The Who’s Tommy: Performing Wizards

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Performing Wizards

By Elizabeth Rinde

It is surprising how one can be so entertained by observing the abuse of a catatonic child. On Saturday, I went to see Southwest High School’s production of The Who’s Tommy. For those who are not familiar with the popular British band from the 60s and 70s, The Who released their rock opera album in ’69 which was later turned into a movie in ’75. The story starts at the beginning of the Second World War when a young couple conceives a child. The husband is sent off to fight while the wife, Mrs. Walker, is left to take care of her child at home. When the husband is reported to be missing in action, Mrs. Walker finds comfort in a new lover. Returning to the family he lost during the war, the husband finds his wife with the lover and in the heat of the moment, murders the man in front of his young son, Tommy. Escaping into a catatonic state, Tommy is haunted by the event he witnessed and without success tries to reach out to those around him for help through the emotional chaos he feels inside. Symbolically, he searches for himself through his reflection and grows to succeed at controlling the only thing he can; the contained chaos of a pinball machine.

Filled with budding talents, the cast offered strong dance numbers, focused acting, and gorgeous voices. Reflecting the sorrows of his character’s past, Eric Heltemes (Tommy) grimly stared at his younger self and sang passionately about his desperation to be free from silence. With motherly worry under her brow, Meredith Casey (Mrs. Walker) offered a beautiful tone that grabbed my attention. The chorus kept a moving undertone and collectively added to the symbolic chaos of Tommy’s memories. During the “Pinball Wizard” they threw out wide, synchronized movements. Although, the singing was lovely, the actors consonants were not stressed enough to be understood over the talented rock pit. Even so, the majority of the plot was understood through their remarkable acting. Technical elements are the key to a superior production. Maybe it was written in the script to add dramatic effect, but Sam Gaines’ mic (Minister) was echo-y and thus caused his words to be lost in the walls of the auditorium. Another problem with sound, Natalie Young’s mic (Specialist) did not turn on and her diagnosis of Tommy was silenced (no pun intended). That being said, the lighting was artistic and significantly added to the grim atmosphere of the performance. Spotlights from overhead were cast down to dramatically showcase the Tommys while hiding their faces and cool-coloured textured gels accented the nightmarish scenes. However, it would have been nice if a spotlight was used to attract the audience to the main characters when they moved to the right side of the stage.

Emma Alamo’s set was brilliant. She constructed a presence that resembled a pinball machine and even incorporated steps that lit up when walked on. The mirror on stage left added a whole new depth to the performance since Tommy could observe his future and past self through it. The effect however would have been more moving to the left side of the audience if it was angled a bit more towards the center.

Although highly symbolic and difficult to understand at times, Southwest captivated me until the very end. I do still wish that I was able to understand what they were singing most of the time, and that they lit the sides of the stage more. This production could still be smoothed out in a number of areas, but it is worth the time to see it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves rock, a great pit, or enjoys psychology.

Elizabeth Rinde writes on behalf of Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Critical Review student reviewer program, which gives Metro-area high school students the opportunity to attend and review touring Broadway productions, SpotLight Musical Theatre Program events, workshops to develop writing skills, and other opportunities depending on availability. Critical Review teaches communication skills and enhances critical thinking and creative response. As part of Critical Review, students receive study guides and press kits before the show, learn from experts including local theatre critics, playwrights and actors who teach workshops in lighting design to choreography, and in some cases, have expanded access to the Broadway touring cast and crew.

Drive Safe!

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By Jessica E.

With icy roads and slippery streets, the thought of driving is more nail-biting than the action itself. Although the number of car fatalities have gone down this past year, there is still room for the number to drop to zero. Teens and young adults are the most likely to end up in a car accident this winter season, but simple guidelines to keep in mind while driving can help to significantly lower the risk of an accident. One of the easiest and “no cost to you” prevention tips is to always wear a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt can cut your chances of ending up badly hurt, or dead in an accident, by a staggering 50%. Another thoughtful tip is to slow down. Since roads are currently covered with a thin veil of sleet and ice, trying to break at an intersection is almost impossible to do. Driving at slow and constant speed will allow more time to slow down when approaching a light and makes driving a lot less nerve-racking. Remember though, don’t drive so slowly as to get hit yourself, or provoke other drivers to road rage. The last prevention tip is to recognize weather conditions. If it’s snowing and the estimated fall in 1-2 feet maybe driving to the mall 20miles away isn’t such a good idea. Driving a car and having a license are a privilege that comes with a lot of responsibilities and part of that responsibility is being a safe driver; and not just for yourself, but every one else on the road too.

Dial M for Mad Acting Skills!

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By Liza P.

Dial M

As an exchange student from Ukraine, I was always interested in theatre, so Southwest became, literally, a paradise for me! I watch every play here, and I think it is something for school to be proud of! In Ukraine we don’t have a school theatre and it is very difficult for students to find an opportunity like this. I also admire the variety of shows in Southwest: each of them is different; there are comedies, dramas, musicals, etc.

A week ago I went to the blackbox to see the Dial ”M” for Murder”. If you didn’t see it, I’m very very sorry for you, because you lost a lot of fun and positive emotions. It was directed by amazing girls: Madelyn Stocking and Becky Novachek. The play was about Tony Wendice (Vicente Fernandez), who married his wife Margot (Gigi Rich) only because of her money and decides to murder her. He has every detail planned, but unfortunately, the murderer gets killed by the victim, and that’s where the story begins. To my mind, actors did a great job; Owen Lazur, Nathaniel Larson and Nash Meeker continue to please us with their tremendous acting, but I saw for the first time Gigi, Vicente, Genny and Elliot performing, and I can only say that it was marvelous! Watching the play, I felt like it was real life, and we were witnesses of their story. I want to thank everyone for directing, performing or taking part in play. It was awesome!

Do you enjoy watching your friends on the stage or are you just a big fan of theatre? Join theatre, then! Or at least don’t miss your chance to see the next show!

Senior Organizes Separate Winter Formal in Defiance to New Dance Policy

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Rejecting Southwest High School’s new grinding policy, senior Max Horn (17) coordinated an alternative winter formal called “Snowballz” February 1st with the help of a few friends. This idea was widely supported by the student body, as Horn sold nearly 400 tickets in one week, while student council’s winter formal sold half that number.

“What really motivated us to host Snowballz was how the students were feeling; we were hearing complaints all around school.  Hearing what those students had to say made us feel that someone needed to step in and make a dance that included everyone and every form of dancing, grinding or not,” explained Horn.  News of the party traveled quickly; in addition to Southwest, students from nearby schools South, Washburn, DeLaSalle, Edina, and Holy Angels purchased tickets.

Before long, school administration began noticing students eagerly handing over cash in the halls, since tickets were sold mostly on campus ground. Even though Snowballz was not plannes by any official Southwest organization, the event became closely affiliated with the school, raising the concern of parents and staff regarding Southwest’s reputation.

Principal Dr. Smith stressed his disapproval on the topic on his blog, “Two consenting adults in the privacy of their own choosing can do as they choose.  Sexual movements with some clothes on may not be sex in some definition…I think the behavior can be very degrading to both female and male.  In movements described as lap dancing or dirty dancing, the same actions would not be permitted on one’s leg by his or her favorite pet… Rubbing one’s private parts in public is not acceptable either by another or self.”

Organizing Snowballz was no easy feat, as venue after venue mysteriously canceled Horn’s event. On his principal’s blog, Southwest Catch the Wave, Dr. Smith posted under “Which Dance is Your Child Attending” on Sunday January 27, 2013: “So, as it should be, it is up to the families to decide the venues for their children… There is no problem with students and/or their families having parties and socials at any time.”

Determined to host the dance he promised, Horn found a last-minute venue at Safari Restaurant and Hall, a Somali restaurant on Lake Street. A few days after the party, the problem with the venues was eventually identified. “Although [Dr. Smith] said that it’s up to the families, he called the two previous venues and had them cancel the event, so it really wasn’t up to the families…We didn’t know it was him at first, but then he admitted it to [a student],” revealed Horn.

The main concern regarding grinding that most schools emphasize is that students may feel “pressured” into this type of dance. Because “everyone is doing it”, teenagers possibly sense the same peer pressure to grind as they would in a situation involving drinking. “People think grinding is this really inappropriate thing, but really what is going to happen to you—get pregnant? I doubt it. Besides, a guy will ask you to dance, and you can say no. He’s not going to just come up and start humping you,” commented an anonymous student.

Horn also considered safety reasons in addition to grinding as a factor of Dr. Smith’s dissatisfaction with the alternative dance. “The concerns he had about safety were none to worry about—we had over eight adults surrounding the dance floor including two police officers, two security guards, three bouncers, and the owner of the venue. But what really made this work was that every student that attended the dance was sober and respectful to the adults that were in attendance,” reassured Horn.

While deemed inappropriate by school faculty, perhaps the option of two different dances was the best solution for Southwest’s new dance policy. Students were able to make a decision about which dance to attend, and nobody was judged based on which one they chose.

“Expecting teenagers not to grind is unrealistic. Dance for our generation has changed,” commented sophomore Abby Eckhart. “Getting physically close to somebody is just more appealing than jumping up and down like 5th graders.”

Acknowledging the majority of the student body’s disappointment in the new grinding rule and the efforts of individuals like Max Horn to change it, Student Council may need to take the policy into reconsideration.

The majority of Snowballz’s profit was donated to Hallie Brown, a brave student fighting cancer.

Mathmania

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At Three O’clock classes at Southwest dismiss daily, but one hardy group of purple shirts with math puns continue to further their education and expand their minds. The southwest mathletes meet twice weekly with the always jolly Mr. McMayer and the ravishing Mr.Towne. Students who show up to this meeting of the minds are greeted with snacks, good company and challenging math problems.
“I came for the food, but stayed for the people” said a student who wished not to be named.
But math team isn’t all snacks and laughs, it is a serious challenge for students up to the task. With over 100 students participating the Southwest math team is one of the largest clubs in the school. The events in the meets include areas from all over the math spectrum including algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
“As coaches of the Southwest Math Team, we try to go further by encouraging as
many students as possible to participate in math team practices and events. While we certainly recognize that our academic club isn’t first on everyone’s list, we stand by our belief that many students will significantly benefit from the experiences we offer,” commented Mr. McMayer on his enthusiastic web page.
Though the Southwest math team seems to be a bunch of easy going math enthusiasts, when the competitions start they are changed into a merciless pack of number crunching wolves. They have no remorse for their competition, at the first meet of the year all 54 Southwest students participating scored at least one point.
So if are a math enthusiast, are in need of extra credit, or have some extra time after school the Southwest math team is a great choice for you. If you are interested, see Mr. McMayer in room 24.
By Gary DeFrance and Paul Peterson

 

2013 Oscar Predictions

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2013 Oscar Predictions.

 

It’s that time of year again. I don’t know about you guys, but whenever I see a movie, I try to guess if it’ll win an Oscar. So after sleeping through some awful movies and sitting on the edge of my seat for the good movies, I’ve composed a list of the films that I think could take home an Oscar.

Best Makeup and Hairstyling 

*The Hobbit; An Unexpected Journey

  • The Hunger Games
  • Les Miserables

Best Visual Effects

  • The Dark Knight Rises
  • Life of Pi
  • Snow White and the Huntsman

Best Costume Design 

  • Moonrise Kingdom
  • Les Miserables
  • Anna Karenina

Best Supporting Actress

  • Sally Field- Lincoln
  • Anne Hathaway- Les Miserables
  • Maggie Smith- The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Best Supporting Actor

  • Leonardo DiCaprio- Django Unchained
  • Alan Arkin- Argo
  • Robert DeNiro- Silver Linings Playbook

Best Actress 

  • Jennifer Lawrence- Silver Linings Playbook
  • Helen Mirren- Hitchcock

* Keira Knightley- Anna Karenina

Best Actor 

* Daniel Day-Lewis- Lincoln

* Hugh Jackman- Les Miserables

* Jamie Foxx- Django Unchained

Best Director

  • Ben Affleck- Argo
  • Ang Lee- Life of Pi
  • Steven Spielberg- Lincoln

Best Picture

*Les Miserables

*Silver Linings Playbook

*Argo

 

I could be completely wrong, though. ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ comes to theaters next week, and it’s expected to take an Oscar (if not several). Whatever happens though, this years host, Seth MacFarlane, will definitely make The Oscars interesting.

Black Hole Black Friday

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By Mady Taylor, Mikaela Amos, and Dayton Smith

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a day when many people get most of their Holiday shopping done. Many large stores and even small shops give out great deals on a large amount of their items. People believe that Black Friday is in fact the busiest shopping day of the year. It comes close, but the busiest is actually the Saturday before Christmas. However, with new spin off days such as ‘Small Business Saturday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’, the weekend after Thanksgiving is becoming shopper heaven, or hell.
The Super Target near Southdale opened at 9:00 pm Thanksgiving night. The line to get in was wrapped around the store going almost all the way up to 50th and France (two blocks away). At the Mall of America on Friday, stores opened at midnight, whereas Nordstroms waited until 8:00am to open. The people waiting to get in on the 2nd floor were furious when they heard the gates on the first floor opened before theirs.
A few years ago at a Walmart in New York, a security guard was trampled to death by impatient shoppers. In California at a Toy’s R US store two security guards pulled out rifles and shot each other. Many people are hospitalized from Black Friday incidents every year. As we walked through the mall we began to see more and more people who looked as if they might fall over from exhaustion.
However not everything on Friday is doom and gloom. There are, of course, the sales and doorbusters everyone is pining for. Hilarious shoppers: we actually saw people sleeping on the lounging chairs, and later, we saw a man dressed up as Waldo from the popular book, “Where’s Waldo?”. Many people take Black Friday very lightly, but others prepare for it so they can get in and out of the stores as quickly as possible. The point is America’s culture is materialistic and what could be a better way lament this idea, than a day devoted entirely to shopping. Some may find it strange, some may skip their thanksgiving dinner for the best doorbuster in town, and some simply don’t care but no matter who you are you will get sucked into the strange and very American tradition that is, Black Friday.

The Next Big Hit Songs

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As the end of 2012 nears, who will claim the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100? It has been a year of boy bands, new pop stars, and much anticipated releases. These are the songs you should learn now so you can tell your friends, “I liked it before it was popular and overplayed”.

Try – Pink

Some of Pink’s best songs are her non-partying ones. After the stunning music video for “Try” and jaw-dropping recreation of it at this year’s American Music Awards, the song will definitely stay on listeners mind’s. The message the lyrics send could make it the next big empowerment anthem, (But just because it burns/Doesn’t mean you’re gonna die/You’ve gotta get up and try, try, try).

This Kiss – Carly Rae Jepsen

2012′s rising star attempts her third hit in a row with “This Kiss”. Although it’s not as catchy as “Call Me Maybe”, it is still enjoyable. The song also shows a more mature side for the twenty-six year old. She’s gone from giving boys her number to desiring a kiss from them, (This kiss is something I can’t resist/Your lips are undeniable). Jepsen, surprisingly, has continued to prove she’s not going to be a one hit wonder.

Beauty And A Beat – Justin Bieber feat. Nicki Minaj

Even non-Beliebers will enjoy Bieber’s new collaboration with Nicki Minaj. His on and off again relationship with Selena Gomez can only help the song. Everyone has closely watched his live performances to see how Minaj’s rap, (“I gotta keep an eye out for Selener“), will be handled since their rumored split. Maybe the drama and catchy lyrics will be enough for Bieber to get his first number one song on the Hot 100.

I Found You – The Wanted

One Direction isn’t the only English boy band having a successful year in America. If you liked The Wanted’s “Glad You Came” then you’ll love their latest song. It has catchy lyrics and the perfect tune to dance to, just like their last hit (I was lost ’til I found you, you, you). As The Wanted gets ready for their first full length international album, due in 2013, “I Found You” is sure to be played frequently on the radio.

I Knew You Were Trouble – Taylor Swift

Swift’s latest song shows she has mastered the perfect blend of relatable lyrics and dubstep. It may appeal to a wider audience because many of her previous hits haven’t been dance songs. Her song has the best chance of reaching number one, because when the song was first released it entered at number three. Now that she’s doing promotion for the song and shooting a music video, “I Knew You Were Trouble” has a good shot at rising again.

Snow Days

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Snow days are infamously rare in the Minneapolis Public Schools. In fact, with the exception of December 13th and 14th of 2010, we have not had two consecutive snow days in recent history. December 2010 was only taken off because it was the fifth-worst blizzard in the history of Minneapolis. Even so, most of the government was pushing to have kids in school on the second day. Saint Paul’s Mayor Coleman, as well as many city residents, expressed annoyance at the second day, and some thought there shouldn’t have been any days off in the first place. Many expressed concern that outer-city people would think we’re “going soft.” While most students think these ideas are utter insanity, history does support having as few snow days as possible.

The last snow day we had before 2010 was in an entirely different millennium—in that half-forgotten time called the 1990s. In the winter of 1998-99, we did actually have another snow day—and even before that, we sometimes had even more snow days. However, they’re all very spread out between the years. Many people scoff and proclaim that the fact that we choose to live here means that we can handle the weather, whenever snow days are brought up more than a few times a century.

Actually, our history with snow days is pretty sad and badly documented. The policy is basically on a case-by-case basis, and while that may work for people who have no snow, up here in the north, it’s hardly the case that we don’t know what we can handle and what we can’t. It would be much more efficient and easy to communicate if we at least had some guidelines: ‘If it’s less than seventeen feet and negative thirty-five degrees, complain bitterly but stay home; if less than six inches and higher than six degrees, go to school.’ Isn’t that easier? Overall, our policies could use just the slightest bit of tweaking…and maybe some loosening. Just a little.

Horoscopes

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Horoscopes:

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Your friends tease you about that ridiculous shirt you own, but they’re really just jealous. Keep wearing it.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Your ex that you keep running into is going to be miserable when he/she sees how happy you are without him/her! ;)

Gemini (May 21 – June 20): You’re usually an indecisive person, but you’ll have to make some important decisions soon. Mentally prepare yourself.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22): You’ve been feeling a little self-conscious lately. Channel your inner Beyoncé.

Leo (July 23 – August 22): You know if you have to get that homework done eventually. Grab some coffee and get to it.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22): It’s the perfect time to try something new – a haircut, a new job, or a complete makeover!

Libra (September 23 – October 22): Ice cream can solve all of your problems… for one night, anyway.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): If you get any more stressed, your hair is going to start falling out. Try yoga.

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Your family has been bugging you lately, so get out of the house for a while. When you come back, they won’t be as annoying.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): You usually like to live on the safe side, but we all need a sense of danger in our lives sometimes. Find yours.

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): The power of listening to uplifting music when you’re sad is amazing.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Something you did a long time ago is going to come back and bite you on the butt. You know what I’m talking about.