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‘Painting Tiny Treasures’

[MAY 4, 2001]   ^“Painting Tiny Treasures." Cindi Gordon, North Light Books, 2000, 128 pages.

Have you ever studied a miniature object of art and wondered how the painted images were applied? In her book "Painting Tiny Treasures," author and artist Cindi Gordon shares the secrets behind the making of detailed, small-scale artwork.

The first chapter identifies the basic supplies needed to apply tiny images onto different objects and surfaces. Some of the supplies are common to most painting projects — palettes, knives, napkins, sponges and cleaners. Others are more specific to this kind of work and include circle templates, chalk pencils, tape measures and a stylus. Gordon also includes a "more helpful supplies" list that shows the artist how to employ any application technique (or correct any mistakes along the way). Regarding paints, mediums and finishes, Gordon writes: "There are many varieties of paint out there. It’s fun to experiment with them and hard to stick with just one…It’s a personal decision on what works best for you."

The second chapter covers brushes. The enlarged illustrations of the 15 different brush heads are extremely helpful. There are brushes for virtually every kind of stroke or application, including dabbing, pouncing, raking, angling and shading. Gordon concludes the chapter with instructions on holding the brush, loading the brush with paint, practicing strokes and caring for your brushes.

The final chapter is designed to help you get started and has tips on preparing your surface, the different transfer methods and using chalk pastels. The chapter concludes with a list of helpful hints and a glossary of terms and techniques.

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The remainder of the book is devoted to a step-by-step presentation of 14 different projects. They include instructions for a little girl’s trinket box, Swedish plates, a Victorian vanity box and mirror, and a Hallingdal sewing box.

Among the more interesting projects are the matching switch plate and mini clock, the Matryoshka dolls, holiday ornaments, and a tea set with berries. The switch plate/clock project combines the face on a wall switch plate with a small desk clock. The Matryoshka dolls are the wooden nesting dolls made in Russia. Originating in China, the dolls can be used to paint your family or tell a story. Creating holiday ornaments is always a perennial favorite. Gordon explains how to design and make three unique ornaments — a "cut glass" poinsettia design, a nativity scene and a sled runner. She also resurrected an old tea set from her basement and applied a berries theme. "This project is easy for the beginner," she says. "You should be able to freehand berries immediately."

"Painting Tiny Treasures" is an outstanding introduction to a fascinating art technique. The explanations are clear and simple and are accompanied by numerous illustrations, sketches and drawings. Gordon reveals the many tricks of the trade, tricks that have been gleaned through trial and error. Those tips are essential in helping the beginner to reduce any early frustrations and enjoy creative success in this medium. This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys craft activities, painting or a novel form of the decorative arts.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217) 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

‘Gracie’s Girl’

[MAY 2, 2001]   ^“Gracie’s Girl." Ellen Wittlinger. Simon & Schuster, 2000. 186 pages. Grades 5-8.

It is the last week of summer and best friends Bess, Ethan and Janette are getting ready to enter sixth grade at the middle school. Bess is concerned about having "cool" clothes and being popular, Ethan just wants to play Monopoly, and Janette is kept busy with activities during the summer and after school.

Bess Cunningham’s parents spend all of their spare time helping at a local shelter and soup kitchen, and she is sure people will find out and associate her with the eccentrics and unfortunates there. While serving food at the shelter, Bess meets Gracie, a confused elderly woman who eats out of garbage cans and lives on the streets. As the story progresses, Bess and Ethan divide their spare time between the school play and volunteering at the shelter.

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Wittlinger has done a good job of developing the characters in this story. Bess and Ethan mature as they take on the responsibilities of helping Gracie find a warm place to sleep (a storage shed behind the school) and food to eat. Bess even finds a way to get her older brother involved in volunteering. This is a humorous and thought-provoking narrative that will appeal to both boys and girls.

Ellen Wittlinger based this book on the experiences of her own children as they came to feel better about themselves by helping others.

[Pat Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]

‘One Eye Laughing, the Other Weeping’

[MAY 2, 2001]   ^“One Eye Laughing, the Other Weeping: the Diary of Julie Weiss." Barry Denenberg. Scholastic, 2000. 250 pages. Grades 5-9.

Denenberg’s book is really Julie’s book as she writes journal entries of her life during 1938, first in Vienna and then in New York. She begins by talking about her family, her school and her best friend, Sophy. She’s been hearing a lot about Hitler at school and wonders what will happen.

Julie remembers when she found out she was Jewish. She was 4 and her brother was 10 when he came home with his clothes bloody and ripped from a fight because he was Jewish.

"From then on I knew I was different, but I didn’t know why," writes Julie.

Her father saw that living in Vienna could only get worse, so he arranged for Julie to go to America to live with her aunt and uncle. By the time she left, Jewish children could no longer go to school, and their families were forbidden to own a car.

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Arriving in New York scared of being sent back to Vienna and having no one to meet her, Julie sees the city as "more like a fairy-castle than a real city." Her Aunt Clara is an actress, and Uncle Martin works on Wall Street. Julie’s diary tells of her learning English, helping her aunt learn her lines as Mrs. Darling in "Peter Pan," being entertained by a humorous uncle and eventually playing Wendy.

This book in the "Dear America" series includes historical notes and pictures at the end.

[Pat Schlough, Lincoln Public Library]

Released on video Tuesday, March 6, 2001

Rated R     Approx 127 Minutes     DreamWorks Home Entertainment -2000

Written and directed by Rod Lurie

Starring:

Jeff Bridges

Christian Slater

Sam Elliot

Joan Allen

Gary Oldman (also the executive producer)

This movie uses graphic language to describe sexual scenes and presents some nudity.

[MARCH 10, 2001]  The box said “two thumbs up” and “Thriller!”

In recent years, the "two thumbs up" endorsement has meant that I probably was going to find the movie to be a loser. "Thriller" usually means I may endure it but I’m probably not going to be thrilled with it.

However, in the case of "The Contender," both my thumbs are up too, and I am indeed thrilled.

"The Contender" is a gritty movie, a political "action" film of sorts. It is a thriller because you don’t have a clear shot at the plot until it is finally revealed for you. At the end, you look back on the film and say, "Yeah, I should’ve seen that coming."

"The Contender" is gritty because it focuses on a dirty fight between political rivals to appoint a new vice president of the United States. The president (played very aptly by Jeff Bridges) selects a woman, Sen. Lane Hanson of Ohio (Joan Allen), for the job, against the advice of party officials and his own advisers. The previous vice president died somehow in office — but "The Contender" never tries to explain his passing.

The whole plot is wrapped up in the confirmation hearings and the process of bringing an appointee to office or sending ’em off packing.

Gary Oldman plays Sheldon Runyon, the Republican chairman of the selection committee. The highly respected, powerful senator seems bent on not only denying the president his day in the sun but also destroying the very career of Sen. Hanson.

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Two things about this movie made a good impression on me.

First, the acting was excellent. Oldman plays a perfect bad guy in this film (he seems to have the bad-guy act down pat). Jeff Bridges, who I thought incapable of playing a convincing president, stepped up to the plate and delivered. Christian Slater played the part of a freshman congressman who was seeking to do the right thing on principle, and was perfectly cast for the part. Finally, Joan Allen was wonderful in her portrayal of the contender under siege.

Second, the plot was dynamite. This movie seems to make you move away from certain characters and make certain assumptions, but you find yourself making a couple of 90 degree turns before it’s done. In the spirit of "The West Wing," it is full of political intrigue and the power of the Washington scene. "The Contender" is a film about respect and dignity and the rocky road to realizing those two values.

The first hour of the movie has a single weakness: The lack of actors on the set portraying political operatives, appointees, devotees and those holding office makes you believe the story less. They needed a fuller cast to make it seem like Washington and government.

This is not a partisan film about the usual struggle between Republicans and Democrats. Instead it is a story about the dynamics of power, accusation and truth.

So, I recommend this film to you if you enjoy a good thriller, if you enjoy stories about the political struggles of this nation and if you like a good fiction about how truth prevails.

I give it 3½ stars (out of five).

[midge]

midge@lincolndailynews.com

[MAY 4, 2001]  Sixty-seven young people from second through 12th grades auditioned for Lincoln Community Theatre's upcoming children’s play. Thirty-nine have been cast in what promises to be a delightful rendition of "Tom Sawyer." Performances will be at 7 p.m. June 28 and 29 and at 2 p.m. June 30 and July 1 at the Johnston Center on the Lincoln College campus.

Cast / Characters

Alison Maske of Mount Pulaski — Susan Harper, school girl

Gracie Wood of Lincoln — Gracie Miller, school girl

Brian Welter of Lincoln — Muff Potter, town derelict

Joe Allspach of Mount Pulaski — Sheriff

Anthony Jones of Hartsburg — Injun Joe (dangerous)

Tom Swanson of Lincoln — Doc Robinson, young surgeon

Kaitlyn Przykopanski of Mount Pulaski — Mrs. Walters, Sunday School superintendent

Holly Phillips of Lincoln — Widow Douglas, Aunt Polly's friend 

Julie Wood of Lincoln — Mrs. Harper, Joe's mother 

Brianna Skaggs of Mason City — Amy Lawrence, school girl 

Kelly Dowling of Lincoln — Aunt Polly, Tom's aunt 

Ben Herrington-Gilmore of Lincoln — Tom Sawyer (always in trouble)

Spencer Harris of Lincoln — Huck Finn, Tom's friend (a free spirit)

Alison Kessinger of Lincoln — Cousin Mary, Tom's relative 

Doug Rohrer of Lincoln — Judge Thatcher (new in town) 

Emili Moneyhun of Lincoln — Mrs. Thatcher, the judge’s wife 

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Molly Mathewson of Athens — Becky Thatcher, daughter of Judge and Mrs. Thatcher

Shelby Voyles of Lincoln — Sally, school girl

Payton McVey of Atlanta — Ben Rogers, town boy 

Max Pozsque of Lincoln — Joe Harper, town boy

Corey Moynahan of Sherman — Alfred Temple, town boy 

Nate King of Lincoln — Mr. Dobbins, schoolmaster 

Patrick Perry of Lincoln — Reverend Sprague, minister 

Townspeople

Emily Berglin, Taylor Berglin, Tony Curcuru, Kelsey Dallas, Nettie Duncan, Stephen Duncan, Greg Gandenberger, Luke Hanger, Katy Reynolds, Moses Rogers and Todd Schumacher, all of Lincoln; Joel Rankin of Mount Pulaski; Jillian Nichole Dowell of Kenney; Darci Dixon of Athens; Tanner Milan of Sherman; and Emma Jo Schumacher of Springfield

Coleen McLaughlin-Moore is the director, Miranda Stone is technical director, and Rachel Washam is audiovisual technician.

The local production of "Tom Sawyer," by Tim Kelly, is presented by special arrangement with publisher IE Clark.

For more information see the LCT website, www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre. 

[MAY 3, 2001]  ^"Oklahoma!" Come and see the farmers and cowmen be friends at Lincoln Community High School. The LCHS Fine Arts Department musical, starring Kyle Pepperell as Curly, Allison Leonard as Laurey and Kirsten Knutilla as Aunt Eller, will be presented in the LCHS auditorium May 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. and May 13 at 2 p.m.

"Oklahoma!" is the story of Curly and Laurey, two people reluctant to love one another. Curly, the charming and eager cowboy, is mighty fond of Laurey, a country girl with "purtty" eyes, and plans to take her to the annual dance. The only obstacle that stands between them is Jud Fry, played by James Phelan.

Intertwined in this tale is the story of Ado Annie, her "peddler man" and Will Parker, played by Betsy Buttell, Beau Hangar and Eric Agostino, respectively.

Other people starring in "Oklahoma!" include Ann Elliott as Gertie Cummings and Stanton Schumacher as Carnes. Kyle Monday, Micah Kilgallin, Adam Voyles, Collin Voyles and Heather Bean round out the cast.

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Tom Quinn is the acting director. His student assistant is Miranda Stone. Tony Corpus is orchestra director and is assisted by Jason Yarcho. Kim Peterson-Quinn is the vocal director and director of choreography. Her assistant in choreography is Heather Bean.

Dancers include Angela Martin, Amanda Perry, BreeAnn Kelly, Holly Swinda, Cara Brewer, Kerry Dobihal, Colleen Fitsimmons and Audrey Beach.

Chorus members include Kelly Dowling, Marla Camilo, Holly Spickard, Julie Wood, Abby Ebelherr, Laura Kodatt, Mallory Coons, Jenny Boehl, Doug Rohrer and Jim Allen.

[APRIL 23, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre’s cast for the first performance of the summer season, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," is set to begin rehearsals. This popular musical was the very first production ever staged by LCT in 1972 and will kick off Lincoln Community Theatre’s 30^th season.

Cast as the ever-suffering Charlie Brown is Sean Edward Hall of Springfield. Hall has directed several LCT productions, but this will mark his debut performance on the Lincoln stage.

Appearing as Linus will be Jeff Kindred of Atlanta, a familiar face on the local stage.

Two of the leading performers from last summer’s popular show "Annie" will also be appearing in "Charlie Brown." Jill Nessler of Sherman ("Annie’s" Miss Hannigan) and Carrie Schreiber of Lincoln ("Annie’s" Grace Farrell) will appear as Lucy and Patty.

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Rounding out the cast will be LCT newcomers Josh Twente of Lincoln as Schroeder and Tony Crawford of Clinton as Snoopy.

Season tickets for the entire season are still available by contacting LCT, Box 374, Lincoln 62656 or by calling (217) 732-2640.

Further information regarding season memberships, auditions and cast lists is available at the LCT website located at http://www.geocities.com/
lincolncommunitytheatre/.

[LCT news release]

LCT chooses summer production staff

[MARCH 12, 2001]  Lincoln Community Theatre has announced the 2001 summer production staff.

The first production, "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which runs from June 8 through 16, was selected in celebration of LCT’s 30th anniversary season. This musical was the first performance offered by Lincoln Community Theatre during the organization’s first season in 1971.

The 2001 production will be directed by Sean-Edward Hall of Springfield. Wayne Mara of Lincoln has been hired as technical director, with Jason Yarcho, also of Lincoln, as accompanist and orchestra director. Lights and sound will be managed by Stuart Wyneken of Lincoln.

The July 13 through 21 comedy, "Moon Over Buffalo," will be directed by Jerry Dellinger of Lincoln. He will also serve as lighting director. Technical director will be Max Levendel of Bloomington.

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LCT’s final production, "The Wiz," will be directed by Tracy Tiritilli of Bloomington, with husband Mark Tiritilli serving as technical director. The show will run Aug. 3 through 11. Yarcho will again serve as musical accompanist, and Wyneken will handle lighting and sound.

LCT also plans a children’s play this summer. Performances will be June 28 through July 1.

For more information see the LCT website, www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre. 

[LCT news release]

Lincoln Community Theatre’s (LCT) website is up and available. The site serves a number of functions, from providing information on becoming a season ticket holder to showing what new productions are being planned for next season. It lists everything one wants to know about LCT — except the scripts. The top of the page lists those already involved in the theatre and announces any paid or unpaid positions, which are still available. Audition dates are also listed for prospective actors.

The site also links to Gus Gordon Productions and Grand Ball Costumes. Gus Gordon produces plays all over central Illinois, and the site lists the upcoming plays. Grand Ball Costumes rents costumes here in central Illinois for plays, Halloween, weddings, birthdays or any other occasion.

A little farther down, the site offers information on upcoming plays, admission prices and season ticket prices. Presently, LCT’s website is displaying pictures of recent performances: "Annie" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

If you are interested in joining a performance or just going to see one, visit LCT’s website at www.geocities.com/lincolncommunitytheatre/index.html, e-mail LCT at lincolncommunitytheatre@yahoo.com, or write to Lincoln Community Theatre, P.O. Box 374, Lincoln, IL  62656.

[LDN]

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