STRONG SIMILARITIES
Gyllenhaal, star of ‘ Stronger,’ sees synergy between Boston, Chicago
TORONTO— In discussing “Stronger,” the film based on BostonMarathon bombing hero Jeff Bauman’s memoir, Jake Gyllenhaal— who portrays Bauman in the film ( opening Friday)— said, “I think a lot of people in Chicago, especially in your working- class neighborhoods, will really identify with Jeff and this film.
“In thinking about your city, I think there’s a similar kind of synergy between the people in Chelmsford [ the town in the Boston area where Bauman lived] and people in a number of the various neighborhoods I’ve visited in Chicago over the years— particularly on the South Side.”
Bauman lost both of his legs below the knees when the first of the two backpack bombs exploded as he was waiting at the marathon’s finish line to cheer on his girlfriend, Erin, who is now his wife.
“I think many people, leading normal, hardworking lives— but clearly living out of the spotlight— can relate to what Jeff went through,” Gyllenhaal said. “One day you’re completely unknown, except to your family, friends and co- workers. The next day, you’re a national celebrity. That photo of Jeff [ right after he was injured], plus the fact he was able to identify one of the bombers, made him the public face of that horrible day— and made him a hero.
“Accepting heroism would be a hard thing for most people to understand, especially when they don’t see themselves as heroes. That would be true in Chicago, or Dallas or Phoenix.”
As for Bauman, he said the process of writing the book ( with BretWitter) and being deeply involved making the film helped with his healing process. “The idea of getting it out— gettingmy story out — was a big help. Yet, before that, early on, just talking about the traumatic stuff— the loss ofmy legs— was also what startedmy healing process,” Bauman said.
Armisen’s favorite Chicago memories at Lounge Ax
CARLSBAD, Calif.— In “The LEGO NinjagoMovie” ( opening Friday), the voice of the music- obsessed ninja Cole is provided by FredArmisen, who brings plenty of rock ’ n’ roll credentials to the role.
The “Late Night With Seth Meyers” bandleader and “Portlandia” star’s career began in Chicago, “back when I was inmusic,” said the veteran of 11 seasons on “Saturday Night Live.”
“I spent 10 years in Chicago with our band Trenchmouth and have such great memories of the place,” said Armisen during an interview at the Legoland California theme park. “They always seem to come back to great times spent at Lounge Ax [ the rock club that operated in Lincoln Park from 19872000]. Every time I come back to Chicago now, I want to go there and then remember, sadly, it’s gone.”
Fellow “Ninjago” star KumailNanjiani, who voices electrical whiz Jay, grew up in the area and has his own Chicago memories. “Chicago summers, of course, are the best — I think mainly because we so look forward to them, after surviving yet another tough, bitterly cold winter. People in Chicago start wearing shorts so early, I think faster than any other place! You see people wearing shorts outside in like late February or early March! The moment the temperature goesmaybe about 40 degrees, you see all those people in shorts.”
New ‘ One Book, One Chicago’ tellsMavis’ story
The one and only Mavis Staples is the subject of the 28th book in the Chicago Public Library’s “One Book, One Chicago” program. The book selected is “I’ll Take You There: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers, and the Music That Shaped the Civil Rights Era,” by Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot.
The concept behind the OBOC program is to bring together people of all ages from across the city to read the same book and then participate in various events to discuss the book
‘ Glee,’ ‘ Pretty Little Liars’ in town for Reeling festival
Jenna Ushkowitz (“Glee”) will accompany her “Hello Again” co- star Tyler Blackburn (“Pretty Little Liars”) for the red carpet Thursday night at the Music Box Theatre, prior to their film launching the 35th anniversary of the Reeling Film Festival.
With the exception of opening night, Reeling, the second- oldest LGBTQ film festival in the world, will be staged at Landmark Theatres’ Century Centre Cinema. The “Hello Again” screening will serve as the Chicago premiere of the movie by Northwestern graduate TomGustafson.
The film— an adaptation of the 1994 off- Broadway musical— also stars Cheyenne Jackson (“American Horror Story”), Broadway mainstay and multiple Tony winner AudraMcDonald, RumerWillis (“Empire”) and Steppenwolf ensemble member Martha Plimpton.
The festival will run through Sept. 28, with its closing film being “Saturday Church,” starring awardwinning actress, playwright and Goodman Theatre artistic associate Regina Taylor.
For more on the festival, go to