Entertainment
In Depth: 'The Imitation Game'
While this year we are not having an Oscar Month, as such, with “The Imitation Game” the Palace screens another of the Academy’s 2014 favorites. Running on a shortened schedule due to ACT I’s “Dates With a Nut,” this movie plays Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12 at 7 pm, and Monday, March 9 at 2 pm.
“The Imitation Game” received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Dates with Nuts
The rehearsals for Dates with a Nut are moving fast now that we are at the Palace Theatre.
You may think a 2 person show is easier than lets say a 10 or 20 person show.
Not the case.
Just as much work goes into a 2 person show. In fact, for this show, the crew triples the actual cast.
As we get closer and closer to opening night the more exciting it gets.
'Dates with a Nut:' Writers discuss seeing others perform the show
ACT I's production of Dates with a Nut is in the final production week and we asked Tom Johnson and Meg Merckens their thoughts about ACT I doing the show.
This is the first time that the play has not featured Merckens in the female roles, which all will be played by ACT 1's April Seitz. Jim Hilliar plays the other role in the two-person play about a senior citizen struggling with dating and the waitress who tries to help him.
Dates with a Nut: ACT 1's 2-person play to open March 5
The next Act 1 production contains several characters, but just two actors.
Jim Hilliard and April Seitz will perform the play "Dates with a Nut," beginning March 5.
About the play:
Written by Thomas P. Johnson, founder of both the Old Creamery Theatre and the Iowa Theatre Artists Company, and his wife, popular area professional actress Meg Merckens, the play has been staged by the couple in four different productions in both Iowa and Wisconsin. In Depth - 'Into the Woods'
Rob Marshall, director of the silver screen megahit, “Chicago,” brings us another Broadway musical classic, “Into the Woods.”
This Stephen Sondheim rather dark adaptation of Grimm’s fairytales will delight Palace patrons, young and old, Friday, February 20 through Thursday, February 6 at 7 pm, and Monday, February 23 at 2 pm. In Depth: Wednesday matinee set for 'American Sniper'
We already have several more reservations for showings of "American Sniper" later in the week. To be sure your favorite seat is available, get your tickets online at www.vintonpalace.org or stop at the Box Office any time after 5 pm.
There has been so much hype about this movie, the third-highest grossing film of 2014 that continues to top national box office charts, and to be honest, I’ve done my best to avoid every word. In Depth - Unbroken
“Unbroken” opens tonight, January 30, at the Palace and runs through Thursday, February 5 at 7 pm, and Monday, February 2 at 2 pm.
“Unbroken” is the inspirational story of American hero Louis Zamperini, Olympic athlete and decorated World War II veteran who survived being shot down, stranded on a raft in the ocean for months, and imprisoned by the Japanese for years. Vinton theatre student playing the role of Sara Jane Moore in 'Assassins'
For her latest theatrical projects, Vinton native Erin Horst spent some time at a shooting range and the 20th Century American History section of the Minnesota State University, Mankato library.
Horst, the daughter of Gerald and Marcy Horst, will play the role of Sara Jane Moore, the woman who tried to shoot President Gerald Ford, in a production of the musical entitled “Assassins,” which opens next week at the college’s Andreas Theatre of the Earley Center for Performing Arts. Grandson of Vinton native advances on 'American Idol'
A grandson of a Vinton graduate is among the contestants on this season of American Idol.
Aaron Bissell of Cedar Rapids, the son Ron and Juanita Bissell of Cedar Rapids, advanced after his first audition. He is also the grandson of Diane (Close) Von Hagen, who graduated from Vinton High School in the 1960s. Aaron is a senior at C.R. Washington High School, and plays and sings with a band named The Significance of Simon.
ACT I announces cast for Dates with a Nut
ACT 1 is producing "Dates with a Nut" written by Thomas Johnson & Meg Merckens. Tom, who founded both The Old Creamery and the Iowa Theatre Artist Company, along with his wife and popular area actress Meg, have graciously allowed ACT I of Benton County to produce and perform the play. This will be the first time the play has been performed without Meg in the starring role.