School of Music prescribes romantic 'Elixir'
With the opening of the new opera theater in downtown Detroit, it is clear that there is a renaissance currently taking place in the operatic community. New, younger talent continues to grace the major opera stage, while the stereotypical image of the stuffy evening at the opera is slowly being changed with the help of new directors who put inventive spins on old classics.
One such director is School of Music faculty member Joshua Major. Following the success of the two comic one acts presented last spring, Major has chosen to open the University's 1996-1997 "Power Series" with Italian composer Donizetti's light-hearted romance "L'Elisir d'Amore" ("The Elixir of Love"). The show runs this weekend at Power Center.
'Buffalo' stampedes into theaters
Based on David Mamet's critically acclaimed work of the same title, "American Buffalo" plays very much like a stage production on screen. Its emphasis is on dialogue and it relies on the skills of the lead actors - in lieu of an action-laden plot - to move the story along. Unfortunately, this clumsy adaptation features a stagnant script and an inappropriate cast that prevents the film from ever getting off the ground.
Former political editor comes to 'U'
Andrew Sullivan, former editor of The New Republic, has created some controversy in his time, but those expecting to find side-show style hype in his first book, "Virtually Normal: A Politics of Homosexuality," (Vintage Books) will be sorely disappointed.
Sullivan, the youngest editor ever of the venerable political journal, doesn't shy away from publicity. He appears on national news programs such as "Crossfire," posed for a Gap ad and his dismissal / resignation (choose one) from The New Republic caused commotion earlier this year. Sullivan's arguments in favor of gay rights, however, are anything but sensationalistic.
Flecktones put some spunk into Ypsi
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones thrive on variety. This much is evident in their performance, in which they embrace elements of folk, jazz, bluegrass and international traditions, just to name a few. Even judging by their instrumentation - banjo, bass and Synth-Axe Drumitar, an electronic drum synthesizer - the Flecktones aren't easy to categorize. They're just easy to enjoy, as evidenced by their performance Sunday at Eastern Michigan University's Pease Auditorium.
Diverse participants to read at Writers Harvest
This year's fifth-annual Writers Harvest reading should stand out from its predecessors, due to the diversity of its participants. Like other University readings, it is part of the Visiting Writers Series sponsored by the Hopwood Awards Program. However, this event is sponsored by the Share Our Strength organization and is a benefit for hunger relief.
Seattle poet to read at Shaman Drum
Seattle-based poet Emily Warn weaves a series of complex themes associated with Jewish history, as well as universal truths about history, faith, God and language in her new book, "The Novice Insomniac" (Copper Canyon Press). Warn will read at Shaman Drum at 8 o'clock this evening.
Spike & Mike shoot into Michigan Theater
Tuck in the kids, leave grandma at home and check your inhibitions at the coat room - the notorious annual celebration of sex, violence and bad taste, "Spike & Mike's Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation," has steamrolled into the Michigan Theater.
Luscious ladies hit Detroit
With their own unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, rock, pop and almost any other genre imaginable, the members of Luscious Jackson are back with their second full-length release "Fever In Fever Out." Those only familiar with their contribution to the "Clueless" soundtrack (the disco tune "Here") might be surprised how much more there is to the band besides disco diva-ism. In fact, one of Luscious Jackson's main strengths lies in their inability to get categorized into one musical genre.
Another Ex-Breeder goes solo
It's not easy being a Breeder. Being a member of the Dayton, Ohio, band that is. With sisters Kim and Kelley Deal delving off onto their own solo projects (Kim with the Amps and Kelley with the Kelley Deal 6000), not to mention Kelley's drug arrest last year, the status of the Breeders as a band has been less than stable to say the least. It's no surprise then that Breeders bassist Josephine Wiggs decided to release her own solo project this year as part of The Josephine Wiggs Experience.
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11-14-96