pagetwelve AROUNDTOWN Dirty Dancing musically stuns audience energetic dancing, dynamic singing and vital acting that will Extraordinary performances include Penny Johnson’s (Britta wwZoe Ljubic entertain every theatergoer. Lazenga) phenomenal dual dance ensemble with Castle and the Editor in Chief Dirty Dancing is a classic story of two independent young breathtaking Houseman/Castle finale to “Time of Your Life.” The Cadillac Palace Theater has taken full advantage of its spirits, Frances “Baby” Houseman (Amanda Leigh Cobb) and These two ensembles easily draw the attention of audience large and beautiful scenery in the staging of the Broadway- Johnny Castle (Josef Brown), from two different worlds, who members with their energetic and well-choreographed dance to in-Chicago musical Dirty Dancing. Dirty Dancing involves come together in the most challenging and glorious summer of strong upbeat music. their lives. Cast members perform Cast members perform many musical dance numbers that sensational dance numbers to heart- involve fast-paced music with sexy dance moves to make Dirty pounding music to tell the story of Dancing a success. Another upside of the production is the the Housemans’ summer vacation scenery. The simple background quickly adjusts to the correct in 1963. backdrop of the current scene allowing theatergoers to envision Dirty Dancing involves an themselves apart of the show. engaging plot of heartbreak While some might criticize director James Powell for his and emotion among characters. slavish devotion to the film, this reviewer found that to be one of Although the show features a few the play’s strengths. cheesy pick-up lines and over-the- The only negative aspect of what was an otherwise delightful top sarcasm, the breathtaking evening can regards the configuration of the commodious dancing and emotional love ties call Cadillac Palace. Theatergoers who, like this reviewer, end up for an entertaining show. sitting in the balcony may have trouble viewing each angle of The wonderful stage setting the stage. and hit songs leave theatergoers This minor annoyance notwithstanding, Dirty Dancing exceeds satisfied. Choreographed dance expectations. Cast members’ easy acceptance of one another in numbers impressed audience conversations and extraordinary dance numbers make Dirty members, as evidence by the smiles Dancing a musical lovers of the theatre do not want to miss. on the faces of most attendees. Splashes of humor, including a ludicrous hula dance number by Lisa Houseman (Katlyn Carlson), Dirty Dancing lightened up the sometimes somber mood of the show. The Dirty Dancing cast’s performance leaves audience The Cadillac Palace Theater members emotionally attached to characters. It does not surprise this reviewer that during Castle’s departure scene, an audience member or two was seen with tears rolling down his/her cheeks. Bees does not suceed as a tear-jerker
film wants to focus on the lives of the women rather than wwChristine Mahoney the relevance of bees. Copy Editor At any rate, the film crawls like a wingless wasp. In spite of the beautiful scenery and lessons to be learned, The Secret Life of the Bees, adapted to the silver screen by the movie becomes a trite yawn-worthy, stereotyped director Gina Prince-Bythewood from the best-selling book chronicle of oppressed blacks determined to break barriers by author Sue Monk Kidd, is a tear-jerking story chock-full of by mothering a needy, color-blind white child, sort of a syrupy sweet and maudlin moments that alternate in annoying reverse Diff’rent Strokes. Although the subject matter fashion. Although the movie deals with themes of child abuse, tends to be painful, each bitter moment is drizzled with racism, death, and acceptance, any lessons to be learned are lost, sweet honey so as not to offend the taste buds. Meant to as the movie leaves the audience with a sickly sweet taste in its be sentimental, the dramatic on-cue crying, heartwarming collective mouth. hugs and overtly emotional scenes only serve to make The film is burdened down by melancholy stories that bring the audience uncomfortable, and Prince-Bythewood and characters together. The movie begins by viewing the world Monk’s uninspired screenplay results in unconvincing through the eyes of a helpless Lily, played by Dakota Fanning, performances by all the actors. watching a melodramatic fight between her parents. The scene In the end, the film buzzed around a weak attempt ends with a clap of a gun followed by Fanning’s voiceover, to be a saccharine-sweet and sentimental chick flick that which declares, stoically, that at four, she accidentally shot and should not have spanned an excruciating 1:50. This killed her mother. reviewer’s suggestion is that the next time Keys and The movie jumps 10 years, when an older, headstrong Lilly Latifah perform together, it should be in concert. is living with her abusive, drunk father T. Ray, played by Paul Bettany. T. Ray instills in Lily that her mother never loved her The Secret Life of Bees and forces her to kneel on dry grits—no, really—when she acts out. One day, Lily runs away with the African-American housekeeper Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson), who is beaten and Directed By Gina Prince Bythewood jailed after an argument with a group of white men on her way to register to vote. The two of them wander the countryside to find themselves in a town called Tiburon, where three black women named August (erstwhile rapper Queen Latifah), June (miscast singer Alicia Keys) and May (Sophie Okonedao) befriend them. The three sisters possess very different personalities. The eldest, August, who tends to the bees, is one of limitless wisdom and generosity. Her motherly persona makes it such that everyone in her presence— including the bees— experiences immediate calm. June, who plays the cello, is the beautiful, intelligent sister, who, at first, is opposed to sheltering the two runaways. May, the youngest of the trio, is the childlike sister who is so profoundly overwhelmed by the world’s burdens that her sisters build her a “wailing wall” where she can finish her cries. As the film limps along, the women’s battles become more apparent but the ills of the world are no contest to the strength of the beehive. The film tries desperately to cross-pollinate the importance of female power and insect life in a cumbersome battle that makes the theme of bees all the more unnecessary. Frequently, the audience feels a stinging sense of how much the pageten AROUNDTOWN Bliss entertains teens with chilling novel Academy. Soon, she discovers the rumor that of Liliana, she desires to become exactly like her. Myracle’s style is very easy to follow, and ww Hillary Lindwall a girl killed herself by jumping from the third Bliss sees that this could not possibly turn out her writing flows very well. Bliss is a light read, News/Wire Editor story window of one of the buildings. Bliss is well and begins to try to break off her friendship mostly because of the action that occurs and especially rattled by this story because she has with Sandy because of her obsession. short chapters. Myracle also includes several been hearing a bone-chilling voice in her head The climax of the story occurs at the end of journal entries between chapters, which add a Upon discovering that Bliss is a horror novel whenever she has approached the building. Not the novel at the winter dance, at which Sandy sense of mystery to the story. about a teenage hippie, a reader may seem wanting to make a bad first impression on her wishes to perform a ritual in which Bliss is Also, her narrative structure is easy to follow. skeptical concerning the nature of the story. newly acquired friends, sacrificed in order to resurrect Liliana. The The reader does not get lost because of a plot Taking place in the late 1960s she decides that telling this denouement is unsettling and includes suspense, that jumps around or occurs at different times. and early 1970s, this unique secret would not be very horror, action and death. Rather, Myracle creates a rather linear style, topic about which Lauren wise. Myracle chooses to set the book in a unique which makes Bliss a pressure-free, simple read. Myracle writes immediately In addition to her new era, heretofore virtually unexplored in young Although the book contains many positive grasps attention. A prequel friends, Bliss befriends the adult fiction, which immediately causes interest. elements, many of the main characters are to Myracle’s book, Rhymes loner of her grade, Sandy, The novel’s verisimilitude is enhanced by the unlikable, making for a less enjoyable read. with Witches, Bliss serves because of a good deed inclusion of actual historical figures and social Also, the ending of the book is very dissatisfying as a chilling depiction of a that she witnessed her events of the time such as racism and the Tate- and leaves the reader feeling unfulfilled and story that includes secrecy, perform. Bliss and Sandy LaBianca murder trials. The Tate-LaBianca depressed. death, social topics of the share many ideas that Bliss murders were one of the most controversial These drawbacks aside, at 444 pages, Bliss time, power struggles and formed while raised on crimes of the 70s. Many people were slaughtered is an easy, entertaining diversion. It is a nice typical teenage issues. the commune and quickly by Charles Manson and his followers, including change from the typical teen novel. Myracle’s Bliss Inthemorningdew, become very good friends. the pregnant wife of famous, expatriate movie quirky style and chilling ideas engage the a teenage hippie who The plot begins to get director Roman Polanski. reader. Bliss is a good book for someone who previously lived on a unnerving when the story Between each chapter, there is a black page is looking for a deviation from the ordinary and commune, has just moved of Liliana, the girl who with a quote from either the Andy Griffith Show wishes for a suspenseful story full of twists and in with her grandmother in died at Crestview, becomes or a social event or song lyric from the time. turns. Atlanta, GA. Her hippie increasingly vivid. Her Each quote gives an idea of what the next parents have left her there fascination with blood and chapter will hold. Myracle uses a lot of 1970s in order to explore Canada. sacrifices creates a chilling slang throughout the dialogue of the story, Bliss Bliss, who has never portrayal of Liliana’s such as “groovy” and “far-out.” This gives the attended a real school before, is thrust into strange viewpoints. book a playful spin while also lending an air of private school life by her grandmother. After Sandy becomes fascinated by the story authenticity. Lauren Myracle Bliss begins school as a freshman at Crestview Mediocre food of Tapas Las Ramblas falls short extremely sweet, but delicious nonetheless. is recommended. w Naomi Prale If one wants a more American dessert, the Overall, the restaurant had a comfortable w Around Town Editor pumpkin cheesecake ($6) is an exceptionally atmosphere with mediocre food, and exceptional sweet dessert that gave the meal a sweet ending. desserts. A creamy, soft texture gives the cheesecake a The restaurant is located at 5101 N. Clark For those diners who want to challenge light and comfortable taste. St., a half hour drive from Skokie on a Saturday their taste buds with a different kind of cuisine, Dessert was by far the highlight of the night. Call (773) 769-9700 for reservations. Andersonville’s Tapas Las Ramblas would meal, ironic considering that the restaurant’s seem to the place for adventurous diners. ostensible claim to fame is its tapas. Upon entering the restaurant, one notices This reviewer’s server was friendly and the bright, multicolored walls, which give a Tapas Las Ramblas constantly checked up on the table making sure friendly impression. The restaurant is dimly everything was in order. All dishes arrived on lit with Chinese lanterns hanging in the dining time and were presented elegantly. room and bar. Tapas Las Ramblas was not crowded on Although the restaurant is known for its 5101 N. Clark Street, Chicago this Saturday night, but the restaurant’s website, Spanish tapas (small portions akin to appetizers) www.tapaslasramblas.com, indicates that it is the atmosphere and décor of the restaurant crowded on some nights and that a reservation Photo by Naomi Prale do not necessarily appear to be Spanish, one of a number of contradictions at Tapas Las Ramblas. Once settled, it is time to choose from the Midnight Club takes new twist on racing games menu, which has a wide variety of hot and cold tapas dishes, salads, paella and dessert. The racing (this is a Rockstar game, after all). If the Midnight Club offers a variety of cars. They w Rexly Penaflorida player causes an accident while racing or is seen dishes offered range from seafooods, to meat w fall under the categories of tuners, muscles and to vegetarian dishes. Although a bit expensive, Managing Editor breaking the law, (s)he has the option of pulling exotics. The cars are great, and some cars, such Tapas Las Ramblas offers a wide variety of over and getting a ticket or running from the as the Saleen are a must-have, but there are not a dishes. Although Rockstar Games is best known lot of cars available. In total, there are only 30 The Spanish/Mexican tapas did not make a big for the disturbingly graphic Grand Theft cars available, much fewer than similar games impression on this reviewer. Cold dishes (tapas Auto series, the video game manufacturer has such as Gran Turismo 5: Prologue, which has frias) range $4-9. Hot dishes (Tapas Calientes) released a new, less violent game that targets about 60-70 cars. range from $4-10. The limited portions make it auto racing fans instead of wannabe thugs. Compensating for the limited variety, the a good idea to order a bunch of tapas plates, and Midnight Club Los Angeles brings a new customizing options are numerous. Everything share the dishes with friends. experience to the racing franchise and is sure in each car can be customized. From the doors, The tortilla espanola con ensalada ($5) looks to keep players up for hours. to the rims and the seats, the possibilities are like a slice of pie. It is creamy, with potato and The main character is a driver from the endless. Players can even have customized set onion in the middle. The somewhat tasty dish Midwest who comes to Los Angeles to race. of vinyls for their cars. is accompanied by flavorful and spicy tomatoes From that point on, the player competes in a Los Angeles is a big city, and Rockstar that balance out the cool flavor of the omelet. multitude of races to reach the top rank of City Games has done a great job in reproducing The champinones relleno, ($6) or stuffed Champ. the city. Every landmark is where it should mushroom caps with spinach, garlic and The game play is something to be admired. be in real life. Even the map in the menu manchego cheese give a warm, tasty flavor. The diversity of the races, ranging from a screen shows an accurate, three-dimensional The mushrooms arrive in very hot sets of four. traditional waypoint race to a car delivery rendering of the the nation’s second largest Unfortunately, the mushrooms during this visit contest, keeps the controller in the player’s city. were extremely bland. hands. At one time, there can be 10-15 races From racing cars to delivering them, Another hot tapas; solomillo a la plancha available, which offers great variety. However, Midnight Club: Los Angeles is sure to please ($10) contains grilled prime beef tenderloin the length of the races is a bit too long, and race-loving gamers. with a blue cheese sauce. Despite the sauce, the some races are actually tournaments which dish lacked favor. consist To finish off the meal, the diner can choose of three races. Midnight Club Los Angeles from a small variety of desserts, ranging $4- The opponents are relentless. They will do cops. The latter of the two choices is the harder 6. The peres al vino ($6) is a pear completely anything to keep the player from finishing in one because if the player hits a wall or a car, drenched in a raspberry sauce, with a scoop first place. If that were not challenging enough, police immediately corner the player so there is Multiple Systems of vanilla ice cream on the side. The sauce is there are also police looking for illegal street no chance of escape. pageten pageeleven
WestWord Bosstones save disapointing concert
create a mixture of genres, including punk and saying that this year’s Riot Fest had the most to sing along with him. Bridget jazz. After three high energy numbers from “punk” and “hardcore” fans the band had ever At Riot Fest however, Herrara was nowhere their current CD (Black and White), their first seen. With that, they left everyone screaming to be found. The Casualties hit the stage with ww Van Der Bosch since 2002, they finished their set with an old and cheering. They were the best band of the a different singer fronting the band. Not only Staff Writer favorite “Beer” off their self-titled sixth disc. evening. was he uncharismatic, he did not even know the Not surprisingly, the crowd went nuts. After yet another interlude of boring, correct lyrics to all of the songs. Many were Imagine spending an entire day in a concert Several no-name bands followed, inspiring anonymous, talentless posers, this reviewer disappointed at the mere fact that The Casualties hall filled with the faux punks, sporting bright boredom, before Boston’s ska veterans, The hoped that The Casualties would rouse her didn’t play some of their most loved songs, such green and red Mohawks, studded belts and two- Mighty Mighty as “On the Front Line,” preferring to play sizes-too-skinny jeans, sitting and watching the Bosstones took the new material from an as-yet-unreleased same old no-name bands. That was Riot Fest stage for an extended album (perhaps featuring the new lead in a nutshell. set. Best known for singer). New music is usually a good Taking place on the weekend of Oct. 10- “The Impression That thing from The Casualties, but a lot of the 12, Riot Fest hit Chicago with a bunch of the I Get,” the multiracial fans did not appreciate not knowing any biggest names in punk, ska and many other band employs of the songs they played. The Casualties punk sub-genres. Riot Fest consisted of over elements of both third were the biggest disappointment of Riot 30 bands at five different venues. On Sunday, wave ska (also known Fest 2008. Oct. 12, this reviewer went to Congress Theater as Jamaican ska) Other bands performing at Riot at 11:30 a.m. to see the grand finale of the punk and hardcore punk Fest included the HorrorPops, ALL, mayhem in Chicago. to create a sound all Leftover Crack, Violent Thorr, Paint it The first band that caught this reviewer’s their own. Playing Black, Teenage Bottlerocket, and many attention was the ska-punk band Mustard Plug. for almost two hours, more, nearly all of which were utterly The obscure band from Detroit rocked the stage the band never forgettable. and pumped up the crowd for a too-short 30 missed a beat. With Next year’s Riot Fest better be a lot minutes. both the audience and the band “skanking” (a from her torpor. I had seen them many times more impressive than this year. Without The Although scheduled to perform only five dance created specifically for ska music), the previously and was very excited because they Mighty Might Bosstones saving the evening, Bliss songs and although their set was much shorter Bosstones played exciting and upbeat songs had an unusual stage presence for a hardcore this concert was one mob short of a riot. than most of the other bands, Mustard Plug such as “Another Drinkin’ Song” off Let’s Face punk band. Although their music is harsh and really got the audience on their feet and played a It and “Mr. Moran” and “Sugar Free,” from the lyrics are political and cynical, the lead Riot Fest Lauren Myracle fast-paced, energetic show. Opening with “Mr. their 2002 album A Jackknife To A Swan. singer, Jorge Herrara, had an inviting stage Smiley,” a song off their second album, The Big By the end of the Bosstones’ set list, almost presence. He would always talk to the audience, Daddy Multitude, band members showed off the entire crowd was dancing—and sweating. explaining what the songs The Casualties were their skill and emphasized their use of brass to Frontman Dickie Barrett ended the set by singing meant to him and always inviting people Congress Theeater Dream Reapers does not deliver scary horror
w Sarah Espinosa certain voyeuristic appeal. one encounters killjoy clowns with w Sports Editor However, since the coffin was the only gruesome make up that will do little diversion at the beginning of the line there is but scream in one’s face. In certain Halloween should be a time for terror. A not much else to do. On this balmy evening, rooms the attempt to stimulate haunted house should be something that would patrons’ boredom turned their attention to the horror was pathetic, especially the Tapas Las Ramblas makes its visitors run around screaming or jump heat. pink “blood” dripping from the every left and right turn. It was about 80 degrees inside the air walls, the sweet smell of which Unfortunately, this reviewer went to Dream conditionless environment, with only one made this reviewer suspect that it Reapers in Melrose Park with such high large fan in the back of the structure. The was food-colored syrup. 5101 N. Clark Street, Chicago expectations—and came away disappointed. fact that the haunted house was crammed with Overall, Dream Reapers might A 30-minute drive from Skokie, Dream approximately 65 sweaty strangers all close entertain and frighten those aged 12 Reapers is (thankfully) inexpensive, only $15 together turned out to be the most frightening and under, making them hold onto per person, excluding the tolls, the only good experience of the evening. someone while they close their thing about it. Farther along in the line, there is a place to eyes, but for adults and teens, the During an excruciatingly dull 45 minutes to take a free photo for which one can buy a frame 15-minute, not-so-haunted house get inside to the haunted house, Dream Reapers along with other memorabilia at the end of the and is not worth the wait nor is it Photo Courtesy of DreamReapers.com does provide entertainment while waiting. A tour. worth the drive. lady in skeleton-like make up locks customers Once inside, patrons are forced to watch a Nevertheless, those who seek a in a coffin for four minutes $3 for one or $5 with five-minute safety procedure video on a large Halloween diversion other than egging windows Dream Reapers a friend. screen. After the safety lesson, one rides in a might want to check out Dream Reapers, which The coffin has a camera inside that allows bumpy and boring elevator to the second floor will still be open tonight and tomorrow night, the other house customers to see the person’s for the first “fright” of the evening, an unoriginal, 7-11 p.m. Dream Reapers is located at 1945 1945 Cornell, Melrose Park reaction on a large television, which lends a cemetery-like room. Moving through the house Cornell, Melrose Park. Foreign Exchange’s new album focuses on love and relationships
geography since Nicolay became a resident of dissatisfy some, fans can now gain further indeed rapping as opposed to singing. w Christine Mahoney North Carolina, but much farther from their introspection to his persona and views of love. Each song on the album shares a story w Copy Editor hip-hop roots. The duo’s sophomore album The album walks through different stages of about different aspects of relationships. channels Phonte’s love and relationships— Nicolay developed a sound exclusive to FE by Any Hip-hop junkie longing for a sound other R&B crooning alter as does any R&B incorporating spacey string arrangements, jazz than the formulaic commercial music heard ego, Percy Miracles, LP— but Phonte still horns and electronica keyboard to provide a on the radio would greatly appreciate Foreign while showcasing shines through with dreamy, memory-evoking, laid-back feel. Exchange’s (FE) sophomore effort Leave it All Nicolay’s genre-defying amusing lyrics on “All Overall, the album proves to be a refreshing Behind (LIAB). talent. In comparison or Nothing/ Come relief from the whiny vocals and meaningless The group was formed when North Carolina- to Connected, LIAB Home to You,” when lyrics coming through the radio waves. In fact, based artist Phonte and Holland-based producer employs a darker sound he whimpers, “Did you LIAB is just the opposite. Fruitful of real life Nicolay came together in 2002 via hip-hop and more mature lyrics really have to say that passion and kick back rhythms LIAB emits a online community, www.okayplayer.com. After that lend themselves to you gon’ leave me/ Just feel good mood and soul. After a listen, one exchanging files through e-mail and instant Phonte’s surprisingly ‘cause I undressed and may become hooked on FE, and as for other messenging for over a year before meeting, wide range of vocals. left my clothes on the music, leave it all behind. their debut album Connected was released in Upon first listen, one floor?” Midnight Club Los Angeles 2004 to the praise of legendary DJs, such as who knows (and loves) Allthough Phonte’s Leave it All Behind Jazzy Jeff, King Brit and DJ Spinna, for its Phonte’s quirky humor, singing is quite innovative, seamless blend of hip-hop, R&B would be disappointed to hear him giving in to impressive, the two songs on which he raps Multiple Systems and electronica. a sweeter, sometimes sappy persona. Though leave the audience yearning for more. This is LIAB brought FE members much closer in the absence of Phonte’s comical musings may when the audience realizes that his strong suit is The Foreign Exchange pagethirteen
WestWord just watch me
find the right track Join us for our Spend a day with us to… s Take a campus tour of Roosevelt’s Chicago Campus Visit Day for Campus in the heart of downtown s Learn more about admission, High School Students scholarships and financial aid Saturday, December 6 s Check out student housing—including 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. University Center residence hall Chicago Campus - 430 S. Michigan Ave. s Join us for lunch to meet with Roosevelt students and faculty For more information: 1-877-APPLY RU www.roosevelt.edu/visitdays [email protected]