H -°, L 55° | Tomorrow: 
H 85°, L 67°As the sun begins to create unbearably hot afternoons, it’s time to start heading to cool theater spaces for a summer of superhero blockbusters, actor reunions and highly-anticipated animated sequels and prequels. Here is a glimpse of the most exciting films debuting in the next four months. MayThis weekend marks the… Read more »
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Recently by Bess Donoghue
Summer Film Preview
‘42’ captures dynamics of era, story of sports legend
During a quiet month at the box office, Jackie Robinson baseball biopic “42” brought in a surprising $27.2 million this past weekend. As baseball season starts to kick off, the film’s inspirational story was released just in time for Jackie Robinson Day on April 15. In reflecting on some… Read more »
April films unlikely to bring much other than variety
Another month of film begins now, and sandwiched between an award season of critically-renowned films and an upcoming summer of blockbuster hits, April could potentially prove weak for the box office. However, perhaps this eclectic group of films offers something for everyone with genres ranging from horror to comedy… Read more »
Wis. Film Festival expands programming to 8 days
Although it’s hard to believe, spring is quickly approaching, and that means the Wisconsin Film Festival is just around the corner. About to enter its 15th year, the festival, which is programmed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arts Institute and the UW Department of Communication Arts’ film studies program,… Read more »
March movie melting pot offers variety for viewers
With the passing of the Academy Awards, a new year of film begins. Although the spring tends to be a generally weak season prior to the summer season of blockbusters, there are a couple of flicks worth a trip to the local theatre. To kick off the year, fans… Read more »
Sundance helps movie gems rise
For the last two weeks, Park City, Utah, has been abuzz with filmmakers, press and eager audiences, all in great enthusiasm for the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. As a member of the Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee, I had the opportunity to attend the festival with six other committee members… Read more »
Unique directing sets ‘Les Miserables’ apart
Since their surprise performance together during the 81st Academy Awards, when it was confirmed Hugh Jackman (“Butter”) and Anne Hathaway (“The Dark Knight Rises”) would sing together in the cinematic adaptation of “Les Miserables,” audiences anxiously awaited the release of the musical on Christmas Day. Released in theatres during a… Read more »
Hobbits, high notes, hijinks on deck for December films
The award season is now in full swing, and this year’s crop of films continues to have audiences racing to the theatre to watch the latest flick. This month has everyone asking one question in particular about two mainstream Hollywood releases: “The Hobbit” or “Les Miserables”? Academy Award-winning director Tom… Read more »
From movies to music: historic Barrymore Theatre on Atwood
Since the opening of the Barrymore Theatre in December 1929, the music venue has served different arts-related functions in the Madison community. Its significance for the Madison entertainment scene cannot be underestimated after renowned performances at the theater, including Phish, Green Day and Dave Matthews. Steve Sperling, the theater’s general… Read more »
Improv, comedy unite in student-run 1UP sketch comedy team
Conducting an interview with the cast members of 1UP Original Student Stage & Screen Productions was an entertaining experience. Over the course of answering questions, the group could not help but joke around, improvising together. “Funny shit just comes up,” said Matt Huppert, a junior on the team and former… Read more »
Remember films to see this November
As the holiday season starts to set in, the film industry is gearing up for awards season. This month brings a mix of critically acclaimed films and love stories, including “Life of Pi” (Nov. 21) and the finale to the Twilight series, “Breaking Dawn - Part 2” (Nov. 16). Here… Read more »
Rowling says goodbye to magic in first non-Potter novel
Just more than five years ago, famed British author J.K. Rowling printed the final book of the Harry Potter series, and last summer the series’ final film came out on the big screen. On Sept. 27, Rowling published her first novel since the series, “The Casual Vacancy,” which also marked… Read more »
‘Breaking’ ground in campus hip-hop community
This school year marks the tenth anniversary for the Madtown Breakers, University of Wisconsin’s student organization dedicated to performing the art of breakdancing. A group of UW students founded the group in 2002 due to a common love of breakdancing. What they lacked was a space to practice until they… Read more »
From a cappella to ‘Argo,’ October movies worth a look
Looking into the next month of film, it’s no surprise a flux of horror/thriller movies are arriving just in time for the Halloween season, including Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” (Oct. 5), along with the fourth and latest edition of “Paranormal Activity” (Oct. 19). Of the month’s newest arrivals, here are some… Read more »
The coming month in movies
With a summer of superheroes, talking teddy bears, and male strippers behind us, it’s time to look forward to the most promising fall flicks. Looking at the lineup of September films, audiences have several reasons to visit the theatre and cough up the cash for a ticket that might even… Read more »
Chazen’s ‘Offering’ a success
Every year, 1.5 million art enthusiasts travel to Florence, Italy, to explore one of the world’s most renowned and oldest art museums, the Uffizi Gallery. The Madison community can now enjoy this international experience at the Chazen Art Museum with the opening of its latest exhibit, “Offering of the Angels: Painting… Read more »
Zac Brown Band “uncages” experimental sounds
The Zac Brown Band has many reasons to be excited. The American country band has been up for dozens of nominations for numerous music awards and has won a few along the way, including Best New Artist at the Grammys in 2010, followed by another Grammy in 2011. Most recently, the band… Read more »
‘Hunger Games’ intensely dark
Fans of “The Hunger Games,” originally a book series by Suzanne Collins, have anxiously awaited the release of the film since the trailer took audiences by storm last fall. In its final issue of the year, Entertainment Weekly called the preview the best three minutes of film in 2011. To… Read more »
Horn Choir to play seasonal performance at Chazen
With the winter season quickly approaching, the University of Wisconsin Horn Choir is greeting the holidays with their annual winter concert this Saturday in the recently renovated Chazen Museum of Art. According to Mary Carr Lee, assistant director for external affairs, this collaboration between the horn choir and the Chazen… Read more »
UW MadHatters recruit new singers, gravitate toward ‘indie’ sound
When the UW MadHatters, one of Madison’s elite male a cappella groups, started this school year, they faced a difficult journey after many of last year’s members and leaders graduated. The group had auditions earlier this fall, and around 80 aspiring singers competed for four coveted spots. “They’re all really… Read more »
Showcase to highlight female talent
Tickets to watch Badger football or hear the University of Wisconsin Madhatters a capella group sell very quickly. Meanwhile, talent among women on the UW campus often goes unrecognized. However, this Saturday, the Campus Women’s Center is offering students, faculty and members of the Madison community a chance to appreciate… Read more »
Bieber’s latest unwraps xmas originals, classics
Earlier this month, Canadian recording artist and teen pop sensation Justin Bieber released his first Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe. This album combines original tracks by Bieber as well as famous covers that include collaborations with other singers, such as Usher. Since the release of his first albums, My World and… Read more »
Michael Velliquette’s surreal reality
Among the many pieces of art in Union South’s Gallery 1308, brightly colored sculptures and drawings are rather noticeable in the Time (Im)material exhibition. This collection of art, coined as mixed media sculptures, comes from the creative mind of Madison artist Michael Velliquette. “I’ve always gravitated towards things that are… Read more »
How to construct a Neon Trees-inspired costume
The seasonal pumpkin-carving, candy corn eating and evening trips to haunted houses are cut down more and more with age and will be quickly coming to an end with Halloween approaching on Monday. For now, though, the number one question seems to be, “What is your Halloween costume?” For those… Read more »
Galleries, walkways open to students
Since the groundbreaking ceremony of the Chazen Museum of Art’s expansion more than two and a half years ago, a diverse assortment of art lovers have anxiously awaited the opportunity to experience the new addition. This weekend marks the end of a long construction period, as the Chazen opens its… Read more »
Let’s hear it for the boy: Brewer’s remake a success
Kevin Bacon’s iconic role in the 1984 version of “Footloose” will always have a special place in the hearts of film aficionados. His powerful and emotional dance scene in an abandoned warehouse is a film sequence that will never be forgotten. The idea that Director Craig Brewer (“Black Snake Moan”)… Read more »
Ebert narrates ‘movie of his life’
When Roger Ebert was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2002, the disease and the surgeries it would require hindered his ability to drink, eat and speak. However, the cancer would not prevent the Pulitzer Prize-distinguished film critic from having a voice through his written words. Through an online blog, Ebert… Read more »
Introducing the Madison Longboarders
When sophomore Kevin Kousha arrived at the University of Wisconsin last year, he looked for a student organization dedicated to longboarding, only to learn none existed. For Kousha, the solution to this problem was relatively simple: He needed to create his own. “I appreciated that I wasn’t necessarily the best… Read more »
Folksy Wood Brothers excel musically from family gatherings to concert stages
Chris and Oliver Wood often enjoyed playing their music together at family gatherings. Now, that hobby has formed into a career for the two musicians, to form the band playing at Madison’s Majestic Theater Sunday night, The Wood Brothers. “We were able to connect socially and musically; it was… Read more »
Winemaking 101: Madison-area vintners grow grapes locally
Never has there been a flavor combination better than cheese and wine. David and Mary Mitchell, owners of the “Wine and Hop Shop” on Monroe Street, are growing a product unusual for the Wisconsin region: grapes, specifically for the purpose of winemaking. The Mitchells have owned the shop since 1972,… Read more »
Amos’ dozenth release ‘hunts’ for new sound
American singer and songwriter Tori Amos does not waste time when it comes to producing music. The musician has released 11 albums since the premiere of her first, Little Earthquakes, in 1992. She has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards and has provided music for the scores of films such… Read more »
‘Contagion’ infectious action flick
We touch our face 2,000 to 3,000 times a day, according to Dr. Erin Mears (Kate Winslet, “The Reader”) in the recently released medical thriller, “Contagion.” This statistic makes the possibility of catching an airborne virus chilling, especially given how many objects we touch throughout the day—objects riddled with the… Read more »
Chili Peppers release lacks same spice as past albums
It has been some time since the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers has seen the spotlight. Its last album, Stadium Arcadium, was released in 2006, and after its world tour for the album concluded in 2007, the group decided to take a break. Anthony Kiedis, along with co-founding… Read more »
Despite lack of [title], show ready to perform
For the past two years, Fox’s television show “Glee” has captured the hearts of viewers for one particular reason: Many find the characters relatable. After a round of shows in July, starting Sept. 9 University Theatre will offer this same experience with its production of [title of show]. After making… Read more »
Bon Iver’s latest: Distant, beautiful, self-titled incantations
Since the release of their album, For Emma, Forever Ago, American indie folk group Bon Iver has done quite well for themselves. The single “Skinny Love” was featured on a number of television programs including “Chuck” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Other songs from the album were used throughout the entertainment industry,… Read more »
Jon Lajoie: A true (online) performer
Unlike Justin Bieber and Rebecca Black, who have reached YouTube stardom through negative comments, comedian Jon Lajoie has become a comic sensation after the increasing popularity of his music videos, “Everyday Normal Guy,” and “Alone in the Universe,” along with many others. After performing all around the United States, and… Read more »
Vignettes in ‘Make Me a Song’ inspire
In the StageQ production of “Make Me a Song,” the singers argue that heart and music equal song and consequently a well-done production. This musical is a collection of songs composed by Tony Award-winning composer William Finn, famous for his acclaimed songs in the Broadway musical “The 25th Annual Putnam… Read more »
‘SolidARTity’ gives budget repair bill-inspired artwork a home
Beyond the controversial politics and frustrated protesters, there has been a sense of art present at Capitol Square while Wisconsin protesting makes history. Project Lodge, a unique art gallery on East Johnson, has taken the time to showcase the artistic value of these signs in their temporary exhibit, “SolidARTity,” and… Read more »
Shakespeare, ‘Seinfeld’ collide in classic play
Earlier this year, The Acting Company began its spring tour at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, premiering William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors.” Now, the nationally-acclaimed theater group will be bringing the laughs to Madison on Feb. 3 to perform the farcical, entertaining performance at Memorial Union. One of Shakespeare’s… Read more »
‘Burlesque’ leaves much to be desired
Ever since “Hairspray” in 2007, musical lovers have been waiting in anticipation for another film to project singing, dancing, costumes and overall energy of live performance theater onto the silver screen. Steve Antin’s newest film “Burlesque,” an upbeat film starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, has renewed this collision of… Read more »
Film renews action of ’73 Triple Crown
As the sun rose over the Belmont Stakes track in Elmont, N.Y., on June 9, 1973, horse groomer Eddie Sweat announced the world was “gonna see something you ain’t ever seen before.” He was indeed correct. On that day, the thoroughbred horse Secretariat became the first horse to win the… Read more »
Band should make music a career, not ‘Habit’
After five years of performing, including a stint as the opening act for The Killers in 2008, rock band Neon Trees has their opportunity for stardom with the release of their first full-length album, Habits. The band came together when lead vocalist Tyler Glenn and guitarist Chris Allen formed the… Read more »
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