlesque show, coming to the Canopy Club this Saturday.

Enigmatic 9th century illuminated manuscripts brought to life on the big screen for an animated adventure?  You’ll want to see this.

A parade of sexual identity and excessive Western consumerism is at its very finest in the sequel.

Did the Oscars get one right?  A review of the crime drama that won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film this year and is now playing at The Art.

The man, the myth, the legend… an exhibit on the life of one of America’s greatest authors visits Urbana.

Matt previews the Station’s upcoming production of Picasso at the Lapin Angel.

The Mattoon native and former DI sports editor has a new book out, and the publicity tour swings through Chicago tomorrow night.

Learn how you can extend the lives of animals living with cancer and contribute to Sabu’s Fund.

Adam bids adieu to LOST with a recap of the satisfying final episode.

A preview of this Tuesday’s Stories & Beer along with a recap of the last one which includes a sad donkey, an iPad and a cold blooded murder.

The series is wrapping up, and in advance of the likely dramatic two and a half hour finale, Adam dishes on what’s what.

That the Man in Black and Jacob have roles on The Island were previously assumed. Now, they are understood.

Mark observes how nuances in illustrations not only highlight subtle qualities of their real subject matter, but also the artists who compose them.

Here’s to the success of the festival to introduce children (and adults!) to the arts and help them to explore our world.

Aaron tells us how our booze consumption can help Haiti while interviewing In the Devil’s Territory author (and Stories & Beer reader) Kyle Minor.

This time with video!

LOST rounds the turn and heads into the stretch… will it deliver, or fall flat?

Jamie says so-long to another year of Ebertfest and reflects on one last good film.

Lest we forget amid the fading din of Ebertfest, Anthony reviews last week’s other festival and celebration of local filmaking, the first annual New Art Film Festival.

Beth explains how death can be beautiful in her review for Yojiro Takita’s Departures.

At long last, Smile Politely is poised to unleash its inaugural BEST series. Up first, The Arts.

Pat reports on the festival’s longest day yet, plus his “moment” with director Charlie Kaufman.