Leisure

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

Music

Circles Reveals Infinite and Intimate Sides of Mac Miller

Vulnerability, struggle, and acceptance weave together to form the masterpiece that is Circles (2020), Mac Miller’s latest, and final, album. Thanks to producer Jon Brion, who acted on the request... Read more

By January 31, 2020

Performance

Let Freedom Ring: A Celebration of Dreams and the Dreamwork

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a coalescence of the past, present, and future. Not only is it a celebration of a legendary man and the dreams he dared give... Read more

By January 31, 2020

Performance

Running with The Wolves: Nomadic Theatre Production Explores Teenhood and Teamwork

“Quick hands! Quick hands!” The team captain, played by Bella Carlucci (COL ’23), yells to the goalie as the pair toss a soccer ball across the stage. Running past, the... Read more

By and January 31, 2020

Leisure

The Glorious Sons and Des Rocs Keep Rock ‘n’ Roll Alive at the 9:30 Club

Picture a guy that looks like a young Bob Dylan (after going electric) crossed with Timothée Chalamet sporting a Peaky Blinders haircut. Now picture that same guy, covered in sweat,... Read more

By January 30, 2020

Music

Hayley Kiyoko Plays it Safe in I’m Too Sensitive For This Shit

Two years ago, Hayley Kiyoko delivered some of her best work in her debut album, Expectations. With songs like “Curious” and “Sleepover,” it was impossible to go through the album... Read more

By January 21, 2020

Leisure

Concert Preview: The Glorious Sons, Jan. 24, 9:30 Club

Ontario rock outfit The Glorious Sons will bring their gutsy rock sound to the 9:30 Club on Friday, January 24th in support of their latest release, A War On Everything.... Read more

By January 20, 2020

Movies

Little Women is Greta Gerwig’s Love Letter to the World

There’s a scene in Little Women where the shy and gifted Beth March (Eliza Scanlen) enters the quiet Laurence mansion to play the piano. The home’s patriarch, Mr. Laurence (Chris... Read more

By January 18, 2020

Music

“Look At Her Now”: Selena Gomez Finds Her Self-Worth and Artistic Identity on Rare

What feels like light-years ago, Selena Gomez sang “Who says you’re not perfect? / Who says you’re not worth it? / Who says you’re the only one that’s hurting?” in... Read more

By January 17, 2020

In the District

Making Art Out of Sweets and Sentiments in Anna Katalkina’s Candy and Mementos

On a particularly warm January afternoon, dozens of patrons arrived at Touchstone Gallery to attend the opening of Contemporary Still Life: Candy and Mementos by Anna Katalkina. Friends and strangers,... Read more

By January 17, 2020

Movies

The Fall of a Franchise in The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: Episode IX-The Rise of Skywalker has a lot to live up to. It is simultaneously the finale of the new trilogy of Star Wars films and the conclusion... Read more

By December 24, 2019

Movies

“Earn Your Place”: Bombshell Explores the Harsh Realities of Workplace Sexual Harassment

As the elevator descends to the second floor, three women stand side by side, an eerie series of staccato notes being sung in the background. They face forward, arms clasped... Read more

By December 22, 2019

Movies

Curiosity Kills Tom Hooper’s Cats

Thirty-eight years ago, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fever dream of a musical Cats premiered in London’s West End and has spent its nearly four-decade life as one of the most popular... Read more

By December 22, 2019

Performance

Fiddler on the Capital: A Perfect Holiday Outing for the Whole Family

Perhaps one of the most defining moments of a young Jewish child’s adolescence is seeing Fiddler on the Roof. The musical, first performed in 1964, is a celebration of love... Read more

By December 15, 2019

Music

Best of 2019: Albums

1. Cuz I Love You – Lizzo On her third studio album, singer/rapper Lizzo finally got her big break—and wow, was it worth the wait. She raps about confidence and... Read more

By the December 6, 2019

Movies

Best of 2019: Movies

1. Booksmart Directed by Olivia Wilde, this coming-of-age movie perfectly balances raw, unrequited love with hints of a happily ever after. Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and her best friend Amy (Kaitlyn... Read more

By the December 6, 2019

Performance

Disney’s Newsies at Arena Stage Immerses Audiences in a World of Youth Activism

Upon entering the Fichlander Theater this winter, audiences immediately find themselves immersed in the world of New York City just before the turn of the 20th century. To reach their... Read more

By November 24, 2019

Movies

Waves Will Sweep You Off Your Feet

Cinema is musical. When well-wielded, the language of film—rhythmic and lyrical—demands to be heard as well as seen. In the first moments of Waves (2019), a camera spins within the... Read more

By November 21, 2019

Movies

Beware, The Good Liar is Trying to Con You

I once read the following anecdote, which describes the process of a con job. At a casino, a con man invites a potential victim to play cards and sits across... Read more

By November 20, 2019

Movies

Unlikely and the Underlying Problem of Higher Education

Unlikely (2019) follows five individuals from different parts of America and their second chances at a college education. Directed and produced by award-winning husband and wife filmmaking duo and, Jaye... Read more

By November 17, 2019

Music

Critical Voices: Colorado, Neil Young and Crazy Horse

“I’ve always been an eccentric, a rocker at heart. I can’t play the guitar, but I can play the griddle.” – Guy Fieri If you have the volume up loud... Read more

By November 15, 2019