Of Notoriety

Eric Parker star as Carl Weinstein and Penelope Alex as Roxy Starr in "Raunch and Roll" this week, a world premiere new musical at The Barn Theatre in Augusta, Mich.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

From play and restaurant openings to premiere parties and red carpet movie screenings, Philip Potempa reports on celebs and notables.

Writers' Theatre in Glencoe, Ill. is concluding its 20th Anniversary Season with "The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead" by Robert Hewett, directed by Joseph Hanreddy and featuring Deborah Staples in a sold-out run through July 29, 2012.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Tricia Hernandez and John Cain address a record crowd of guests at the 19th Annual Beaux Arts Ball in Munster at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts on June 1.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

HBO's popular series "Treme" is now available for Seasons 1 and 2 on DVD.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

K. Todd Freeman and Frank Galati starred in "The Tempest" at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago in 2009. Freeman returns to direct "Good People" for Steppenwolf's 2012-13 season.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

A complete remodel and transformation of the Hyatt Regency Chicago hotel's 2,019 guest rooms and suites, as well as 65 guest room floor corridors, offers amazing comfort and luxury.

The 160-ft. bar in the atrium lobby of the Hyatt Regency Chicago offers a spectacular view and holds the distinction of "the longest free-standing bar in North America."

When selecting the perfect party landscape to spend New Year's Eve, picking the Chicago hotel property that boasts "the longest freestanding bar in North America" seems like the natural space to gravitate to for fun and excitement.

The new Four Winds Casino Hartford in Michigan shares the same unique and customized rugged design as its sister gaming property in New Buffalo, Michigan.

The interior of the new Four Winds Casino Hartford include custom decor interior touches and a spacious gaming area in an intimate and elegant setting.

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Tribal leaders cut the ribbon to officially open Four Winds Hartford. Left to right: Kelly Curran, executive secretary to Tribal Council; Lynn Davidson, Steve Winchester, and Tom Topash, Tribal Council members; Ruth Saldivar, Jean Mollette, and Audrey Huston, Elder…

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

DJ Pauly D, one of the favorite personalities of MTV's hit reality show 'Jersey Shore,' is hosting a party at Chicago hot spot nightclub Enclave on Oct. 7.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Steven Parrish, of Crown Point, second from the left, stars with the group The Showmen as one of the new featured acts on the Branson Belle Showboat riverboat dinner cruise in Branson Missouri.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Poster for 2003’s “Oldboy.”

Poster for 2005’s “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.”

Poster for 2002’s “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance.”

I've been spending my summer shadowing Times Columnist Philip Potempa, who is also my professor at Valparaiso University. During my time shadowing Professor Potempa and writing on this blog, I have discovered an enjoyment of writing film reviews. As a lover of cinema, movies have always had …

Poster for the 1978 film "The Wiz."

I've been spending my summer shadowing Times Columnist Philip Potempa, who is also my professor at Valparaiso University. During my time shadowing Professor Potempa and writing on this blog, I have discovered an enjoyment of writing film reviews. As a lover of cinema, movies have always had …

BRUNCH is the latest hip and trendy restaurant to join the ranking of favorite places for breakfast and lunch in Chicago.

A soon-to-open new restaurant opening in late May 2011 in the North River area of Downtown Chicago is welcoming the donation of old coffee mugs to give a new use to for patrons to enjoy table talk about while also enjoying a hot beverage while helping the environment.

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

The poster for “Rashomon” (1950).

The poster for “Seven Samurai” (1954).

The poster for “Ikiru” (1952).

The poster for “High and Low” (1963).

Japanese director Akira Kurosawa directing a scene.

I've been spending my summer shadowing Times Columnist Philip Potempa, who is also my professor at Valparaiso University. During my time shadowing Professor Potempa and writing on this blog, I have discovered an enjoyment of writing film reviews. As a lover of cinema, movies have always had …

The last shelf of my collection is dedicated to television DVDs.

The first three shelves of my DVD collection.

I've been spending my summer shadowing Times Columnist Philip Potempa, who is also my professor at Valparaiso University. During my time shadowing Professor Potempa and writing on this blog, I have discovered an enjoyment of writing film reviews. As a lover of cinema, movies have always had…

Poster for 1980's "The Shining."

Poster for 1987's "Full Metal Jacket."

Poster for 1964's "Dr. Strangelove."

I've been spending my summer shadowing Times Columnist Philip Potempa, who is also my professor at Valparaiso University. During my time shadowing Professor Potempa and writing on this blog, I have discovered an enjoyment of writing film reviews. As a lover of cinema, movies have always had …

Poster for "A Clockwork Orange."

Poster for "Eyes Wide Shut."

Poster for "2001: A Space Odyssey."