Comedian Shlesinger Becomes a Leading Lady If Your Birthday Is Today: Sit up and Take Note of She Has a Leadine Role in the Parts Were Just Offered

2C Sunday, July 4, 2021 • Telegraph Herald • TelegraphHerald.com entertainment your horoscope BY EUGENIA LAST Comedian Shlesinger becomes a leading lady If your birthday is today: Sit up and take note of She has a leadine role in the parts were just offered. She didn’t want to what’s going on around you. make anyone jump through hoops. It’s time to make a change rom-com, ‘Good on Paper’. “We really wanted to be generous with that will help you dump bad BY LINDSEY BAHR this movie. Like, you know your friend habits and replace them with The Associated Press is funny, you can trust them with two better ones. Rethink your fu- lines,” she said. “I was doing that because ture and make the necessary Even when she’s technically off, come- nobody ever did that for me. We have a adjustments. Spend some dian Iliza Shlesinger always is working. guy who plays the director in the movie time enjoying life’s little During quarantine she did a full tour who is an actor who is also is my favorite pleasures with friends or of drive-in stand-up shows, refined a new bartender at our favorite restaurant in loved ones. hour of material, launched an online L.A. I knew he was an actor. I thought, CANCER (June 21-July 22): cooking show with her husband and se- why not give it to him?” An open mind will encourage cured a book deal. And on a recent “down And on set she took her role as the new beginnings. Adapting day” in Nashville before presenting at the top person on the call sheet seriously, to a lifestyle that allows you CMT Awards the next evening, she’s not wanting to make a happy, fun work to fulfill your dreams and relaxing: She’s doing interviews for her environment for everyone. Now, she’s engage in something that new movie, “Good on Paper.” just preparing for the world to discover brings you joy will pay off. “I’ve just always been very driven,” the film. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stick Shlesinger said. “And it was never about “This story is actually about an in- to your plan, regardless of being driven in any particular direction credibly normal girl who wasn’t hurting what others do. Choose the other than up.” MARK HUMPHREY • The Associated Press anyone and didn’t need to learn a lesson path that brings you joy That means for her, the answer is al- Iliza Shlesinger has expanded beyond her stand-up comedy shows to a or be taken down a peg,” she said. “I think and keeps you safe from ways yes. To the meeting. To the audition. lead role in the movie, “Good on Paper.” It’s based on an event in her life. a lot of women will relate to that.” financial loss or health risks. To the gig. To the tour. And she hopes this might be a new Dedication and discipline will “Have act. Will travel,” she laughs. to make “Good on Paper,” which is her In 2018 she met producer Paul Bernon chapter in her career. be important. Shlesinger is on a forever quest for the first produced screenplay and first lead- and much to her surprise, when he said “I hope people see this movie. I hope VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): elusive Hollywood “yes” and said every- ing role in a film. The project is as person- he wanted to make the movie, he meant people want me to write movies for Recognize the changes thing she’s gotten she’s either created for al as they come: It’s based on something it. They enlisted Kimmy Gatewood to them. I hope people want me to star in that will make your life less herself or has been hard fought. It’s not that really happened to her. direct. She suggested “Veronica Mars” their movies. Everything I do, I do with stressful, then put your plans that she hasn’t had successes already. In Years ago, Shlesinger met a guy on a veteran Ryan Hansen for the role of the the intention of opening a door to get in motion. Being account- 2008, she became the youngest person plane. Something seemed a little off, but lying suitor. Shlesinger hadn’t heard of to do bigger and better things on my able for your happiness and (and first and only woman) to win NBC’s she fell hard. Then it all started to unravel. him but liked that he wanted to “play a liar own creative terms,” she said. “Sky’s the comfort will lift your spirits “Last Comic Standing.” Since then she’s She realized he’d been lying about every- and a narcissist.” limit. I’ll put on a play on Mars, I don’t and encourage better rela- written a book, hosted five Netflix stand- thing from day one, from his college to his “A lot of leading men don’t,” she said. care!” tionships. up specials, a Freeform late-night talk job on down. The experience was awful, “They want to be Captain America.” Over quarantine Shlesinger saw a lot LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23): show and created and starred in a sketch she said, until she started putting it down Hansen said he was a fan going in, of her peers using the lack of a stage as Keep your thoughts clear. series in addition to regularly touring. on the page. having known her from the stand-up spe- an opportunity to take a break. She kept Refuse to let anyone mess She also auditions constantly and “It was cathartic, you know? It was cials. Although he didn’t even meet her working. She wanted to stay sharp. with your mind or push you despite a few breaks in films like “Instant a way to make something funny out of until the table reads, he quickly realized, “I do have a lot of energy naturally, but in a direction you don’t like. Family,” “Spenser Confidential” and something truly horrific,” she said. “The “How incredible she really is and what there are some nights where I’m just like, Put your energy into some- “Pieces of a Woman,” is no stranger to screenplay really became a sort of respite. a good writer and actress and standup ‘What are you doing? Stay home! Have a thing meaningful and re- rejection. (It’s just a coincidence that two I was constantly auditioning, constantly (she is).” pizza, watch ‘Frasier’ and go to bed,’” she warding, and peace of mind of them starred Mark Wahlberg.) She is, getting rejected, always on the road, “She’s everything,” he said. said. will follow. she likes to say, the queen of the general always doing stand-up. I would turn to Shlesinger called on Margaret Cho to But it’s just not her nature. And unsur- SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. meeting. this screenplay it would always remind be the best friend then she and Gatewood prisingly on her night off in Nashville she 22): Take matters into your So she didn’t take it for granted when me, you’re in control of your own destiny had a bit of a free-for-all casting many of wasn’t sitting in the hotel room. She was hands and do only what you she clicked with a producer who wanted as an artist.” their funny friends in other roles. All the out finding a stage. feel comfortable doing. Poor judgment will leave you at odds regarding your health, finances and personal life. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. concerts 21): Steer clear of overindul- Todd Snider, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4. gent people or those trying The following is a sample of major Jake Shimabukuro, 7:30 p.m. Matchbox Twenty, 7:30 p.m. Randy Houser, 8 p.m. Nov. 13. Oct. 7. $15-$56.50. $30. June 18. $35, $47, $63, $85. $19.95-$65.95. to tempt you to get involved events in larger venues within Wynonna Judge with the Big in something that will cause driving distance of the tri-states. Lucy Dacus, 7 p.m. Oct. 8. $15- Little River Band, 8 p.m. Dec. 10. $25. Noise, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17. $45. WISCONSIN DELLS $39.95-$62.95. emotional or financial frus- For most, you can visit www. Sammy Rae and The Friends, Crystal Grand Music Theatre (877- tration. Concentrate on ticketmaster.com for tickets. Due Drive-By Truckers, 7:30 p.m. Oct. Mannheim Steamroller 10. $15-$37.50. 8 p.m. Nov. 19. $18 advance, $20 987-6487, www.crystalgrand.com) Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 11. $19.95- physical fitness. to current COVID-19 restrictions, day of show. Molly Hatchet, 8 p.m. July 10. $69.95. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. check venues for postponed or Dispatch, 7 p.m. Oct. 16. $20- $37.50. Gaelic Storm, 8 p.m. March 10, $19.95-$100. Josh Turner, 8 p.m. Dec. 17. 19): Leave nothing to chance. canceled events. 2022. $25. Night Ranger, 4:30 p.m. July 11. $19.95-$150. Size up what’s doable and Taj Mahal, 7 p.m. Oct. 17. $45-$65. Robert Cray Band, 8 p.m. March $17.95-$135. Rick Springfield, 8 p.m. Dec. 18. what isn’t, and make decisions Marty Stuart and his Fabulous 27. $35 advance, $40 day of show. Beach Boys, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13. $19.95-$150. that will lead to a positive and CEDAR RAPIDS Superlatives, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23. $15-$180. $60.95-$155. Celtic Woman, 8 p.m. April 15. happy home environment. U.S. Cellular Center (319-398-5211, QUAD CITIES Wayland, 8 p.m. Aug. 20. $9.41- $17.95-$62.95. Don’t give in to pressure. uscellularcenter.com) Dar Williams, with Heather Maloney, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27. $15- Adler Theater (563-326-8500, $150. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. Parker McCollum, 8 p.m. July 17. $50. www.adlertheatre.com/events) Oak Ridge Boys, 3 p.m. Aug. 21. OTHERS 19): Go about your business. $19.50-$34.50. Bob Mould, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24. Gordon Lightfoot, 8 p.m. July 19. $19.95-$45.95. • Chicago Allstate Arena Don’t invite others to disrupt Billy Idol, 8 p.m. Aug. 1. $42-$147. $20-$35. $30, $45, $60, $75. Whiskey Myers, 4:30 p.m. Aug. (847-635-6601), www. your plans. Concentrate on Happy Together Tour, Aug. 5, John Hiatt and the Jerry Dwight Yoakam, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29. $35. allstatearena.com what’s important to you, and $49.50-$79.50. Douglas Band, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29. 3. $49. $69, $99, $128. Sebastian Bach with Steven • Chicago Theatre turn your day into a happy The Greatest Hits of Foreigner, $55.50-$75.70. Alan Parsons Live Project, Adler of Guns N’ Roses, 8 p.m. (312-462-6300), www. and positive adventure. 8 p.m. Aug. 11. $39.90-$149.50. Todd Snider, 8 p.m. Nov. 3. $15- 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21. $35.10, $45.80, Sept. 10, $16.95-$151. thechicagotheatre.com Blue Oyster Cult, 7 p.m. Aug. 13. Make love and peace of mind $25. $72.55, $11. Thompson Square, 8 p.m. Oct. 1. $37-$82. • Chicago House of Blues your priorities. Postmodern Jukebox, 7:30 p.m. $19.95-$150. Watkins Family Hour, 7:30 p.m. (312-923-2000), www. PISCES (Feb. 20-March Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Bethel March 8. $39.50, $49.50, $75. Jan. 20. $20-$32. Gary Allan, 8 p.m. Oct. 8. $19.95- houseofblues.com 20): Let the past be a useful Music, 7 p.m. Aug. 13. TBA. Betty Lavette, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25. TaxSlayer Center (309-764-2000, $150. Jake Owen, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15. • Chicago Akoo Theatre at reminder. Being with people $20-$35. www.taxslayercenter.com) Jerrod Niemann, 8 p.m. Oct. 9. $32.50-$89.50 Rosemont (Rosemont Theatre) who make you feel good will Dokken, Firehouse, Jack $29.95-$35.95. Justin Moore and Tracy (847-671-5100), www. improve your state of mind and MADISON Russell’s Great White, 7 p.m. Gin Blossoms, 8 p.m. Oct. 29. Lawrence, 7 p.m. Sept. 25. rosemonttheatre.com encourage positive changes. Barrymore Theatre (608-241-8633, July 9. $30, $35.50, $45.50. $19.95-$169. $39.50-$59.50. • Des Moines Wells Fargo Arena Share your good fortune with www.barrymorelive.com) Smurkchella Reloaded, 5 p.m. Home Free, 8 p.m. Oct. 30. $19.95- Brett Young, 8 p.m. Nov. 5. (515-564-8000), www. like-minded people. Tommy Emmanuel, CGP with Aug. 1. $65, $85, $125. $150. $39.50-$165. iowaeventscenter.com ARIES (March 21-April 19): Joe Robinson, 7:30 p.m. July 30. Doobie Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Aug. Put a unique spin on the way Kansas, 8 p.m. Nov. 13. $45.50- $22-$32. 28. $37.50, $49.50, $69.50, $89.50. $125. you do things. Make plans Tab Benoit, 8 p.m. Aug. 11. $26 Michael Buble, 8 p.m. Sept. 16. with someone who brings Clint Black, 8 p.m. Dec. 11. advance, $31 day of show. $68.50, $88.50, $143. $49.50-$135.50. out the best in you. If you get Marcia Ball and Tommy Castro, Kane Brown, 7 p.m. Sept. 18. $78, together with someone ex- Postmodern Jukebox, 7 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. $30 advance, $35 $88, $98, $100. Dec. 12. $39.50-$185. All travagant, it will end badly. day of show. TobyMac, 7 p.m. Oct. 2. $22.75, TAURUS (April 20-May Mannheim Steamroller Steeldrivers, 8 p.m. Oct. 7. $30 $32.75, $42.75, $72.75, $92.75. Christmas, 8 p.m. Dec. 17. $35- 20): Emotional situations advance, $35 day of show. MercyMe, 7 p.m. Nov. 11. From Day $75. will escalate if you deal with Drive-By Truckers, 8 p.m. Oct. $25. Celtic Woman Celebration, professional matters. Try to 12. $25, $35, $55. JoJo Siwa, 7 p.m. Feb. 4. $39.50, 7 p.m. June 1, 2022. $42. kick back and enjoy the day John Hiatt and the Jerry $49.50, $69.50. Riverdance, tees 7:30 p.m. June 9. without getting into con- Douglas Band, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Frankie Valli and the Four $53-$78. versations with people who $50 in advance. Seasons, 8 p.m. April 9. $41.75, don’t see things your way. IOWA CITY Billy Prine, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. $45. $62.75, $83.75, $136.25. & GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The Englert (319-688-2653, www. Be explicit about what you englert.org) can do and how you feel, Connecting Leo Kottke, 7 p.m. Sept. 17. Tanks and you will avoid a difficult $33.50-$53.50. situation. Rely on the infor- people and Ben Railway Robey, 8 p.m. Sept. mation you accumulate to Mon - Fri 9-5 18. $16-$22. 1000 White Street form a plan that encourages pets Parker Millsap, 8 p.m. Sept. 22. $20. 563.583.8231 stronger relationships.