Leisure

Reviews and think pieces on music, movies, art, and theater.

Halftime Leisure

From donutgate to Hamilton, 10 things turning 10

The sun may have set on Glee, but the age of gleeks never ends. A decade later, fans are craving a reboot. What’s not to miss?

By , , , , , , , , and January 19, 2025

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A Complete Unknown is not really that unknown, but it is very impressive

Hollywood’s most recent biopic approaches stages of the star’s life with an effervescent, reverberating ambition.

By January 17, 2025

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Nosferatu might be the Christmas special you never knew you needed. And you might not.

Nosferatu is a film better appreciated than enjoyed, despite its effective storytelling.

By January 4, 2025

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GNX rides the wave of vicious victory, yet is not as sharp as previous releases

GNX is more centered on Lamar’s own power and esteem, a far cry from the humble, sincere lyricism of previous releases.

By December 25, 2024

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Signature Theater’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum can be your winter delight

Forum is a whirlwind of chaos, comedy, and mistaken identities—culminating in a tale of love, reunion, and above all, whimsical humor. 

By December 10, 2024

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On Homesick, Angelica Cox yearns for simpler days

Amid this season suspended between endings and beginnings, Angelica Cox is feeling, understandably, Homesick (2024). 

By December 5, 2024

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Odie Leigh brings a little pop-punk to your sad girl autumn in D.C.

Electrifying energy was brewing for Odie Leigh—and when the Louisiana native took the stage, she doubled it.

By December 3, 2024

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A Drag Queen Christmas: Your next holiday season tradition

As far as holiday traditions go, A Drag Queen Christmas certainly made its case for me to add it to my list of seasonal shows to attend.

By November 25, 2024

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Gladiator II is an archetypal sequel

Gladiator II is a respectable film, worth the movie ticket but perhaps not a rewatch.

By November 25, 2024

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Wicked: Magic from stage to screen

Wicked had big shoes to fill, but I dare say that they sized up.

By November 22, 2024

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DCAF: Georgetown’s a cappella hits all the right notes

From Car Barn to Southwest Quad, DC A Cappella Fest is an opportunity to feature the best of a cappella in the District—at least west of Wisconsin Ave.  

By November 22, 2024

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In liminal space, mxmtoon attempts to explore the unknown, but doesn’t venture quite deep enough

mxmtoon seems to have traded her ukulele for a banjo—with limited success.

By November 14, 2024

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The “Holy Trinity” walked so Kylie Minogue could fall behind

Kylie Minogue’s new album, Tension II (2024), feels more repetitive and recursive than ever.

By November 12, 2024

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Alice Phoebe Lou stuns in magical opening performance

Alice Phoebe Lou not only sounded like one, but throughout her set, the singer performed like a fairy as well: magical in all aspects of the word. 

By and November 11, 2024

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Songs Of a Lost World channels the gloomily sublime in a perfect gothic rock revival

Songs Of a Lost World is a pinnacle in modern music, soaring above uninspired radio hits.

By November 11, 2024

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Event Preview: A Drag Queen Christmas, Nov. 17, Warner Theatre

A Drag Queen Christmas combines the magic and whimsy of the holidays with the flair and artistry that drag offers.

By November 10, 2024

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The ‘90s are calling, and Katie Gavin’s What A Relief answered

What A Relief is more than an album—it’s a diary entry, penned over seven years with honesty and vulnerability.

By November 6, 2024

Halftime Leisure

Blue Lock Season 2: Transformation of the sports anime genre or a downturn from its legacy?

If you’re looking for a refreshing, antiheroic sports anime that will overturn your perception of soccer and teamwork, Blue Lock is guaranteed to have you “locked-in.”

By November 5, 2024

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Folger Theatre’s contemporary reimagining of “Romeo and Juliet” is quintessentially D.C.

Folger Theatre has breathed new life into Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”

By November 4, 2024

Halftime Leisure

The highs and lows of group Halloween costumes 2024

’Tis the season to get spooky (and creative!) with your costumes, and what better way to do that than with a group of your closest friends (or bitterest rivals?). 

By October 31, 2024