Academy Awards Preview, Part 1: The Supporting Players
By Max B. O'Connell
February 28, 2014 - 10:08pm
In the first part of a three part series, our resident film buffs Max O'Connell and Nick Schmiedicker talk about who will take Oscar glory this Sunday.

It’s that time of the year again, where Hollywood gathers to give itself a good ol’ pat on the back for a job well done, regardless of whether or not they’re really honoring films or performances that will stand as the most memorable of 2013. 

"Stud" dares to explore the reaches of art and the depths of self-identity
By Marwa Eltagouri
February 27, 2014 - 1:19am
Director Ryan Travis and his ensemble of young men set out to expose the realities and falsities of the modern male African-American experience in a new derived theatrical performance.

Ryan Travis sits at the head of a table at Syracuse University's Arts Engage center downtown. He listens intently as a black SU student explains the story of his first experience with racism as a child.

Suddenly, Travis springs from his seat, raising his hands over his head and explaining an idea for transferring the student's story from the table to the stage.

Hopsin delights and dazzles at the Westcott.
By Jessica Cabe
February 21, 2014 - 10:14pm
The rapper rises above public self doubt to deliver fantastic and immersive hip-hop experience.

When Hopsin stepped onto the Westcott stage on Wednesday night, he knew he had something to prove.

The Los Angeles rapper took to Twitter on Feb. 17 with a rant about his frustration with fame, touring and “two faced” fans. “Don’t come to these shows,” he tweeted. “You are gonna get an auto pilot performance.”

College Humor shakes Orange Nation with fits of laughter
By Sadé A. Spence
February 21, 2014 - 10:07pm
The online comedy kings played to a sold out audience at the Goldstein Auditorium.

Syracuse University was the home of our four favorite class clowns last night. The guys of College Humor, Jake Hurwitz, Amir Blumenfeld, Streeter Seidell, and our very own SU alum Dan Gurewitch, took the stage to a packed Goldstein Auditorium. Students were buzzing with excitement before the show began. Some students hoping College Humor’s stand-up performance would live up to the hype! 

Valentine's Day movie primer
By Nick Reichert
February 13, 2014 - 1:06am
Pick the right flick for the right kind of date.

It’s February once again, and that means that Cupid has creeped his head into all of our lives. And with each annual St. Valentine’s Day, Hollywood jams the local movie theaters with a bevy of films for young and impressionable couples to spend their money and time on. The right movie can make all the difference, whether it's the first date or the 10th date. So here is a helpful buyer’s guide to the recent releases available at the multiplex to insure that you see the right flick. And, more importantly, that you have a great Valentine’s Day.

"The Whipping Man:" An Examination of Scars.
By Rong Lin
February 7, 2014 - 9:45pm
Syracuse Stage's production of Matthew Lopez's dramatic spin on America's "original sin."

On the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act’s passage and the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, Syracuse Stage presents The Whipping Man. Playwright Matthew Lopez’s debut work reminds Americans of the unhealed scars on the slaves and their masters. Directed by Timothy Bond, this production taps into the reflection of history and poses question on how far America has advanced. 

RYSE-ing above the sound and the fury
By Olivia Klayman
February 4, 2014 - 4:18pm
RYSE (née Ryan Andersen) is a young rapper and artist constantly searching for the freshest sound while overcoming a turbulent past.

Ryan Andersen is looking for ways to broadcast his message to the world. As the aspiring rapper RYSE, the Syracuse University freshman has found just a way to do that.

Andersen's exposure to alcohol and drugs during his upbringing ultimately created severe emotional and dependency issues including the amphetamine Adderall. But while he was able to conquer many of those personal challenges, Andersen also tried to tap into those experiences for his musical endeavors.

Philip Seymour Hoffman, master of screen and stage, dies at 46
By Max B. O'Connell
February 3, 2014 - 12:24pm
A tribute to the Academy Award-winning actor considered one of the best of his generation.

One of my favorite film critics, Sam Adams of The Dissolve and Indiewire, said it best when he tweeted this:

“Writers trying to figure out the first line for your PSH obit: I suggest ‘Jesus, where do I start?’”

Syracuse University, we’ve been Crashed!
By Sadé A. Spence
January 29, 2014 - 3:50pm
Chuck's and other local spots experienced a (small) British invasion this past week as the cast of TV's 'Campus Crashers' tried party like American college students.

Not even the frigid cold could keep these Brits from partying in the USA.

Over the course of the last week, the cast of Campus Crashers have been discovering what it is like to live (and party) like a Syracuse University student.

"Next To Normal" illuminates the intricacies of mental illness.
By Yang Bai
January 28, 2014 - 4:03pm
The Redhouse puts on the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical.

Winning the 2009 Tony Award for best score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, next to normal, written by Brian Yorkey and scored by Tom Kit, stands as a milestone in musical history for its outstanding achievement in terms of both its literary and musical qualities. 

Red House Arts Center brings this contemporary rock musical legend to Syracuse, giving the local audience an unforgettable experience that’s heartbreaking, and breathtakingly beautiful at the same time.