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Monday, November 09, 2026
The independent student publication of The University at Buffalo, since 1950

Arts

Caiaphas (Alvin Crawford), Annas (Tyce Green) and other priests singing about their plot to kill Jesus Christ.
ARTS

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ brings 50th anniversary tour to Shea’s

By ANASTASIA WILDS | Feb. 13, 2020

When “Jesus Christ Superstar” debuted in the ‘70s, it shocked audiences with its loud rock music, modern themes and non-traditional biblical interpretations. While rock is no longer the radical genre it once was, the latest U.S. tour has updated the revolutionary musical with aspects such as hip-hop choreography to help keep the show relatable for new generations.

Poster for “Marriage Story”
ARTS

Worst movies for ‘Netflix and chill’

By JUSTIN WOODMANCY | Feb. 9, 2020

In the age of streaming, finding content to backdrop “Netflix and chill” should be easier than ever. After hitting it off with a love interest, the natural step once the two of you are hanging out at either’s place is to “put on a show to watch.”

ARTS

92nd Academy Awards predictions and opinions

By ALEX WHETHAM | Feb. 7, 2020

This Sunday, awards season is coming to a close with the 92nd Academy Awards. Despite being one of the latest award shows of the season, the Oscars always tend to generate the most buzz and controversy, thanks to persistent and valid criticism like #OscarsSoWhite.

The Choir of Gonville & Caius College performed in the Slee Visiting Artist Series, last semester.
ARTS

What to expect at Slee Hall this semester

By ALEX WHETHAM | Feb. 5, 2020

In a musical time where hip-hop and pop dominate arena concerts and punk shows run underground venues, it feels like classical music is underrepresented in the performance scene. But it isn’t hard to find it at UB.

General logo for the Grammy Awards.
ARTS

The best and worst performances of the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards

By ALEX WHETHAM | Jan. 29, 2020

There was a shadow over the Grammy Awards this year. Whether this was due to the very recent passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant or the various controversies surrounding the show, is not certain. Still, it is indisputable that the performances are one of the most anticipated parts of the Grammys, and that remained the case this year. The actual awards are never indicative of future success, but a particularly memorable performance –– good or bad –– can live on forever.

ARTS

The grapevine

By ALEX WHETHAM | Jan. 20, 2020

With the pressure of a new semester on the horizon, sometimes the only way to relieve that added stress is to go to a concert. From metal to underground hip hop and even legends from the ‘80s, here is a list of some of the most anticipated upcoming shows in the Buffalo area.

ARTS

Games to warm up with this winter

By ANASTASIA WILDS | Jan. 14, 2020

For many students, winter break is an excellent time to recover from the exhausting fall semester. But as the January days grow colder and drag on, a break can become boring. So what to do when you have an entire month to yourself? Play video games of course.

Joshua Grosso performs "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" in his role as Marius.
ARTS

'Les Misérables' moves through pain, redemption and range during Buffalo stop

By BENJAMIN BLANCHET | Dec. 11, 2019

“Les Misérables,” the classic French novel turned musical, brought both emotion and precision during its opening night Tuesday at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.  The musical, which runs downtown through Sunday, is based around the redemptive tale of prisoner-turned-mayor Jean Valjean, the heartwarming story of young lovers Cosette and Marius and a student uprising that turns deadly.

“Christmas at the Tavern” explores the semi-autobiographical struggles faced by playwright Tom Dudzick’s family in 1959 Buffalo.
ARTS

‘Christmas Over the Tavern’ brings comedy to Catholicism

By SAMANTHA VARGAS | Dec. 8, 2019

Most locals think of the Pearl Street Brewery as Seneca Street’s preferred bar, but celebrated playwright Tom Dudzick prefers the memory of his father’s tavern.  Big Joe Dudzick’s Tavern, located at 770 Seneca Street, was the inspiration for Dudzick’s hit musical, “Christmas Over the Tavern.” 

ARTS

My favorite films of the decade

By JEREMY ELMKIES | Dec. 4, 2019

The 2010s saw a reinvigoration of independent cinema, pushing for new voices to be heard across the globe and the rise of streaming gave access to these works like never before.  With 2020 just around the corner, there’s no better time to reflect on some of the past decade’s great cinematic achievements. Here are some of my favorite films to have come out this decade. 

ARTS

Arts Desk 2019 album picks

By ALEX WHETHAM , JUSTIN WOODMANCY and ISABELLA FORTUNATO | Dec. 4, 2019

As 2019 comes to an end, it’s time to reflect on the year’s finest musical releases. The past 12 months have provided listeners with quality music. Pop and hip-hop continued their chart domination with notable releases from Lizzo, Ariana Grande and Tyler, the Creator, while rock and metal contributed with strong efforts from Blood Incantation, The Twilight Sad and Opeth.

Ballet dancers performing as the Flowers.
ARTS

'The Nutcracker' kicks off holiday season with charm

By ANASTASIA WILDS and ISABELLA FORTUNATO | Dec. 4, 2019

Dancing sweets, giant mice and a Nutcracker came to life –– literally –– and contributed to a magical staple of the holiday season at Shea’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday and Sunday. Locals were able to experience this popular story of “The Nutcracker” performed live in its 11th year in Buffalo, with mystical charm and astute accuracy by some of the best visual and performance artists in the area.

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