A Weekend Of Theater!

Last night, I saw the Ithaca College Music School/Theater Dept. production of “The Little Prince,” a two-act opera based on the children’s novella of the same name by Antoine de Saint-Exúpery. Tonight, I’m heading downtown to the Kitchen Theatre to review “Speech and Debate,” a dark comedy about three teenage misfits caught in a sex scandal. Needless to say, I love the weekends that I get to fill with the theater and I encourage you to do the same.

There’s so much out there in the Ithaca community to enrich and enlighten yourself with — no need to be in New York City to see quality theater. From main stage IC shows and the Kitchen Theatre to undergrounds and Kitchen Sink special performances, you might explode when you find out how many opportunities there are. So grab a ticket, get a buddy and head down to see a show or two this weekend, or shoot me an e-mail if you need help finding out what to do.

Check The Ithacan’s Theater Review section later this week for my reviews on both shows as well! If you go to “Speech and Debate” tonight, you’ll see me, so come and say hi. I’ll be the one with a tie and a reporter pad.

Blah, blah, blah, blah, bleh.

More music video updates, folks. Ke$ha. Blah, Blah, Blah. With a title like that, there’s not much room for success. And though she looks pretty cool while flying in the air and pretending to bowl in this video, the song, the product and the overall concept behind it is, well, Bleh, Bleh, Bleh.

It’s a blitzkrieg to the ear and needs some serious toning down for it to be a track I’ll actually stop to listen to on the radio. If anything, it’s hilarious to watch Ke$ha flop and flounce all over the screen, tormenting viewers with her boozy behavior. I swear this girl got famous accidentally, but for some reason I don’t think she’ll stop as a one-hit wonder. People seem to like this stuff. I sort of see where they are coming from. It’s rewarding and, dare I say, fun to let loose and act like you haven’t got a thought or care about you.

…..Nope. Sorry. I tried. There is no justification for this “artist.”

You Say You A Rude Boy…

Rihanna’s new video for “Rude Boy” is quite refreshing. It took me back to the ’90s, MIA’s epileptic-friendly Web site and Ri Ri’s Barbados roots. I hadn’t heard the track yet, so it was definitely a surprise when I saw that she released a video for it. Then again, she’s released a video for what, 4 songs off the “Rated R” album now? Not much of the video is comprised of actual scenic shots (except one that she shares with a zebra wearing a balloon headdress—say what?), which means someone just sat at a computer and hacked away at green screen shots. No crime there.

The song itself is pretty simple with a sprinkling of vulgarity, “Come here rude boy boy, can you get it up?/Come here rude boy boy, is you big enough?” but it’s catchy, makes sense and highlights Rihanna’s vocal strength. Check it below. I have it on repeat.

Tiger Woods

I haven’t blogged at all about Tiger Woods and his affairs. And there was a reason.

Again, the mainstream news media sensationalized on what was a truly disappointing act by an influential man. Questions like ‘What was he wearing to his press conference’ and ‘Who isn’t a mistress of Tiger’ were the bulk of what was spread across the mouths and keyboards of entertainment journalists covering the series of events leading up to Tiger’s public apology this morning, which was too rehearsed to seem sincere (I understand PR, but come on, you can do better than that, Tiger).

I am deeply disappointed in Tiger. It seems that for every role model for children and even adults, there is one who slips up. More importantly, one that slips up at the wrong place and the wrong time. Woods has always been perceived as a close to ‘perfect’ man. Golf star. Articulate. Attractive. Successful with a dash of arrogance. However, that is no excuse or get-out-of-crap-free card. It’s time for him to take responsibility for his actions. The same goes for the women who were involved. They are, by no means, the sole victims in the situation. Each were fully aware of what was happening and the implications of an affair.

Now that it has all been brought to the light of the media, the next steps are rebuilding relationships and rapport. As of now, Woods’ wife has yet to put her wedding ring back on, but is open to him mending his ways through future actions.

It’s a start.

Just. Watch.

“Somewhere in the English country side, in a stately manor home, Madonna is weeping.”

It’s been a while since I’ve heard a new Sue Sylvester one-liner and after spending the last few months watching Christopher Guest films in a sad attempt to quell the resistance going on in my Glee-less psyche, I can finally say that I’ve quenched a small inkling of my thirst. It’s not a new episode, but it’s something to hold me over…until the next promo.

Madonna would, actually, be proud.

Betty White on SNL

Betty White has always held a special place in my heart. As a juxtaposition to Elaine Stritch, another matriarch of the stage and screen that i love, White is a sweet, hilarious bundle of comedic joy. A true Golden Girl. When I saw the Superbowl commercial with her in it, I was reminded of how timeless this woman is. She’s the grandma everyone wishes they had (though I have to say, my grandma is pretty amazing herself).

Now, there is buzz floating around that she should be a host on Saturday Night Live and all I have to say is: ABOUT FREAKING TIME. Facebook groups, Twitter hashtags and blogs, blogs, blogs have heralded the idea of White taking up the reigns of an episode or two…or 20.

Given the track record of lackluster hosts recently (here’s lookin’ at you, Taylor Lautner) it’s clear that SNL needs to go back to the classics and get some reputable comedians on stage.

What did Betty have to say? Where did that come from?

We Are the World

To raise money for Haiti, a stunning compilation of musical artists got together to reprise Michael Jackson’s “We Are the World.” It’s definitely an accurate representation of music’s evolution—Auto Tune included, of course. And I can’t deny that it’s remarkable to see all these wonderful singers and performers gather. Check out the video below to see and hear the awesomeness.

Belt, Molly Shannon, Belt!

Because it’s my duty—NO, my calling to dish out amazing news involving “Glee,” I cannot live for another second without harping on what I learned earlier today.

Molly Shannon, who practically owns the word “superstar,” will play an alcoholic, pill-popping busty 45-year-old astronomy teacher and badminton coach at McKinley High School on the next season of “Glee.” Her guest spot—which might also be a recurring role—is set to air in May…. May! As if I’m not already hyperventilating and popping pills myself to keep from keeling over waiting for Season Two! (Not really, but I already can hear a reprise of “Rehab” in the near future).

I think Shannon’s comedic style will fit in well with the show. Not to mention, she played the best drunk cameo in “Talladega Nights.” All this talk of guest appearances is, however, taking a little bit out of the beauty of what “Glee” started off as: a show about underdogs. But, hey, I guess if the producers have the star power at their disposal, they might as well use it to keep the Gleeks coming for more.

Michael Jackson’s Doctor Charged

Involuntary manslaughter were not the words on people’s lips as Conrad Murray, doctor to the late King of Pop, walked into his courtroom hearing yesterday. But the doctor was, indeed, charged with the involuntary manslaughter of Michael Jackson. He pleaded Not Guilty. Jackson’s family has expressed their infuriation over the untimeliness of the charges, some calling Murray out for killing their loved one.

Anderson Cooper and the Jersey Shore…

I’ve loved Anderson Cooper for the majority of my life. Mix him and Jersey Shore and how can you go wrong? Well…I can think of a few choice ways, but here’s what the CNN reporter had to say about the “guido/guidette” cast:

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