THE CURRENT :PVS XFFLMZ EPTF PG BSUT BOE FOUFSUBJONFOU q 5IVSTEBZ 0DUPCFS
Chicago production unites NU alumni BY ALIX KRAMER
Source: Barbara Danielson
The infamous “purple mafia” is everywhere. Frankie DiCiaccio (Communication ‘12), Judy Steele (Communication ’83) and Jeff Meyer (Communication ’12) are all Northwestern alumni working together on a production of “The Wedding Singer” at Theater Wit in Chicago. The show opens Oct. 20, with previews beginning Oct. 13. “It makes it easier to enter a rehearsal room and know that there are people there that you already have a bond with and can depend on,” Meyer said. “The whole cast is very warm and loving and funny and great to be around.” Meyer, an ensemble member in “Singer,” notes that many NU students are proud of their school, giving them a way to connect with alumni over common interests. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are hotspots for artists, directors, dancers, choreographers and actors who are part of the NU network, said DiCiaccio, who plays an understudy to the character George and a male
!UIFDVSSFOUOV
swing in the show. Even at his auditions he cites Alex Weisman, casting assistant, “insanely successful actor” and NU graduate, as “helpful in getting (him) into the show.” “It’s beautiful to be able to show up to an audition and see people you know and have a common history with,” DiCiaccio said. Meyer, DiCiaccio and Steele all discovered the NU theater program in their own way. Meyer arrived to campus with the intention of being a psychology major but found himself spending more and more time involved in theater productions as a freshman and decided to switch majors sophomore year. DiCiaccio chose NU because of its huge theater community and the availability of acting opportunities — with not only University-programmed shows but also 10 student » See THE WEDDING SINGER, page 2
INSIDE: 0EET &OET 2 | Columns 3 | Reviews 4
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Thursday, October 10, 2013
Odds & Ends
Thursday, October 10, 2013
PINCIDENTS:
THE WEDDING SINGER From page 1
companies that produce student-run seasons. Steele said the School of Speech (before it became the School of Communication) really set her up to have a set of applicable skills and gave her experience in theater. In addition, he said it provides a basis in liberal arts that can serve alumni well if they deviate from their major after graduation. “It’s always fun to work with Northwestern alums because you have a similar language,” Steele said. “People see Northwestern (on a resume) and assume you know what you’re doing.” “Singer” is based off the 1998 romantic comedy of the same name, starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, and tells the story of a loveless wedding singer in 1985 who manages to cause disaster at every wedding he attends. He falls in love with an admiring but engaged waitress and must pull off an amazing performance to finally find true love. “Singer” director Jess McLeod (Communication ‘11) is yet another graduate of NU. Steele, DiCiaccio and Meyer had nothing but high praise for their fellow Wildcat.
Steele, who plays Rosie in the production, said she appreciates how McLeod wove her character into the story. “She’s still the wacky and bizarre character, but Jess has made it more a story about these people and why they do what they do,” Steele said. DiCiaccio send McLeod sends out emails of links to YouTube videos and articles from the time period of the show. This keeps the show from being “schticky” and instead makes it “fun and true.” DiCiaccio encourages NU students to “escape the bubble of Evanston” and come see “Singer.” “A lot of students waste their four years without realizing how easy it is to access the treasure trove of Chicago, and there’s no excuse for that,” DiCiaccio said. “Not only is it a great production and fun, but you get to see people who only a few years ago were in your shoes.” alixkramer2017@u.northwestern.edu
ith w A d Q-an
Alex Kotlowitz Best-selling author, journalist, Medill senior lecturer and now Emmy Award-winning producer Alex Kotlowitz talked to The Current about his documentary and work to end violence in Chicago.The Current sinks its teeth into the tastes and testimony of the man behind the madness.
THE CURRENT: How does it feel to have an Emmy for
“The Interrupters”?
Source: Alex Kotlowitz
INTERRUPTED. Alex Kotlowitz is currently working on a new book about violence in Chicago. His documentary work, as co-producer for “The Interrupters,” recently earned him an Emmy.
ALEX KOTLOWITZ: It’s been a long, terrific ride for this film. I mean, this film debuted two-and-a-half years ago, so I feel like whatever comes now is kind of gravy. I mean, certainly, it was a wonderful way to top off the run of this film … It felt terrific. THE CURRENT: How did you become involved with CeaseFire (now titled “Cure Violence”)? AK: I had done a cover story for The New York Times Magazine about the organization and their work. And it was during that piece that I got to know “the interrupters,” you know, the men and women around the table, folks I came to really admire ... I found my way to CeaseFire in part because I had been grappling with the violence ever since I wrote “There Are No Children Here” some 20 years ago. A number of the kids that I knew during the time working on that book, one of them has been murdered, one of them is serving time for murder, and I’ve seen up close the profound impact it’s had on the spirit of individuals and the spirit of community. So, the article was really a beginning effort to try to make sense of the violence. THE CURRENT: What made you decide to produce a film, as opposed to writing another book? AK: My heart and soul is in my writing ... In some ways I kind of stumbled into this, in large part because of Steve (James, director, producer, director of photography, and editor.) And I will tell you that this is one of the rare moments working on that magazine piece as I sat around the table with these “interrupters” ... these men and women, most of them in their ... forties and fifties who had been through a lot on the streets. Many of them had served many years in prison, and you can see these incredible journeys
By BLAKE BAKKILA current writer @blakebakkila
just etched on their faces. And there was something incredibly visual about it. THE CURRENT: What impact has this documentary had on your life? AK: I’ve been at this for 30 years so every project sort of takes on a life of its own. In the end, to be honest with you … the most life-changing project I’ve worked on was my first book, “There Are No Children Here,” in large part because it allowed me to write about things that I cared deeply about. … For me, on a very personal note, it’s really enriched my life, in large part because of the friendships that developed during the course of working on the film with the three main subjects, Cobe, Eddie and Ameena, and those are friendships that I deeply treasure. THE CURRENT: What was your favorite part about producing “The Interrupters”? AK: One of the things I love about working in radio and film is that it’s incredibly collaborative. ... Despite the grave nature of the subject, I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun working on a project, in part because of Steve and Zak (Piper, co-producer), and in part because of Cobe, Eddie and Ameena. THE CURRENT: How has the public and/or Northwestern reacted to the documentary since its release? AK: The release of the film has been a really extraordinary and special journey. ... And the wonderful part about the film is we’ve had an opportunity to show it on college campuses. I screened the film at a prison in central Illinois. One of the judges down at the juvenile courts demands that kids who are on probation for a gun violation, that they are required to view “The Interrupters.” And I will tell you that when we showed it at Northwestern, I remember this night well. It was the winter of 2012 … and it was a miserable, miserable night, weather-wise. I mean, it was just stormy, it was cold, it was raining, and we had to turn away a couple hundred people at the door. … I don’t think we could have asked anything more than what we got with this film. blakebakkila2016@u.northwestern.edu
5 WORDS
HERE WE GO AGAIN “When I eat, it is the food that is scared.” – Nick Offerman as his character Ron Swanson on “Parks and Recreation,” when asked whether he is afraid to eat the food at a bowling alley.
“@realjohngreen I stayed up til 4 finishing your book last night. I miss the Pittsburgh crew. Please tell them I say hi and send my love! Xx” – Actress Emma Watson on Twitter regarding John Green’s New York Times best-selling novel “The Fault in Our Stars” and the upcoming 2014 film adaptation of the book. “*learns to play saxophone* *sneaks into alpaca farm*
“Miley Cyrus wins the
*waits for a full moon* *plays saxophone solo* *starts alpacalypse*
“So many out of Source: mctdirect.com
“That’s Harry and Ron graffiti-ing the book, as you do to your schoolbooks. You do doodle on them, I always wrote all over mine. Teachers reading this will not be happy that I’m saying it, but you do, don’t you? So they’ve just scribbled things on them and said rude things in them, the name of their favourite Quidditch team and stuff in the book.” – British novelist J.K. Rowling on the extra markings within the pages of her books “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and “Quidditch Through the Ages,” based on the textbooks mentioned in the Harry Potter series. — Chanel Vargas
Contrary to popular belief, the recent shutdown of the U.S. government does not spell out the apocalypse for America. As of Oct. 1, government services and sources of employment deemed non-essential by Congress have been shut down. Though many have convinced themselves otherwise, these services do not include such necessities as Medicare, tax collection, mail delivery or the military. Partly inspired by the recent “Saturday Night Live” parody of the situation, Daily staffers gave their input on the subject:
twerk.”
— Ally Mutni
ck
“No more poney adoption program!” — Madeleine Elkins
“Can I run for pr
esident?”
— Steven M ontero
“Mayans were just months off.
”
Source: Creative Commons
— Chanel Vargas
MORGAN KINNEY
TECH COLUMNIST
morgankinney2017@u.northwestern.edu
Source: Creative Commons
— Stephanie Haines
*everyone dies*” – Adam Young (@owlcity) sharing some late night plans with his Twitter followers.
Apple update survival tips
I have an iPhone. You probably do, too. As it turns out, almost half of all American smartphone users own an iPhone. And these phones are more than just that — they are our most intimate companions. They hold all of our most embarrassing selfies, secrets and drunk texts (Just think: if iPhones could talk ... ). There’s no one and nothing that knows more about our lives. As such, the relationship between people and their iPhones is hallowed and sacred — something that you just don’t mess with. Which is why the iOS 7 software update is so disturbing. Apple took your best friend and and gave her a new face. Now she wears different clothes, talks about different things and falls asleep at 8 p.m. She’s just not the same. But there’s no going back. You were young and naive enough to upgrade, so now you have to learn to live with your bad choices. The only thing we can do is be productive and figure out how to move on with our lives. Here are a few tips to fix iOS 7’s most heinous flaw — the battery life: 1. Kill them apps. Nothing will send you running for a charger faster than leaving Google Maps open. Double click your home button and swipe up to make your problems go away. 2. Turn off app updates. Some genius decided it would be a good idea to let your apps update in the background, even if the app is closed. That means your phone is connecting to the Internet to constantly refresh your weather apps, news apps, Snapchat, etc. That’s a major drain on your battery. Go to settings, general, background app refresh, and uncheck “background app refresh.” Problem solved. 3. Turn off parallax effects. iOS 7 is full of nauseating zoom transitions and frivolous 3D effects. They drain your battery and are the definition of unnecessary. Go to settings, general, accessibility, reduce motion and switch “reduce motion” to on. 4. Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS. You don’t use Wi-Fi when you’re out and about. GPS is only useful when you’re lost. And when’s the last time you used Bluetooth? All three of these drain your battery when you’re not using them, which is probably most of the time. Do yourself a favor and switch them off unless you absolutely need them. 5. Turn off auto brightness. Obviously the biggest drain on your battery is your screen. It’s the biggest, brightest, most used part of your phone. Turn off auto brightness and set the brightness to the lowest possible level. You’ll be surprised how much battery this saves. Follow these five tips, and hopefully you’ll be able to leave the charger at home and stop asking for a table by an outlet at a restaurant.
— Kendall Siewert
THE CURRENT Editor in Chief Annie Bruce Assistant Editor Laken Howard Design Editor Jessica Fang Assistant Design Editor Rosalie Chan
Writers Alex Burnham Devan Coggan Martina BarreraHernandez Chanel Vargas DJ Oh Blake Bakkila Hayley Glatter Morgan Kinney Alix Kramer Miranda Leon
PINTEREST COLUMNIST @hayleyg6994
Coffee just tastes really bad. It has a gross aftertaste, and I didn’t suffer through six years of orthodontics to stain my teeth. Yet I find myself spending more money at Starbucks than is probably necessary. My spending is partially driven by my quest for a Gold Card (only 10 stars to go ... get on my level), but it’s mostly influenced by my addiction to pseudo-caffeinated mocha and latte beverages. That brings us to the Pumpkin Spice Latte. PSL devotion is well-documented. The notion of “fall in a cup” is equally as appealing on a hot September day, when you’re totally over-sweating outside, and a crisp November night, when you want to curl up with your poodle and a sweater. I’d like to say I’ve been with PSL since it’s introduction 10 years ago, but that would just be false. First of all, it would have been strange if I was downing lattes at age 9. Second of all, I am a firm believer in the lesspublicized, but still top-notch, Caramel Apple Spice. Norbucks, however, was out of apple juice one day last year, so I was forced to step outside my fall comfort zone. I took a bold step where almost every man has gone before and tried a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Needless to say, my taste buds and wallet have not been the same since. Despite its deliciousness, the beverage costs close to $4, and I’m not trying to go bankrupt on Starbucks purchases. As a result, I went on Pinterest to curb my PSL wallet woes. There are a multitude of “DIY Starbucks” pins to choose from, but I turned my attention to a Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe that looked relatively tame. I began this journey tentatively. I was initially skeptical that coffee, milk, sugar, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice could recreate the majesty of PSL. I also didn’t have the milk frother that the recipe describes, but #sorrynotsorry I live in a dorm, and we don’t have nice things. My final setback was that I don’t have a coffee maker, either, so I lifted some decaf from Allison and decided it sufficed for the espresso blend I needed. After channeling my inner Emeril and hitting my penguin mug with a combo of ingredients, I popped my concoction into the microwave. Upon removal, I looked at my creation with disdain. It was basically slightly orange milk with some swirling pumpkin pie spice at the top. I abandoned all expectations and took a sip. It was really good. No, it didn’t taste exactly like a Pumpkin Spice Latte, but it definitely captured the spirit of fall and certainly cost less than Starbucks. I absolutely foresee myself making this again in the future, and I think my taste buds and wallet will thank me for it.
Plugged In:
orriston
“Such great fodder for SNL.”
HAYLEY GLATTER
DIY pumpkin spice lattes
shutdown.”
— Michele C
The Current | Page 3
Columns
Hayley Glatter/The Current
hayleyglatter2016@u.northwestern.edu
LIVING FOR THE CITY: MARATHONS GIVE STUDENTS A CHANCE TO EXPLORE CHICAGO Upon arriving to campus nearly a Bank of America Chicago Marathon month ago as a freshman, I naturally Why do it: Even though registration for the marathon is closed, there are had more questions than answers. plenty of ways to have fun on marathon day, such as visiting local shops along ON-THE-TOWN Who is this Morty the people chant of? the race route. The entire 26.2 miles of the race provides a tour of Chicago’s COLUMNIST Is there actually a fox roaming across historic sites and finest eateries. It is a great introduction to the city as it passes campus? What does it say? I was through 29 Chicago neighborhoods. Get to know your fellow Chicagoans: certain of two things: I would not fall victim to the Freshman 15, and I would There will be 45,000 runners and 1.7 million spectators. You can also help supnot become the typical Northwestern student who takes Evanston’s proximity port a good cause. Money will be collected by the One Fund for Boston orgato Chicago for granted. nization, and those who donate $26 will receive blue Now, fully submerged in coursework and shoelaces to wear at the marathon. The One Fund having created a daily routine, I fear I will do for Boston supports victims and their families everything I set out not to do. I have deemed affected by the Boston Marathon tragedy last April. soft serve ice cream its own food group, and When: Sunday, Oct. 13. The first wave starts at I am starting to consider a trip to downtown 7:30 a.m. The second wave starts at 8:30 a.m. Evanston an expedition. Alas, there is still a How to participate: Registration to run the large part of me motivated to accomplish my marathon is already closed, but spectating is open goals of staying in shape and visiting Chicago to everyone, so make a sign and root for your regularly. How do I defy the odds and transfriends. form my wishes into reality? Cost: CTA round trip: $5. Spectating is free. Here are some tips to plan your Chicago visit: Ram Racing Series: 2013 Hot Chocolate 1. Begin with a theme. Start small. Maybe Chicago 15/5K Marathon visit the classic Chicago attractions (i.e. The Why do it: Do you love chocolate? The run has Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Millennium plenty of cocoa sold to raise funds for the Ronald Source: Creative Commons Park) all in one day. McDonald House Charities, which provide outYou are going to spend time eating and socializing anyway, so reach to children in need of support both medically and educationwhy not do both while in Chicago? ally. There is also a 2.5 mile Walk for Little City event beginning at 8:30 a.m. for 2. There are inexpensive options. They may be harder to find, but they are non-runners who want to participate. Proceeds from the Walk for Little City there. For example, one cost-effective route to Chicago from campus is to take are donated to helping families in the Chicago area affected by autism. the CTA train round trip for $5. When: Sunday, Nov. 3. The first wave starts at 7:00 a.m. The second wave 3. For now, here’s a theme: Chicago marathons. Participating in a marathon, starts at 7:45 a.m. or even a half marathon, will help you promote healthy lifestyles and fight off How to participate: Registration to run in the event is open until Oct. 16. that Freshman 15. If you’re not participating, support your fellow Chicagoans Cost: CTA train round trip: $5. The 5K costs $49, and the 15K costs $73. by cheering them on to the finish line. There are sure to be a few Wildcats in Spectating is free. the race. Two marathons to check out this fall: mirandaleon2017@u.northwestern.edu
MIRANDA LEON
Page 4 | The Current
Reviews
Thursday, October 10, 2013
BELIEVE THE HYPE:‘Gravity’ is the sci-fi experience of the year DJ OH
MOVIE COLUMNIST
Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” does what no other space sci-fi has achieved in recent movie history — it presents to the audience not just a visual spectacle but also an overwhelmingly frightening, yet pleasurable, experience. Starring Sandra Bullock as biomedical engineer Dr. Ryan Stone and George Clooney as veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski, “Gravity” tells the gripping story of a normal space operation gone bad. Visually, the movie is a stunning masterpiece and stands as a testament to the importance of a cinematic experience. From the beginning, “Gravity” hurtles the audience into a head-spinning journey to outer space. The camerawork and the panorama will take your breath away in the most literal sense, as the two spacefarers hover in zero gravity with emptying O2 supplies. Cuaron’s signature long single-shot takes also heighten the surreal movie experience — the 17-minute-long unbroken opening sequence adds a chilling reality that will keep you hanging onto your seat. What is most satisfying about “Gravity,” however, is that beneath all the high-tech drama of space disaster, there is an earthly emotional undertone. Like a musical score, the movie flows effortlessly but with impact, with a spectacular intro that is followed by the deafening silence of space, interspersed
with the fear of the impending climax. It is during these moments of calm, when Dr. Ryan Stone floats helplessly amid the stars gazing at the majestic Earth, that you will realize the essence of this movie. It is not a disaster film like “Titanic” or a heroic flick in the style of “Armageddon.” While hovering in deep space, “Gravity” tells a story of heavily grounded human values of love, survival and dreams. Although it occasionally slides into the seemingly inevitable pitfall of generic sci-fi action cliches, “Gravity” makes up for it through masterful camerawork, seamless visuals and a layered script that will make you want to revisit the frames in your head over and over again. “Gravity” marks Cuaron’s dramatic comeback seven years after the universally praised “Children of Men” (2006), and thus far the stars seem to have aligned for this daringly unconventional project — “Gravity” set the October box office record after earning a stunning $55.6 million over the weekend. You might be tempted to wait for the Blu-ray release or even an online stream, but think again. “Gravity” is an experience not to be seen — but rather to be felt. dongoh2016@u.northwestern.edu
Source: Flickr
Danny Brown can’t wait to get ‘Old’
Rundown
Source: Gravity Facebook page
Bruce, Kris Jenner split After 22 years of marriage, Kris and Bruce Jenner announced Tuesday they have officially separated, crushing Kardashian fans everywhere. This announcement comes amid rumors of divorce for Kris’ daughter Khloe Kardashian and her husband Lamar Odom. So yes, maybe U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) was right when she said this week that the “end times” are near.
The
Britney Spears heartbroken by ‘Bad’ finale We aren’t the only ones hoping for more episodes of “Breaking Bad.” Britney Spears added her two cents to the discussion saying, “I thought it was really sad. I didn’t like it at all. … Maybe they’ll do another episode where the ambulance comes and revives him.” Star Bryan Cranston responded by tweeting, “Glad you felt for him. RIP W.W. maybe I’m still here.” Here’s hoping for a Spears/Cranston sequel. “It’s Britney, bitch!” already sounds like a line from Jesse. Journalist tries to break bad on Twitter, fails miserably The “Breaking Bad” bandwagon continued Sunday when Philadelphia journalist Joyce Evans became a Twitter sensation for comparing a deadly shooting to the hit show. She wrote, “Thought ‘Breaking Bad was hot last Sunday? @Fox29philly See who’s breakin’ bad in SW Philly leavin’ 6 people SHOT – Tonite at Ten!” I don’t know what’s more horrifying about Evans’ tweet — the off-color pop culture reference or her complete disregard for AP style. Jonas Brothers cancel upcoming tour, cite ‘deep rift’ The Jonas Brothers have canceled the band’s upcoming tour a mere two days before it was to begin. According to a spokesman, a “deep rift within the band” forced the cancellation, and “there was a big disagreement over their music direction.” Reports of Nick telling Joe, “Next time I see you, I’m giving you a high five ‘cause hugs overrated, just FYI” are unconfirmed. — Devan Coggan
unfiltered manner. The poverty of his family and the degradation of life around him is evidenced in “25 Bucks.” He explains how his mother sat on the porch and cut hair to MUSIC COLUMNIST feed the family. Songs on “Old” expose the @afburnham rotting carcass that is the journey to Brown’s After a wayfaring 2013 that included permaturity. forming at Coachella, joining a tour with “If you really ballin’, mommy cop Chinese Baauer, headlining at SXSW and rapping at food,” Brown raps comically, yet honestly. Dillo Day, rapper Danny Brown added a third “XXX,” Brown’s previous album, funcstudio album to his list of achievements. tioned similarly, but the rapper admittedly “Old,” available on Spotify and officially injected vulgarity for the mere sake of doing released Oct. 8, features numerous collaboraso. This time around, the Detroit MC avoids tions with Brown’s favorite performers. A$AP the “dick-sucking” jokes, ensuring that “Old” Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul is a “challenge.” and Purity Ring contribute Yet Brown does not avoid fellatio altogether, both verses and production referencing the act in on the 56-minute, 19-song album. “Dope Fiend Rental Brown divided “Old” (Feat. Schoolboy Q),” into two sides, A and B, as if but here, he attempts to the compilation were vinyl. tell his story honestly, sex acts included, without According to an interview with Pitchfork, this aesthetic forcing humor. division refers to the Detroit And although the raprapper’s ability to entertain two per succeeds in his nardiscrete styles: “underground ration, a major achievehip-hop” and “turned up s---.” ment on “Old” is the The first half contains grittier second half of the album. material (hip-hop), and the Production excels. The second half includes festival- Source: Danny Brown Facebook page first track, titled “Side B style bangers. (Dope Song),” contains a deceivingly long introduction, one that makes On the first side are songs like “25 Bucks the bass drop much more satisfying. Snappy (feat. Purity Ring),” a minimalistic gossamer sound. Sonically the track is gaseous, a ghostly rhythm leads into a destructive explosion of concentration of restraint. A snare drum claps noise and Brown screaming, “dope song.” once every measure amid a pulsing, electronic Two songs later, on a piece titled “Dip,” the metronome. However, from a lyrical perspecfestival/trap experience continues. Sporadic tive, the song is much denser. Every second snare claps, heavy bass and voice modulahook Megan James sings with her ethereal tion synergize to create a song that radiates voice, “I’ll not get old if I dig with my knees, energy. Almost every song on this half of the album if I grind with my teeth.” oozes vivacity. In fact, any song from this secThe three-minute track epitomizes “Old” from a thematic perspective with a descriptive tion could make a party playlist. Brown raps narration of Brown’s life in an unorganized, with visceral fervor, jackhammering every
ALEX BURNHAM
track to a point of absurdity. The bridge of “Smokin & Drinkin” has Brown speedily breathing, just before the drop, “And we smoke blunt after blunt after blunt after blunt after blunt after blunt after blunt.” None of “Old” disappoints. Fans of “XXX” will love the new album because Brown employs his unique, spectacular style of rapping. Additionally, the content change is refreshing. But, aside from production, the crowning jewel of “Old” is its sincerity. As Brown raps on “Float On (feat. Charli XCX),” the album’s ultimate track, “And not for the money for the life after dying … just to see my influence in this genre of music.” It’s only a matter of time. afburnham@u.northwestern.edu
Source: Danny Brown Facebook page