Restoration and renovation of Woodstock’s 133-year-old Opera House should be underway by the time a similar project is wrapping up at the Old Courthouse and Sheriff’s House, themselves 19th century buildings. That might be handy if Bulley & Andrews, building manager for the Old Courthouse Center – as the complex will be known – decides […]
Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com Woodstock will officially kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Square and the Christmas parade the weekend after Thanksgiving. Tens of thousands of white lights will illuminate the trees and buildings on the Square for the Lighting of the Square event. Beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, […]
By Ruth Raubertas news@thewoodstockindependent.com Scrooge played by a woman? Isn’t that just a cheap gimmick? According to Jeffery Cook, author of the upcoming Woodstock Opera House/Theater 121 adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” the answer is a resounding NO. Yes, there are some gender switches in the new production, including Ebenezer Scrooge and Bob Cratchit who […]
For Creative Living speaker Riva Lehrer, art is powerful, radical, and political. “My art is about being enthralled with people being enthralled with who they are,” said the artist, author, curator, and Northwestern University faculty member. “No one wants to be tolerated – we all want to be enthralling.” A child born in 1958 with […]
Holiday classic adapted for Opera House stage Theatre 121 will present a world-premiere adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” in 11 performances beginning Nov. 18 at the Opera House. Adapted and directed for the stage by Jeffery Cook, the play is “a reimagined vision that brings a different perspective to the story while retaining many of […]
In a move only the Woodstock Public Library could pull off, human chess will debut at Witches and Wizards – on a grander stage. “I’m really excited about this,” library Director Nick Weber said. “I’ve wanted to include this for years, but this year we are finally able to do it.” Since 2017, the library […]
“What are they saying about Woodstock behind your back?” Because the City Council wants people to say good things, three people from North Star Place Branding and Marketing were in town last week to listen to comments from citizens and officials. They will use what they learn to develop elements of a promotional plan for […]
State research grant will assess Woodstock arts needs, aid plan Woodstock will use a $75,000 research and planning grant in preparing a plan to further develop the local arts community as an integral part of the city’s economy. The city is among 42 Illinois communities recently awarded grants from the Research in Illinois to Spur […]
Staff Report news@thewoodstockindependent.com The Woodstock Fine Arts Association, the oldest resident company of the Woodstock Opera House, has continued its support of the historic theater with its latest donation of $20,000. The contribution has been earmarked toward replacement of the ceiling in the Opera House Community Room, which serves as a gallery for local artists […]
Local police holiday traffic enforcement already underway Stopping impaired driving is the goal of special traffic enforcement that is underway through Labor Day weekend. The Woodstock Police Department is partnering with the Illinois State Police and law enforcement throughout the state in the high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign through the early-morning hours […]
Larry Lough is editor of The Independent and reports local news.
Janet Dovidio has been a freelance correspondent for The Independent for eight years.
Susan W. Murray wrote for The Independent, covering various beats, from 2005 to 2008.
Tricia Carzoli is a freelance writer and photographer that on community news.
