DG Arts & Theatre
In Bed By Ten: A new early-night show offers Chicago-quality comedy that is relatable and accessible to suburban audiences
BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS BY MADELINE CRAIG Looking for some local laughs but not a night owl? In Bed By Ten, a newcomer to the suburban live comedy scene, is the answer. Founded and produced by comedians Bridget Frodyma of Downers Grove and Casey Alltop of LaGrange Park, In Bed By Ten, which opened…
Read MoreBrightly Shining: Diwali reminds us to be a light to darkness
As the leaves turn, thousands of families in the western suburbs celebrate a five-day festival every fall. Diwali, the festival of lights, may encompass diverse traditions and customs by celebrants, but there are a few common themes. Curious about this festival? Read on for some answers to some common questions about this holiday. What is…
Read MoreA new documentary captures the story of the Tivoli Theatre and the family behind the scenes
BY VALERIE HARDY | Photos by Victor Hilitski For many attending the sold-out premiere of the documentary film “History Happens Here: The Tivoli Theatre” on May 2, it was a very meta experience. They were watching the full-length feature about the Tivoli Theatre in the Tivoli Theatre, seated near members of the Johnson family, also…
Read MoreJoan Walsh Anglund
The local area native who became a world-renowned children’s author By Maureen Callahan What is a friend? The answer depends on who you ask. A friend is someone who helps you. It’s someone with whom you have shared memories and common ground. A friend- above all- is someone who likes you. Joan Walsh Anglund, a…
Read MoreFocus on the Filmmaker
Jim Toth moved to Downers Grove in 2015 and spent 20 years as a creative director in Chicago’s advertising industry. During the coronavirus pandemic, however, he was laid off. While unfortunate, these circumstances afforded him the gift of time, and the self-proclaimed amateur filmmaker bought a new camera and began experimenting, largely by filming his…
Read MoreSomersaulting into Film Making
A trio of Downers Grove residents found success making children’s films By Maureen Callahan Finding one’s reason-to-be is often a lifelong search. Michael and Lillian Moats and JP Somersaulter- the trio behind the Somersaulter-Moats Film Collection- were lucky to find theirs early on. From 1973 – 1991, the Downers Grove residents created predominantly short, animated…
Read MoreGhostlight’s New Home
Mayor Bob Barnett (right) joins Ghostlight’s founding partners – William Hunter Evans, Colleen Gibbons, Micki Doherty, Carolina Menapace, and Alex Bahaveolos – at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new space. Doherty, Ghostlight’s artistic director, said, “We are so excited to be in downtown Downers, and the welcome from the community has been incredible… So many…
Read MoreGhostlight Educational Theatre Collective continues to give back to the community
Two Years and Counting BY VALERIE HARDY | Photos by CM Stage Photography Drive through Downers Grove and surrounding suburbs and you will see the hallmark yellow, black, and white logo of the Ghostlight Educational Theatre Collective (ETC) on yard signs and window decals. Celebrating its second anniversary this month, Ghostlight may be one of…
Read MoreGaining Momentum – Hinsdale Alum Cathy Richardson
By Scott Jonlich | Photos by Victor Hilitski Cathy Richardson is one of Hinsdale Central’s most famous Hall of Fame members. She lived in Burr Ridge while attending Hinsdale Central and graduated in 1987. To quote her induction statement as a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee, “Her music career was in full swing at Central,…
Read MoreDowners Grove Aviator: Art Chester inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame
By Paul Drabik Art Chester was a true pioneer in aviation. He is a figure that represents the best of what Downers Grove has to offer. Born on December 15, 1899, Art Chester was part of a generation that forged a new technological landscape in America. Just four years and two days later on December…
Read More