From One Grande Dame to Another

Does Julie Andrews have a thing for Downers Grove?

The Academy Award-winning actress will appear in town for the third time in three years at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 22. And as she did in 2007 and 2009, Andrews will again be gracing the stage at the Tivoli Theatre.

"She does love the Tivoli because it's a beautiful theater; she was delighted," said Candy Purdom of Anderson's Bookshop, which is sponsoring the appearance.

"She must feel comfortable coming here. We credit the customers being intereted in the program and supporting the events."

Prior to her Downers Grove appearances, which are being held in conjunction with the debut of her books, "The Very Fairy Princess" and "Poems, Songs & Lullabies," Andrews also appeared three times in Naperville, again under the sponsorship of Anderson's.

"She has been here because our store has a good reputation and (owner) Becky (Anderson) knows her from book events," Purdom said.

This year, Andrews will discuss her books and career, and also take questions from the audience, Purdom said. There will be no signing line although books will be signed in advance. This is to allow for a presentation of one of Andrews' most popular films, "The Sound of Music," which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.

While the store sold a lot of tickets over the weekend, there are still some available, Purdom said. Patrons can choose from "The Very Fairy Princess" at $25 and "Poems, Songs & Lullabies" at $33.