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Chicago – If you’ve never seen the farcical ensemble theater chestnut “Noises Off,” you will see no better version than on the Steppenwolf Theatre stage, now at their northside Chicago venue through November 3rd. For tickets and details for this riotous theater experience, click Noises Off.

Play Rating: 4.5/5.0

The story opens on the final dress rehearsal for a touring company of “Nothing On,” a supposed comedy about couples and misunderstandings in a country house. The actors in the play are horribly unprepared, much to the chagrin of director Lloyd (Rick Holmes), who is beside himself despite the best efforts of his assistant Poppy (Vaneh Assadourian) and Stage Manager Tim (Max Stewart). The actors include Dotty (Ora Jones), portraying centerpiece housekeeper Mrs. Clackett, Garry playing Roger (Andrew Leeds), Brooke portraying Vicki (Amanda Fink), Freddie playing Philip (James Vincent Meredith), Belinda portraying Flavia (Audrey Francis), and Selsdon playing The Burglar (Francis Guinan...

Independent film distributor Gravitas Ventures has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to “Another Happy Day,” written and directed by Nora Fiffer. The comedy, starring Lauren Lapkus, Marilyn Dodds Frank, Jean Elie and Carrie Coon is set to release on digital and cable video on demand Oct. 1.

Per the film’s logline: “Desperate for some company, delirious new mother Joanna tumbles into an unlikely friendship with her estranged Aunt Miriam, a reclusive actress. Miriam seems the perfect companion for Joanna: she’s artsy, honest, eccentric, and she hates babies. But all goes haywire when Joanna attempts to mother her aunt instead of her baby. ‘Another Happy Day’ is an absurd, tense comedy exploring postpartum depression, intergenerational friendship, and what it means to be family.”

Mike Castle, Francis Guinan, Hanna Dworkin, Alex Weisman, Bryan Coffee, Adam Poss, Nora Fiffer, Jessie Holder Tourtellotte and Tim Kazurinsky round out the cast.

According to Gravitas Ventures,...

Chicago – Writer/director Michael Glover Smith’s award-winning feature film “Relative” (2022) was snapped up by Chicago-based Music Box Films, and will have its Digital release on May 21st, 2024. But first, how about one more special screening at the historic Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, May 15th. Click Relative at for tickets and info.

“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.

Relative

Photo credit: Music Box Films

Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor, and is based in Chicago. His first feature film,...

"I don't want an empty nest!" Music Box Films has posted their official trailer for an indie drama about a family titled Relative, from filmmaker Michael Glover Smith. This originally premiered back in 2022, but we have only caught up with it now and haven't ever posted about this film before. It played at a few small film festivals in 2022/2023, with a very limited release in art house theaters around the country. As various members of the Frank family come together for a college graduation party in Chicago, they find their bonds being tested, and strengthened, in surprising ways. The story focuses on the parents of four kids, who decide to announce that they're about to sell the house they grew up in. "Relative is a warm blend of comedy and drama about a modern American family." This stars Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Clare Cooney, Keith D. Gallagher,...

Francis Lawrence is giving an update on the development of Constantine 2 with Keanu Reeves and things are seemingly moving along.

The sequel to the 2005 superhero horror film was stalled due to the writers strike but with writers back at work, Lawrence has been in meetings with Reeves to continue the saga.

“So Constantine 2 got obviously held up by the writers strike,” Lawrence told Gamespot. “And we had to jump through a bunch of hurdles to get control of the character again, because other people had control of the Vertigo stuff. We have control.”

Lawrence continued, “Keanu and Akiva Goldsman and I have been in meetings and have been hashing out what we think the story is going to be, and there’s more meetings of those that have to happen–the script has to be written–but really hoping that we get to do Constantine 2, and make...

There’s something about Eerie, Indiana that brings out even more early ’90s nostalgia than a pair of Mc Hammer pants or A.C. Slater slamming you into a locker. Right up there with Are You Afraid of the Dark? as some of the all-time best gateway TV horror for kids, Eerie always felt like a must watch if you could catch it on Disney or eventually Saturday mornings on Fox Kids Network. The show idea was simple and easy to relate to when you were a kid because every adult in suburbia seemed weird as fuck at the time. Hell, they still do.

In the show, Marshall Teller (Omri Katz) and his friend Simon (Justin Shenkarow) investigate the weird and possibly sinister happenings of their neighborhood and as usual… the adults never believe them.

Eerie, Indiana is jam packed with Halloween atmosphere and horror goodness and it just so...

The Outer Critics Circle (Occ), the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, today announced the nominees for the 72nd Annual Outer Critics Circle Awards, honoring the 2022-2023 Broadway and Off-Broadway season.

“New York, New York” received a major backing from this announcement, which coincides with the production’s opening night. The new musical with songs from John Kander, the late Fred Ebb and Lin-Manuel Miranda earned a whopping 12 nominations, the most of any production. “Some Like it Hot” trails just behind it with 10 nominations. The most nominated plays of the season are the Off-Broadway sensation “Downstate” and Broadway epic “Leopoldstadt,” both with six nominations apiece.

This is the first season with newly reconstructed acting categories, which have removed gender specifications, and have been expanded to separately include off-Broadway performers. In the previous configuration, actors in Broadway and off-Broadway productions competed in the same category.

Life is about handling contradictions. And they all demand that we choose between compromising, conceding, or refusing to back down—whether it’s opposite a family member, friend, lover, or even yourself. We weigh pros and cons. We anticipate a future that we can never know for certain. Do we choose the job or the potential for love? Do we sacrifice our career for our spouse? Do we leave our hometown, or decide to make a new one? Each choice becomes another snowflake falling atop a mountain ready to unleash an avalanche. Sometimes it falls with the force of an atomic bomb and sometimes it never budges. The only thing we can therefore control is how we ultimately live within that uncertainty. For ourselves or for another?

There’s no wrong answer. Writer-director Michael Glover Smith hasn’t built Relative as some catch-all drama to foist his ideals upon his audience.

Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on “Relative,” the latest film from Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith. Its theatrical release begins on June 8th (click links) at Music Box Theatre and on June 10th at Gene Siskel Film Center, and will expand from there.

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Writer/director Michael Glover Smith gathers an ensemble cast that portray the Frank family, anchored by Dad David (Francis Guinan) and Mom Karen (Wendy Robie). Their youngest son Benji (Cameron Scott Roberts) is graduating from a nearby university, and the entire Frank clan will be gathering at their Chicago family home to celebrate. The oldest son Rod (Keith D. Gallagher) still lives in the basement, having left his marriage to Sarah (Heather Chrisler). Clare Cooney is Evonne, going through a marriage and mental stability crisis with her wife Lucia (Melissa Duprey). And rounding out crew is Norma (Emily Lape), whose nostalgic longing...

Chicago – One of the breakout performances in Michael Glover Smith’s new film, “Relative,” is from Elizabeth Stam, who portrays the pivotal role of Hekla. The “Relative” special Chicago general releases will take place (click links) at Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 8th and 10th.

“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.

Elizabeth Stam (right) with Cameron Scott Roberts in ‘Relative’

Photo credit: White City Cinema

This is Elizabeth Stam’s second film, after “Bleed American” in 2019. As mentioned in the interview below,...

Chicago – The journey from idea to completed film is a fever dream for the writer/director. Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith has realized his dreams in his fourth feature film, “Relative.” The story of family, set in the neighborhood of Rogers Park, begins its local run at Music Box Theatre on June 8th, 2022.

“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.

’Relative’ Begins Its Theatrical Run in Chicago

Photo credit: Chicago Film Project

Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community...

Chicago – The made-in-Chicago film “Relative” … written and directed by Michael Glover Smith … will get its city/Midwest premiere at (appropriately) the Midwest Film Festival on April 5th, 2022. The sold out show at the Gene Siskel Film Center will also have a Q&a, moderated by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com. One of the vital credits on any film is Music Supervisor, and that role on “Relative” was filled by Cait Rappel, a veteran film scorer in her feature film debut.

“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. The film features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Elizabeth Stam and Clare Cooney.

’Relative’ at the Midwest Film Festival, Music Supervision by Cait Rappel (inset)

Photo credit: MidwestFilm.

Chicago – In more good news on the road to normalcy, one local writer/director – Michael Glover Smith – produced his fourth feature film last year in Chicago and now it’s ready for its World Premiere. “Relative” will screen at the Gasparilla International Film Festival on March 12th, 2022. For more information, click Relative.

“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. The film features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Elizabeth Stam and Clare Cooney.

’Relative’ World Premiere on March 12th, 2022

Photo credit: GasparillaFilmFestival.com

Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community College and elsewhere), and is based in Chicago. His first feature film, “Cool Apocalypse,...

Stars: Kelly O’Sullivan, Romana Edith Williams, Charin Alvarez, Braden Crothers, Laura T. Fisher, Mary Beth Fisher, Francis Guinan, Max Lipchitz, Lily Mojekwu, Bradley Grant Smith, Jim True-Frost | Written by Kelly O’Sullivan | Directed by Alex Thompson

After earning the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, and a Special Jury Recognition for Breakthrough Voice at the 2019 SXSW festival, I was expecting big things from this drama comedy.

Saint Frances follows the life of Bridget. A thirty four year old woman who has yet to achieve her career goal as a writer and her new job sees her as a nanny to six year old Frances. Frances doesn’t make it easy for her and an unwanted pregnancy as well as two mums who are struggling with their relationship, means that things get a bit complicated in her life.

Saint Frances covers alot of ‘current’ topics including same sex parents and abortion...

"Have you nannied before?" Oscilloscope Labs has debuted the trailer for an indie dramedy called Saint Frances, which premiered at the SXSW Film Festival last year. It also played at the Montclair, Lighthouse, Munich, Traverse City, Nashville, Milwaukee, and Denver Film Festivals last year. Kelly O'Sullivan stars, and also wrote the screenplay, playing a woman in her 30s who finally lands a job as a nanny for a six-year-old girl. After an accidental pregnancy turned abortion, and other troubles, she finds an unlikely friendship with the six-year old she's charged with protecting. Also starring Ramona Edith-Williams, Jim True-Frost, Francis Guinan, Lily Mojekwu, Mary Beth Fisher, and Charin Alvarez. The poster for this is utterly fantastic. Described in reviews as "a quintessential millennial comedy and a timeless commentary." Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Alex Thompson's Saint Frances, direct from YouTube: Flailing thirty-four-year-old Bridget (Kelly O'Sullivan) finally catches a...

The Minutes, a 2018 Pulitzer Prize finalist by Tracy Letts, will make its Broadway premiere next February, reuniting the playwright with his August: Osage County director Anna D. Shapiro, producers Jeffrey Richards and Steve Traxler announced today.

Shapiro, who won the 2008 Tony Award for her direction of Letts’ August, directed the premiere production of The Minutes at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre in 2017. The 90-minute play features a cast of eleven actors. The Chicago cast included Kevin Anderson, William Petersen, Ian Barford, Francis Guinan and Sally Murphy.

The producers described the play as a “brisk, scathing new comedy about small-town politics and real-world power. Full of chicanery, back-stabbing, manipulation and perhaps some mistruths, the play refracts the current state of America and our politics through a town meeting in the very small fictional city of Big Cherry.”

Production dates, casting, design team and Broadway venue will be announced later this year. In...

Fox has pulled the plug on “Proven Innocent” after a single season, Variety has learned.

The legal drama was Fox’s lowest-rated show for the 2018-19 season, with an Live+Same Day average of a 0.4 rating in the key adults 18-49 demographic. The legal drama also averaged just over 2 million viewers per episode. The Season 1 finale aired on Friday night.

“Proven Innocent” centered around a legal team who worked at a wrongful conviction firm. The team, which was led by Madeline Scott (Rachelle Lefevre), a fierce and fearless female lawyer with a hunger for justice, reopened investigations, putting their own lives in danger to exonerate the innocent that were ‘proven’ guilty.

The series also starred Kelsey Grammar as Gore Bellows, the prosecutor who previously put Madeline away for murder, as well as Vincent Kartheiser, Russell Hornsby, Riley Smith, Clare O’Connor, Francis Guinan, Persia White, Shanesia Davis, Karin Anglin, Caitlin Mehner,...

Following the news they would open with the world premiere of Jordan Peele’s Us, the 2019 South by Southwest by Southwest Film Festival have announced their features and episodic premieres lineup.

Among the slate is a handful of our most-anticipated films of the year, including Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum, Chris Morris’s Four Lions follow-up The Day Shall Come starring Anna Kendrick, and Riley Stearns’ Faults follow-up The Art of Self-Defense. Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut Booksmart will premiere at the festival as will Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron’s new comedy formerly titled Flarsky.

“As we head into our 26th edition, we couldn’t be more excited to once again share a completely fresh SXSW 2019 slate with our uniquely smart and enthusiastic SXSW audience,” said Janet Pierson, Director of Film. “As always, we looked for a wide range of work, contemplating scale, style, tenor and tone. We...

South by Southwest Conference and Festivals has announced its feature lineup for the 2019 film festival, which will include Matthew McConaughey’s “The Beach Bum,” Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut “Booksmart” and Shia Labeouf’s “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”

Jordan Peele’s “Us” was previously announced as the festival’s Opening Night film.

Annabelle Attanasio’s “Mickey and the Bear,” starring Camila Morrone and James Badge Dale, “The Highwaymen” starring Kevin Coster, Woody Harrelson and Kathy Bates, Logan Marshall Green’s “Adopt a Highway” starring Ethan Hawke and Elaine Hendrix, “The Day Shall Come” starring Anna Kendrick and Denis O’Hare, and “Villains” starring Bill Skarsgard and Maika Monroe have also been added to the lineup.

Also Read: SXSW 2019: Olivia Wilde, A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Katzenberg Among Featured and Keynote Speakers

Nearly 8,500 films were submitted this year. Feature films in the lineup screen in the following categories: Narrative Feature Competition,...

The 26th edition of the SXSW Film Festival will feature movies directed by Harmony Korine and Olivia Wilde, an untitled romantic comedy starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron and a concert film with comedian Kathy Griffin.

The annual gathering in Austin, Texas, which starts on March 8, will open with Jordan Peele’s “Us,” which was previously announced. The thriller stars Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke and Elisabeth Moss.

There will be 102 features and TV episodes featured over nine days.

In recent years, SXSW has upped its game as a festival that covers a lot of ground. It reliably launches a few spring studio hits, such as last year’s “The Quiet Place” and “Blockers,” and also discovers under-the-radar storytellers. For attendees, there’s also keynote addresses with filmmakers and actors.

The standouts in this year’s lineup include Korine’s “The Beach Bum,” a much-anticipated comedy starring Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg and Zac Efron.

Kelsey Grammer is making his way back to the small screen.

According to TV Line, the veteran actor has joined upcoming Fox drama, Proven Innocent in a recast.

He will replace Brian D’Arcy James as Gore Bellows on the show which is penciled in for a midseason launch.

The official logline for Proven Innocent reads:

Focuses on a wrongful conviction firm led by a fierce and fearless female lawyer with a hunger for justice.

The team reopens investigations, putting their own lives in danger to exonerate the innocent that were “proven” guilty.

Related: Proven Innocent Trailer: A Fresh Take on Legal Dramas

The leader’s motivation comes from her infamous past; as a young adult she was found guilty and later exonerated in a high-profile case in which she became a tabloid sensation, household name, and national celebrity.

While a hero and a victim to some, her bold and...

Kelsey Grammer has been cast in the upcoming Fox drama “Proven Innocent,” Variety has confirmed.

He takes over the role of Gore Bellows, played in the pilot by Brian D’Arcy James. The character is described as a tough-on-crime state’s attorney who goes up against the underdog legal team that is at the center of the series. The producers of the series were said to have enjoyed James’ work in the pilot and hope to use him in a future role.

Grammer is best known for playing the title character in the acclaimed sitcom “Frasier,” for which he won five Emmys. He originated that character on “Cheers.” Grammer is also no stranger to the Fox family, having voiced the villainous Sideshow Bob on “The Simpsons” going back to 1990. He also recently starred in the Amazon series “The Last Tycoon” and currently lends his voice to the Netflix animated series “Trollhunters.

Proven Innocent looks set to be a legal drama, and we will definitely be tuning in for it.

The official logline reads as follows:

Focuses on a wrongful conviction firm led by a fierce and fearless female lawyer with a hunger for justice. The team reopens investigations, putting their own lives in danger to exonerate the innocent that were “proven” guilty.

The leader’s motivation comes from her infamous past; as a young adult she was found guilty and later exonerated in a high-profile case in which she became a tabloid sensation, household name, and national celebrity.

While a hero and a victim to some, her bold and bullish tactics garner her some enemies— one of whom will do anything to see her go down for a crime we know she did not commit.

She defends others as she fights to maintain her own innocence.

The talented cast includes Rachelle Lefevre,...

Fox has ordered David Elliot and Danny Strong’s drama project and comedy “The Cool Kids” to series.

Formerly titled “Infamy,” “Proven Innocent” is a legal drama set in an wrongful conviction firm. Led by a fierce and fearless female lawyer with a hunger for justice, the team reopens investigations, putting their own lives in danger to exonerate the innocent that were ‘proven’ guilty. Our lead’s motivation comes from her infamous past; as a young adult she was found guilty and later exonerated in a high-profile case in which she became a tabloid sensation, household name and national celebrity. While a hero and a victim to some, her bold and bullish tactics garner her some enemies— one of whom will do anything to see her go down for a crime we know she did not commit. We will watch her defend others as she fights to maintain her own innocence.

After indulging her funny bone with notable appearances on Broad City, Kevin Hart’s Central Intelligence and High Maintenance, and starring opposite Richard Armitage in the Off-Broadway production of Love, Love, Love, Amy Ryan is firmly back in the dramatic world that earned her an Oscar nomination for Gone Baby Gone with her new film, Abundant Acreage Available, in theaters on Sept. 29.

Written and directed by Angus MacLachlan (Junebug), the film tells the story of Tracy (Ryan) and Jesse (Terry Kinney), who after burying their father’s remains on their tobacco farm, are confronted by three older men (Max Gail, Francis Guinan, Steve Coulter) camping in their field. It’s a story of grief and morality and learning to let go.

It’s also one of Ryan’s best (and detailed) performances in years, earning rave reviews following the film’s premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival -- and the suggestion that she should be a contender...

Having worked under the direction of Kenneth Lonergan, Steven Spielberg, Sidney Lumet, Ben Affleck, Bennett Miller, Lodge Kerrigan, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Greengrass, Joachim Trier, Tom McCarthy, and more, it’s astounding that Amy Ryan has never had a leading role — until now. Premiering at Tribeca Film Festival, where it won a Best Screenplay jury award, Angus MacLachlan’s Abundant Acreage Available will now get a release this fall and the first trailer has landed.

“MacLachlan’s latest is a departure from his previous work: a quiet, powerful portrait of two families at a crossroads, featuring the middle-aged Ledbetters — including the reformed alcoholic Jesse (Terry Kinney) and his adopted sister Tracy (Amy Ryan) — and three aging brothers (Max Gail, Francis Guinan, and Steve Coulter),” we said in our review.

Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, see the trailer below featuring our quote.

On a fifty acre tobacco farm in North Carolina,...

"This is our place - right here, right now." Gravitas Ventures has revealed an official trailer for the indie drama titled Abundant Acreage Available, which won the Best Screenplay award at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year. The film stars Amy Ryan and Terry Kinney as middle-aged brother and sister, who have just finished burying their father in a field on the fifty acre tobacco farm in North Carolina that their family owns. Trouble brews when three brothers, whose family farmed the land for generations, return after 50 years. The cast includes Max Gail, Steve Coulter, and Francis Guinan. I have been a big fan of Amy Ryan ever since Gone Baby Gone, so I'm always interested to watch anything she's in, especially if she has a lead role. This looks damn good, and it's easy to see the tough choices the script attempts to address. Here's the first official...

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today additional casting for the highly anticipated world premiere of The Minutes by ensemble member, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tracy Letts, directed by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro. Ensemble members Kevin Anderson Mr. Breeding, James Vincent Meredith Mr. Blake, Sally Murphy Ms. Matz and William Petersen Mayor Superba join previously announced ensemble members Francis Guinan Mr. Oldfield and Ian Barford Mr. Carp in the cast of this new political comedy. Also featured in the cast are Brittany Burch as Ms. Johnson, Cliff Chamberlain as Mr. Peel and Penny Slusher as Ms. Innes. Previously announced ensemble member Tim Hopper is no longer in the cast due to a scheduling conflict. Remaining roles to be announced at a later date.

Chicago – The 16th Tribeca Film Festival wrapped last Sunday (April 30, 2017) and the award-winning films of the festival have been named. Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com was there for the first week of Tribeca and files his personal best of the films he experienced.

This is Patrick switching to first person, and I was able to see 13 media and film works, and took a turn in the “Immersive” or Virtual Reality arcade (there will a separate article on that experience). I sampled TV, short films, documentaries and narrative films, and rank them from first preferred on down, but honestly I didn’t see anything that I didn’t like, which is a testament to the programmers of this iconic film festival.

The following are the prime 13, and an indication of when they are scheduled to release…

“Flower”

’Flower,’ Directed by Max Winkler

Photo credit: Tribeca Film Festival

What seems like a “Juno” rip-off,...

Faith-based cinema is as diverse a genre as there is, from the extreme, often violent portraits of devotion from established directors like Martin Scorsese and Mel Gibson, to the attacks on logic in the God’s Not Dead and Left Behind pictures. Angus MacLachlan, a great storyteller of the not-too-deep south, offers a nuanced example of what this genre can bring, returning with the moving Abundant Acreage Available. The title may signal a light-hearted film, and given MacLachlan’s previous feature (the charming sex comedy Goodbye To All That) and writing credits (which include Phil Morrison’s masterpiece Junebug), you might be forgiven for having that expectation. However, MacLachlan’s latest is a departure from his previous work: a quiet, powerful portrait of two families at a crossroads, featuring the middle-aged Ledbetters — including the reformed alcoholic Jesse (Terry Kinney) and his adopted sister Tracy (Amy Ryan) — and three aging brothers (Max Gail,...

If “Abundant Acreage Available” didn’t have closeups or outdoor scenes, it could have been filmed theater. Writer-director Angus MacLachlan’s second feature focuses on grown siblings Tracy (Amy Ryan) and Jesse (Terry Kinney) in the immediate aftermath of their father’s death. Stuck with his expansive farmland, they’re unsure what to do next, until the arrival of three older men who knew the deceased stake a claim to it. Set in a single location with a cast of five, the movie offers a lesson in minimalist drama, unfolding as a sharply acted mood piece that never crescendos, but hums along with wise observations and first-rate performances.

A intergenerational family drama that wouldn’t look out of place in the oeuvres of Tennessee Miller or Arthur Miller, “Abundant Acreage Available” is a noticeably more somber work for MacLachlan, whose directorial debut “Goodbye to All That” was a vulgar black comedy about overcoming divorce.

"The world is about to change. How far are you willing to take this?" Viewers are on the verge of finding out the answer to this question when The Exorcist Season 1 finale airs tonight on Fox, and new photos tease what to expect from the climactic episode.

Press Release (via SpoilerTV): "Everything has led to this moment. Forty years ago, the demon was denied its prize. Now it will stop at nothing to destroy Angela Rance and her family. Their only hope lies in two men: Marcus and Tomas. But with the enemies of the church mobilizing against Pope Sebastian, time is running out for everyone on the all-new "Chapter Ten: Three Rooms" season finale episode of The Exorcist airing Friday, Dec. 16 (9:01-10:00 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox. (Exo-110) (TV-14 D, L, S)

Cast: Alfonso Herrera as Father Tomas Ortega; Ben Daniels as Father Marcus Keane: Geena Davis...

Evil rises from within with lethal (and creepy) consequences in the preview video and photos for the ninth episode of The Exorcist, airing this Friday night on Fox. [Spoiler warning for those who aren't caught up on the series.]

Episode 109 synopsis (via SpoilerTV): "On the eve of Pope Sebastian's visit to Chicago, Marcus and his companions race to avert a potential tragedy. Tomas is offered a life-changing opportunity, but will the sins of the past endanger his future within the church? Meanwhile, as the Rance family attempts to recover from their most recent ordeal, a new problem threatens to tear them apart In the all-new "Chapter Nine: 162" episode of The Exorcist airing Friday, Dec. 9 (9:01-10:00 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox. (Exo-109) (TV-14 D, L, S)

Cast: Alfonso Herrera as Father Tomas Ortega; Ben Daniels as Father Marcus Keane: Geena Davis as Angela Rance; Alan Ruck as Henry Rance; Brianne Howey as Katherine Rance; Hannah Kasulka as Casey Rance...

From spinning heads to Satanic Cujos, the premiere of The Exorcist conjured up pretty much everything you’d expect from a series version of the classic movie. (Well, no pea soup — yet.) But did the Fox drama possess enough thrills to keep you coming back for more? Let’s review the set-up, then you can grade the hour below and hit the comments to add your critique to ours.

Our Father | Early on, we met Father Tomas (Alfonso Herrera), a Chicago priest who sermonizes at St. Anthony’s with enough sex appeal and charisma to be under contract at The CW.

Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: TV, we have 50 pairs of advance-screening TV premiere tickets up for grabs to the new Fox series “The Exorcist” starring Geena Davis! Our winners will enjoy free concessions at this premiere!

“The Exorcist,” which premieres on Fox on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at 8 p.m. Cst, also stars Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Hannah Kasulka, Brianne Howey, Alan Ruck and Francis Guinan from director Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”).

To win your free “The Exorcist” passes and snacks courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This advance TV premiere is on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of winning; this doesn’t intensify your competition!

Read More: Exclusive: Trailer For 'Henry Gamble's Birthday Party' Screening At BAMcinemaFest And Maryland Film Festival Wolfe Releasing has acquired worldwide rights to writer-director Stephen Cone's "Henry Gamble's Birthday Party," starring Cole Doman, Pat Healy, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Nina Ganet, Francis Guinan and Kelly O’Sullivan. The film is set over 24 hours at a pool party in which the 17-year-old son of an evangelical preacher comes to terms with his own spiritual doubts and his adolescent sexuality. The deal was negotiated by Jim Stephens, President of Wolfe Releasing, and filmmaker Stephen Cone. "Nurturing the careers of talented filmmakers like Stephen Cone is one of our proudest achievements here at Wolfe Releasing," said Wolfe president Jim Stephens. "Having distributed his acclaimed debut feature, 'The Wise Kids,' in 2011, it is an enormous pleasure to bring Stephen's latest brilliant ensemble drama to a global audience. 'Henry...

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces the full cast for the Chicago premiere production of Grand Concourse, a play full of both humor and heart by Heidi Schreck. Directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov, the cast features ensemble members Francis Guinan 814 - 830 and Tim Hopper 72-813 sharing the role of Frog and Mariann Mayberry as Shelley with Brittany Uomoleale as Emma and Victor Almanzar as Oscar.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the U.S. premiere production of The Herd, a deftly comic play by Rory Kinnear. Directed by ensemble member and Tony Award-winning director Frank Galati, the cast features ensemble members Francis Guinan, John Mahoney, Molly Regan and Lois Smith with Cliff Chamberlain and Audrey Francis. The Herd premiered at London's Bush Theatre in 2013. The Herd begins previews tonight, April 2, 2015 Opening night is April 12, 2015 Press performances are April 11 at 3pm and April 14 at 730pm and runs through June 7, 2015 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre 1650 N Halsted St.

Rehearsals are underway for Steppenwolf Theatre Company's U.S. premiere production of The Herd, a deftly comic play by Olivier Award-winning actor Rory Kinnear and directed by ensemble member and Tony Award-winning director Frank Galati. The cast features ensemble members Francis Guinan as Ian, John Mahoney as Brian, Molly Regan as Carol and Lois Smith as Patricia with Cliff Chamberlain as Mark and Audrey Francis as Claire. The Herd begins previews April 2, 2015 Opening night is April 12, 2015 Press performances are April 11 at 3pm and April 14 at 730pm and runs through June 7, 2015 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre 1650 N Halsted St. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal below...

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announces the full cast for the U.S. premiere production of The Herd, a deftly comic play by Rory Kinnear. Directed by ensemble member and Tony Award-winning director Frank Galati, the cast features ensemble members Francis Guinan, John Mahoney, Molly Regan and Lois Smith with Cliff Chamberlain and Audrey Francis. The Herd premiered at London's Bush Theatre in 2013.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company launches its 201415 Subscription Season with the Chicago premiere production of The Night Alive by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson. Henry Wishcamper directs a cast featuring ensemble members Francis Guinan and Tim Hopper with Helen Sadler, Dan Waller and M. Emmet Walsh. The world premiere of The Night Alive was produced at London's Donmar Warehouse in 2013. The Night Alive begins previews September 18, 2014 opening night is September 28 press performances are September 27 at 3pm and September 30 at 730pm and runs through November 16, 2014 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theatre 1650 N Halsted St.

On Nov. 22, America and the world mark the 50th anniversary of one of the most momentous events of the 20th century, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

As it did last year with "Killing Lincoln," National Geographic Channel has turned to another best-seller by Fox News' Bill O'Reilly and historian Martin Dugard to dramatize the occasion.

Premiering Sunday, Nov. 10, the docudrama version of "Killing Kennedy" follows the twin trajectories of JFK and Lee Harvey Oswald until they meet on that fateful day in Dallas' Dealey Plaza.

Directed by Nelson McCormick from a script by Kelly Masterson, "Killing Kennedy" stars Rob Lowe as JFK, Ginnifer Goodwin as first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Will Rothhaar as Lee Harvey Oswald, Michelle Trachtenberg as Marina Oswald, Jack Noseworthy as Bobby Kennedy, Casey Siemaszko as Jack Ruby, Francis Guinan as Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Flood as Kennedy insider Kenneth O'Donnell.

On this bright mid-June day in Richmond,...

Killing Kennedy is liable to become a massive hit for the National Geographic Channel, and Once Upon a Time‘s Ginnifer Goodwin isn’t going to hurt things at all. As production gets underway, a couple of first looks have hit, and they’re pretty impressive. The two images are almost creepy, especially if we put them through some filters. Look for doctored versions to start making the rounds as the marketing heats up. Well, that’s what I’d do.

Are you looking forward to this one?

First look of Ginnifer Goodwin as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy on the set of National Geographic Channel’s Killing Kennedy, which started production this week in Richmond, Va. Nat Geo will air the television event this November. Photo by Kent Eanes/National Geographic Channel

First look of Rob Lowe as President John F. Kennedy on the set of National Geographic Channel’s Killing Kennedy,...

Ginnifer Goodwin is definitely channelling her inner first lady in this newly released image featuring the actress as Jackie Kennedy in National Geographic's "Killing Kennedy," a two-hour factual drama based on the book by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard.

Goodwin is co-starring alongside Rob Lowe as 35th president John F. Kennedy, Will Rothhaar as assassin Lee Harvey Oswald, and Michelle Trachtenberg as Oswald's wife Marina. The film chronicles one of the most shocking events in American history, following two men from very different backgrounds on a collision course with fate. Check out images of Goodwin and Lowe in their iconic roles below.

Supporting characters include Mary Pat Gleason (“1600 Penn,” “Desperate Housewives”) as Lee Harvey Oswald’s mother, Marguerite; Francis Guinan (“Boss,” “Mike & Molly”) as Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson; Boris McGiver (“House of Cards,” “Person of Interest”) as suspicious FBI agent John Fain; and Jack Noseworthy (“Event Horizon,...

On Friday, May 10th, guests enjoyed an opportunity to mix and mingle with the cast amp crew of Northlight Theatre's production of Stella amp Lou , including Ed Flynn, Francis Guinan and Rhea Perlman. Room amp Board hosted the post-performance event in their Skokie showroom where guests enjoyed signature The Stella and The Lou cocktails provided by Real Russian Vodka and catering provided by Pure Kitchen Catering. Check out the photos below...

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Bj Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, continues its 2012-2013 season with the world premiere of Stella amp Lou, featuring Emmy Award-winner Rhea Perlman, Francis Guinan and Ed Flynn. Bruce Graham, the Jeff Award-winning playwright of The Outgoing Tide, returns to Northlight with his latest play, to be directed by Bj Jones. Stella amp Lou will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, May 3 - June 9, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights of the show below...

Casting is complete for Steppenwolf Theatre Companys upcoming production of Harold Pinters The Birthday Party, under the direction of ensemble member Austin Pendleton. Ensemble member Kevin Anderson joins the previously announced cast ensemble members Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, Moira Harris and John Mahoney with Sophia Sinise. The Birthday Party begins performances January 24, 2013 in Steppenwolfs Upstairs Theatre 1650 N Halsted St. Opening night is February 3, 2013 press performances are February 2 at 3pm and February 5 at 730pm. Tickets 20 78 go on sale at a later date.

Francis Guinan has signed up for a guest role in Mike & Molly. Guinan will play the father of Mike (Billy Gardell) when he appears in the CBS comedy, TV Guide reports. Guinan's character walked out on his family years ago but returns in the run-up to Mike's wedding to Molly (Melissa McCarthy). Mike & Molly's executive producer Chuck Lorre added that the return of his father will "weigh (more)...

Ashton Kutcher and Mike & Molly's Billy Gardell don't exactly look like brothers — but they share the same father!

Actor Francis Guinan, who appeared on That '70s Show as the dad of Ashton's Kelso, has just been cast to play Mike's papa. With Mike and Molly's wedding fast approaching, the man who abandoned his family years ago reenters the picture, which "will weigh heavily on Mike's big day," executive producer Chuck Lorre tells me.

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Noah Ringer as Aang (foreground), Seychelle Gabriel (seated, center) as Princess Yue, Francis Guinan (seated, center right) as Master Pakku in M. Night Shyamalan‘s The Last Airbender Robert Pattinson/Kristen Stewart/Taylor Lautner’s Eclipse to Have Solid Staying Power? Featuring the voices of Tom Hanks, Joan Cusack, and Tim Allen, Toy Story 3 was the no. 2 movie at the North American box office on Tuesday, according to Box Office Mojo. Lee Unkrich‘s animated 3D feature collected $5.93m. It was followed by M. Night Shyamalan‘s The Last Airbender with $5.38m at no. 3. Starring Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse‘s Jackson Rathbone, The Last Airbender had the second-highest per-theater average of the day ($1,699), behind only Eclipse. On the downside, The Last Airbender fell 53.1% compared to Monday. (For comparison’s sake, fellow newcomer Eclipse‘s drop-off rate was a much more modest 43.8%.) Shyamalan...