Arts
Dance Dance Evolution: Mudson’s DIY Choreography
In a world where the dance company model is dying and dancing in academia becomes increasingly cutthroat, Ashley Anderson’s Mudson stands as a beacon for local choreographers to show their own work. Anderson says, “I think it is one of few starting points. I don’t think there are a lot of options for people to present their work.” Mudson strictly features works in progress from independent choreographers in the basement of the Masonic Temple, and will begin its third season on Sept. 17. … read more
Saturday’s Voyeur 2012 @ Salt Lake Acting Company 07.27
This is my fourth or fifth year in a row checking out the Salt Lake Acting Company’s yearly satire on Utah living and politics, and after sitting through another Jell-O shot filled night, I was not disappointed. This year, they took a slightly different approach than previous years when they have focused almost entirely on headlines from the year. We found ourselves following the narrative of Nephi Jensen, a lowly LDS accounts auditor, as he comes to grips with his relationship wants, his work needs and his religious must-do’s. Nephi is joined by other LDS office building employees, members of Quorum of the 12 and even Mr. Mitt Romney himself. … read more
Movie Reviews – August 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises, GG Allin & The Murder Junkies: Blood, Shit and Fears, ParaNorman and the Queen of Versailles are reviewed. … read more
Hulk Alter You! @ Salt Lake City Main Library 07.26
This experimental film mash-up combines mixed and matched scenes from The Incredible Hulk, Altered States, and Youth Without Youth to demonstrate recurring themes in science fiction and horror films. Kurt Forman and Edgar Aceneaux focus on elements that they have found to be consistent in several different films, such as personal relationships and fear, societal conflict, transformation, and, lastly, reconciliation and absorption. … read more
Wicked @ Capitol Theatre 07.20
The moment I sat down, I knew this production wasn’t going to be anything like the many low-budget plays I’ve sat through at the University of Utah. A large, animatronic dragon perched above the stage, eyes glowing and head shaking, and a map of Oz and its provinces was projected on the red velvet curtain, the Emerald City shimmering in green. The curtains opened soon after, and I became mesmerized by the beautifully constructed set, dark but colorful, like an apocalyptic sunset. I was taking in the details, mechanical cogs and cranks lining the sides, when I finally gave the characters onstage a good look, only to be completely blown away by their costumes. … read more
Gallery Stroll: Oasis of Art
She calls it “Midwest Meets West”––it reminds me of decor from a Wes Anderson film, the way “sweet” and “edgy” are merged beautifully in Audrey Patten’s paintings, drawings and textiles. I imagine finding this type of artwork tucked away in an elegant farmhouse attic, a mesh of mother’s kitchen knickknacks and father’s old hunting trophies. There’s something familiar about these images, yet they remain wacky and unexpected. … read more
Damn These Heels! 2012
The Damn These Heels! Film Festival kicked off with the screening of Gayby, a hilarious flick by Jonathan Lisecki about two longtime friends who overcome their mutual life doldrums and relationship dumps to have a baby together, which deals with sexual stereotypes and roles. … read more
Finding A Sweet Cape To Go With Those Heels: Damn...
My friends are proud, and I now have a more clear idea of what it takes for them to maintain that. To me, they are heroes. These are a few of the films being screened at Damn These Heels! that I feel finely demonstrate heroism and strength. … read more
Zine Reviews – July 2012
The Boston Phoenix Guide to Playing Shows, Hanging Out and Finding Rad People While on Tour in Boston, MA and Sleepless #1 are reviewed. … read more
Book Reviews – July 2012
Appalachian Trials: A Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Occupied Territory and Radio From Hell’s (Not For) Children’s Book are reviewed this month. … read more