Smile Politely

Weekender: November 16–18

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16

The Sessions, Art Theater Co-op, Friday: 5:00, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30 p.m.

The Sessions is an Oscar contender and winner of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award and a U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Prize for Ensemble Acting.

It’s based on the autobiographical writings of journalist and poet Mark O’Brien.

The film stars John Hawkes, Helen Hunt, and William H. Macy, and is playing from a 35mm print. (TN)

 

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17

Drag King Show, Emerald City Lounge, 11:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m., $5

Drag shows at Emerald City get better and better every time I see them. Saturday’s show looks to be an all-star cast:

Your host is Acession Carrington, whom I believe will also perform that night. Drink specials everywhere. Music by DJ Dreea, and seriously, she is excellent.

I believe there is still a table or two left, and these include cover and wait staff, so call or text the Awesome Amy Myers to reserve one: (217) 552-9445. (TN)

Auditions for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Station Theatre, 2:00 pm

Wanna get your rock star on? Come to the Station Theatre and audition for Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, a pop(lulist) punk musical extravaganza directed by Mikel L. Matthews Jr. Mikel has previously directed The Full Monty, Zombie Prom, and Rent for the Station, so you know it’s going to be a good time. The Facebook event page suggests that you prepare about sixteen bars of a rock song and come ready to belt. The show will run January 17 through February 2 at the Station Theatre in Urbana. (MG)

 

Grab a Downtown Old Fashioned, Memphis on Main, 4:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Remember the beloved Downtown Old Fashioned at Carmon’s (RIP)? The drink is still alive and well at Memphis on Main. This may sound a little strange, seeing as it’s the place you can get a Bucket o’ Beer for $11, but go check it out, along with some live music. The bar manager is the same, so ask for a good cocktail, and it’s yours. (SK)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18

Viewing and discussion of Pinoy Sunday, Champaign Public Library Robeson Pavillion Rooms A & B, 3:00–5:00 p.m.

The Art Theater isn’t the only place to see a good film this weekend. The award-winning film, Pinoy Sunday, showcases the daylong misadventures of two factory workers who stumble across a tantalizing find in their industrializing city.

This film will be introduced and followed by a post-screening discussion led by a PhD candidate in anthropology at the University of Illinois. (SK)

 

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