WILLIAM HORBETT - The Spectrum

NEWS

'Private Lives': Reciprocity at the Irish Classical Theater

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Apr. 19, 2004

Two chaise lounges at a French Resort face opposite corners of the Andrews Theatre stage, creating a mirror image and setting the stage for the parallel relationships at the center of Irish Classical Theater's new production, "Private Lives."In Noel Coward's play, written in 1930, he explores the cruelty and black hilarity that ensues when a couple of divorcees, the Prynnes and the Chases, unknowingly visit the same resort for honeymoons with their respective new spouses.What ensues throughout the course of the two new couples' honeymoons is the rekindling of an old flame built on fierce love and equally fierce arguments.

NEWS

'Homage': The Rocky Buffalo Picture Show

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Apr. 14, 2004

Mohawks, chains, metal studs, leather jackets, dreadlocks, piercings, tattoos, free beer and a mighty pile of cheese ruled the Thursday night free Squeaky Wheel screening of the Buffalo-grown short film, "Homage."Squeaky Wheel is a not-for-profit media center located down in the heart of Allentown on Elmwood Avenue.They give cheap access to state-of-the-art filming and editing equipment, while promoting independent filmmakers and local media artists.Entering the "cinema" house of Squeaky Wheel Thursday night meant being struck with the contrasting black and blue walls and the snowy-screened televisions stacked three-high in the corner.A sculpture consisting of 20 naked girl's dolls straddling a metal cage-like structure, and Michael J.

NEWS

Virtuoso Singers Impress with Eclectic Program

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Apr. 2, 2004

Performing pieces composed by the likes of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and Johann Sebastian Bach, the New York Virtuoso Singers displayed an incredible versatility and range Tuesday night as they performed inside the acoustic walls of Slee Hall.Harold Rosenbaum, artistic director and founder of the 17-year-old NYVS, conducted the group and the Slee Sinfionetta as they accompanied the singers in the second portion of the show.In addition to directing the student choirs and teaching conductors and students, Rosenbaum is constantly in NYC and travels the world with his groups of singers.The entire performance went off without a hitch, as the NYVS seemed to hit every note just right.David Felder, professor of composition, who also serves as Artistic Director of the Slee Sinfionetta, composed the second piece of the night, "Memento Mori."The piece began with the powerful bass section of the chorus, and continued with somber, deep tones, as if dark spirits were battling inside Slee Hall.After the concert, Rosenbaum commented on the music and text of Felder's piece."It includes the themes of Mahler the most, the struggle between life on Earth and the hereafter, and what's to come," he said.

NEWS

What Went Wrong 'While We Were Bowling:'

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Mar. 29, 2004

Evidence of Buffalo's history and infatuation with bowling can be seen in the countless alleys and leagues around Western New York.

NEWS

'Window' Shopping-style Casting

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Mar. 24, 2004

Plagiarism is an issue every journalist, poet and author always keeps in the back of his or her mind.

NEWS

The Culture Lost in 'Translations'

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Mar. 10, 2004

When Captain Lancey and Lieutanent Yolland of the British Army are directed to rename and re-map Baile Ballybeag, Ireland, they've no idea of the rich language and history they're destroying.This month The Irish Classical Theater Company is exploring what is lost when an ancient language is translated and transformed, in Brian Friel's "Translations."For the ICTC, which doesn't deal strictly in Irish subjects, this production seems like a fitting endeavor for them to delve into.

NEWS

The Curse of Don Quixote

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Mar. 10, 2004

The goal of documentary filmmakers Keith Fulton and Louis Pepe was to create a film on the making of Terry Gilliam's film, "The Man Who Killed Don Quixote."What they ended up with was the complete opposite."The Man of La Mancha" is an often-funny - though eventually painful - account of the unmaking of Gilliam's film version of Cervantes' classic novel, "Don Quixote."UB professor and filmmaker Bruce Jackson and Dorthea Braemer, executive director of Buffalo's non-profit arts center, Squeaky Wheel, were at the Market Arcade Monday night to introduce a screening of the film."There are very few films about how films get made," said Jackson.

NEWS

No Burn Out Despite Low Turn Out

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Feb. 9, 2004

Despite fewer than a dozen attendees at Broadway Joe's Saturday night, the Binghamton-based Joe Rogers Band played a show fit for a packed house.The band has played all over New York State, including the music metropolis of New York City, making it a priority to play at least a few local shows a year.

NEWS

'The Cooler' Gets Hot

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Feb. 6, 2004

Las Vegas doesn't seem like the best city for the unluckiest man in the world, but that's just where Bernie Lootz (William H.

NEWS

One Man's Trash is Sculpture Students' Treasure

By WILLIAM HORBETT | Jan. 23, 2004

The mission proposed to the sculpture students was straightforward: go to the "As Is" Thrift shop on Military and Kenmore, find any cheap items you could use, construct them into a piece of art, and install for a show two days later.The undergraduate and graduate sculpture students accepted their mission and accomplished it with expertise and without problem.This being only the second week of school, the students had to think fast and create faster - the students only had one day at the thrift shop and one day to work - in order to install their projects by Thursday of this week.