When it comes to controversial plays, these plays are usually censored by a university before they even have a chance to be put up on stage. However, from January 17-19, The Other Theater Project, a student-run theater company, presented their production of House of Gold in the Black Box theater, here at CSUSB. House of Gold tells the story of 6-year-old beauty pageant star JonBenet Patricia Ramsey, who was found dead in the basement of her home in December of 1996. Although the cause of Ramsey’s death is still unclear today, the theatrical production explores the themes of child beauty pageants and their over-sexualization of children’s bodies and child abuse. This show was … [Read more...] about Student director captures dark side of pageants
Theater
The misunderstood spectacle of pro wrestling
By Daniel DeMarco |Copy Editor| There lingers a stigma in society surrounding professional wrestling. The simple mention of it often brings a response like, “you mean that fake WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) stuff?” I know, because I was one of those responding in that judgmental tone for many years after I had “grown out of it.” I now see that I was mistaken, and unless you are a wrestling fan, you’re probably wrong too. As I got older, I could not quiet that thought in the back of my head: Why are thousands of people, every week, buying tickets or tuning in to watch men and women fake-fight? Eventually, curiosity and a nostalgic desire brought me to try to really … [Read more...] about The misunderstood spectacle of pro wrestling
Amazing trailer, terrible movie
By Jose Alvarez | Staff Writer | Our former governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, stars in a disappointing film. “Maggie” is a horror-drama film that has been playing in select theaters since its limited release on May 8. Critics believe the only reason that this film has been getting any traction is because of Schwarzenegger’s iconic name. The plot goes as follows: Maggie, played by Abigail Breslin from “Zombieland,” is a teenage girl who gets infected and slowly transforms into a zombie. Maggie’s father Wade, played by Schwarzenegger, is now faced with a difficult decision, either send Maggie to the quarantine zone where she will be killed, or kill his own daughter. I felt that one of the … [Read more...] about Amazing trailer, terrible movie
Honoring farm workers
By Jose Alvarez | Staff Writer | Farm workers are being honored through a play that will take place on campus that celebrates 50 years of CSUSB and Farm Workers Theater. Carlos Satizábal, a nationally awarded playwright and poet, has been invited to CSUSB to work alongside Bibiana Diaz. Satizábal will be aiding Director Diaz in the final stages of the play. Although Diaz and Satizábal don’t mention Cesar Chavez’s name, the play will reflect on the impact he and Luis Valdez had on farm workers in the 1960s. “La Quinta Temporada” and “Los Vendidos” are the two plays that will be adapted for the stage thanks to a collaboration from Acto Latino … [Read more...] about Honoring farm workers
James Appel explains Ebola at CSUSB
By Marlyn Rodriguez and Marion Gil |Asst. Managing Editor and News Editor| James Appel, a medical doctor who worked in Liberia during the Ebola crisis, gave a presentation at CSUSB on Nov. 17. During the event, Appel focused on providing practical and useful knowledge about Ebola and his experiences with it during his time in West Africa, and how it is handled both in Liberia and America. Despite primarily working with non-Ebola patients, Appel has extensive knowledge about Ebola due to his work in Africa and believes the fear American media is causing outweighs the information they are providing. “I think that the American media completely blows things out of proportion. We’ve had … [Read more...] about James Appel explains Ebola at CSUSB
Dreamgirls hits Fontana
By Ofelia Fuente |Asst. A&E Editor| "Dreamgirls" takes their audience back to when Elvis and The Beatles were huge hits, but in the background, rhythm and blues were shaking up the musical scene. "Dreamgirls" revolves around an all-girl group from Detroit Michigan, The Dreamettes, composed of full-figured lead singer Effie White alongside her best friends Deena Jones and Lorrell Robinson. Dreamgirls is a musical drama written in 1981 by Tom Eyer and music by Henry Krieger. The Dreamettes first got into the business when the trio lost an amateur talent show. Curtis Taylor Jr. convinced the Dreamettes to sing back up with the promise to become rising stars and break out of the … [Read more...] about Dreamgirls hits Fontana
“As You Like It” a show one must not miss
By Devin Ramos | Staff Writer The CSUSB Barnes Theater Company will hold performances rendering their take on William Shakespeare's comedy, “As You Like It,” from Nov. 15 through Nov. 24. The two hour play is a tale of love filled with laughter. It tells the story of Rosalind, played by Lisa Parker, and Orlando, T.J. Sloan, as they fall in love. was directed by Tom Provenzano, and under his direction the actors do well in keeping the audience laughing and in tune with the progressing story. In the two-hour play, the two are banished from Duke Frederick’s court; Orlando for persecution by his older brother, Oliver and Rosalind for angering the Duke. Orlando, unaware that Rosalind has been … [Read more...] about “As You Like It” a show one must not miss
Escape the summer heat with upcoming blockbusters
By Shannon Luster |Staff Writer| The blockbuster movies, coming summer soon to a theater near you, will make you laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your seat and are loaded with realistic looking special effects. Get your ticket stubs ready for the five highly anticipated movies, offering you an escape to a cool theater to beat the summer heat. “This is the End” revolves around a group of friends struggling to survive during the Apocalypse and arguing over the last Milky Way candy bar. This hilarious movie sports a talented cast, including James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Seth Rogen. The cast’s strong comedic timing becomes apparent in the trailer, as well as presenting a reason for … [Read more...] about Escape the summer heat with upcoming blockbusters
J.J. Abrams plans to live long and prosper
By Shannon Luster |Staff Writer| “Star Trek: Into Darkness” delivers high action thrills that will leave you sitting on the edge of your theater seat. The exciting blockbuster movie soared to number one and earned $70.2 million during its opening weekend, according to the IMDb Charts. "Star Trek: Into Darkness” is the highly anticipated sequel to the wildly popular movie "Star Trek" released in 2009. The opening scene shows a high-speed chase on an exotic planet complete with a fiery volcano, which draws you into the movie feeling eager about what will happen next. Actor Chris Pine reprises the role of the iconic Captain James T. Kirk and actor Zachary Quinto also returns as … [Read more...] about J.J. Abrams plans to live long and prosper
You’re invited to “The Big Wedding”
By Shannon Luster |Staff Writer “The Big Wedding,” promises to deliver comedic thrills that will make you laugh right out of your seat. The hilarious movie opened at number four and earned $7.59 million during its opening weekend, according to the IMDb Charts. The movie has similarities to the wildly popular, “Father of the Bride,” movie series, starring actor Steve Martin that revolves around a family reuniting for a wedding and the resulting craziness that ensues. “The Big Wedding” gives an updated twist that includes adoption, divorce, cheating spouses, and other surprises. Writer, director, producer Justin Zackham, writer of movies such as, "The Bucket List" and "Going … [Read more...] about You’re invited to “The Big Wedding”