'The Weatherman' cast really shines

By Gabrielle Wiegand - Feature Writer

Against the backdrop of a bleak and stark Chicago winter, “The Weatherman” David Spritz is facing a professional high and an all time low in his personal life.

David Spritz (Nicolas Cage of “National Treasure,” “Gone in 60 Seconds”) is a shining example of mediocrity. He can never quite live up to his brilliant and kind Pulitizer Prize winning father, Robert (Michael Caine of “Batman Begins,” “Cider House Rules”), his marriage is over and he is a stranger to his two children who are both troubled.

David's professional success includes a possible shot at a network morning show. His lucrative and rather easy job that keeps him occupied for two hours a day is the only thing he is any good at. His unfinished novel is a failure and people on the streets throw fast food at him.

Suddenly, David's father is diagnosed with cancer, his son is going through a counseling program for using pot, and his daughter is unhappily overweight. David desperately tries to hold onto his humdrum existence without much success. At work, David attempts to predict the weather but in the big scheme of life, he contributes very little to the world. As a result, he doesn't feel fulfilled or worthwhile.

“Nothing that has meaning is easy,” Robert tells his son. Therefore, David must make a decision to stop trying to get through adulthood by taking the easy way out every time.

The characters of David and his father, Robert, were both exceptionally played by Cage and Caine. Each brought an honesty and sense of poignancy to their characters. Robert obviously loves his son but is concerned with what he is doing with his life. David wants to emulate his brilliant father but does not realize he need not be a writer to follow his father's example of a successful life.

I really appreciated the fact that this was not a typical Nicholas Cage movie. Cage's character was if anything a reluctant hero and there were no bad guys, no puzzle or problem to solve. This film was merely a glimpse into a man's life and his mind through strong narration from Cage.

The supporting cast of “The Weatherman” was very strong. Hope Davis (“Proof,” “About Schmidt”) played David's estranged wife, Noreen, who clearly hates him but wants to make some sort of a relationship work for their two kids Shelly (Gemmenne de la Pena of “Erin Brockovich”) and Mike (Nicholas Hoult of “About a Boy”). Both children are exceptional actors and brought a sense of realism to the relationships between father and children.

“The Weatherman” was directed by Gore Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “The Ring”). Verbinski obviously knows what he is doing with a movie, even though he has only made four feature films. His box office successes total over $1 billions worldwide.

“The Weatherman” is 102 minutes and rated R for strong language and sexual content.

'Modern Millie' strikes positive note

By Gabrielle Wiegand - Feature Writer

“Thoroughly Modern Millie,” is the tale of a woman in search of what she perceives to be the American dream, including marrying her boss and be rich in a relationship where love didn't matter, who encounters true love and her dream by accident. This fun and exciting theatrical production has been shown in various corners of the world and has always received high marks with the audience. It should come as no surprise then that the Monday night's production was a great success.

The show opened with an interesting non-vocal musical introduction with a closed curtain and the hand gestures of an orchestra leader. When the curtain opens the setting is introduced, as the young Millie Dillmount from Kansas enters into the big city of New York determined not to return home.

Alex Ellis delivers a remarkable performance as Millie Dillmount with breath-taking vocals and exciting and fun delivery of lines. Jimmy Smith, portrayed by David Allen Fox, enters the scene next after being tripped by a hysterically humorous Millie after losing a shoe and a purse, among other things.

The cast of characters was perfectly chosen and the audience could view the chemistry between Jimmy and Millie. The show portrayed realistic scenes coupled by great actors, presenting real issues in a seemingly comical light. The show was well-balanced and introduced multiple themes that livened the play and made it more interesting for the viewers. The show presented an even mixture of suspense, excitement, hopes and dreams, cynical plots and mischief.

The tale of love, the American dream and hidden corruption was based on religious undertones. The religious undertones of the piece added to the timeline of the show, set in the 1920s. In the 1920s, things were more reserved or conservative and many of the principles of the times were based on biblical principles. Although the times have changed today the show follows closely to the time in which the story line is set.

This musical embodied a great variety of vocals and 1920s dance styles, with swing dancing and tap dancing at transitional points within the story. The musical was choreographed perfectly and the show was virtually flawless with exciting backgrounds, vocals and dances accompanied by an exciting and suspenseful storyline. The show exceeded the expectations of a musical with the talented actors and plot that was no different than seeing a remarkable film in the movie theatres.

Although the performance by Kristé Belt, portraying Muzzy Van Hossmere, was not as award winning as the other screen mates and Courtney Elise Brown, portraying Miss Dorothy Brown, gave a less than perfect stage appearance, the “show must go on.” The shaky vocals and sloppy dances of Muzzy improved within the next scene and you couldn't help but enjoy her performance as well as the next cast member. The voice of Miss Dorothy Brown improved with the next scenes as well, retreating from a pitchy almost unrecognizable tone to a beautiful melodic tone enjoyed by those who watched.

Those minor errors, attributable to nervousness or some other stage fluke were quickly patched together by the actors and the performances by the cast as a whole sufficed the minor glitches and held the musical tightly knit together. The cast and production staff did a remarkable job of getting into character and delivering the implied affects of the musical, from witty and talented delivery of lines, to stage presence, background and outstanding, yet time-appropriate wardrobe.

The musical was well-rounded with great music and scene selection. Also, every character fitted neatly into the closely-knit design of the musical. The outstanding opening of the musical was matched my the impressive and excitingly energized ending, with all characters united on stage together for the final time enjoying themselves as the curtain closes.

Hit the outdoors

By Gabrielle Wiegand - Feature Writer

Fall is by far my favorite season because it never ceases to amaze me that death can be so breathtakingly beautiful. I mean, sure the leaves might be dying but in the process I get to enjoy the gorgeous reds and oranges of autumn.

And before the bitter cold of winter sets in I recommend everyone bundle up in their sweaters or sweatshirts and take themselves outside to enjoy the glory of fall.

Washington Park , 1500 S. Grand Ave. West , is perhaps the most beautiful nature spot in Springfield . Home to the Carillon, Washington Park also boasts biking and walking paths and picnic areas, in addition to colorful woods. Located within the park is Washington Park Botanical Garden , 1740 W. Fayette , which is open year-round. Open Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., the garden is free.

Another beautiful spot in Springfield to enjoy the changing seasons is Lincoln Park at Fifth Street and Sangamon Avenue . Lincoln Park features bike paths, horseshoes courts, picnic areas and a playground.

If the outdoors is not your thing, I can respect that. Luckily, Lincoln Park also includes the Nelson Center , which boasts an indoor ice skating rink. Public skating is Monday through Friday, noon to 1:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 7 to 9 p.m.; and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Times frequently change so call first. (217) 753-2800.

Another Springfield nature “hot spot” (although in November it's more likely to be pretty cold) is the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center , 2301 East Lake Shore Drive . Including more then 100 acres, the garden was founded in the 1930s as a living memorial to Lincoln .

On Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. will be the garden's annual Holiday Market. You can visit the Garden's Split Rail Shop and then in the evening, there will be volunteer-led night hikes, a campfire, hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. From more information, call (217) 529-1111.

While you will be able to enjoy the colors of autumn for several weeks to come, the 13 th Annual Holiday in the Village Fine Crafts Fair only comes around once a year. This year it is Friday through Sunday at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth Street .

Tuesday is Veterans Day and the Illinois State Military Museum , 1301 North MacArthur Blvd. , is hosting an event to commemorate the day. This free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historians in authentic military uniforms will be displaying weapons, accoutrements and equipment of specific time periods. Visitors are invited to ask questions and view all of the exhibits within the Museum. For more information, call (217) 761-3910.

'The Weatherman' cast really shines

"Modern Millie' strikes postive role

Hit the outdoors