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25 years, 25 questions: 'A Christmas Story' marks a quarter-century
by
Michael Heaton/Plain Dealer Reporter
Friday November 28, 2008, 12:00 AM
Ralphie will forever remain young, though the film about his quest for a Red Ryder BB Gun turns 25 this year.
ONLINE EXTRAS
How to get the full "Christmas Story" experience
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the cult holiday classic "A Christmas Story." The timeless and semi-autobiographical story of young Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun (based on author Jean Shepherd's childhood) caught the nation's imagination because of its nostalgia and humor. Devotion to the 1983 movie was even more intense in Cleveland.
That's due in large part to the fact that although set in Indiana, a good deal of the movie, including the exteriors of "the house," was shot on West 11th Street and Public Square.
Today, that house is a museum devoted to the film -- and one of Cleveland's most popular tourist destinations. Combined with marathon showings of "A Christmas Story" every Christmas Eve on TBS, that means it's pretty hard to stump Clevelanders when it comes to movie trivia.
So as our holiday gift to you, in honor of the big 2-5, we've put together some trivia about the house and the movie for aficionados to chew on. For the hard-core fan, we hope we found at least one factoid that eluded you. And if all this information is new to you, well, maybe it's about time you saw the movie ... again.
DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN "A CHRISTMAS STORY" GRAPHIC
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Cleveland metal band proud to Lick the Blade
by
John Benson/Special to The Plain Dealer
Thursday December 04, 2008, 12:57 PM
LOCAL BEATLick the Blade, classic metal
Hometown: Cleveland
Years performing: 4
Day gigs: Mail room employee, export business associate, college student, factory worker and landscaper
With a name like Lick the Blade, one has a hard time not making the leap to Spinal Tap and the ill-fated cover art for its "Smell the Glove" album. "Yeah, we've gotten that comparison before," laughed guitarist Tom Mowcomber. "I'm completely fine with it. I'm a big 'Spinal Tap' fan."
The Auburn Records recording act, which boasts a New Wave of British Heavy Metal sound (lots of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest influence) is working on a studio album due out next year.
"We'd like to get a wider audience and catch the attention of the hardcore metal heads, who are definitely into that style of music," Mowcomber said. "Right now it's kind of a hard thing to come by, so we're hoping that'll work well for us. I think the more we record and the more we play, we can definitely see the musicianship getting better."
Lick the Blade -- Mowcomber, Mike Kurtz (bass), Brian French (guitar), Ted Anderson (vocals) and Greg Behnke (drums) -- is scheduled to perform a free show at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Jigsaw Saloon & Stage, 5324 State Road, Parma. Also on the bill are Ground Zero, Eternal Legacy, H.A.T.E., and Lower 13. Call 216-351-3869
Curtis Mitchell's 'Personas' inserts viewers into the artwork
by
Dan Tranberg / Special to The Plain Dealer
Thursday December 04, 2008, 12:44 PM
Shadow dancing: Conceptual artist Curtis Mitchell's current exhibition at the Sculpture Center effectively inserts viewers into the artwork itself. Digital projectors are positioned on the floor of the gallery so that silhouettes are cast on his wall-sized moving images.
REVIEW
The Sculpture Center
What: The solo show "Personas," an installation by Curtis Mitchell.
When: Through Saturday, Dec. 20.
Where: 1834 East 123rd St., Cleveland.
Admission: Free. Call 216-229-6527 or go to www.sculpturecenter.org.
From a purely visual standpoint, New York artist Curtis Mitchell's work often appears harsh and guttural. Over the past two decades, he has created sculptures and installations using such materials as broken glass, dirt and ketchup. He has also exhibited scorched Oriental rugs and color photographs that have been doused with solvents and reduced to drippy, discordant abstractions.
And yet, as his work is understood, it frequently becomes lyrical, insightful and downright profound.
Mitchell's current solo exhibition, "Personas," at the Sculpture Center in Cleveland, is easier on the eyes than much of his earlier work. The show is comprised of two videos shown simultaneously from digital projectors that sit on the gallery's floor. As a result, two opposing walls of the gallery are alluringly awash with colored light.
Canadian Brass, 'A Christmas Story,' Ken Burns and more: Arts and entertainment on the Tens
by
Plain Dealer staff
Thursday December 04, 2008, 8:24 AM
Here's the best of the weekend and beyond.
$10
The Canadian Brass.We won't insult your intelligence by telling you where Canadian Brass is from or what kind of instruments the ensemble plays. All will be revealed when the group headlines a holiday concert at 6 p.m. Sunday at PlayhouseSquare's Palace Theatre in Cleveland. Tickets are $10-$45 at the box office, online and by phone 1-866-546-1353 or 216-241-6000.
Fortuitously named smooth-jazz guitarist Peter White brings his "Peter White Christmas" tour to town for a show at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Palace Theatre. Also on the bill are sax player Mindi Abair and trumpeter Rick Braun. Tickets are $10-$37.50 at the box office, online and by phone 1-866-546-1353 or 216-241-6000.
'Cadillac' spins success story of Chess Records with Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def, and Beyonce
by Clint O'Connor/Plain Dealer Film Critic
Thursday December 04, 2008, 12:03 AM
"Cadillac Records": Beyonce belts it out as Etta James in the story of Chicago's legendary Chess Records. REVIEW Cadillac Records
Who: With Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Cedric the Entertainer. Written and directed by Darnell Martin.
Rated: R for language and some sexuality.
Running time: 109 minutes.
When: Opens Friday.
Where: Area theaters.
Grade: B
The blues and the origins of a record label are not an easy sell in Hollywood. So it's encouraging that "Cadillac Records" was even made. Writer-director Darnell Martin's uneven drama drives into multiplexes Friday. Its greatest attribute: Jeffrey Wright's winning presence as blues legend Muddy Waters.
Wright commands the screen with a quiet serenity and depth that makes this more than just another bogus biopic. Waters helped bring the blues from Mississippi to Chicago and the world, thus laying the groundwork for rock 'n' roll.
Although Beyonce has been blanket-promoting "Cadillac Records" (she appears as Etta James late in the proceedings), the movie is really the story of two men: Waters and Chess Records co-founder Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody).
Continue reading "'Cadillac' spins success story of Chess Records with Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def, and Beyonce" »Los Gallos bar and restaurant in Bedford transports you to Mexico -- After Dark
by John Petkovic/The Plain Dealer
Wednesday December 03, 2008, 3:53 PM
OLE: Los Gallos in Bedford does all the stuff you get in Mexican restaurants and mucho mucho more, from the south-of-the-border bar to the mariachi band.It isn't just the sangria. The spicy food. The murals.
We've all seen those before -- and, yes, Los Gallos has 'em.
Continue reading "Los Gallos bar and restaurant in Bedford transports you to Mexico -- After Dark" »Laugh Track: Sebastian Maniscalco at Hilarities, 'Midnight Swinger' at Improv, Mike Conley at Bogey's
by Michael McIntyre/Plain Dealer Reporter
Tuesday December 02, 2008, 12:00 PM
PREVIEW
Sebastian Maniscalco performs at 8 p.m. Thursday ($18), Dec. 4, 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. Friday ($23) and Saturday (only general admission available at $18) and 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre inside Pickwick & Frolic, 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland. Call 216-736-4242.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the host of the Laugh Track column, a man who loves the Browns . . . Mike McIntyre. Thank you, Cleveland. A lot of fans are down on the Browns, but I love the way they're always so generous at holiday time. Just when schedules get hectic and life gets frantic, the team is kind enough to give us a gift: Free time on Sundays. No need to plan the day around the Browns game. Feel free to weatherize the windows and clean the garage.
Or, if you really miss that feeling you get watching the Browns play, scrub the toilets.
Making his name:
Sebastian Maniscalco was hilarious as one of the comics in "Vince Vaughn's Wild West Comedy Show" on the big screen this year, joking about 35-year-olds who order drinks like apple martinis. "You're 35 years old. You're walking around drinking something green? . . . You go get a beer or something that tastes like gasoline."
He's funny on the small stage, too, talking about his fastidiousness, how his friends raise their kids, shopping at discount clothing stores, his own family's quirks and everything else that affects his life.
Cleveland Heights rapper seeks to bring spotlight home
by John Benson/Special to The Plain Dealer
Thursday November 27, 2008, 11:20 AM
LOCAL BEAT
John L. "Lexx" Thomas, hip-hop
Hometown: Cleveland.
Years performing: Eight.
Day gig: Medical technician.
Calling himself an entertainer and emcee, John L. "Lexx" Thomas is hoping his rap skills can bring a bigger spotlight to the Northeast Ohio rap scene. "I'm basically a mix between East Coast and Midwest hip-hop," said Thomas, a 1998 Cleveland Heights High School graduate.
"I have a lot of influences because my family lives on the East Coast and I'm in Cleveland. So I go back and forth and kind of soak in both cultures. Right now I'm about five songs away from completing my album 'Mr. 216,' which drops in the spring. I have a new song called 'Exclusive,' which always gets the crowd hyped and is an up-tempo party song. It's straight hip-hop, kind of like my anthem. I also have a song called 'Enemies' that I do with my guy Slick P. That track is very mellow and laid-back, something you can really ride and vibe to."
Lexx is scheduled to play at 9 p.m. Friday at the Symposium Nite Club, 11802 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. Also on the bill is OuttaNowhere. Tickets are $10 ($13 under 21). Call 216-228-6300.
Spaces exhibition revolves around nightmarish sculptures that resemble biology experiments
by Steven Litt/Plain Dealer Art Critic
Thursday November 27, 2008, 12:01 AM
A sculpture by Jason Briggs looks as if it could breathe. Viewers may experience a fight-or-flight response. The spirit of Frankenstein hovers over at least part of the current group show at Cleveland's Spaces gallery -- not in the sense of horror, but in the sense that mankind's ability to warp the forces of nature can lead to morbidly fascinating results.
At the core of the exhibition, which is called "Hyper-Nature," lies a series of fiendishly realistic porcelain sculptures that look like biological experiments gone awry.
Sarah Brightman trips the holography fantastic on 'Symphony' tour
by John Soeder / Plain Dealer Pop Music Critic
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 10:35 PM
MS. BRIGHTSIDE: "I feel very lucky that I'm doing things that I love doing, that I'm continually able to be creative," says Sarah Brightman.
PREVIEW:
Sarah Brightman
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2.
Where: The Q, East Sixth Street and Huron Road, Cleveland.
Tickets: $49.50-$127.50 at the box office and Ticketmaster outlets, or charge by phone, 216-241-5555 (Cleveland) or 330-945-9400 (Akron).
ONLINE AUDIO: SARAH BRIGHTMAN
Cleveland Nightclub is taking a Balkan point of View
by Chuck Yarborough/Plain Dealer Reporter
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 12:27 PM
When was the last time you said to yourself, "Self, we absolutely have to go imbibe some native Balkan beers, wine and liquor, listen to some real Balkan music and catch a belly dance"? Well, it's that time now, buddy.
Ostpolitik is happening Friday at the View Nightclub, 618 Prospect Ave., downtown Cleveland. Doors open at 9 p.m. The first 150 people get a free shot of Jack Daniels (not quite sure what part of the Balkans Lynchburg, Ky., falls in, but hey, who cares, right?). And if you feel like dropping some serious green, you can get Finlandia vodka bottle service in the VIP lounge.
For reservations and details, call 440-318-5499 or e-mail clubromacleveland@gmail.com. You can also check the Web site of the organizers, Club Roma Europa.
Comedy legend David Brenner coming to Cleveland: Laugh Track column
by Michael McIntyre/Plain Dealer Reporter
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 12:20 PM
David Brenner.Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the host of the Laugh Track column, a man who'll spend today getting mauled at the mall . . . Mike McIntyre. Thank you, Cleveland! They call today "Black Friday," the busiest shopping day of the year. It is followed by "Black and Blue Saturday" after the grandmas start throwing elbows in the toy aisle at Wal-Mart.
A comedy legend
David Brenner -- who has more appearances than anyone on the Tonight Show (158), four HBO specials, five books and instant recognition as a master of the stand-up form -- headlines Hilarities this weekend.
The native Philadelphian, who began his career making television documentaries, is very topical, scouring the news for new premises every day. He's also in the midst of launching Funnydeli.com, a Web site that will feature comedy by baby boomers for baby boomers.
Peeking into Axl Rose's diary: Minister of Culture
by Michael Heaton/Plain Dealer Reporter
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 11:37 AM
Michael Heaton: Minister of CultureThe Guns 'n' Roses album "Chinese Democracy" has finally arrived after 17 years and 13 million dollars worth of time and attention. The obvious question is: what the heck took so long?
Wouldn't you love to read Axl Rose's diary from that period?
1994
Dear Diary,
Well the most dangerous band in rock 'n' roll is ready to start recording the new album. If only I could find Slash. I called his house, the bar, Betty Ford. I can't find him anywhere. I wonder if he's still mad about me killing his cat. I was just trying to scare it. It was an accident. I mean Jeez, get another cat. What's the big deal. What is there, a world cat shortage?
I'm thinking about calling the album "Chinese Democracy." I think that's a cool name because, like, there is no democracy in China. So that would mean that the album is about something that doesn't exist except for like maybe way in the future. Also it brings together the name of a kind of restaurant and a form of government which I must admit sounds pretty intelligent. That'll give those uppity critics something to think about.
Teen vampire tale 'Let the Right One In' is no 'Twilight'
by Julie E. Washington/Plain Dealer Reporter
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 10:59 AM
REVIEW
Let the Right One In
Who: With Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson and Per Ragnar. Directed by Tomas Alfredson. With subtitles.
Rated: R for some bloody violence, including disturbing images, brief nudity and language.
Running time: 114 minutes.
When: Opens Friday.
Where: Cedar Lee Theatre
Grade: B-
Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), the boy introduced at the start of the bloody and beautifully filmed "Let the Right One In," is a pale, odd child who can't fit in with his athletic schoolmates. He's drawn to his even-odder neighbor Eli (Lina Leandersson), who is the undead one in this teenage vampire romance out of Sweden. Tomas Alfredson directs this stylish adaptation of the Swedish novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist.
Oskar and Eli will inevitably be compared to that other human-vampire power couple, Edward and Bella from "Twilight." Teenage girls beware -- "Let the Right One In" is not about vapid wish-fulfillment or heaving bosoms. This subtitled film hews much closer to traditional vampire lore, and weaves a meaningful and powerful tale.
Oskar and sad-eyed Eli meet in the darkened courtyard of their apartment building. When school bullies pummel Oskar, Eli urges him to fight back.
Continue reading "Teen vampire tale 'Let the Right One In' is no 'Twilight'" »Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman ignite the down under adventures of visually stunning 'Australia'
by Clint O'Connor/Plain Dealer Film Critic
Wednesday November 26, 2008, 12:01 AM
The sweeping epic "Australia" features several Australian actors, including two of the most famous: Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman. REVIEW
Australia
Who: With Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jack man, Bryan Brown. Directed by Baz Luhrmann.
Rated: PG-13 for some violence, a scene of sensuality and brief strong language.
Running time: 160 minutes.
When: Opens Wednesday.
Where: Area theaters.
Grade: A-
HOLIDAY MOVIE GUIDE: Looking for more holiday movie options?
"Australia" is not just about another era, it's from another era of filmmaking. Borrowing broad brushstrokes from the canvases of William Wyler, Howard Hawks and Michael Curtiz, director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann has painted an epic-sized entertainment. Part romance, part western, part action-adventure, "Australia" is as big as its name, a rollicking ride that is visually stunning and refreshingly grand.
Set in the outskirts of the Outback in the late '30s and early '40s, "Australia" pits Nicole Kidman's aristocratic Brit, Lady Sarah Ashley, against Hugh Jackman's scruffy Aussie cowboy known simply as The Drover. After Lady Ashley takes over her husband's vast ranch, Faraway Downs, she must drive 1,500 head of cattle across a desert to Darwin in Australia's Northern Territory.
The Lady and The Drover spar in the inevitable dance-of-opposites before finding each other's lips, set against a backdrop of evil-rancher rivals King Carney (Bryan Brown) and Neil Fletcher (David Wenham). "Australia" is a grown-up movie in its old-fashioned themes and story telling, but it's also very much about a youngster.
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