Naperville Summer Nights

July 18

Movie: Ghostbusters

Up until the release of "Ghostbusters" in 1984, nobody was entirely sure who to call when there was something strange in their neighborhood. By the end of that year, there wasn't a kid around who didn't fancy strapping on a proton pack and zapping a ghost or three.

Punted from a New York university grant programme for their less-than-orthodox approach to research, three scientists decide to go into business for themselves as exterminators. Only it's not cockroaches they plan to wipe out - it's spooks. A derelict firestation, jazzed up ambulance, and some unlicensed nuclear accelerators later and our boys are in business. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray), Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) and Egon Spengler (Harold Ramis) are the Ghostbusters.

Before long business is booming, but there's some serious nastiness brewing in the Big Apple. Local musician Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) - an instant love interest for wiseguy Venkman - notices some ever-so-slightly gruesome creatures hiding in her fridge behind the hamburgers and, quite literally, all Hell breaks loose.

It's played for laughs and the comedy background of the main players (Aykroyd and Ramis also did the writing) shines through more often than not. Murray is superb as the super-sarcastic Venkman, whilst Rick Moranis is also on top form as Dana's geeky neighbour who turns into a growling nutball when possessed by an evil demon.

"Ghostbusters" seems even better now when viewed without the surrounding hype of the original release (it was absolutely massive, grossing over $220 million in North America alone). The comedy is timeless, the concept fabulously original, and the acting first rate. Even the special effects have by and large stood the test of time, most notably with green ghosty Slimer and the now legendary Stay Puft marshmallow man.

July 25

Concert: Carolina Liar

In his day-to-day dealings with members of LA's music community, there are two things singer Chad Wolf has heard repeatedly. One involves praise for his songwriting skills, which seem to effortlessly tow the line between infectious pop music and a deeper, darker rock discourse. The other: disbelief. How did your classic struggling musician, who toiled away at coffeehouse gigs for most of his adult life, end up in one of Europe's biggest hit-making studios writing a full album of songs with a major label deal at his side? The story may seem far-fetched, some might even say too good to be true, but somewhere between accolades and accusations is honesty, which, ironically, is what Carolina Liar is all about.

Chad's musical aspirations started innocently enough. Growing up in Charleston, South Carolina, he was introduced to New Wave through his sister, who was eight years older. "The first record I ever bought was a 45 of Duran Duran's 'View to a Kill,'" he says with sentimental pride. "I brought it to my third grade class for show and tell." By the time he got to junior high, Chad had graduated to Iggy Pop, but the Euro-centric sounds of Depeche Mode, the Cure and even Falco had also made a permanent mark on his psyche. A career in music, it would seem, was calling.

July 25

Concert: No Show Joe

No Show Joe has been playing in the Western Suburbs of Chicago for well over 6 years. Previously known as Double Fisted, they have performed at festivals, private events/parties, bars and corporate events. Recently, they have played at one of the most prestigious venues in Chicago "The House of Blues".

August 1

Play: The Taming of the Shrew

The Midsummer Theatre Troupe is an outgrowth of Shakespeare on Clark originating in 1999. Over the next years, the interest and involvment of director, producers and actors continue. The Midsummer Theatre Troupe was born in 2001. The cast, who also function as crew, has been comprised of dedicated actors. The Troupe has been fortunate to have past and previous members with professional training and other talented and dedicated members.

The goal of the Troupe is to provide entertainment in their home communities focusing on performing Shakepeare's comedies. Our performances are held at outdoor venues during the summer months. In past years, the Troupe has performed A Midsummer's Night Dream , Much Ado About Nothing, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Love's Labours Lost, As You Like It, Twelfth Night (or What You Will) and Taming of the Shrew.