Dec. 3, 2021

Volume 90 • Issue 11

FSUgatepost.com

December 3, 2021

Dance Team lifts spirits in latest performance

Dance Team members performing “You Lift Me Up” during the dress rehearsal for their fall semester showcase, “Power,” Dec. 1.

News RUBEN QUESADA pg. 4 JACOBO NEGRON pg. 5

Opinions

MY LETTER TO YOU pg. 7 HALEY’S COMIC pg. 8

Sports

Chief of police finalist John Santoro stresses importance of community outreach

By Sophia Harris Interim Asst. News Editor

Interim Police Chief John Santoro was the second candidate interviewed as part of the police chief search Nov. 22.

He answered questions about the perception of the police department and what he would change if he were chosen.

Santoro opened the meeting talking about his career and experience. He is currently interim chief at Framingham State. Sontoro is in his 33rd year of policing and has worked the past 10 years as deputy chief of police and associate director of the

department.

Dr. Jerusha Nelson-Peterman, chair of the food and nutrition department, asked about a blue lives matter picture that was posted on the department’s Twitter page for two days. She said she heard from a number of students of color who said they don’t “feel safe on campus.”

Nelson-Peterman asked Santoro if he was aware of the tweet when it was posted and what the department is doing to “mitigate that and help black and brown students feel safe on this campus.”

Santoro said he “could not recall when [he] was made aware of the tweet going up,” but when he was

made aware of the tweet, the department “addressed it immediately and had it removed.”

He said after the tweet was taken down, they “scrubbed through all of our other social media sites,” adding they “remove[d] anything else that we could find that depicted that type of symbol or flag.”

Nelson-Peterman asked what Santoro will do in the future so officers are aware of the implications of this image to students of color.

Santoro noted the officers “who oversee the social media accounts, a patrolman and a supervisor,” were off-duty at the time the image was

See JOHN SANTORO page 4

The Hilltop Players find light in dark times in upcoming cabaret

By Emily Rosenberg, Arts & Features Editor

With Suit Jacket Posse Performances and fall play “Clue,” the semester has been packed for members of the Hilltop Players.

Gatepost Archives On Dec. 2,3, and 4 they’ll also showWOMEN’S BASKETBALL pg. 9 case a series of songs in the performance Dark vs. Light Cabaret.

Senior biology major Lauren Mercer is Hilltop’s fundraising chair and she is directing her first show, the ark vs.

CLUE pg. 11 Light Cabaret. Prior to stepping up as a director, she was in the cast of past shows, “Legally Blonde” and “9 to 5” HOUSE OF GUCCI REVIEW pg. 14

Arts & Features

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST

which was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Mercer said she chose the theme for the cabaret from her favorite musical “Next to Normal.”

“One of the biggest themes in the show is that even though the world is full of darkness, you can fight against it and find the light,” she said. “This idea of finding hope and happiness even during the most difficult times was really beautiful to me and I decided I wanted to base the cabaret off of the idea.”

The first act of the show revolves around the theme of darkness and includes “comical villain songs” along

with serious songs about unrequited love, loneliness, and abuse.

The second act of the show focuses on the theme of light and features songs about love, hope and overcoming difficult times.

Some of the songs featured are “You Will Be Found” from “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Mother Knows Best” from “Tangled,” and “On my Own” from “Les Miserables.”

Mercer said, regarding the challenges of directing, there were a lot of small tasks and responsibilities

See DARK VS. LIGHT CABARET page 13

INSIDE: OP/ED 7 • SPORTS 9 • ARTS & FEATURES 10

NEWS

2 | DECEMBER 3, 2021

Gatepost Interview

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Donald Halsing

Giuliano Espino

Associate Editors Leighah Beausoleil Kathleen Moore

Visiting Lecturer of Political Science

By Steven Bonini News Editor

News Editors Steven Bonini Haley Hadge Ashlyn Kelly Asst. News Editor Sophia Harris Opinions Editor McKenzie Ward Sports Editor Danielle Achin Tyler Wahl Arts & Features Editors Caroline Gordon Emily Rosenberg Asst. Arts & Features Editor Ryan O’Connell Interim Design Editors Maddison Behringer Emma Lyons

What is your professional and educational background?

I actually, like all the lovely people here, I did my undergraduate degree at Framingham State in political science.

It’s cool to do the full circle of teaching the classes that I was once part of in the same exact classrooms. … I knew for quite a while that I wanted to teach.

And so right from undergrad, I went into graduate school. I did my master’s at Northeastern University where I did research into constitutional law. And now I am doing my Ph.D. there as well - I’m finishing that up. I have a year and a half left of funding, and I studied the role of international institutions in domestic drug policy.

Copy Editor Patrick Brady Staff Writers Mikey Alves James Barraford Jasmine Castillo Jackson Clyde Olivia Copeland Dan Fuentes Dallas Gagnon Mark Haskell Stefano Hernandez Branden LaCroix Sage Lorenzo Johan Perez Nathan Rogers Multimedia Critics Sean Cabot Jack McLaughlin Austin Riffelmacher Ryan Schreiber Advisor Desmond McCarthy Asst. Advisor Elizabeth Banks

N THE GAT E P

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O

What is your role at FSU and what does your job entail?

I am a visiting lecturer of political science. So, what that means is that I have other obligations at Northeastern niversity, where I’m finishing my h. . and doing research work there. But at Framingham State, I’m essentially here to help teach political science classes. I [teach] two [classes] a semester. ... Starting next fall, I will also begin teaching at the Graduate School of Public Policy here. I tend to do the pre-law classes things like Constitutional Law, Judicial Policy. I’m teaching Race Politics and the Law this semester. If students are planning on going to law school, I am most likely going to be encountering them quite a lot.

What would you say your goals are as one of the professors in the Political Science Department?

I’ve come to the conclusion that, above all else - and this may sound weird out of context - but above all else, my job is to have fun because I only have so much time with students, and we can only learn so many things. I’m more seeing myself as having fun, because if students enjoy this material, and they end up liking it and becoming passionate about it, and then they want to engage with politics, and just be an informed person with a base amount of civic literacy for the rest of their life, that will do a lot more than me just trying to shove of constitu@T the nitty gritty ST throats.

HEGA O tional doctrine down their P E T What are some personal hobbies of yours?

So, one of the biggest things is I am a hardcore history and politics nerd.

Sometimes, the link between personal hobby and work - it’s not always so

@

T TH EGATEPOS

100 State Street McCarthy Center Room 410 Framingham, MA 01701-9101 Phone: (508) 626-4605 Fax: (508) 626-4097 gatepost@framingham.edu @TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

Police Logs Friday, Nov. 26 15:48 Disturbance Salem End Parking Lot Advised

Courtesy of Framingham State clear. But aside from that, I’m a hardcore gamer. I love video games - always have - full spectrum from Pokémon to Call of Duty. I do it all. Back in the undergraduate days, I was part of management at a GameStop. So, you know, I’m a Renaissance man of gaming. And aside from that, I am an absolute junkie for live music. That’s absolutely my favorite.

Really hard to do in 2020. But 2021, you know, most things are back to normal.

The wife and I, we’ve done 13 different trips around the country to go concert hopping this year, and we were literally at a rave last night. Gaming and raving alongside the political science duties those will be my two favorite things.

Do you have any advice for campus students?

I would say - if I had to say one thing - by having gone full circle, is that Framingham State is what you make of it.

That’s what I would say. I remember when I was first at ramingham State and I was more thinking long term about wanting to go to graduate school and all these sorts of things, I was wondering if

Tuesday, Nov. 30 10:13 Bank Escort FSU Police Department Services Rendered

going to Framingham State, would that set me at a disadvantage as opposed to going to an R1 [research] university, like to one of the big schools in Washington, DC, or something like that. And I found that there are tremendous faculty here.

If you are passionate about pursuing your careers, and there are faculty in the related fields, they are always looking for excited and enthusiastic, passionate students to work closely with and help mentor. So, there are tremendous opportunities here if you’re looking for them. And I found that I embraced everything I did. I worked as hard as I could. I worked with the political science faculty to the point where I was set up extremely strongly going into Northeastern - I’m excelling there. … Appreciate the opportunities you have here.

There are tremendous faculty. If you’re willing to put in the work and that passion, there are great rewards to reap from Framingham State.

CONNECT WITH STEVEN BONINI sbonini@student.framingham.edu

Tuesday, Nov. 30 10:39 Follow-Up Investigation FSU Police Department On-going Assignment

Wednesday, Dec. 01 08:49 Motor Vehicle Accident Maynard Parking Lot Report Taken

NEWS

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 3

SGA discusses search for new University president and police chief

By Danielle Achin Editorial Staff SGA discussed the search for the next president of the University during its meeting Nov. 23.

The presidential candidate visits will take place Dec. 2, 6, and 9 via Zoom, giving students an opportunity to meet the candidates.

President McKenzie Ward said after the finalists are nominated, the school will be hosting a lunch with student leaders Dec. 3, 7, 10 so they can get to know the candidates better and ask them questions.

Ward emphasized the importance of student representation at these meetings because it “establishes the culture of FSU.” FSU is one of the few schools that has open forums hosted by students in which they are allowed to ask administrators questions. Ward said, “Making sure that the next potential FSU President is aware of this is essential in keeping that privilege that we have.”

Ward also spoke about the search for the new police chief, with the last open forum held on Nov. 29.

Ward said she spoke with Interim Chief John Santoro, a finalist for the position of chief, after his open forum.

She said she plans to propose having more targeted open forums for specific departments, such as University Police.

Santoro agreed and said if he isn’t appointed chief, he will relay this idea to whomever is.

Student Trustee Hillary Nna addressed plans to increase enrollment after it dropped 10% since the Fall 2019.

“Some things that came out of the perception study was making the University more accessible to commuter students. There is talk about updating the library building as well as increasing the outreach to high school students, bringing up those enrollment

Left

illary na, student trustee, and ara Barros, diversity and inclusion o cer, at an SGA meeting.

numbers, and trying to increase campus activity and spirit,” Nna said.

She added the University is focusing on “compliance for vaccinated and partially vaccinated students, as well as random testing.”

Nna said, “The testing site is open every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for random sampling and anybody in the community who wants to get tested. As of right now, we have low numbers, and no evidence of classroom transmissions.”

She said students who want to or are attempting to self-quarantine should visit the University’s FAQ page for resources, according to what the department of public health guidelines are.

Vice President Emma Sullivan discussed the finalized design of the Black Lives Matter banner set to be placed in the McCarthy lobby.

“In February, we’re going to hold the table and have sharpies. Students can come up and sign in support,” Sullivan said.

Ward then presented Outreach and Events Coordinator Emily Rosenberg’s office report due to her absence.

She reported SGA plans to hold at least one more event before the fall semester ends. In the spring semester, they also plan to hold another event for recruiting new members for the SGA team.

“Because we are a smaller group, and we also all are super busy, she thinks that having more members will help us get more done,” said Ward.

During the SGA Advisor’s report, Sara Gallegos said, “We need strong representation” for the open forums.

She also said the work SGA senators have put in this semester has gone

Gatepost Archives

above and beyond.

Gallegos referred to the SGA team as “small and mighty.”

This week, the “U-Rock” award was given to Senator Mark Haskell by Diversity and Inclusion Officer ara Barros.

The “U-Rock” is presented to recognize a senator’s accomplishments during the weeks between meetings.

[Editor’s note: McKenzie Ward is Opinions Editor for The Gatepost. Emily Rosenberg is an Arts & Features Editor for The Gatepost. Mark Haskell is a staff writer for The Gatepost.]

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE ACHIN dachin@student.framingham.edu

Three finalists chosen for next University president

By Ashlyn Kelly News Editor The Board of Trustees announced the three finalists for the next niversity president Dec. 1.

The three finalists are Roxanne Gonzales-Walker, Nancy Niemi, and Allia Carter.

Gonzales-Walker is currently the provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at New Mexico Highlands Uni-

Weather

versity.

According to the presidential search website, her career has “focused on institutions and programs that provide access to post-secondary education for underrepresented populations.”

Gonzales-Walker will be visiting campus Dec. 2-3.

Niemi is currently provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Her research has focused on the “in-

tersections of gender, social equity, and higher education,” according to the presidential search website.

Niemi will be visiting campus Dec. 6-7.

Carter is currently the executive vice president and chief operating officer at Virginia Union University.

According to the presidential search website, Carter is focused on “promoting educational access and affordability while promoting a diverse, equitable,

and inclusive campus environment.”

Carter will be visiting campus Dec. 9-10.

For more information on the search and candidates, visit the Presidential Search tab on the FSU website.

The Board of Trustees will be meeting Dec. 15 to make a decision.

CONNECT WITH ASHLYN KELLY akelly8@student.framingham.edu

Forecast provided by the National Weather Service www.weather.gov

Sunday night Dec. 05 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wind around 5 mph.

Monday night Dec. 06 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday night Dec. 07 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday night Dec. 08 Mostly cloudy, with a low around 30. Wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Dec. 06 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Tuesday Dec. 07 Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Wind around 10 mph.

Wednesday Dec. 08 Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thursday Dec. 09 Partly sunny, with a high near 40. Wind around 6 mph.

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

NEWS

4 | DECEMBER 3, 2021

Chief of police finalist Ruben Quesada emphasizes listening to the community

By Stefano Hernandez Staff Writer

An Open Forum for the University Police Chief Search was held for finalist Ruben Quesada Nov. 15.

Quesada began by giving a brief introduction about his life and what led him to police work.

Originally from Phoenix, AZ, Quesada started his career working as a police officer in 1995 and retired as a police commander after 25 years and moved to the East Coast to be closer to his family.

“My dream was to always work for a campus,” he said, “because I like to call myself a ‘prac-ademic.’”

As a practitioner of policing but also an academic after finishing his doctorate in 2017, Quesada developed the term “prac-ademic” to create a synergy between his two passions.

“I got into policing inadvertently,” he said. “At 16 years of age, I was arrested by the Phoenix Police Department for possession of marijuana.”

Quesada then described his experience with juvenile court. He was assigned 16 hours of community ser-

vice, which he served at a church in Phoenix.

“I was running with the wrong crowd. I was hanging out with other kids I shouldn’t be hanging out with,” he said. “That’s when I met three police officers … who are still very much my friends today.”

Quesada explained how he befriended these three officers he said taught him the difference between right and wrong. He said they mentored him in the practice of policing.

He added after his sentencing, his mother became interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement - a goal she eventually achieved.

Quesada said he also dreamed of becoming a police officer and pursued this goal after attending Northern Arizona University.

Despite not needing a degree to become a police officer, Quesada wanted to prove to himself and others that he could change.

Kate Caffrey, a professor in communication, media, and performance and president of the faculty union asked Quesada what he thought the difference was between hate speech and free speech.

Quesada answered he would consider the rights of the individual.

“We all have civil rights,” he said.

“Yes, they should be allowed to speak freely and speak their mind, and I don’t have to agree with [what they say], but I have to respect an individual’s rights.”

Margaret Carroll, dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, asked how Quesada would help students and the community feel safe during an ongoing investigation.

Quesada replied, “Anytime you had something that occurred in your area, like my district, we had to respond.”

He explained what work consists of when reporting on ongoing investigations.

He added that what is most important is making sure every members of the community is heard and can ask questions.

“How I would handle that is to meet with all the groups,” he said.

Quesado said he has done this throughout his career, adding the police have to answer “the tough questions and you have to listen and real-

clusion officer, brought up the Turning Point USA table that was outside the McCarthy Center Nov. 1 and asked why President F. Javiar Cevallos wasn’t notified about it.

Santoro responded, “The officer responded to the call, gathered the information, documented that incident report and passed it on to the chain of command above us to others.”

Barros said, “Based on the information from the chain above, they were not aware” of the Turning Point USA table.

Santoro said, “The officers did not immediately identify the person removed from campus,” adding, “We never gathered the name of the group.”

Barros said, “As an interim chief, you have this message that you would be a good option for us. There have been two racial incidents and we aren’t satisfied with the results you produce.”

She asked why Santoro applied for the position and what he plans to do differently as chief.

Santoro said his plan would be to educate the community on what is going on in the investigation regarding the racial incidents and “to help deter people or persons coming back and doing such things.”

Washburn asked, “How do you believe the campus police are perceived here at Framingham State, and what are you doing in community outreach to shape their perception?”

Santoro replied before COVID-19, University Police participated in the yearly Coffee with a Cop program on the first Wednesday of October.

The police force set up a table in the McCarthy lobby with free coffee and pastries to interact with students on campus.

He said that they offer self-de-

fense programs once a semester, although because of COVID-19, they were canceled last year.

There are also residence hall liaisons who will often set up tables to give out information in order to have “positive interactions with students,” he said.

University Police have also participated in campaigns such as Toys for Tots and the Special Olympics, Santoro said.

“Officers are out there to do good for everybody, not just specifically students, faculty, staff - as a community in general, especially being a public campus where people can come and go, we’re all there for everyone and to help everyone as well,” he added.

Washburn repeated her question and asked how Santoro thinks University Police are perceived at Framingham State.

Santoro said he thinks the “perception is good.”

Junior Malik Martin, president of Black Student Union and the class of 2023, asked how Santoro plans to build relationships with Black and brown students because their perception of the police “isn’t positive.”

Santoro replied, “We’ll continue to build relationships with all students, including members of the BIPOC community.”

He said they will continue to send officers to training “to make them better aware, ready, educated in the needs and the needs of students, BIPOC students, BIPOC faculty and staff members.”

Dara Barros asked Santoro what type of police training he has implemented as interim chief “surrounding racial equity on campus as well as diversity.”

Santoro replied because University Police is a certified agency, there are

John Santoro Continued from page 1

posted.

He said he made them aware of the situation and had them “rectify that situation.”

Sontoro added he told the officers “what the rules are going forward for not posting things like that.”

Kathryn Washburn, a junior computer science major, asked if Santoro was “personally aware” of the implications of the thin blue line and if it was a topic discussed within his department.

Santoro said that there are two images - the thin blue line and the blue lives matter flag - that are similar but have different connotations.

“One is the thin blue line, which is an identifier for fellow police officers. … The flat line is a different depiction that looks very similar to that. Now that is the police support flag which has become controversial - offensive to many people in the communities,” Santoro said.

He said he is aware of the message and the police force does not “plant the flag” on any of the FSU “police cruisers” or “anywhere in our police station.”

Washburn asked why there was not already a policy in place for preventing something like this from happening.

The department has “lots of policies and procedures,” he said. Some policies are created by “lessons learned.”

The picture originated after a girl, Dakota Matthews, who is visiting every police department in the state, traded patches with one of the officers. The officer posted it on Twitter to show his support of Matthews.

Santoro said the image was not posted with “ill intent.”

Dara Barros, SGA diversity and in-

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ize the perception of others is their reality.”

He emphasized that as a police officer, it is important to be honest and open to others.

A student asked how Quesada would make students of color feel safe, referencing the recent acts of vandalism committed by white supremacy-related groups.

Quesada replied, “It’s about all of us. It’s part of what can we do and asking why our students of color are not feeling safe.”

Quesada explained he would engage with students directly and ask what the police department can do to help make them feel safe.

He said that because the University is a state institution, a lack of funding makes it difficult to have the resources available to adhere to all student demands.

“I don’t have all the answers,” he said. “But collaboratively, we can find a solution.”

CONNECT WITH STEFANO HERNANDEZ shernandez3@student.framingham.edu

a series of requirements that need to be met in regards to training.

He added they go through training that is not only “required by the state and all those agencies that we fall into certification and authorization from, but we also go above and beyond those requirements.”

He said one of the female officers is being sent out for training that will focus on female police empowerment so she can become an “effective leader.”

Washburn asked, “How do you ensure the recruitment process reaches applicants that match the demographics of our campus?”

Santoro responded, “I think our department is fairly representative of the student population on campus.”

Santoro said they have been placing ads on a variety of sites for police officers such as the Massachusetts Latino Police Association, the National Women Police Association, as well as reaching out to “minority police groups.”

Ilene Hofrenning, director of the Health Center, asked what changes the FSU community could expect to see if Santoro becomes police chief.

Santoro said there is room for change in the department. He said he wanted to focus on “continuing to improve the officers’ morale.”

In regards to outside of the department, Santoro said he will continue to “increase our community outreach programs that are going on.”

He added he wants to look into getting a comfort care dog on campus.

He said they are also looking into a body-worn-camera grant to “be able to document the situation from a firsthand incident.”

CONNECT WITH SOPHIA HARRIS sharris@student.framingham.edu

NEWS

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 5

Chief of police finalist Jacobo Negron promises a 21st-century approach to policing

By Haley Hadge News Editor An Open Forum for the University Police Chief Search hosted by Lorretta Holloway was held for finalist Jacobo Negron in Dwight Auditorium and over Zoom on Nov. 29.

Negron’s career arc has spanned from serving as a wedding DJ to his current job at Harvard University’s police department where he has worked for the past 18 years.

He said he has been the administrative chair for the Association of Harvard Latinx faculty and staff for approximately two-and-a-half years.

He added this role led him to get involved in the Employee Resource Group Council, where he works with six different affinity groups throughout the university.

Outside of his university positions, he was the president and founder of the Massachusetts Latino Police Officers Association for five years, Negron said.

“I created that association after my experiences with other national organizations throughout the country, such as the National Latino Peace Officers Association, The National Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association, and also local groups,” he said.

In response to a question from Ilene Hoffrening, director of the health center, regarding how a 21st-century police department should operate, Negron referenced the “Final Report of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing” and listed the six pillars outlined in this document.

According to the report, these pillars are: Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Community Polic-

ing and Crime Reduction, Training and Education, and Officer Wellness and Safety.

He said in the instance of hate speech on campus, the police are obligated to protect “both sides” from any physical violence. In order to deal head-on with these situations, there is a need for preventive “procedure and policies of how we’re going to move forward with things like that.”

He added he doesn’t like the “knee jerk reaction to social justice issues,” and bias training for officers needs to be “constant.

“As a department, we should recognize the racial injustices that are happening in our country,” he said.

I honestly believe we have departments that are afraid to do that. But why? We shouldn’t be - we should be able to talk about that.”

He added these are “tough” conversations to have, but they are necessary in order to “help the community heal.”

Referring to the president’s task force report, he said as chief, he would want to collaborate with the University’s health services office to implement a program to prevent situations where officers are put on a scene they are not trained or qualified to handle.

Negron said, “Police officers are not mental-health professionals.”

He added it is important for social media outreach to be innovative and include the surrounding Framingham community rather than a “copy-andpaste” program being undertaken across the country such as “The Pink Patch Project” or “Coffee With a Cop. “It’s not genuine. It’s nothing new,” he said.

Negron provided an anecdotal example of how to personalize an out-

reach event. He said rather than promoting “Toys for Tots,” collaborate with “non-profit organizations here in the town of Framingham.”

Carla Catalo, corporate and foundation relations specialist for the Office of Grants and Sponsored Programs, asked what Negron considers the biggest needs of the University’s police department to be and why he is the best candidate to address those needs.

He said ensuring the office is adequately staffed would be his priority so that officers’ “wellness” are not negatively impacted by too many double shifts.

“I want to make sure that they’re working, but also that they’re not overworked,” he said.

Cara Pina, faculty co-chair of the Council for Diversity and Inclusion, asked how Negron would provide transparency on campus policing with students, faculty, and staff.

Negron said he would recommend instituting a “crime workload dashboard” on the department’s website.

This would include the last three years and would be updated monthly moving forward.

Kathryn Washburn, a junior computer science major, asked Negron how he believes university police departments are perceived and what types of community outreach he has participated in to “change” this perception.

Negron said, “It depends on the institution,” and the efforts of each department are what ultimately determine its public perception.

He said if you “really make the effort” to get to know the community you are serving, “that changes everything.

“Walking through those gates at Harvard Yard - it was one of those

things that changed me to really get to know the community. Even though I was a police officer, I was still a community member,” he said.

Negron serves as Community Engagement and Inclusion Chair at Harvard.

This job is “very simple,” he said.

“It’s to build a bridge one brick at a time.”

He added he was invited to be a moderator for affinity spaces, which was “key” for students to “see somebody under that uniform.”

Washburn followed up by asking, “How would you ensure the recruitment process reaches applicants that match the demographics of the campus?”

Negron said it’s imperative for the department to communicate effectively with the University’s marketing team when designing job descriptions that move beyond “basic qualifications.

“We want more than just that,” he said.

“Recruiting applicants that are a reflection of the community would be my priority. … I want officers who are compassionate, inclusive, professional, and courteous,” he said.

He added part of the search would include candidates that are multilingual in order to improve communication with a greater percentage of the community.

He said, “As a police department, we have to be able to create an identity [and] tell a story so that folks who want to be part of that story are able to join us and be part of the family for FSU.”

CONNECT WITH HALEY HADGE hhadge@student.framingham.edu

Chief of University Police search finalists John Santoro

Courtesy of Rite Academy

Ruben Quesada

Courtesy of Framingham State

Jacobo Negron

Courtesy of Harvard University

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

6 | DECEMBER 3, 2021

NEWS

Residence Occupancy declines 28% from fall 2019

By Caroline Gordon Editorial Staff The Fall 2021 occupancy in residence halls was 1,305, 66.2%, compared to the pre-pandemic Fall 2019 occupancy, which was 1,803, 91.4%, according to Associate Dean of Students Glenn Cochran.

He said the number of freshmen living on campus has decreased from 622 in Fall 2019 to 442 in Fall 2021.

During FY 2019-20, the weighted average cost for living on campus was $8,820. However, last year, the weighted average was $9,020 - a 2.3% increase. This year, the cost hasn’t changed.

“There are many reasons some people decided to not live on campus,” said Cochran.

Executive Vice President Dale Hamel said, “We are still hearing a hesitancy, both because of the continued prevalence of COVID and the impact on operations. It’s still not the same environment we had preCOVID and what we will have postCOVID - I think it’s a combination.”

Cochran said student opinions about COVID-19 regulations range from students who don’t agree with wearing a mask to those who “want a staff member posted on every wing to tell people to mask up.”

Cochran said the number of students who have received at least one warning for not complying with the mask mandate varies among residence halls.

He added warnings have been issued to between 20 and 30% of residents who were then referred to the

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Office of Community Standards for repeated violation of the masking policy.

The Office of Community Standards is responsible for resolving complaints which allege violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Cochran said, “While we’re hoping those students will comply with the policy going forward, those who continue to violate the policy will face removal from residence halls. I would also note that we are greatly appreciative of all those residents who have been vigilant in masking in the halls, and who are actively helping to combat the spread of COVID-19.

dents have expressed “angst” about the enforcement of the mask mandate.

According to Cochran,“the biggest change” that occurred since last spring was the vaccination requirement. He said vaccines allowed residence life to increase the capacity of residence halls.

There are ways for students to socialize in residence halls while complying with the COVID-19 health protocols, according to Cochran.

Paulina Mensah, a junior, said this is her first year working as an RA in West Hall. She said last year, an RA in Horace Mann Hall, Connie Bodemer,

“Those who continue to violate the [mask] policy will face removal from residence halls.”

-Glenn Cochran,

Associate Dean of Students and Student Life According to Cochran, either two or three students have been removed from the residence halls as of Dec. 2.

He said one student who was removed is “extremely sorry now.” The student was involved in 10 mask incompliance incidents, received a formal letter, and attended three formal conduct hearings “before it got to a point where they seriously could not keep going down that road.

“There are some others that are getting dangerously close, unfortunately,” Cochran added.

He touched upon how some resi-

motivated her to become an RA. Mensah said she hosts events to connect with residents on her floor and in the building.

She said there is a West Hall page on Instagram where she informs residents about her events.

Despite posting advertisements for her events, Mensah said, “Because of COVID, there are more people doing their own thing because they don’t interact as much with others.”

She added, “My events have connected people living on my floor and on other floors. People became

friends, which makes me happy because my events are bringing people together.”

Angel Muriel, a senior who works as an SDA in West Hall, did not live on campus last year because of COVID-19, which he said impacted his social life.

Muriel said now that he resides on campus, he frequently attends RA events, which he said are fun.

Chris Bretti, a senior who works as an SDA in West Hall recalled “the pot and brownie event,” where residents got to paint flower pots and then enjoy brownies.

“I thought it was entertaining considering I like gardening. Events are really great - especially after the stress of the week. It’s nice to have a fun and relaxing event to ease the mind and build student interaction,” Bretti said.

According to Cochran, despite COVID-19, living on campus is convenient and allows students to develop independence.

“One of the things we have observed that changed from a couple years back is more people spending time together in lounges,” Cochran said. “I’ve personally noted, walking up State Street from Towers, there are more hellos, smiles, and waves.

Things like that didn’t happen a few years ago all that often.

“To me, it’s a sign that people have felt isolated. They are appreciating being around each other,” he said.

CONNECT WITH CAROLINE GORDON cgordon4@student.framingham.edu

O P / ED

OP/ED

THE GATEPOST EDITORIAL

Education shouldn’t be deadly

On Nov. 30, 15-year-old Ethan Crumbley allegedly entered a bathroom at Oxford High School in Michigan, where he was a student.

He entered the bathroom with a backpack and left holding a semi-automatic handgun and began to fire at students as he moved down the hallway, according to NPR. The shooting resulted in the deaths of four students, and six other students as well as one teacher were injured, according to The New York Times.

NPR reported that just hours before the shooting, Ethan’s parents, James and Jennifer Crumbley, attended a meeting at the school to discuss their son’s concerning behavioral issues.

According to Bridge Michigan, a newspaper, rumors spread among students that something ominous would happen at the school on Nov. 30. The Associated Press reported that one parent claimed her son decided to stay home Tuesday, telling her he didn’t feel comfortable going.

The gun Ethan allegedly used during the shooting was a 9 mm Sig Sauer, according to Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard.

The gun was purchased on Black Friday by Ethan’s father, according to Bouchard.

Authorities also revealed on Wednesday that this shooting was not an impulsive act and a large amount of digital evidence against Ethan was found, according to NPR. Authorities reported that they found a video Ethan recorded the night before in which he discusses killing his classmates, according to Lt. Tim Willis.

Warning signs about Ethan’s plans were not discovered fast enough.

Following the Dec. 12, 2012 Sandy Hook shooting in Connecticut, which claimed the lives of 20 children, between 6 and 7 years old, families of the victims and other activists across the country formed independent groups to address gun violence.

According to The New York Times, Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley created Sandy Hook Promise to develop “programs that would train students to recognize and report warning signs among classmates.”

Over 3,000 tips have resulted from the group’s actions, with some leading to arrests, according to The Times.

But the burden of detecting warning signs among children should not fall on other children.

Shannon Watts created Moms Demand Action in response to Sandy Hook, which The Times reported is the “gun-related equivalent to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.” The group has since pushed to improve background checks for potential gun owners.

But while background checks are essential, they don’t prevent children from stealing their parents’ guns. Something more needs to be done.

Sadly, small, but mighty groups like Sandy Hook Promise and Moms Demand Action don’t have the power or authority to prevent school shootings entirely on their own.

These conversations need to happen at the federal level.

So far in 2021, The Times reported there have been 28 school shootings, with 20 of

them occurring since Aug. 1. The Times also reported that since the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, 438 people have been shot in over 239 school shootings in the United States.

Of those individuals, 138 were killed and 1 of these shootings have been classified as mass shootings.

So the question is: when is enough, enough?

How many school shootings will it take for change not just to be talked about, but to be implemented on a federal level?

In 2018, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell told a crowd in Kentucky that there was little Congress could do on a federal level to prevent school shootings besides provide funding for better security for schools and plans to train employees to carry guns on campus, according to USA Today.

But McConnell is wrong.

Congress does have the ability to prevent school shootings by introducing a comprehensive plan to stop these tragedies and gun violence, according to Everytown Research and Policy group.

First, a nation-wide Extreme Risk Law needs to be enacted. This would give family members, law enforcement, and educators the ability to petition a court to temporarily prohibit an individual from owning any firearms and ban them from purchasing guns when there is evidence that this would pose a risk to the individual or others.

This would allow us to keep our nation safe from gun violence without threatening the Second Amendment.

Congress must also require every gun owner to go through rigorous gun safety courses. These courses would educate gun owners on how to safely use their guns and how to properly secure them, which means locking up the firearm and ammunition separately.

According to Everytown, 39% of gun owners have not received any gun safety training.

Parents who are gun owners also need to be educating their children on gun safety and the dangers of improper gun handling as well. Children can be curious, and if they find an improperly secured firearm, it can lead to a dangerous and deadly situation - whether it be premeditated murder or an accidental discharge.

Proper gun safety can save a child’s life.

These simple steps can be taken to prevent future tragedies. They are the bare minimum that can be implemented, they don’t restrict Second Amendment rights, and there is no reason Congress should vote against them.

When children enter their schools, they should not be thinking, “Will I be shot today?”

Children have a right to education and they deserve to feel safe when obtaining it.

Our nation should have seen change when innocent children were murdered in the Sandy Hook shooting.

It’s been nearly nine years since, and children are still dying because of gun violence in a place they should feel safe - their classrooms.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 7

My letter to you

By Mark Haskell Staff Writer

Dear reader, I am here today to present to you my story of being a gay man who is neurodivergent.

My journey of neurodivergence has been a continuous one.

However, the official journey began when I was a high school student.

I had always known that something was different about me, but I did not have the understanding of what I am until I had received my diagnosis.

What I can define as neurodivergence is a variation in the human brain in regard to sociability, learning, attention, and mood.

My specific ability is called Aspergers. It is a part of the Autism spectrum that presents difficulties to social and cognitive development.

When my parents had sat me down and told me about my diagnosis during the summer of my junior year of high school, I wasn’t entirely surprised. I was confused, withdrawn, a bit angry, yes, but not surprised.

I always knew there was something different about me but learning about a mental condition is a very different thing than learning about your own mental condition.

In the past, I perceived my inability to completely understand someone’s humor and their sarcasm. This was first noted in early middle school, where I was judged to be harsh and sarcastic, but I was not able to perceive it correctly.

And now knowing the name for what limited my understanding of all this stuff, I feared people would see me in a more negative light and avoid me for my limitations.

But what I learned from it all is not to give up. And that I can get there with more effort and help.

I have always had the desire to help others, knowing more about myself augmented it.

I had the wonderful opportunity of volunteering for various organizations in my hometown and abroad and from that, I found it very satisfying to help others as it makes me feel proud of what I can accomplish, and it makes me feel successful.

What I ultimately learned is that the diagnosis did not seal me off from people around me - it opened my heart to them more.

And it taught me the happiness that comes from pouring hard work into myself and others.

The journey into learning about myself continues with becoming aware that I am not a heterosexual male. This quest was a recent one. It began in 2019 when I had an inner gut feeling that I am bisexual.

I had done a lot of thinking at the time and I had concluded that I like both women and men. I came out to my parents and sister and they, gratefully, were very accepting of me. I had come out to more of my family members and they were also very accepting of me.

My journey is continuing to evolve so much that I have come out as gay as well. It has been an emotional journey thus far as I am still coming to terms with my materializing identity.

Various quotes from the article, “Coming Out Autistic” by Brandy Schillace, I concur with are that living as both gay and neurodivergent includes, “means confronting what I had always feared: if you cannot ape normativity, you may be denied your autonomy.”

Another quote that I have taken to heart is that “Autistic people are not broken. Autism is disabling because we live in a world built for and by neurotypical people. Acknowledging my autism is not an admission of weakness; it’s a statement about myself as a self.”

This journey comes down to self-acceptance and self-accommodation. The journey to becoming the perfect version of myself has not ended - I can still live as the authentic version of myself: neurodivergent, gay, extraordinary. No matter how you identify, you have a right to be - just as you are.

Yours truly, Mark Haskell

Have an opinion?

Feel free to email it to: gatepost@framingham.edu Opinions should be about 500 words. Anyone can submit.

We look forward to hearing from you!

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

OP/ED

8 | DECEMBER 3, 2021

Campus Conversations Do you think the judicial system in the U.S. is equitable?

By Maddison Behringer, Editorial Staff, and Emma Lyons, Editorial Staff

“Not really. I feel like the justice system has a lot of flaws that need to be fixed whether it comes to equality or equity.

I really think there’s a lot of corruption in the justice system and it’s really outdated. I really think we need to revise it and look for ways for it to be more beneficial to the overall public.”

- Jack Clem, junior

“I want to say no, only because of the fact that humans are always birthed with a bias - even if you try to teach them to be fair with whatever rules.

If this has anything to do with the Rittenhouse trial or even the Ahmaud Arbery cases, that still applies there as well. ...I still have to say no, it’s not equitable at all.”

-Eddy Olu, senior

“No, I do not think it is equitable. I think that, first of all, there is clearly a higher incarceration rate of people of color in general, especially Black people. People that are white tend to get off a lot easier, not to mention, the class difference. People who are rich will almost always get off scot free.

People that are poor, even somebody who is not guilty, will not have proper lawyers, so they will end up being incarcerated because they can’t afford to pay their way out.”

-Katherine Carpenter, freshman

“I do not think so. So many things have happened over the course of these past two years. So my answer would be no.”

-Delaney Sherman, junior

“I think it is on certain things. At the same time, I think it just depends on where you are. So like yes and no, but I’m mainly leaning toward no.”

-Leah Barker, junior

“Honestly, I don’t even know.”

-Kowin Sergeant, senior

The early bird

By Haley Hadge, Editorial Staff

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

SPORTS

SP O RTS

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 9

Rams Women’s Basketball breezes by Rivier 82-53

By Tyler Wahl Sports Editor

Danielle Achin / THE GATEPOST Rams basketball player, Gwendolyn Carpenter passing the ball during women’s basketball game Nov. 30.

The Rams Women’s Basketball team easily swept by Rivier University in an 82-53 blowout Nov. 30.

Following Thanksgiving break, the Rams looked to continue their winning streak after two big wins over Lasell and Williams the week prior.

The first quarter was tightly contested on both sides, with five separate lead changes occurring within minutes of the first whistle. Both teams came out with impressive defense and good ball movement.

The Rams quickly set the precedent for the rest of the match, as they went on a 1 - run to close the first quarter 1 -11.

The team found their groove against Rivier by consistently attacking the basket. Instead of settling for outside jump shots, the team continuously pushed for tough buckets in the paint.

Sophomore forward Flannery O’Connor and senior guard Krysta Padellaro led the run as both of them scored tough buckets and drew multiple shooting fouls.

The Rams pushed their lead further in the second quarter when senior guard Camille Desrochers hit a bomb from behind the arc to make it 40-25.

Rivier still showed intensity in their gameplay in the second quarter despite falling 15 points behind. Although their effort was admirable, the Rams defense outshined the opposing offense.

Rivier racked up a total of 1 turnovers in the game compared to S ’s five.

The Rams defense were forcing a lot of turnovers in the second quarter and took care of the ball extremely well, only allowing one steal from Rivier’s defense.

The Rams’ team chemistry was on full display in the second half, as the team continued to run up the score.

In the third quarter, the Rams were put up 1- by a pair of back-to-back three point shots from Desrochers.

The team maintained composure throughout the third and fourth to keep their massive lead and close out the game 82-53.

The story of this game can be seen through the statistics as well, as the Rams finished the night on shooting compared to Rivier’s . .

Rivier was also outrebounded heavily by S , finishing the night with 1 less rebounds than the Rams. ramingham State finished the game with a team total of assists while Rivier finished with a measly nine.

The story of this game came down to which team worked better as a unit, and it’s apparent in the assist differential that FSU had superior team chemistry.

Nine-year Head Coach Walter Paschal spoke on the team’s chemistry after the game as well saying, “They play well together. They play hard together, and they all get along really well so if they continue to do that - we’ll be okay.”

Padellaro also praised her team after the game for their effort adding, “I think we all have our strengths whether it’s shooting, taking the lane, or posting up. … I think that’s what’s working so well. It’s hard to stop teams when everyone is scoring.”

The Rams Women’s Basketball team looks to push their record to 6-1 on the season against Emerson on Saturday afternoon Dec. 4.

Danielle Achin / THE GATEPOST Rams basketball player, Flannery O’Connor, passing the ball during women’s basketball game Nov. 30.

FRAMINGHAM STATE RIVIER UNIVERSITY

82 53

Danielle Achin / THE GATEPOST Rams basketball player, Gwendolyn Carpenter, dribbling upcourt during women’s basketball game Nov. 30.

CONNECT WITH TYLER WAHL twahl1@student.framingham.edu

FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

10 | DECEMBER 3, 2021

ARTS & FEATURES

ARTS & FEATURES

A ‘Clue’ about Hilltop’s newest play

By Emma Lyons Editorial Staff Framingham State’s theatre club, The Hilltop Players, staged three performances of “Clue” - its first play performed in person since COVID-19 - in the Dwight Performing Arts Center on the weekend of Nov. 18.

“Clue” is a one act play based on the Parker Brothers board game. It follows six guests at a dinner party as they rush to cover up murders and search for the murderer who is hiding within the mansion they are visiting. They are accompanied by Wadsworth, the butler of the estate, as well as the maid, Yvette, and a cook.

Auditions for “Clue” were held in September, and rehearsal commenced shortly afterward.

Senior Sabrina Grammatic made her directorial debut with this show.

“I decided to direct this semester on a whim,” she said.

Grammatic explained the show was chosen out in the spring semester of the 2020-21 school year in Hilltop’s selection process. She said, “Since the semester before this one was heavily drenched in COVID and COVID safety precautions, there weren’t many options for us to choose from as an organization.”

She said “Clue” was a favorite movie for her family and she had put thought into directing before and knew “Clue” would be “something Hilltop could manage to put on given the circumstances [of COVID-19].”

As this is the first show Grammatic had directed, she said she was nervous, but she added, “It was an experience unlike anything I’ve ever done and I’m so glad I did it.”

Grammatic said she began doing theatre in high school, joining a show in her sophomore year. She said, “I’ve been on the stage since then.”

At Framingham State, she started to work backstage as she produced “The Great Gatsby” her sophomore year and had intended to produce a production of “9 to 5” which was halted because of COVID-19.

Grammatic said she had many good memories from this show. She talked about the costume fittings, saying that, “Every time someone came out in costume, the whole cast would cheer and holler about how good they looked.

“We had awards, too,” she said, “I made a paper plate award for everyone in the cast, which was really fun.”

Grammatic reminisced on her time in Hilltop as a whole. “I have had such a blast in this organization, and I wouldn’t trade my time here for the world.”

Senior Caitlyn Davis was the producer of “Clue.” She became involved last spring when Hilltop held their proposal committee and was asked by Grammatic to be the producer. She said the pair had worked together previ-

@TheGatepost | FSUgatepost.com

ously when Davis directed “The Great Gatsby” in 2019.

Davis has been very involved with Hilltop throughout her time at Framingham State. She was the treasurer last year and this year has taken on the role of publicity chair. In past shows she has worked both on and off stage, directing in high school and at Framingham State in the production of “The Great Gatsby.”

Davis said her favorite memory of the show was the day everyone put on their costumes for the first time. “It was so fun to watch their characters come to life and see everyone so excited,” she said.

Fourth-year Elisabeta Cojocaru played Mrs. White.

Cojocaru joined Hilltop in the fall of their freshman year and said they’ve loved it ever since. “I just kept auditioning for everything they [Hilltop]

always thrilling,” he said. His favorite memory from the performances occurred on Saturday during the final show when he did a card trick. “Watching Noah (Mr.Green) look genuinely impressed and try not to break was incredibly rewarding,” he said.

Senior Noah Barnes played Mr. Green.

Barnes said he decided to audition for “Clue” because of his prior engagement with Hilltop. “The theatre community is quite the confidence booster.

Everyone’s so kind and supportive every step of the way,” he said.

He joined Hilltop two years ago and has been heavily involved with theatre ever since. His theatrical debut was in FSU’s production of “The Great Gatsby” where he played George Wilson.

Barnes also interned at Wellesley Theatre Project, where he got to work in the backstage sector of theatrical pro-

“I hope I made some Black girls in my school feel motivated to try out and we can create a diverse community for Hilltop.”

-Kristel Normil, junior offered and I really wanted to do some kind of acting this semester,” they said.

“So, I decided to audition since my friend was directing it.”

They have been acting within Hilltop for the last three and a half years.

Prior to their time at Framingham State, Cojocaru was involved in their high school theatre department, mostly doing musical theatre.

They said their favorite part of this production was being able to do stage combat. “I have a lot of experience with it, and a lot of other people don’t, so it was nice to be able to teach people,” Cojocaru said.

Junior Eric Qua played Professor Plum.

He said he decided to audition for this show for the same reason he joined Hilltop - to support his friends.

“Sabrina, the director, is a close friend of mine, and I wanted to show my support by at least throwing my hat in the ring,” he said.

Qua had no previous experience with theatre before college. His first exposure to theatre with Hilltop was through The Suit Jacket Posse, the improv group on campus. While this is Qua’s third play, it is the first that has been performed in person.

“Watching everyone develop not only their own characters, but also the chemistry with the rest of the cast is

ductions.

“Despite only being involved in theatre for two years, I’ve been lucky enough to work in a handful of incredible productions - each with a different job,” he said.

Barnes said one of his favorite memories from this production was trying on his costume for the first time.

He said, “Getting to wear this vibrant green suit with a silly little bowtie was a lot of fun. I really enjoy getting to wear something that one wouldn’t traditionally see me wear.”

He also commented on the cast dinners that occur after every show.

“I think it provides the perfect example of why I opted to join Hilltop and try my hand in theatre,” he said.

“It’s the community - chatting with all of the wonderful and talented people on stage and off.”

Junior Kristel Normil played Ms. Scarlet.

She said she decided to audition because she wanted to take acting seriously. “I’ve never felt that happiest until on the stage and I heard people laughing and feeling entertained,” she said.

Normil was unprepared for her audition and was shocked to have received a role. She added, “Walking into our first rehearsal, I was a bit uncomfortable because I was the only Black girl

and being in a spot like that will make you tad uneasy.”

Through the rehearsal process, she started to be more at ease as she made friends in the cast and crew. She said, “I hope I made some Black girls in my school feel motivated to try out and we can create a diverse community for Hilltop.”

Normil’s only experience before “Clue” was in high school from her sophomore to senior year. Her performance as Ms. Scarlet is the first interaction with Hilltop, she said.

She said her favorite memory from the production was going to the auditions and getting to meet all the different people in the class. She added, “I wish I found out about Hilltop sooner.

I was able to meet even more amazing young actors, directors, and producers.”

Sophomore Olivia Copeland played Yvette.

“I auditioned for ‘Clue’ because some of my Hilltop friends were involved with the production and the show is very fast-paced and fun,” she said.

Copeland joined Hilltop last year as a freshman, but also has experience in theatre from high school. “I participated as a cast member, and I also designed costumes for a couple of shows,” she added.

“My favorite memories of Hilltop are the times I get to spend hanging out with the cast, and also seeing the shows come together after working so hard on them,” she said.

Junior Stefano Hernandez played Wadsworth.

“I was so desperate to do anything creative after lockdown,” he said, talking about why he auditioned. “I wanted to have as much fun as possible with whatever role I would have gotten.”

At Framingham State, Hernandez was part of the musical “Spring Awakening,” but beforehand had lots of prior experience. He added, “I bounced between theater departments and high school a lot when I was younger.”

He said his favorite memory from the production was during the actual performances. “Toward the end of the performance where I recap the entire events that played out during the story,” he said. “It was a very heavy acting and moving part and the fact I was able to pull it off as quickly and efficiently as I did while wearing a mask is something I’m definitely proud to say I pulled off.”

[Editor’s Note: Stefano Hernandez and Olivia Copeland are staff writers for The Gatepost]

CONNECT WITH EMMA LYONS elyons3@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 11

TSO rocks back onto the stage

By Donald Halsing Editor-in-Chief

By Kathleen Moore Associate Editor In the winter of 1995, the late Paul O’Neill called together the musicians who would form the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, said Chris Caffery during the band’s 3 p.m. show in Worcester Nov. 27.

Caffery, the lead electric guitarist of TSO’s east tour group, said they all listened intently to O’Neill’s novel proposal. “You know that look that young kids will give you when you ask them to try to figure out how to use a rotary phone?”

He said the band members “really started to get it” once O’Neill explained what he wanted to do with the band’s first album.

Caffery said, “He wanted to create some great art, and he was hoping if it had some luck it would catch on.

“Well boss,” he said looking up to the heavens, then pointing to over 9,000 audience members in the DCU Center, “I’m pretty sure these people are agreeing it caught on!”

Winter 2021 marks the 25th anniversary of the American rock band’s debut studio album, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.”

Unlike other softer Christmas albums, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” is one of three rock opera albums in TSO’s “Christmas trilogy.” The other two albums in the trilogy are “The Christmas Attic” and “The Lost Christmas Eve.” TSO has toured since 1999, according to the band’s website. Different from other rock bands, TSO prides themselves on tours filled with stories, songs, electric guitars and violins, powerful vocalists, magical narrators, whiplash-inducing hair flips, bright lights and lasers, and yes: Fire.

TSO’s east tour group consists of storyteller Bryan Hicks, guitarist Caffery, electric violinist Roddy Chong, vocalist Russell Allen, and many others, according to TSO’s website.

At each concert, the show pauses partway through for Caffery to introduce each member of the band.

He always seems to have fun introducing Derek Wieland, saying this year, “And this gentleman to my left,” pausing while Wieland walked behind him, “right, he happens to be our musical director.”

The audience cheered before Caffery yelled, “He is our musical director!” It’s moments of deep connection like this throughout the show that bring TSO close to our hearts, knowing the band members love their music and their fans.

Chong can run and jump across the stage without missing a note. You’re missing out if you haven’t seen him play live.

You’re also missing some intense songs accompanied by pyrotechnics.

Many FM radio listeners have probably heard two of TSO’s most popular

Donald Halsing / THE GATEPOST Lights shine and bright orbs fall from the ceiling during the TSO concert at the DCU Center in Worcester Nov. 27.

Christmas songs, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” and “Christmas Canon.”

Listening to TSO’s songs on the radio, Spotify, or YouTube is like watching them play at the North Pole from the moon - you don’t experience any thrills. Seeing them in concert is exhilarating.

After a year’s hiatus from touring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were both excited to see the show in-person again.

Kathleen attended the Nov. 26, 3:30 p.m. show at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire, while Donald attended the Nov. 27, 3 p.m. show at the DCU Center in Worcester.

Both shows were unforgettable!

Replaying TSO’s albums in your car doesn’t provide the same rush that their concerts do.

They have fire.

They have lasers.

You probably don’t want either of those in your car.

This year’s set featured over 100 color-changing orbs suspended from the ceiling.

Those won’t fit in your car, either.

The set designs vary from year to year, but they always include projection screens to provide appropriate backdrops for each and every song and story performed by TSO. You could read O’Neill’s Christmas stories on the band’s CD jackets, but you probably don’t carry around the TSO “Christmas trilogy” box set because nobody spins CDs anymore.

Some of our core memories include TSO’s storyteller Hicks reciting O’Neill’s stories in his unforgettably incredible narration voice.

Hicks is an amazing narrator. His deep, booming voice projects loudly, so even audience members in the highest balcony seats at the back of the arena can hear him clear as day. His stories are timeless, and audience members feel like children again whenever they listen to him.

If you hear Hicks say “Merry Christmas” three times while gesturing with his hat, you know you’re in the right universe. Last year, without a live con-

cert, we longed for his voice to fill our Erika Jerry with incredible emotion and gusto. ears.

One of the most memorable moTSO’s storytelling doesn’t end with narration, fire, and shifting illuminat- ments of the show was Kayla Reeves ed orbs. Robin Borneman’s costume singing this year’s tribute to O’Neill, for “Old City Bar” complimented the “A Little Too Far.” A crew member at the soundbooth song’s lyrics.

The heavy coat, black knit cap, and held up their phone flashlight first, fingerless gloves reminded us of the and everyone followed along. Soon the ghost hobo from Warner Brothers’ “Po- stadiums at Manchester and Worceslar Express” movie. Borneman’s sing- ter were brightened by thousands of ing added to the powerful atmosphere phone flashlights, as if they were holding up lighters in tribute. One person of the song.

Another favorite moment during at the Worcester show even held up an TSO concerts is when long-haired vo- actual lighter.

TSO also played tracks from their calists perform synchronized hair flips most recent album Night Castle (2009) as they sing “Christmas Canon Rock.”

“Christmas Canon Rock” is a more which have never been played live in upbeat, rock version of their song the northeast until this tour: “Mozart “Christmas Canon.” “Christmas Canon & Magic” followed by “The Mountain.”

Rock” is from TSO’s 2004 album, The Both songs owe their roots to SavatLost Christmas Eve, and “Christmas age, a band which several TSO memCanon” is from TSO’s 1998 album “The bers played in before.

The opening track for this year’s Christmas Attic.”

While this year’s tour mainly con- tour, “Welcome to the show,” was the sisted of songs from “Christmas Eve perfect song to set the mood for each and Other Stories,” content from TSO’s concert. TSO enthusiastically welcomed their audience to every venue other albums was also featured.

In addition to TSO’s “Christmas tril- they played this winter.

We are grateful they could welcome ogy,” the band released another rock opera in 2000, titled “Beethoven’s Last us back to their show this year. This Night.” This album had a TSO spin on year’s TSO tour happening amid the composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s pandemic is truly a Christmas miracle. classic symphonies.

No two TSO tours are the same.

This year’s set included an unexpected transition between two songs that demonstrate the power of their music.

Near the end of the usual run of “Three Kings and I,” a few bell notes were inserted leading right into the band blasting “Christmas Jam.” The crowd went crazy, and so did we.

Another one of the band’s songs, “This Christmas Day,” is composed of a gentle piano intro, powerful lead vocals by Allen, backing vocals by the female singers in the ensemble, and a coordinating flashing laser light show.

Well, all of their songs are complimented by a laser show.

Complimenting their hard rock CONNECT WITH DONALD HALSING songs, TSO also performed a number of dhalsing@student.framingham.edu gentler songs. In addition to “Old City CONNECT WITH KATHLEEN MOORE Bar,” “Prince of Peace” was sung by

A+ Lasers, fire, and Bryan Hicks.

The world has never been the same.

kmoore8@student.framingham.edu

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ARTS & FEATURES

‘tick, tick...BOOM!’ and Stephen Sondheim

By Austin Riffelmacher Multimedia Critic

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I sat down to watch “tick, tick...

BOOM!” on Netflix.

The movie musical about “Rent” creator Jonathan Larson is absolutely thrilling, and that’s coming from someone who has a strong aversion to “Rent.”

This story of Larson isn’t about the creation of the musical that won him a Pulitzer Prize and brought up an entirely new generation of musical theater lovers.

The narrative is more or less about what events in his life made him want to write a musical that not only sounded new but had a contemporary social relevance. If you’ve seen “Team America: World Police” you know “Rent” is famously about how AIDS affects a community of Bohemians in the early 1990s.

I think why I so preferred “tick, tick... BOOM!” over “Rent” is that the bio musical does a much better job at balancing the characters flaws while still garnering sympathy.

Larson as a character is conceited, emotionally over the top, and toxic. But his intellect is so magnetic that you forget he’s kind of the worst friend by taking advantage of everyone around him.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is obsessed with reminding us we are all ticking away on a mortal time clock, also frames the film around the fact that Larson never lived to see any of his fame.

Larson died at age 35 before the first preview of “Rent” off-Broadway in January 1996.

Besides Andrew Garfield, who gives a career-defining performance as Larson, the other thing that made the most lasting impression on me was the representation of Broadway icon, Stephen Sondheim.

Sondheim is played in the film by Bradley Whitford. I was first inspired

by Stephen Sondheim when I saw him

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discuss “Sweeney Todd” in the PBS documentary “Broadway: The American Musical.” I was 12 years old.

So, I don’t regret saying that Whitford’s portrayal of Sondheim honestly made me uncomfortable. There was something sacrilegious about making him a “character,” because in a weird way, I feel I know who Stephen Sondheim is. Well - was.

Forty-eight hours after my viewing of the film, Sondheim died at the age of 91.

Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics to such shows as “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music,” “Sweeney Todd,” and my personal favorite “Sunday in the Park with George.” He also wrote the lyrics to “West Side Story” and “Gypsy.”

Because of the enormous body of work Sondheim left us with, I refused to be sad Friday night about his death.

Almost a week later, I realized that Stephen Sondheim, like he was for Jonathan Larson, was not only one of my biggest inspirations – but he was the single greatest teacher I have had in my life.

That seems absurd because I never met the man. Yet through his interviews, books, and lyrics, Sondheim taught me everything one needs to learn about writing, and frankly, just being a human being.

The thought of no longer having that from him is truly devastating for me.

But in “tick, tick... BOOM!” the maestro himself gave me one final directive.

The emotional climax of the movie is when Larson, distraught from the tepid reception of his sci-fi rock opera “Superbia” that was in development, received a call from Sondheim.

Though we have seen his presence in the film portrayed by an actor, the voicemail is without a doubt, the real Stephen Sondheim.

Miranda asked Sondheim to re-record his message to Larson. Sondheim said in the movie, “It’s first-rate work and has a future, and so do you.

Courtesy of The Boston Globe Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson in “tick, tick...BOOM!” trying to finish a song for his musical.

I’ll call you later with some thoughts, “not commercial,” but I see a clear pathway from his experiments with if that’s OK. Meanwhile, be proud.”

That message is what I need in my the form to the most lucrative prolife right now. There is no great way ductions of the past 30 years.

Without “Company” and its refusal to lose one of your heroes, but if it had to happen, “tick, tick … BOOM!” to be linear, I don’t see how Andrew is Sondheim’s final triumphant cur- Lloyd Webber feels confident to bet on “Cats.” Without the monumentain call to us all.

There are ways in which “tick, tal success of “Cats” and subsequent tick... BOOM!” is a Sondheim musical. Lloyd Webber and Cameron MackinThe opening number “30/90” re- tosh shows, Disney doesn’t enter the minds me of the opening to “Com- picture with “Beauty and the Beast,” pany” where we have characters not and most importantly, their fusion of really enjoying the idea of their birth- experimentation and commerce with days coming up. “Therapy,” sung be- “The Lion King.” The next 20 years of tween Garfield and Vanessa Hudgens musical history speak for itself.

The next 50 years of musicals (my, she’s grown as an actress) compacts the wit and cynicism found in yes, I believe they will survive - will the lyrics to Sondheim’s “Follies” or be indebted to the work of Sondheim whether their creators are conscious “Night Music.”

But Sondheim’s mastery was to of it or not.

As truly heartbroken I am about his shift effortlessly between humor and emotional honesty without being death, I must remember Sondheim saw how his influence would turn bombastic.

Larson’s “Johnny Can’t Decide” is into a legacy. “tick, tick... BOOM!” as concise and introspective as “Les- shows that, and it shows he wasn’t irresponsible in his position. He paid son #8” from “Sunday in the Park.”

The most obvious reference to it forward.

What distinguishes him from Lar“Sunday in the Park” is a funny, borderline-cringy scene in the Moon- son is that he lived long enough to dance Diner where Larson waits be able to do that. He also lived long tables. Larson’s “Sunday” spoofs enough to be thanked by the people Sondheim’s greatest act one finale who would come after him.

Miranda, who is deeply influenced by having Broadway’s most talented play obnoxious dining patrons. Ber- by Larson and “Rent,” couldn’t thank nadette Peters, the original Dot in him. By making “tick, tick... BOOM!” “Sunday in the Park,” makes a cameo. he does. It’s never too late to thank Sondheim’s musical “Passion” your hero.

I have a wall in my room that I call premiered two years before Larson’s “Rent.” “Passion” was the last origi- my “wall of legends” where I hang nal Sondheim musical to premiere on pictures of artists who inspire me Broadway. In fact, in the 1980s Sond- daily to do the best work I can do. heim premiered three new Broadway Current members include August musicals. In the 1990s, there was just Wilson, James Baldwin and Harold Prince. one.

The only rule is one must be dead After “Passion” in 1994, Broadway changed. The British mega musicals to be on the wall. Now, Sondheim’s were about to be brought to their photo rightfully hangs with the rest.

So, thank you Steve for showing a knees by Disney.

“Rent” was one of the landmarks simple kid from central Massachuof the ’90s that began to change the setts, who often felt alone, what it face of Broadway. “Rent” is the pre- meant to be an artist, an intellectual, cursor to “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan and a man.

“Someone is on your side. No one Hansen.”

Sondheim as a brand is sacred and is alone” - S.S beloved. His musicals are considered to be the highest of intellectual capa- CONNECT WITH AUSTIN RIFFELMACHER bilities in musical theater. ariffelmacher@student.framingham.edu Courtesy of The New York Times People like to call Sondheim shows

ARTS & FEATURES

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 13

Dark vs. Light Cabaret

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST Sophomores Mandy Taylor and Olivia Copeland duet “I see the light” from “Tangeled” Cast members of the Dark vs Light cabaret perform a song about brushing your teeth

Continued from page 1 the scenes that took up a lot of time outside of rehearsals, but she knew beforehand that directing would be a “huge commitment.”

However, she has managed to balance it with her schoolwork, she said.

She added, a highlight of directing has been getting to see every cast member “shine. “Everybody in the cast is so talented and passionate about what they do, and I love that I’ve gotten to see them grow and thrive throughout the entire process.”

Mercer said she is particularly looking forward to seeing the cast perform “You Will Be Found” because it has been difficult for her to teach as well as for the cast to learn. There are a lot of challenging vocal parts and she said she is proud of how the number has progressed.

Junior biochemistry major Tadiwa Chitongo is treasurer of Hilltop and is the producer of the Dark vs. Light Cabaret. As producer, his responsibilities are to make sure the show runs smoothly and to support the director.

Like Mercer, he said a highlight of the rehearsal process has been growing with the cast and witnessing the talent of all the members.

Chitongo said the type of music in the cabaret is unlike what Hilltop typically performs.

“Because of that, I feel it lets [cast members] act a little more candidly, so to speak.”

Mercer also said the cabaret is unique because of the multitude of different genres and musicals. Every cast member has a solo, which she said showcases everyone’s talent “in a way that is not always possible with a traditional musical.”

A song the cast will perform is “When I grow up” from “Matilda”

which is an upbeat song about kids dreaming about what they will do when they are no longer under the control of their mean parents.

“It is very clear the cast is having fun which makes the number a joy to watch!” Chitongo said.

Among some challenges, he mentioned not getting needed costume pieces. Also, he said the venue was unexpectedly switched from DPAC to the Forum.

Also as producer, Chitongo led games at the beginning of rehearsal to get the cast’s energy up and release stress. These games included Mafia, Bippity Bippity Bop, Zip Zap Zop, and “even your normal game of Hangman.

“I think having these made the mood of rehearsal much lighter and it was the highlight of my semester,” he said. Several cast members also added the games were their favorite part of rehearsals as it is important for cast members to bond.

Sophomore elementary education major Mandy Taylor is a soloist in the show and is also performing a duet.

Prior to the Dark vs. Light Cabaret, she had also participated in the “Musical Performance series” held virtually last year. She said she is “thrilled” to be performing in her first in-person show with Hilltop this semester.

Taylor added it has been “amazing” to sing with friends again after not having the opportunity for so long.

She had been in choir and theater productions throughout high school but all in-person performances were suddenly halted due to COVID-19.

Mercer created a “box of positivity” when during rehearsals, cast members had the opportunity to write notes and provide some words of encouragement, according to Taylor. She said this was a highlight of rehearsals.

Senior Elementary Education and

Liberal Studies major Jillian Carbone will sing in a few of the numbers and this will be her seventh show with Hilltop.

She said her favorite part of the show has been hearing everyone sing as “everyone is so talented!”

Carbone added typically the musicals Hilltop produces have a lot of dancing and elaborate blocking which wasn’t possible with COVID-19 restrictions. “I miss that aspect of doing a full musical.”

Carbone added she has met some of her favorite people doing Hilltop, three of which are her roommates and she loves being in productions with them.

For Sophomore English major Olivia Copeland this will be her third performance with Hilltop after “The Nineteenth” and “Clue.”

As well as discussing how much she enjoyed learning the songs and singing with her castmates, she also touched upon how Stephen Sondheim’s work has impacted her theater career in light of his recent passing.

One of the songs in the show is “No One is Alone” from the musical “Into the Woods.” Copeland said she had performed in a full production of “Into the Woods” when she was in high school and became familiar with his “meticulous” style and passion for musical theater, which inspired her to push herself to perform better.

She added that as she is revisiting Sondheim’s work with the song in the cabaret, “I am reminded of an important lesson he illuminated in his storytelling: in times of darkness, remember that there is someone on your side. It is the people around us that are beacons of light.

“As I study to be a teacher, Sondheim’s direct, transparent instruction and high expectations of his pupils

guides my teaching philosophy,” Copeland said.

Several members expressed the difficulties the ongoing pandemic has brought to their rehearsal experiences.

“Singing with a mask has been the most difficult part for me in regards to the pandemic, especially when we rehearse songs that require a lot of breath support and volume,” Taylor said.

Carbone added, “I understand why we need to wear masks, but it can be challenging to sing with them on because they create a barrier. You have to sing louder in order to be heard.”

Copeland said the pandemic prevented her from joining Hilltop until later in the spring semester of her freshman year. “Also, the looming burden of COVID precautions and anxiety over the pandemic has detracted from the experience of participating in theater.”

Mercer said it has been disappointing to see their shows put on-hold due to COVID-19. In March 2020, their spring musical “9 to 5” was weeks away from performance when the show was canceled due to lock downs across the country, and they weren’t able to have any in-person musicals during the 2020-2021 school year.

“Despite all of this, everyone in Hilltop has remained flexible and positive throughout this whole experience,” Mercer said. “I am very grateful that we were able to do any sort of performance this year, and I know that the rest of Hilltop is grateful as well.”

[Editor’s Note: Olivia Copeland is a staff writer for the Gatepost]

CONNECT WITH EMILY ROSENBERG erosenberg@student.framingham.edu

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14 | DECEMBER 3, 2021

ARTS & FEATURES

‘House of Gucci’ is a fashionable excitement worth the price

By Jack McLaughlin Multimedia Critic

“House of Gucci” is the real life story of Maurizio Gucci and Patrizia Reggiani, and shows how their relationship evolved along with the company Gucci which they were both heavily involved in at the time of their marriage.

The movie is heavily inspired by the book of the same name. The remaining members of the Gucci family that are still alive have spoken out on the adaptation of the events portrayed in it and have made it clear they do not approve of how it was handled.

Patrizia Gucci, daughter of Paolo Gucci, outright said the film was a disappointment on behalf of the family.

While I can understand it being difficult for them to see their personal lives portrayed like this for a profit, the movie turned out to be a riveting watch.

It didn’t surprise me that I loved it as much as I did. With a story as fascinating as this combined with the supreme ensemble of actors, it resulted in a film that strives much more than it falters.

Adam Driver and Lady Gaga are a dynamic duo that I never anticipated to have such great chemistry together. Watching their relationship grow

and fall apart throughout it felt so real because of how strong their performances are.

Gaga has such a demanding presence on screen and watching her marry into the prestigious Gucci family and eventually have control over the business was a fascinating growth to watch play out on-screen.

Driver starts out as a timid and caring person who isn’t interested in running the family business. But the events force him into the position of running the business and the viewer gets to watch how he changes as a person as it progresses.

Both characters see dramatic changes to themselves during the movie. The further involved they both are in the business the worse people they end up becoming. Their performances spark such an intrigue for this aspect of their lives that I believe they should be considered for Oscar nominations this year.

A surprising performance that was a delight to see on-screen was Jared Leto’s portrayal of Paolo Gucci. Not only were his scenes a much-needed bit of levity in this drama-heavy film, but he had such an eccentric performance where if not for Driver or Gaga he would’ve stolen the show.

With a story following a brand as fashionable as Gucci, exciting out-

fits are an expectation that is met in spades. There were so many moments where I kept thinking about how cool everyone’s outfits were. By the end I kept thinking about how much I wanted to have an outfit like the ones in the movie, but the painful price of Gucci clothes prevented those dreams from coming true.

The directing for the most part is terrific, and just further cements Ridley Scott as a filmmaker who can tackle a large variety of genres exceptionally well. The lengthy runtime is hardly felt as the pacing is so tight every scene moves the story forward in important ways.

The only gripe I have with the filmmaking is how the ending was handled. It was nearly two and a half hours of buildup for the climax only for it to be a brief scene that barely lasts a few minutes and then it quickly wraps itself up.

This was a choice I am still not on board with, because it felt like all the momentum that had been built up to this point was sucked out in the last five minutes and you’re not left with a lot after that.

While I can understand why they may have wanted to not focus too long on this aspect, it felt as if they were running out of time and had to rush to the ending.

Despite that aspect leaving me a bit unsatisfied, it didn’t ruin the rest of the film for me which is fortunate because there is still so much to like about it.

True stories with this much drama are something I love to watch, and in the midst of a year where I haven’t really caught movies like that, “House of Gucci” perfectly filled that void for me.

Grade: B+ elegant, and worth the price.

CONNECT WITH JACK MCLAUGHLIN jmclaughlin7@student.framingham.edu

‘Arcane’ - In a League of its own

By Sean Cabot Multimedia Critic “League of Legends” is a free-toplay multiplayer online battle arena game that, since its release in 2009, has gained a massive influence in the burgeoning field of Esports.

Over 100 million people viewed its 2019 championship, and its brand and characters have expanded into comics and pop music.

It only makes sense that the combination of immense popularity and an expanding in-game lore would lead to a television tie-in. But considering the lukewarm reception of many video game adaptations, and just how little story was actually in the game to begin with, there was much to be skeptical about here.

As someone who used to play his fair share of “League,” however, Netflix’s new #1 show “Arcane” not only impresses, it confounds me with how good it is.

Of the game’s many regions, the show is centered on the steampunk metropolis of Piltover, a city founded by scientists to isolate themselves from the wars between mages, and Zaun, a polluted slum on the city’s underside.

The series follows two Zaunite sisters, Vi and Powder, who struggle

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to survive by venturing to the upper city to steal from its noble families.

But when gang boss Silco’s attack on their father ends in disaster, the two are separated for years – Vi being arrested, and Powder being taken into Silco’s care.

Several years later, Caitlyn Kiramann - a city enforcer, releases Vi to bring down Silco’s operation. This mission ends up bringing Vi and Powder - now an unhinged bomber going by the name “Jinx,” into conflict.

This plays out in parallel to the story of scientists Jayce and Viktor, who are developing technology that allows those born without magic to harness its power, despite the resistance from the magic-averse government.

These two plots twist and intersect in fascinating ways, showing how eight legends of “League” earned their reputations. And the most surprising thing about it is how genuine the story feels.

The champions of “League” have only ever been superficially characterized. Vi’s hotheadedness and Jinx’s mental instability didn’t feel like traits possessed by people so much as they felt like excuses for quirky catchphrases.

But in “Arcane,” those traits are treated seriously and form the backbone of a well-written story of broken

trust and the cost of ambition.

In fact, all the characters are phenomenally written. Even the most contemptuous antagonists have fascinating nuances that make them just as human as the heroes.

Be warned, this show is an emotional gauntlet with a haunting gutpunch of a finale.

Don’t worry if you’ve never played “League.” As a player who was interested in these specific characters long before this show existed, I can safely say it may actually be better without intimate knowledge of the game.

Though if you’re a longtime fan, there’s a lot of great follow-through on many obscure details of the game’s lore.

Performances are also strong across the board, particular highlights being Jason Spisak’s Silco, Ella Purnell’s Jinx, and Hailee Steinfeld’s Vi, continuing her streak of excellent voiceover roles from 2018’s “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

And speaking of “Spider-Verse,” one more thing it shares with “Arcane” is a gorgeous art style that blends its source’s distinct aesthetic with buttery-smooth 3D animation. The six years “Arcane” spent in development are visible in every frame.

This does wonders for the action scenes, but not only was the show far

more subdued and character-driven than I expected, the animation was no less beautiful during its quieter moments.

If anything the violence is notable for how ugly it can get.

“Arcane” stands alongside obscure gems like “Gungrave” as one of the greatest adaptations of a video game to television ever achieved. All that it does well is done so well I scarcely have time to list all the examples.

But my highest praise is this: it makes “League of Legends’” story feel real. And that is truly extraordinary.

Grade: A+ Legendary

CONNECT WITH SEAN CABOT scabot@student.framingham.edu

ARTS & FEATURES

Puzzles

ACROSS 1. Notetaker’s need 4. Visibility reducer 8. Ruffles feathers?

13. Fleece-bearing ship, in Greek myth 14. Show-saving device 15. Sean of “The Goonies” 16. *Reddish-purple dish often made with walnuts and goat cheese 18. E.R. employee 19. Master again 20. Third of a turkey, in bowling 21. Friend, in Haiti 22. *Colorful pizza vegetable 25. Silent performer 27. “Get it?”

28. Comic’s performance 29. Casio competitor 31. Hockey penalty 33. *Sub with sirloin, say 38. “Days of Our Lives” and the like 39. Quidditch mount 41. Mobile homes, briefly 44. Issa of “Insecure” 45. Taj Mahal city 46. *Cereal whose mascot is Chip the Wolf 51. ___ and outs 52. Dolores Huerta, for one 53. Stick-up person?

55. Nancy of “Entertainment Tonight” 56. Ecological diet sequence, or what you can form by linking the starred answers together?

58. String instrument or first name 59. Cuban leader between Fidel and Miguel 60. Sources of 20s 61. ___-weensy 62. ___-bitty 63. “___ So Fine” (Chiffons hit)

DECEMBER 3, 2021 | 15

2. Discount ticket restriction 3. Shower love (on) 4. “The Hate U Give” heroine 5. Author A.A. 6. Egg cells 7. Deity Puzzle solutions are now 8. “Inferno” writer exclusively online.

9. Seizes wrongfully 10. Zebra marking 11. Tasket’s partner 12. Mean smile 13. Filmmaker J.J. 17. Droop 20. Go on a shopping spree 23. Person who gets out of a puzzle room 24. Dusseldorf denials 26. ___ out a living 30. W. Hemisphere alliance 31. Newton with laws of motion 32. 43rd president’s monogram 34. South ___ (Seoul’s country) 35. Glass on the radio 36. Contemplate deeply 37. Bold eyeglasses 40. Stone workers 41. Band’s helper 42. Settle by a show of hands, say 43. Time management and test-taking 46. Part of a garlic bulb 47. Desk embellishment 48. “That’s it for me!”

49. Regrettably 50. Benching muscle, for short 54. Persian pooh-bah 56. “Good” day: Abbr.

57. Breakfast bowl bit

DOWN 1. Early-born babies FRAMINGHAM STATE UNIVERSITY'S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1932 | FSUGATEPOST.COM

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PHOTOS

Semester Showcases Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST (Left) Sophomore Olivia Copeland and Junior Amanda Taylor performing “You Will Be Found” at Hilltop’s Cabaret dress rehearsal Nov. 30.

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST Junior Chloe Chapdelaine performing “Power is Power” during the Dance Team dress rehearsal Dec. 1.

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST (Left) Director Lauren Mercer, a senior, and producer Tadiwa Chitongo, a junior, at Cabaret dress rehearsal Nov. 30.

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST (Left) Junior Carolyn Hernandez, sophomore Christina Chinetti, junior Elisabeta Cojocaru, sophomore Mandy Taylor, junior Stefano Hernandez, senior Jillian Carbone, sophomore Olivia Copeland, junior Amanda Taylor, freshman Sonnet Shea peforming “Why we Build the Wall” at Hilltop’s Cabaret dress rehearsal Nov. 30.

Maddison Behringer / THE GATEPOST Dance Team members performing “Time to Dance Again!” at dress rehearsal Dec. 1.

Emma Lyons / THE GATEPOST Fushion Dance Team members performing “Lay Me Down” at dress rehearsal Dec. 1.

Spread by Maddison Behringer and Emma Lyons, Interim Design Editors / THE GATEPOST

[Editor’s Note: Olivia Copeland and Stefano Hernandez are staff writers for The Gatepost.] @The Gatepost | FSUgatepost.com