Peace, love and rock & roll come together in explosive musical
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010Peace, love and rock and roll: this legendary expression is an apt way to describe the Broadway musical "Hair."
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Youngest Jo Bro goes solo
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010If Prince, John Mayer and Stevie Wonder have anything in common, besides renowned musical excellence, it's that Nick Jonas has decided to smash them into one force. The sweet-faced front man of the Jonas Brothers released his solo album, "Who I Am" on Feb. 2, which is an intriguing blend of rock, funk, soul and the high-pitched squeals of a tween-idol — a combination that, like the Jonas Brothers themselves, leaves you confused yet happily humming along.This is his second solo-project, the first being an endearing self-titled compilation he recorded at age eleven.
Stony's serves up more than good food
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010Stony's restaurant, which had its grand opening on Oct. 27, is a new hidden gem in South Orange.
Award-winning playwright performing at Seton Hall
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010Tony award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang will perform in Seton Hall Arts Council's program, Poetry in the Round, on Feb. 9 in the Walsh Library.
2 minute drill
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010Most people would agree that one of the main drawbacks to television would be the commercials that take time away from the real show. Many viewers would argue to focus more time on the actual program instead of countless car and food advertisements. There is, however, one exception to this rule: the one day out of the year where people find themselves counting the commercials as part of the main event: Super Bowl Sunday.
"Chick flick" director mixes wit, romance and fashion in off-Broadway show
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010A disclaimer in Delia Ephron's words: "This [play] isn't about fashion — it's about the emotions." The originator of "chick flicks," Nora Ephron, with her sister Delia, present a new work, which is a light-hearted testimony to womanhood, as well as an insightful explanation for the clueless man. "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" is a fusion of "Sex in the City," lunch hour at the office and unabashed stand-up comedy. Performed in the cozy Westside Theatre and staged with surprisingly appropriate simplicity, the play features a rotating all-star cast of five women. Cycling through this cast are Rosie O'Donnell, Kristen Chenoweth, Fran Drescher, Tyne Daily and many more.The play opens with the cast neatly seated in chairs at the edge of the stage. Clad sharply in black, the women begin to narrate intimate vignettes, rife with dry humor and wit, that center around the most memorable outfits and fashion experiences of their lives. It is immediately clear that their stories are far from superficial, as vivid descriptions of clothing segue into personal emotional accounts. These real accounts, a result of vast collaboration, appeal to facets of every audience member's experience; even the men in the audience were laughing out of their seats. Ranging from a traumatic, albeit productive, bra-fitting, to people who wear black, to a bitter assault on purses and a bathrobe's symbolism in the face of chemotherapy, the cast weaves tales that are only prefaced by clothing. The Ephrons, as well as Ilene Beckerman, author of the 1995 memoir by the same name, seem to have latched onto a curious aspect of human nature. "When you ask people about their clothes, what they do is tell you about their lives," said Delia Ephron. "Someone will say, ‘My husband was wearing a Grateful Dead T-shirt when he told me he didn't want to be married anymore.' For some reason, that's what they remember." The play conveys this concept by prompting audiences to reflect upon their most memorable pieces of attire and, subsequently, compelling them to recall the most memorable people and experiences of their lives. While short of ground-breaking, the show makes for an amazing night out with those closest to you. All audience members will be grateful to realize that the problems they face are universal and confused men in particular may finally gain a better understanding of the women in their lives. One could even argue that this play helps to bridge the age-old gender gap. A refreshing, intimate, and laid-back reflection on life; "Love, Loss, and What I Wore" will leave you laughing, uplifted and, most importantly, chatty.
A little musical number to bring in the night
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010Seton Hall's Theatre Council held Theatre-Out-Of-The-Round: A Little Night Music, a show where students of all majors could express themselves through meaningful songs, on Jan. 28. Despite the discrepancy concerning its location, the performance went without a hitch in a more intimate atmosphere.More than 80 supporters attended in what turned out to be a great night of familiar songs. The songs had more depth and a genuine feeling when performed by the actors that night. It was easy to see how much it meant for each performer to sing in front of loved ones since everyone sang for different reasons.The show's main goals were to introduce the arts to an audience who normally would not have a chance to witness it and provide stress relief for students and fans.Will Fonda, a broadcasting and visual interactive arts major, sang "Soldier's Poem" to remind the audience about "The people who are fighting for our freedom;" a message he felt was needed.On the other hand, Rebecca Rondinella, a nursing major, sang "Love on the Rocks" not only because she felt most comfortable singing it, but also because she had been through relationships like the one described in the song and wanted to show the audience how she felt about those situations."The show must go on," said Matt Giroveanu, co-director of the show, in an interview after the performance. "We worked with what we had and to our advantage it made the setting more intimate and I think those in attendance appreciated that."Overall, the crowd seemed genuinely happy and excited to be there for their loved ones and the other performers. It was a great turnout and provided even better feedback as those in attendance hope to see more of Theatre-Out-Of-The-Round: A Little Night Music in the future.
Did Apple hit a sour note?
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010A new addition to the technological spectrum left a series of mixed reactions from both critics and potential buyers as Apple's tablet computer, the iPad, was unveiled to the public in San Francisco on Jan. 27, leaving speculation over its development.
Lil Wayne tries to rock out with "Rebirth"
By Staff Writer | Feb. 3, 2010To young music fans, the success of Bob Dylan may be puzzling. His raw, nasally vocals and sparse instrumentation, initially just his acoustic guitar and harmonica, are not instantly accessible in a world where synthesizers and auto-tune dominate the mainstream.
Indie darlings Vampire Weekend back with "Contra"
By Staff Writer | Jan. 27, 2010After their debut album, Vampire Weekend seemed destined to be a one-album wonder, a sensation amongst indie-music critics who all flaunted their intelligence and culture by describing the band as "Afro-pop." Wonderfully simplistic and quirky, they were new-wave's saviors: these guys were endlessly hyped in a war of journalists trying to out-praise the others.
Seton Hall hosts high-profile ballet company SOPAC show
By Staff Writer | Jan. 27, 2010The Seton Hall University Arts Council and the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute are bringing the celebrated Latino dancers of Ballet Hispanico to the South Orange Performing Arts Center. The performance will feature four dances performed by the company's 13 dancers.
52nd Annual Grammy Awards
By Staff Writer | Jan. 27, 2010Awards season is in full swing. The People's Choice Awards and the Golden Globes lead into the Grammy Awards, which some might call the highlight of the season. While red carpets were unrolling, recording experts cast their votes for all 109 Grammy categories (most of which you've never heard of) that will be awarded on Jan. 31.
Pop reigned the charts in '09
By Staff Writer | Jan. 27, 2010For the past 12 months it seemed like you could not turn on the radio without hearing Lady Gaga, the Black Eyed Peas or Taylor Swift. For those of you who may have been living under a rock for the past year, it is highly advised that you go out and buy this year's edition of the Grammys' annual mix CD.
People like "People Like Me"
By Staff Writer | Jan. 27, 2010David Ayllon, an alumnus of Seton Hall University, recently launched his own t-shirt line, "People Like Me."
Quick and cheap holiday gifts
By Staff Writer | Dec. 9, 2009"You don't have to break the bank to be beautiful and feel confident," Bobbie Thomas, style expert and fashionista said, in a phone interview with the Setonian. It's the holiday season which means there are last minute gifts to buy and party outfits to plan.
"Love, Sex and the IRS" examines cross-dressing & income tax
By Staff Writer | Dec. 9, 2009Seton Hall graduate student Mark Saylor makes his directorial debut with Theatre Council's production of "Love, Sex, and the IRS" this weekend in the Theatre-in-the-Round.
The "Princess and the Frog" makes giant leaps
By Staff Writer | Dec. 9, 2009Gone are the fair-skinned, blonde beauties like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty that were once Disney standards.
"American Idol" winner sings of love lost in debut album
By Staff Writer | Dec. 2, 2009"American Idol" winner, Kris Allen's self-titled debut album showcases his acoustic style and songwriting ability.The album is a mix of acoustic soft rock with fun upbeat songs like "Alright With Me" and slow ballads like "The Truth."Allen's signature acoustic style and pop/rock feel is apparent in this album. His single, "Live Like We're Dying" is an upbeat song that urges listeners to live everyday like it's their last. Similar in sound is the song "Written All Over My Face" which is a pop/rock song that explains the miscommunication between men and women in relationships.The album also includes three ballads that showcase Allen's voice. The first, "The Truth," is a great breakup song that is sure to help anyone get through difficult times. "I Need to Know" is a haunting, relatable ballad that shows the confusion in relationship. "Bring it Back" is the last slow song on the album in which Allen asks for love to come back into his life.Although Allen is happily married in real life, many of his songs on the album have to do with hardships among couples. "Before We Come Undone" is a slow but upbeat pop/rock song. Similar in sound is the song, "Can't Stay Away."More fast-paced ballads include "Is it Over," "Let it Rain" and "A Lifetime" which showcase Allen's talent and prove to any listener why he won "American Idol."Allen wrote almost all of the music and lyrics on the album, including the song "Red Guitar." It has a fun acoustic rock sound that blends in well with the recent melodies that have been on the radio lately."Alright With Me" is the most unique song on the album and resembles older fast-paced rock songs from the 70s.Also included on the album is the popular "American Idol" single, "No Boundaries" and Allen's popular cover of Kanye West's "Heartless." Overall, Allen's album blends in well with the more acoustic rock that has been popular in the music industry as of late. Listeners can relate to the lyrics on the album and the catchy words match the melodies. Most of the songs on the album could very easily be radio hits and all of the songs fit the acoustic style that Allen showcased throughout the "American Idol" season.Allen captures emotion and love throughout all the songs on the album. His voice and songwriting ability is presented well in all the songs.The album is definitely worth listening to and incorporates all of the right elements for a successful debut album that will launch Allen into a long-lasting music career.
Theatre-in-the-Round presents controversial new play
By Staff Writer | Dec. 2, 2009The Communication Department will premiere its latest dramatic performance, "A Few Good Men," this Thursday night.
"The Fall" certain to rise to the top
By Staff Writer | Dec. 2, 2009For the last seven years, Norah Jones has blessed the ears of music lovers with her soft voice and relaxed jazzy sound. On Nov. 17, the Grammy winner's fourth album "The Fall" arrived with a positive musical twist. The album speaks about broken love, ended relationships and, ultimately, steps back into the single life. Considered to be her "guitar album," Jones' newest creation manages to produce an unexpected, but certainly welcomed, bluesy, pop-rock feel that maintains the soulful intonation and personal lyrics listeners have grown to love.
