Thwack! Stage Door Jonny knows the sound of a good ruler striking bad flesh as well as anyone, with the probable exception of Sister, the presiding eminence of Sunday School Cinema. Good movie? Bad movie? Sister knows that even Christmas movies aren't above suspicion if not outright condemnation, and she will share her expertise in a special, one-time-only Sunday School Cinema Holiday Movie Edition on Sun., Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. at the Royal George Theatre. The holiday show begins with our lovely colleague Dick O' Day and a 30-minute version of his Big Lovely Bingo Show before all-knowing Sister reviews holiday flicks that you thought for years were safe, even sacrosanct. Think again. For example, in Sister's version of It's A Wonderful Life, Donald Trump has a chance to relive his life, this time as a do-gooder. Elaine Carlson continues to star as Sister, as directed by Cecilie D. Keenan. 312-988-9000; $30.
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Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit. Photo by Michael Brosilow
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Jonny's old songstress friend June Shellene will be a special guest ( along with Rafe Bradford ) at a free holiday party and show by the always-entertaining Sons of the Never Wrong, Thurs., Dec. 13, 8 p.m. at the Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace. There are cookies, candy and presents for all, plus banjo king Michael Miles as the opening act. You think you're good with your hands? Wait 'til you see what Miles can do with his fingers! The Sons of the Never Wrong give three-part harmony a new meaning in a roster of witty, funny songs. There's good Irish pub grub at the Abbey, too.
Traveling to Aurora may seem like quite a hike, but it's just a hop, skip and jump if you can see a great movie for free. That's the deal this winter at the beautifully restored art deco Paramount Theatre, which is screening free, certified Hollywood hits on six consecutive Tuesday nights as a thank you to patrons. The series kicks off with Superman ( Jan. 8 ) and continues with Dr. No ( Jan. 15 ) , The Godfather ( Jan. 22 ) , Dirty Harry ( Jan. 29 ) , Jaws ( Feb. 5 ) and The Bourne Identity ( Feb. 12 ) . You may recognize the theme: Each film is the first in what became a series. Screenings are at 7:30 p.m. Popcorn is available and the theater's cafe has full bar service.
The folks at Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit have not yet reported the return of the purloined Edna dress, stolen on Halloween either by a vicious drag queen or by a very sicko straight person, but they have announced that the show has been extended once again, this time through March 30 at the Royal George Theatre ( 312-988-9000; $45-$55 ) .
An art exhibit has come to Jonny's attention about which Jonny wishes he'd know sooner, ... 'And Our Art Lives On: A Legacy of Survival from BEHIV,' through Wed., Dec. 12, only at the Dittmar Memorial Gallery, Northwestern University Norris Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston. Better Existence with HIV ( BEHIV ) is a local AIDS-service organization that uses art therapy among its programs. The exhibit is composed of artworks created by BEHIV clients, staff and volunteers. The exhibit is free, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at the Norris Center.
Jonny knows the time rapidly is approaching when readers will be frantic with last-minute holiday shopping, and you'll certainly want to know what Jonny himself is buying for both his friends. Well, a great gift and easy stocking stuffer is League of Chicago Theatre Play Money. Available in denominations of $25, Play Money certificates may be exchanged for tickets to shows at the box offices of all participating League of Chicago Theatre members ( and there are roughly 200 of them ) , or through the league's Hot Tix program ( in person or online ) where day-of-show tickets can be purchased at a substantial discount. Check details at www.chicagoplays.com .
Jonny also thinks there's some nifty stuff this year at the Museum of Contemporary Art store, which really is a global market with items such as stuff French-made Phillip Starck disposable dinnerware, Italian hand-poured Gartano Pesce flexible polyurethane bracelets, or the paper puff by Espirito Brasilis, a compressed block of recycled paper that may be used as a table or stool ( and is an ecologically sustainable-design product ) . The MCA store offers other items from Australia, the United Kingdom and elsewhere at prices starting at $3.95.
Finally, a reminder about the upcoming two-hour TV profile of Angels in America author and social activist Tony Kushner. Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner airs next Wed., Dec. 12, 9-11 p.m., on Ch. 11.
Stage Door Jonny is about to become Sombrero Jose as Jonny leaves for an overdue 10-day rendezvous with a Mexican fishing village. As a consequence of Jonny's travels, this will be Jonny's last column of the year. Dear readers, Jonny wishes you happy and healthy holidays. Play safe, and stay as sober as the law requires while Jonny slips into another mojito on the beach.
