leave the cliffs notes behind--theatre co. does

Above, the cast of Moby Dick: The Musical takes to the stage acting and singing their parts in this play within a play production.

a different kind of

MOBY dick

By Sharon Twickler

Above top, the cast scrambles to recover a fellow crew member that has gone overboard.

The words “Moby Dick” often conjure up images of a classic text, left dusty and untouched in libraries and mostly non-existent on students’ bookshelves. “Moby Dick: The Musical” is quite different, though, so discard any memories of dreaded English classes.

In fact, with this musical, the UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company offers a performance that’s sure to be entertaining. No CliffsNotes will be necessary to understand this rendition of the Melville classic.

Rather than focusing specifically on the tale of the hunt for a large whale, “Moby Dick: The Musical” has music, humor and a feminine touch.

Traditionally a male dominated story, the musical version is about an all-girls’ school that is closing due to financial trouble. A student decides to write a musical based on Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick” in order to save the school.

“Moby Dick” is the story of Captain Ahab and his crew and their hunt for the grand whale Moby Dick. Even without reading the book, most may be familiar with the famous first line, “Call me Ishmael.” Like in the book, one character serves as narrator of the story. However, in this upbeat version, the role is skillfully tweaked so this character becomes the student who composes the musical based on Melville’s work.

“Moby Dick: The Musical” will be the last production of the Theatre Company’s 40th year. Other shows recently performed include “Elektra,” “Urinetown,” “Into the Woods,” “A Midsummer Nights Dream” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.”

The company is mainly run by a board of seven members. However, participation is open to anyone interested. A knack for acting is not a must for involvement; helping with sets and other offstage work is necessary for making shows successful.

The cast is quite passionate about their work on each show and definitely gets into character. After “The Diary of Anne Frank,” they got in touch with their Jewish side. During a recent interview, they happily munched on matzos as they talked about how much fun they’re having with this production, the dancing in particular.

Even with all the death in the story, the singing and active dancing make it a very upbeat show. The audience won’t have to wait long for lively entertainment: The first act includes a tiki dance number.

If the dancing is sure to be entertaining for the audience, it was definitely memorable for the cast. Rosemary Larkin, the senior cast member said, “In general, us learning to dance is hilarious.” The rest of the cast agreed, saying it was especially hilarious “when Rosemary was trying to be sexy.”

This musical will be Larkin’s last show as a UMass Dartmouth student. Although she will become a community member next year and will continue to be an active participant, it will still be an emotional experience.

“Oh, she’s going to cry,” said fellow cast member Retha Charette.

Larkin described her time spent in the Theatre Company as great, especially the camaraderie. “We all kinda like each other a bit,” she said with a laugh.

And after getting a peek at this fun behind the scenes, no one will want to pass up on Theatre Company’s “whale of a tale.”

“Moby Dick: The Musical” will be performed in the Main Auditorium on April 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. and on April 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors, UMass Dartmouth alumni and faculty and non-UMass Dartmouth students; and $4 for UMass Dartmouth students. To reserve tickets, the UMass Dartmouth Theatre Company can be reached at 508-999-8167.

Above, Cast member Ryan Adams plays the part of a vessel the crew encounters during their voyage.

Above, Cast member Anne Shaughnessy plays the part of Starbuck, who confronts a stubborn Capatin Ahab (played by cast member Adam Wheeler).

Above, one of the more haunting scenes during the production.

SCREW THE ACADEMY

‘Grindhouse’

Making 70's sleaze fun

By Bronson Michaud

“Grindhouse” (2007)
Rated R for graphic violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, alcohol abuse and drug use.
Runtime: 191 min.

What a fun idea: two movies, one price.

Normally, that alone would draw my interest, but what makes it all the more intriguing for “Grindhouse” is the directors. Quentin Tarantino (“Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Kill Bill”) directs the madman thriller “Death Proof,” and Robert Rodriguez (“Sin City,” “Desperado”) directing his gory, simplified masterpiece “Planet Terror.”

I find writing this review difficult not due to the similarities between the two movies, but the vast differences both in story and directing.

In the 1970s, grindhouse theaters were rundown, scummy operations used to show low-budget exploitation films, which back then were found taboo, but today would just be considered normal.

Rodriguez and Tarantino go out of their ways to bring back the decrepit and poor cinematography of that age in this feature by making the movies scratchy in some parts and containing missing scenes. They even make their own trailers for future exploitation films such as “Machete” and “Thanksgiving.”

At first I was afraid that all of these efforts to bring back the sleaze of the ‘70s would be too much, but the directors did it perfectly, and it was just fun.

Rose McGowan stars in the first film, “Planet Terror,” as a pole dancer who gets her leg gnawed off by zombies who are victims of government experimentation led by Bruce Willis. Do not weep for McGowan just yet, though, because her boyfriend (played by Freddy Rodriguez) soon fixes her up nice with a machine gun limb capable of incredible feats of destruction.

The second film, Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” stars Kurt Russell as an ex-stuntman who lures women into the not so safe passenger seat of his car. After a few killings, Russell encounters a group of women who aren’t so keen to join him in the ride.

The acting in both of these movies was incredible and it seemed that everyone was having the time of their lives making the films.

All in all, while “Planet Terror” seemed to be the more “serious” of the two, “Death Proof” was a little too cheesy at times. Both movies were directed with masterful expertise and the cast was amazing. Hopefully these two deliciously depraved directors will team up and bring us another grindhouse double feature really soon.

I give this movie a 4.5 out of 5.

RECOMMENDING RHONDA

Things NOT to do and discovering nudism

By Recommending Rhonda

Since I am always recommending places for you to go to, books for you to read, music for you to listen to and restaurants you should eat at, I figured I’d try and shake things up a little bit this week and offer you a list of things you should not do. I decided to Google other “do not do,” “things not to do” and “do not recommend” lists to get an idea of what other people are not recommending.

I stumbled upon a wide array of interesting lists: “five things not to do when you leave your job”; the “Do Not Call” registry; “things not to do on a unicycle”; “things not to do before buying real estate”; “top ten things not to do in Iraq”; “things not to do nude”; and (my personal favorite) “reasons why you should not douche.”

Now, I was originally going to tell you some things you shouldn’t do this summer, such as: waiting until school is over and you’re back home to look for a job.

Go home three weeks before school is over for interviews and such. By the time you come back home for the summer, everyone whose college got out earlier than yours will have the jobs you so desperately need.

Yes, I realize that’s boring advice.

I was also going to tell you not to sunbathe in the nude (to avoid unmentionable sun burns); not to sleep in all day; and not to let your summer consist of work, getting trashed, sleeping in until you have to go to work again. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Yet, low and behold, cybernude.com/todonude.htm has inspired me. The website includes a list of things you should do naked, which includes: aerobics, baby-sit, CPR, eat, exercise, give birth, hang velvet Elvis paintings, play in the rain, talk on the phone and pray.

It also includes a column of activities where “you make the call,” which includes waterskiing, visiting the in-laws, blackberry picking and rock climbing (all of which are pretty random).

The website cybernude.com is actually a nudist website. Imagine that. The home page boasts a picture of a naked man and a naked woman waving to you, beckoning you into their world of nudism.

Scary? Maybe.

Hilarious? Definitely.

The site includes news and annoucements. One such news article is entitled “Beat the Drought: Shower Together.”

There is also an “Intro to Nudism” section on the site, which highlights “Why be nude?”; frequently asked questions; a “tour of nudism”; “beach etiquette”; “nudist/naturist terms”; and how to “Tell ‘em you’re a nudist!”

My personal favorite part of the website is entitled “fun stuff.”

There are “nude quotations,” which was just begging to be explored. There are encouraging, humorous, inspirational, religious and thought provoking quotes. I decided to check out the inspirational ones and found this jewel: “Beauty when most unclothed is clothed best.”

Aside from the quotes, there is nude poetry (ooh la la), nude comics, the things you can/can’t do nude and a nude chat (I was afraid to click on that link).

There are also a few other categories on the home page, such as upcoming events (nude running events...who knew?!) and a “links and stuff” section, which includes a link to free screensavers. (Exactly what I wanted for Christmas! Thanks, Santa!)

I’m sure you all can figure out what kind of things you shouldn’t do nude. I’m sure all of your lists are different, as some of you may be more comfortable with your inner nudist than others.

So my advice to you is this: do not visit cybernude.com unless you:

1.) are a nudist,

2.) think nudism is funny and want a good chortle,

3.) want to know more about nudism,

4.) are both repulsed and fascinated by nudism and, like any good rubbernecker who can’t turn away from the sight of a horrific car crash, feel the intense need to research and inspect every facet of nudism.

ASK LADY CORSAIR

Real relationship woes

Icky kissing and a nagging nuisance

By Lady Corsair

DEAR LADY CORSAIR: I have recently started seeing a charming young chap. We are not dating yet, but it seems to be heading in that direction. He is perfect except for one thing: he’s a bad kisser.

How do you tell someone they need to learn to kiss better without hurting their feelings? Is it worth trying a relationship if you don’t want to kiss your potential boyfriend because every time you do, all you can think about is a wet, sticky sponge? — KISSING CONUNDRUM

DEAR CONUNDRUM: Most people who are bad kissers don’t know that they are, so you’re going to have to tell your fellow he’s a terrible kisser.

But don’t be mean about it! Simply showing him what you like can do a world of wonders.

Guys are creatures who live to please in a relationship; they want to make sure that they are doing the right thing. So by telling him gently how you like to be kissed, you can really make the situation a lot better. And from there you can go on to show him...other things. Cheers!

DEAR LADY CORSAIR: My girlfriend and I have been going out for a few months now, and we are pretty comfortable with each other. The thing is she never, ever trusts me.

When I go out with friends, she is always calling me and asking where I am. It gets annoying, but I know that she is just worried.

I constantly tell her she is overreacting, but then she just gets emotional and angry. I love her but her actions are driving me crazy! Please help. — CONFUSED BOYFRIEND

DEAR BOYFRIEND: Any guy’s biggest pet peeve has got to be a nagging girlfriend.

It seems no matter what you do, you’re going to make her cry, right? One thing that can ease her worried mind is telling her where you’re going before you go, and with whom, so she doesn’t panic.

But there seems to be an underlying issue here — the fact that she doesn’t trust you. Have you done anything for her not to trust you?

If you haven’t done anything wrong, then I think you need to sit her down and let her know that her suspicions are unfounded and that she should trust you more. Try having a night of the week (or two) completely devoted to each other, so that next time you go out with your friends, she can’t complain. Hope this helps. Cheers!

Facing a problem? Need some guidance? Ask Lady Corsair! Send your e-mails to LadyCorsair2007@gmail.com to get some good, old-fashioned Corsair advice.

BOOK REVIEW

‘Cradle’ to grave no more!

By Dennis Braga

“Cradle to Cradle”
By William McDonough and Michael Braungart
North Point Press (2002)

As Earth Day approaches, there are sure to be many local environmental activities to get involved in. For those of you who would like to know more about our environment and ways in which you could really help clean it up, I would recommend the book “Cradle to Cradle” by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.

“Cradle to Cradle” offers environmental insight unlike any other book of its kind. In fact, there are no books of its kind — because it is not made from paper, but from plastic resins and inorganic fillers.

Co-authored by a chemist and an architect, this literary work expresses concern for the future as long as our “cradle to grave” approach still exists. The phrase “cradle to grave” is a metaphor for our wasteful society. It makes one aware of the fact that “more than 90 percent of materials extracted to make durable goods in the United States become waste almost immediately.”

More than a lesson on environmentalism, the book also briefly explains the history of the industrial revolution, and why it is responsible for current business operations.

The authors point out that in today’s society many environmentalists’ actions promote reducing, reusing and recycling our resources while the role of government in this field is to impose restrictions on businesses. While the intentions of both groups are good, the effect they are having is not to stop pollution altogether or to stop the negative effects on animal life, nature and ecosystems, but instead to slow it down.

At the core of this effort to conserve our environment and lead sustainable lives is a lesson on respecting diversity. The problems we have today do not fall solely on the shoulders of business and commercialism. They are problems created by humans, which requires a solution created by humans but one that reflects a connectedness with nature along with “an interdependent relationship to it.”

The final chapter of “Cradle to Cradle” lists “Five Steps to Eco-Effectiveness,” which outline solutions for the most important environmental problems facing us today.

This book does a fantastic job at keeping the reader engaged, and at the same time thinking about environmental practices “outside of the box.” It will teach you new things and reinforce those you already knew. Some of the best features of the book are the innovative ideas they express along with data and examples to back it up.

This book makes people aware of the world around them and encourages change for both unsustainable and outdated methods of operation. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in or dedicated to environmental change and everyone who falls in between.

Astonishing artisanry show at ArtWorks!

By Allison Reitz

On Saturday, April 14, people flowed out from the ArtWorks! gallery out onto the street. They were there at 384 Acushnet Ave. in Downtown New Bedford for the opening reception for the Artisanry BFA Senior Exhibition.

While some supporters mingled outside in the sun, the artists greeted other family members and friends who were there to see the students’ culminating works, which included textiles, fibers, metals, jewelry and ceramics. Nineteen students have their work on display, and the results of their years of study within the CVPA are almost as varied as the forms of media in which they work.

Upon stepping into the gallery, it was hard to tell which was more overwhelming: the number of people present or the number of works on display. Everyone seemed to have a different recommendation of what to see first and which works were their favorites. However, they all had the same praises for the artists and the exhibition as a whole.

Some of the works on display are utilitarian, such as Ashley Joyce’s series of stylish handbags. Joyce used screen-printing, embroidery, dyes and natural products like cherry wood and bamboo to fashion the bags. She uses bright colors and displays a variety of designs that would leave many women wanting one of her handbags in their own collections.

Melissa Beamer also had several practical works on display, though her textiles and fibers work often borders on whimsical. Whether it is her flowing dress, colorful handbags or screen-printed hand towels, Beamer’s work is delightful.

A master of whimsy within the artisanry department, Alexis Weglowski has some of the most charmingly unusual works on display. Her best works are her stuffed animals “Herbert and Horsefeathers” and “Housebroken Octopus.” Children and adults alike could not keep their hands off her enchanting creations.

Johanna Serino’s work has an interesting set-up: Her embroidered and screen-printed pillows and comforter are arranged like an actual bedroom. Serino’s work gives a comfy-cozy feel to the “bedroom,” while her color choices make the arrangement look young and stylish.

The multiple ceramic works of Marisa Finos also had visitors leaning in for a closer look — and interacting with the works. Made out of low-fire clay and blue acrylic paint, her works like “Head” and “Neck” put smiles on many faces. Multiple visitors could be seen comparing their own hands to the enlarged one of Finos’ sculpture “Hand.”

In the jewelry/metals department, Ai Masuzawa Davenport has some unique rings on display. With titles, such as “My family is everywhere USA, Japan and Australia” and “We are the best match,” each of Davenport’s creations told its own story. What would have otherwise been seen as innovative pieces of jewelry are instead chapters in a very personal story.

Though many of the works on display carry this strong sense of whimsy and narrative, works by a particular artist stand out for another reason.

The display of Sarah Anne Coggeshall’s artwork supplied a somber contrast to the whimsy and vibrancy of many other works in the exhibition. In memoriam of their late classmate, who tragically lost her life in a car accident earlier this year, the artisanry students filled a corner of the gallery with about a dozen ceramic pieces by Coggeshall.

An artist’s statement from Coggeshall is displayed nearby. It opens, “An inherent beauty exists in nature, with the way it organizes itself, its forms and structures, and within life cycles.”

In her statement, Coggeshall ends saying, “As an artist currently working with clay, I intend to draw attention to such patterns, textures, forms and structures by creating works that stimulate the viewers to investigate not only the artworks, but themselves and their relationship to the natural world.”

Her display of work certainly did attract close observation from the gallery’s visitors. Many onlookers read her statement and paused to reflect on the fleeting beauty of life.

Overall, the senior artisanry students’ exhibition is masterful and exhilarating. The show at ArtWorks! is a must-see for art appreciators within the UMass Dartmouth campus and community — and beyond.

The Artisanry BFA Senior Exhibition is on display at ArtWorks!. 384 Acushnet Ave., Downtown New Bedford, through April 28. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, from 12 to 5 p.m. Parking is available along the street and in the nearby Elm Street Parking Garage.