BRIAN WEINSTEIN - The Spectrum

NEWS

Tale of Two Campuses

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Apr. 19, 2004

On the UB Web site, South Campus is described as "picturesque" and boasts that Buffalo is "a big city with a hometown feel."What the Web site fails to mention is that the State University of New York at Buffalo will soon be a relic of the past, and high school juniors will eventually be sending their college applications to SUNY Amherst.It seems to be an unspoken goal for the UB administration to slowly phase South Campus out of existence.

NEWS

Good Old Razzle Dazzle

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Mar. 29, 2004

It might not have elaborate sets or a large cast, but The Cosmopolitan Productions' presentation of "Chicago" at the Lancaster Opera House is a phenomenal production that hints at true professionalism.It's not perfect though.Many of the leading players are excellent in their roles, and though some musical cues were missed and some dance sequences were not perfectly in synch, the talented cast and first-rate orchestra had the sold-out audience in the palm of their hand from start to finish."Chicago," which takes place in the windy city during the 1920s, focuses on Roxie Hart (Michele Maier), a two-bit showgirl who kills her lover and then convinces her spineless husband Amos (a cheerfully pathetic John "Brown" Maier) to pay for the best lawyer in town, Billy Flynn (Ryan Bauer).Flynn is the only lawyer who could possibly acquit Roxie, since he has never lost a case with a woman as his client.

NEWS

Too Much of a Bad Thing

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Mar. 26, 2004

In their press release, Athens-based rock duo Jucifer lists melodic, rhythmically pleasing artists like The Doors and Pat Metheny as influences, along with heavier, metal rockers like Black Flag and Cradle of Filth.

NEWS

Playing 'Damnwell'

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Mar. 26, 2004

Over the course of the past few years, there has been a rock revival with several rock groups meshing '70s rock sensibilities with country-based song structures.

NEWS

Mr. Smith Goes to 'Jersey'

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Mar. 26, 2004

Maturity, fatherhood and the death of a loved one are not themes that one would usually associate with the films of Kevin Smith.But with his new feature "Jersey Girl," Smith-the writer and director of "Clerks," "Mallrats," "Chasing Amy," "Dogma," and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"-is ready to tackle some more serious issues while keeping the humor intact.In a conference call with The Spectrum, Smith spoke openly about his previous films, his upcoming films and everything in between."I'm not really a creative writer and director," said Smith.

NEWS

'Bigger' Not Necessarily Better

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Mar. 3, 2004

"Bigger: Ten Songs About Georgette" is the sophomore solo effort from former Stickman Jones guitarist/vocalist Annie Quick.

NEWS

A 'D'oh' By Any Other Name

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Mar. 1, 2004

Imagine William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" as a one-man show. Now imagine that one man performing the play in the voices of over 40 "The Simpsons" characters.The result is Canadian actor Rick Miller's entertaining, but often cluttered, "MacHomer," which came to the Center for the Arts Mainstage Theater on Friday night.The show is not a straightforward performance of "Macbeth." Rather, Miller picks and chooses specific lines from the play, while paraphrasing other parts in character.Entering in a Shakespearean costume through an alcove set in front of an oversized television screen, Miller started off with limitless zeal and kept it going throughout the entire show.A show like "MacHomer" relies heavily on the actor's ability to faithfully reproduce the famous voices of the "Simpsons" cast, and Miller's talent varies depending on which character he chooses.Certain impressions, like those of Mr. Burns (as Duncan), Marge (as Lady MacHomer), Barney (as MacDuff) and Flanders (as Banquo) are outstanding.

NEWS

The Last Hours of Christ

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Feb. 25, 2004

Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ" is an uneven, but engrossing film. As Gibson has stated in numerous interviews, his intention was to accurately depict the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus of Nazereth, based on the four Gospels combined with historical research.In this sense, Gibson was successful.

NEWS

Randolph Channels the Rock Spirits

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Feb. 23, 2004

At its best, attending a musical performance can be akin to a religious experience.Robert Randolph and the Family Band understand that philosophy and made it their credo Friday night at The Sphere Entertainment Complex.Playing nearly three hours of energetic, adrenaline-pumping gospel-influenced blues to the packed venue, the band won over many audience-goers who were initially less enthusiastic to Randolph's performance.The lights dimmed for the group at 9:45 p.m., and they took the stage to an audience who had spent the previous 45 minutes clapping, chanting and screaming for Randolph.

NEWS

Family Values Done Right

By BRIAN WEINSTEIN | Feb. 20, 2004

Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn. And Robert Randolph?An energetic gospel and blues-based quartet originally from New Jersey, Robert Randolph and the Family Band has been climbing the ladder of nationwide recognition since transcending the jam band scene over the past three years.