CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – PORTAGE PARK, LAKEVIEW, LOOP, LINCOLN SQUARE, NAPERVILLE
It's time to go to the movies. This week, I wanted to review a few different movie theaters in and around the Chicagoland area. A couple you may know and others may be a great little find for you.
PORTAGE PARK
Portage Park Theater is one location that has so many things happening in the neighborhood that it's hard not to mention them. They theater is the new home for The Silent Film Society of Chicago. The theater has been restored to its original 1920s splendor featuring a formal beaux-arts opera house design.
Currently running a special on selected Wednesdays the theater is showcasing forgotten film classics for their movie matinees. Several of the other movies still showing are Jimmy Cagney in Blood on the Sun, Peter Lorre in The Chase, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour in My Favorite Brunette, and Paul Kelly in Fear in the Night. Regardless of the show you choose, be sure to get there early to hear the Grande Organ in true 1920s style.
LAKEVIEW
Lakeview's Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films - as their site says. With its wide range of interesting choices, alluring midnight movies and unique festivals, it's a place that most Chicagoans go to have an experience.
Currently playing at the Theatre are the movies Chloe and Mid-August Lunch. This Saturday, April 10, the Music Box will be playing host to over 14 hours of Sci-Fi and Horror Madness with Larry Cohen as the special guest. On Sunday, April 11, Cubs fans can view the only 2010 screening in Chicago of WE BELIEVE: A Relationship That Lasts a Lifetime.
LOOP
Known simply as Chicago's Premier Movie Theater, the Gene Siskel Film Center is host to so much more than just a local movie house. The Center was originally called the Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and was later re-dedicated in 2000 to one of its champion Gene Siskel.
Currently the Center is hosting the Asian American Showcase until April 15. After that you can view the Chicago Palestine Film Festival from April 16-29. On April 26th, you can attend the 37th Annual Student Academy Awards. And finally, mark you calendars for an Evening with Robert Downey, Jr. on June 19.
LINCOLN SQUARE
The Davis Theater is just north of Lincoln Square and has been a part of the façade of Lincoln Square for a long time. It's a great neighborhood theater that has current movies and the occasional exclusive. On Friday, the Davis (as locals call it) will be the Chicago exclusive for the critically acclaimed movie, "When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors (R)." The tickets are on sale now so get in while you can.
NAPERVILLE
Welcoming you back to the glam of old Hollywood is the Hollywood Palms. This place is not just a Cineplex with tons of movies. They've got a bar and eatery which is always a great addition to you movie experience.
This week they have two great events that you definitely want to attend. First, you can catch a sneak preview of the spring premier of Glee. The cost of tickets is $15 and proceeds go to The Grammy Foundation and The Grammy in Schools Program. The second program is on Saturday and hosting a West Side Story reunion with Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
