Pink Elephant Café,
pop Page 10
THEATER
Jazz in June PAGE 5 DEADCENTER REVIEW
Singletree Productions’
‘S&M Lawncare’ PAGE 9 MUSIC REVIEWS
Around the World in 80 Days Page 6
The Cars, Watermelon Slim and Super Chikan, Page 4
POP GETS LIT
Cooking up a wizard’s brew, Page 3
pop Kendall Brown, editor Stacy Swan, layout artist
BEST BETS CATEGORY: CUPCAKE
High Notes
Winner: SUGAR By K e n d a ll
Turn on, tune in and drop the iPhone
Bro w n
Po p Edit or
CONTACT US Phone: 366-3533 Fax: 366-3516 pop@normantranscript.com WEEKLY DEADLINE Noon Tuesday All faxed or mailed information submitted must be typed.
pop is published each Friday by The Norman Transcript, P.O. Box 1058, Norman, OK 73070. To advertise, call 366-3554. CORRECTION POLICY Corrections of errors in fact will be published in this space and will be made as soon as possible after the error has been brought to the editor’s attention CONNECT Facebook.com/ normanpop Twitter.com/ normanpop ON THE COVER OU Lab Theatre’s “Around the World in 80 Days” continues its journey today, Saturday and Tuesday through June 24. File Photo.
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hile waiting for a table at a busy restaurant this past week, I shared a bench with what seemed to be two families meeting for Sunday lunch. Two women, one man, and three boys all under the age of six … and every single one of them was on an electronic device. Between the tiny electronic voices streaming from the boys’ Nintendo DS’s, the thumping bass coming from the man’s iPod and the glow from the two women’s iPhones’ as they surfed the net, the group completely ignored one another. This is a far cry from the Sunday lunches of my childhood, often spent at my grandmother’s house, with several of my 10 aunts and uncles, dozens of my cousins and more food than I could possibly quantify. The tv was never turned on, the internet wasn’t even around yet and every person under the age of 16 was sent outside after lunch with instructions to entertain ourselves. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not painting you a picture of a “Leave it to Beaver” existence. We’re not talking about the 1960s. I’m not even quite 25 yet. But it made me feel that a sense of community, around in my childhood, had been lost, and that made me sad. That melancholy only lasted temporarily, however. Why? Well, thank God for art. This past weekend was both
Friday, June 17, 2011
SUGAR, 230 W. Gray St., has taken cupcakes to a whole new level with their hard chocolate shell cupcakes. These things are so big, you’ll need two hands to pick them up. And anyway, what’s not great about finishing your cupcake, only to realize that you have its chocolate shell to eat to? Prices range from $2 for a single cupcake to $28 for their largest chocolate shell creation. Next week’s category: Best Margarita To nominate, email pop@normantranscript.com
DIY DELICACIES Photo Provided
Cole Selix is shown in a still from Singletree Production’s “S&M Lawncare,” one of many films shown at the deadCENTER Film Festival last weekend. For a full review of the film, see Page 9. the Second Friday Circuit of Art in Norman and deadCENTER film festival in Oklahoma City. If I was looking for a sense of community, I didn’t have to look any further than that. There is literally nothing more heartwarming, in my opinion, than an atmosphere of artists supporting artists. To make it even greater, both events put great effort into featuring local artists. DeadCENTER included multiple Oklahoma filmmakers, both in the features and short films. Second Friday Circuit of Art is chock-full of local artists. This
month, Keisha Register’s serial portraiture of Norman residents was on display at Mainsite Art Gallery. Joey Paz, who goes by the stage name of Luna Moth, played at Sandlewood and Sage. STASH displayed the artwork of photographer Greer OwingsHusserl. And at both events, the artists were there and accessible for the public to discuss their work. So please. Do me a favor this week. Get out of the house and for the love of God, get off the iPhone. Attend one of the events we feature this week. Our community is so great — support it.
Chocolate-Covered Banana Shake Ingredients 1 ⁄2 Banana 2 tbsp. chocolate syrup 1 ⁄2 cup vanilla ice cream Preparation Blend together and serve cold. Variation Substitute 2 oz. of Half and Half for the chocolate syrup to make a Banana Cream Pie shake. Spice it up To give your shake a kick, add 11⁄4 oz. of coconut rum Have a DIY recipe for a beverage or side you want featured? Disagree with our ‘Best Bet?’ Email pop@normantranscript.com
POP GETS LIT
‘Shot in Oklahoma’ chronicles state’s film history
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ost newspapermen have a novel somewhere in those old notebooks. Bits of plots here and there. Interesting names and circumstances. It sometimes comes together at the end of their careers as a work of fiction. But there’s nothing fictional about the work of veteran Oklahoma newspaperman and author John Wooley. His latest book, “Shot in Oklahoma, A Century of Sooner Cinema” chronicles the growth of a booming film industry in Oklahoma. It could have been the Hollywood of the Midwest with sponsorship of big ranches that had their own wild west shows. The book was published by the University of Oklahoma press.
The Tulsa World opened its many Americans were fascinated archives to Wooley. The newspaper with the West. had covered early film Cowboys and Indians exploits and even toutwere a popular theme of ed Tulsa as a place many films. “The Great where movies should Train Robbery” was be made. filmed in 1903. “A Brush The first film shot Between Cowboys and in Oklahoma came just Indians” was filmed on after the turn of the the 101 Ranch in 1904. century on the famous Ranch hands from the 101 Ranch near Ponca 101 later moved to City. California and set up shop The inventor in the foothills near Santa Thomas Edison himMonica. Their work “Shot in Oklahoma” self sent a crew to the inspired others to bring sprawling ranch which had real cow- real cowboys to California. boys and western props, livestock Tulsa later became home to a and thousands of employees who motion picture company that came could double as extras. close to being prosperous and proIt came during the time that viding glamour to the oil capital.
Over the years, films were By An d y shot in R ie ge r Tran sc ri pt Exec ut ive the Edit or Sooner State. But most were not blockbuster hits. Some used the state’s AfricanAmericans towns and others used Tulsa or Oklahoma City. Scenes in many hit films were shot in the state. “Twister” used a fictional town and was filmed in the metropolitan area. The book takes readers on a ride through more than 100 feature films shot in Oklahoma and looks at prospects for future films through the state office set up to promote films.
‘Potter’ cookbook great for first-years, seasoned wizards This book boasts more than 150 lthough “Unofficial,” I “magical recipes for Wizards and think it’s safe to say that Dinah Bucholz has done JK Non-Wizards alike,” however, it not only combines recipes Rowling and other full inspired directly from time stay-at-home the book but other traMoms with aspirations ditional British recipes of literary glory proud and international treats by putting together as well. “The Unofficial Harry Don’t misunderPotter Cookbook.” stand, there don’t seem Bucholz, a full time to be any superfluous mother-of-four and die recipes here. Every sinhard Harry Potter fan gle recipe is tied back from Philadelphia to some sort of referreleased “The ence within the series, Unofficial Harry Potter “The Unofficial Harry even if they are with the Cookbook,” last year Potter Cookbook” most tenuous of threads. to overwhelming sucMost fans will certainly cess. Coming this July, get a kick out of being able to prethe New York Times Bestseller is pare full spreads inspired by the being rereleased from Adams Media wonderful world of Harry Potter along with the introduction of the and bring the aromas and tastes of “Harry Potter Sweet Shoppe Kit” just in time to help fans celebrate the Hogwarts entrees into their own release of the final film on July 15 to home. The book is broken down into their fullest.
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chapters based on where and when the different foods appear in the series, such as the first chapter “Good Food with Bad Relatives” which features recipes for cuisines that Harry encounters during his time spent living with his awful Aunt and Uncle Dursley. Then, at the top of each recipe, is a short paragraph or two explaining where in the series a reference to whatever grub you’re about to dish up can be found. It’s a great cookbook for novice and experienced cooks alike, my only critique is that most of these recipes will largely have to be prepared by adults leaving the younger Potter fans relegated to ancillary tasks such as cracking eggs, stirring various things, or just out on the sidelines altogether. There’s no question that children will enjoy partaking in the dishes once they are complete, it’s just a shame that for most of these recipes
they won’t be able to feel a the By L e v i Le e real sense of accomplishment that comes with making something side by side with Mom or Dad. Older fans of the series will be delighted to flip through the pages of this cookbook, deciding what culinary treats from the series they’d like to bring to life. They’ll jump at the chance to recreate the feeling of specific moments within the series, whether it’s whipping up a batch of Pumpkin Pasties or Harry’s favorite dessert, Treacle Tart. The ultimate use for this cookbook, however, in my opinion, would be giving an 11-year-old Potter fan the perfect birthday cake with a replica of the first birthday cake Harry Potter himself ever received when Hagrid presented him with it on his 11th birthday.
BEST-SELLERS Fiction 1.”Dreams of Joy,” by Lisa See (Random House: $26) A young Chinese American woman’s search for her father in Mao Tsetung’s China. 2.”The Snowman,” by Jo Nesbx (Knopf: $25.95) Detective Harry Hole investigates a serial killer whose calling card is the appearance of a mysterious snowman near crime scenes. 3.”The Paris Wife,” by Paula McLain (Ballantine: $25) A tale of Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley, set in 1920s Paris. 4.”Caleb’s Crossing,” by Geraldine Brooks (Viking: $26.95) The lifelong friendship between a minister’s daughter and a boy from the Wampanoag tribe. 5.”Dead Reckoning,” by Charlaine Harris (Ace: $27.95) Sookie Stackhouse becomes more entwined in vampire games in this 11th book of the series.
Nonfiction 1.”In the Garden of Beasts,” by Erik Larson (Crown: $26) Complex ties between the U.S. ambassador’s family and the Nazi elite in 1930s Berlin. 2.”Bossypants,” by Tina Fey (Reagan Arthur: $26.99) How the self-deprecating actress, mom and writer rocked the comedy world. 3.”The Greater Journey,” by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster: $37.50) How Americans in 19th century Paris shaped U.S. ideals. 4.”Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand (Random House: $27) The extraordinary life story of Louis Zamperini: World War II bombardier, POW and Olympian. 5.”Those Guys Have All the Fun,” by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales (Little, Brown: $27.99) The story of ESPN’s success. — Los Angeles Times
Friday, June 17, 2011
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MUSIC REVIEWS The Cars “Move Like This” Hear Music (2011)
A few years after The Cars broke up, I recall picking up a cassette copy of “The Cars Greatest Hits” at a record shop in Wichita, where I grew up. A friend poked fun at me for liking the poppy New Wave band. I was a sucker for ballads like “Drive” and Beatles-esque retrorockers like “My Best Friend’s Girl.” Shortly before Carter’s tragic death in 2007, I was talking to him about that memory and he admitted he was wrong. He had become a big Cars fan and said I was right to dig their sound. This perfectly enjoyable reunion with the original lineup, save for bassist-vocalist Benjamin Orr who passed away a little over a decade ago, captures much of what fascinated Cars fans in the ’70s and ’80s. “Move Like This,” featuring a tidy 10 tunes, starts out with the synth-poppy and
Watermelon Slim and Super Chikan “Okiesippi Blues” Northernblues Music (2011)
This first ever collaboration between Clarksdale Ms. blues man James “Super Chikan” Johnson and William “Watermelon Slim” Homans came as a surprise. Both these gentlemen have strong personalities with their own distinctive styles, themes and idiosyncrasies. Working together and subordinating their ideas to compromise on a project like this wouldn’t have occurred to me. Slim recently relocated from Oklahoma to Clarksdale and as the title indicates the record is a cross-pollination of the two
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bouncy “Blue Tip,” an insanely catchy song that could have easily been released in 1981. Ocasek’s vocals haven’t really changed all that much over the years as these songs show. I mean let’s consider how contemporary bands like Fountains of Wayne (think “Stacy’s Mom” or “Traffic and Weather”) have reimagined the Cars accessible and hook-laden sounds. “Too Late” reminds me a bit of “Magic,” from 1984’s classic “Heartbeat City” album, while “Keep On Knocking” has a more dated feel and not in a particularly good way. And while Orr, who sang “Drive” over a quarter-century ago, is certainly missed, the ballad “Soon,” with guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist/bassist Greg Hawkes interplaying is treated competently from Ocasek and his understated vocal. Some of the band’s goofiest lyrics, with references to glockenspiels, “rainbow crystal lite” and the rhyming of “ginger snap” and “thunderclap” make things a little sillyPhoto on Provided ?????it???? ????? the draggy “Drag on Forever.” While ???? ????? ???? doesn’t quite work, it’s strangely interesting amidst the more identifiably Cars-styled songs. I’m glad the Cars were willing to embrace their music heritage and offer us some new material. — Andrew W. Griffin states and two artists’ musical traditions. Both men have truck driving on their resumes and these songs resemble going on a road trip with the pair. On a few tracks they talk back and forth to each other like old friends, but as pals who relish a bit of good natured needling in the repartee. On “Diddley-Bo Jam” their guitars jabber back and forth as well in a long (7:41) instrumental conversation. “I’m a Little Fish” is Slim’s strongest track. He is a confirmed fisherman. These lyrics assume the perspective of a finned rascal swimming around a pond minding his own business while avoiding the line and hook. “You Might Know” finds Super Chikan at the top of his game, which is matter-offact, experiential blues vocals. Turns out Watermelon Slim and Super Chikan are as natural and happy a combination together as waffles and fried chicken. — Doug Hill
Friday, June 17, 2011
MUSIC SCENE
Top artists to convene in Norman for Jazz in June By Kendall Brown POP Editor
Norman is set to get a whole lot jazzier this weekend. That’s because Norman will be celebrating it’s 28th Jazz in June Festival. The festival, running June 23 through June 25, will feature some of the top names in Jazz and Blues in the world. “We have brought some of the biggest names in jazz and blues to Norman,” Jazz in June Director of Development Norman H. Hammon said. This year’s musicians will include legends Larry Coryell and Poncho Sanchez, contemporary blues artistist Margo Valiante and Murali Coryell and local sensations the Jeremy Thomas Quartet and Army Big Band Jazz Ensemble. Local youth will also be feeling the jazz with both the Norman North High School Jazz Choir and Norman High School Jazz Combo performing.
Jazz in June got it’s start in 1984 when it was founded by the Norman Arts and Humanities Council and the Cimarron Circuit Opera Company with a mission to bring high-quality blues and jazz acts to Norman. Since that time, the festival has grown and attracted quite a large, very dedicated audience. “Jazz in June attracts an estimated audience of around 50,000 people,” Hammon said. “One year it was just pouring rain for two of the nights and around 500 to 1000 people still showed up despite the pouring rain. Once the rain let up, everyone else showed up.” Aside from the crowds it draws, Jazz in June also has a huge economic impact on Norman. Each year, it’s estimated economic impact exceeds $3 million, with a total state and municipal sales tax of more than $250,000. In addition to the direct
Artists performing at this year’s Jazz in June include the Sanchez Band, left, Margo Valiante, bottom left, and Murali Coryell, bottom right.
IF YOU GO What: Jazz in June When: June 23 through June 25 Artists: Larry Coryell and Poncho Sanchez, contemporary blues artistist Margo Valiante and Murali Coryell and local sensations the Jeremy Thomas Quartet and Army Big Band Jazz Ensemble impact of the live festival, through the recording and rebroadcasting of the festival on KGOU, the festival is able to reach an additional 100,000 people through the radio. Occassionally, artists from the festival are also picked up by NPR, bringing Jazz in June’s reach national. “The mission of Jazz in June is to educate the public on jazz as a unique American artform,” Hammon said. “We want people to know that it’s not just one type of music, it’s a whole variety.”
Photo Provided
BOOK SIGNING JUNE 18
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540 Ed Noble Parkway, Norman, OK Norman author Sonia Gensler will sign her debut Young Adult novel, THE REVENANT “An eerie and suspenseful work of historical fiction in which everyone is a murder suspect.” ~Publishers Weekly “An intriguing look at a little-known piece of American history…the well-drawn characters and suspenseful plot should keep readers fully engaged.” ~Kirkus Reviews “A compelling ghost and love story…The uncommon setting and time period add to the appeal.” ~Booklist
randomhouse.com
soniagensler.com
Friday, June 17, 2011
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COVER STORY
OU theater travels globe for first show By Johnnie-Margaret McConnell For POP
Mark Brown’s adaptation of Jules Verne’s 1873-adventure novel Around The World in 80 Days is intended for thrill seekers of all ages. The original amazing race contestant Phileas Fogg wages £20,000 with his Reform Club friends that he can make it around the world in 80 days. Brooks Meyer plays the stoic Englishman completely at ease with the seemingly impossible task in front of him. By train, boat or elephant Phileas’ adventure is best described as unpredictable – even for the more seasoned theatre goer. OU’s quant Lab Theatre drops the fourth wall as the cast encourages the audience’s involvement in making suggestions, holding up props, chuga-chugging, counting, and my favorite – booing the villain. All the things little adventurers naturally do at the movies are encouraged and aid in the story’s development. Around the World is a wonderful way to introduce anyone to the power and fun of live theatre. Anna Fearheiley is the production’s foley artist as well as verbally cues the change between scenes. Galloping horses, creaking ships to roaring elephants, Feirehiley is a onestop shop. Set-up on stage, it is hard a times to decide if you want to watch the action or Fearheiley in the back corner grabbing for her next noisemaker. She won out after her ele-
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phant call wowed and awed the audience alike. Yes – it’s just Fearheiley and a microphone bringing to life the imaginary elephant built from a silver vent spout strapped to a chair. Around the World is not than just a travel tale. Unbeknownst to Phileas he is being trailed on his global adventure by Detective Fix who suspects him of burglary. The plot thickens as Fix meddles in Phileas’ travels delaying him and almost forcing him to loose his bet. Fix is just one of multiple characters played by Kyle Whalen. A large painted globe serves as the backdrop to a minimal set of chairs, a multi-use rectangular box and sail. Brooke Reynolds, also playing multiple characters, uses the oversized globe to detail Phileas’ voyage. At each anticipated stop, Jackson pins the red ribbon completely wrapping the map after a much exhausted report of Phileas’ intended destinations. Running a few over 90 minutes, Around the World is fastpaced and witty for all ages. Laughs are often led by Philip Wiles playing the exasperated assistant Passepartout. Wiles’ French accent is thick. His moves are interspersed with calculated gasps that halt the entire room’s breathing as we eagerly await his response. Wiles zany portrayal of Passepartout pulls the younger viewers further into the story. Around the World can be performed with as a few as five and as many as 39. The energy An OU Lab Theatre actor performs in “Around the World in 80 Days.” The play runs through June 24.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Photo by Kyle Phillips
Above: An OU Lab Theatre actor performs in “Around the World in 80 Days.” Right: The audience claps during the performance. Photos by Kyle Phillips
IF YOU GO What: OU Lab Theatre’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” When: 10 a.m, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. Saturday and Tuesday through June 24 Where: OU Lab Theatre, 640 Parrington Oval, in Beatrice Carr Wallace Old Science Hall, second floor How Much: Tickets may be purchased by calling the OU Fine Arts box office 325-4101 or in person at Catlett Music Center, 500 Boyd St. Box office hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 30 minutes prior to performances at the Lab Theatre.
of Woods entire 6-member cast inside the small Lab Theatre packs a big punch. Woods cast also includes Brooke Reynolds, Sean Michael Harris, Kyle Whalen, Emily Jackson and Joey Hines. Judith Pender, producer and OU associate professor of drama, rounds out her team with Brad Gray, lighting design; Taylor Schackmann and Mitchell J. Reid, crew; and Casey Wright, stage manager. This is not an adventure to bear alone. Fearheiley brought a little one to tears thanks to her thunderous work. Tickets are buy one, get one for $5. You can’t even buy a used copy of Vernes’ classic for that price anymore. “Around the World” continues its journey at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. today; 10 a.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. Tuesday through June 24. Best suited for children ages 7 and up. All performances are in OU’s Lab Theatre, 640 Parrington Oval, in Beatrice Carr Wallace Old Science Hall, second floor. Suggested parking at OU Memorial Union parking garage or First Presbyterian Church, west lot, 555 S. University. Tickets may be purchased by calling the OU Fine Arts box office 325-4101 or visit in person at OU Catlett Music Center, 500 Boyd St. Box office hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 30 minutes prior to performances at the Lab Theatre. OU Summer Stock Company’s second production is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, adaptation for theatre by Gale Childs Daly and Jonathan Gillard Daly. The Secret Garden opens June 28 at 10 a.m. and continues its run at these scheduled times: June 28 - 2 p.m.; June 29, 30 – 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; July 1 – 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; July 2 – 10 a.m., 2 p.m.; and July 5, 6, 7, 8 – 10 a.m. Suited for children ages 7 and up. Running time 1 hour, 15 minutes. Rated G.
Friday, June 17, 2011
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NINE NIGHTS IN NORMAN MUSIC 8 p.m.
FRI
17 SAT
18 SUN
19 MON
20 TUE
Carrie Webber and Sarah Grote, Othello’s, Free 10 p.m. Jacuzzi Lifeguards, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA Mama Sweet, The Deli
7 p.m. TBA
24 SAT
25
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10 a.m. Around the World in 80 Days, OU Lab Theatre, Buy one, get one $5 pop pick
10 a.m. 3rd Saturday Book Discussion, Norman Public Library, Free 6 p.m. Teen Book Club, Borders, Free
9 p.m.
The Rocky Horror Big Bang Show, The Hidden Castle
All Day
Free Admission for Dads, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History pop pick
10 a.m. Drawing with Paint, Hobby Lobby pop pick
Powwow Singing, Jacobson House pop pick Easy Lovers with Copperheads, The Deli
10 a.m. Be Wild for Art Summer Camp, Quorum Office Park, $150 per child, Also 1:30 p.m.
10 a.m. Around the World in 80 Days, OU Lab Theatre, Buy one, get one $5
7 p.m.
Blues Under the Stars, Brookhaven Village, Free 7 p.m. Camille Harp, The Deli, Free 8 p.m. John Calvin, Othello’s, Free pop pick 10:30 p.m. Albert Aguilar, The Deli TBA Jazz in June Afterparty, The Brewhouse
10 a.m. Be Wild for Art Summer Camp, Quorum Office Park, $150 per child, Also 1:30 p.m.
10 a.m. Around the World in 80 Days, OU Lab Theatre, Buy one, get one $5 7:30 p.m. Disney’s Camp Rock, Sooner Theatre pop pick
7 p.m. Max Ridgway Band, Border’s, Free 7:15 p.m. Jazz Under the Stars, Brookhaven Village, Free pop pick 8 p.m. Blue Moon, Othello’s, Free 10 p.m. Big Brown and the Slim-Funk, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA Hosty Duo, The Deli
10 a.m. Be Wild for Art Summer Camp, Quorum Office Park, $150 per child, Also 1:30 p.m.
10 a.m. Around the World in 80 Days, OU Lab Theatre, Buy one, get one $5 2 p.m. Disney’s Camp Rock, Sooner Theatre, Also 7:30 p.m.
TBA
FRI
3:30 p.m. Parent and Child Music and Movement Class, Awen Academy of Ballet and Ballroom 4 p.m. Spanish-Flamenco-Castenet Classes, Irving Recreation Center
10 a.m. Around the World in 80 Days, OU Lab Theatre, Buy one, get one $5
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OFF BEAT
9:30 p.m. Movies in the Park, The Depot, Free pop pick
10:30 a.m.Art Adventures, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, Free pop pick 10 a.m. Be Wild for Art Summer Camp, Quorum Office Park, $150 per child, Also 1:30 p.m.
7 p.m.
FILM & LITERATURE
10 a.m. Around the World in 80 Days, OU Lab Theatre, Buy one, get one $5, Also at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Third Friday Celtic Night, Sonder Music Dance & Art pop pick
Anthony Stoops and the Boomer Bass Ensemble, Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, Free pop pick Kasra George and PaPa Win, The Deli
Noon
WED
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Art in Nature, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, $55 members/$65 non-members pop pick
PERFORMING ARTS
Anthony Nagid Jazz Quartet, Othello’s, Free Mike Hosty Solo, The Deli
7 p.m. Evan Felker, The Deli, Free 10:30 p.m.The Damn Quails, The Deli
TBA
THU
3 p.m.
8 p.m. Susan Herndon, Othello’s, Free 10 p.m. Saucy Gentlemen’s Club, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA The Pidgin Band, The Deli pop pick
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VISUAL ARTS
8 p.m. Katie Tracy, Othello’s, Free 10 p.m. Cookie with John and Dave, The Brewhouse, $5 11 p.m. Phalonious Funk, The Brewhouse, $5 TBA Resident Funk, The Deli
Friday, June 17, 2011
2 p.m.
Disney’s Camp Rock, Sooner Theatre, Also 7:30 p.m.
11 a.m. Indian Taco Tuesday, Jacobson House, $5 pop pick
7:30 p.m. The Spoken Word, Dreamer Concepts, $4 pop pick
6:30 p.m. Movie Night at the Museum: Howl’s Moving Castle, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History pop pick
7 p.m.
Ballroom Dancing, Shall We Dance, $10 3:30 p.m. Parent and Child Music and Movement Class, Awen Academy of Ballet and Ballroom 4 p.m. Spanish-Flamenco-Castenet Classes, Irving Recreation Center
All Day
Library Day, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Free with library card pop pick 6:30 p.m. Midsummer Fairies Ball, Norman Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, $5 online/$7 at door
FILM
The MOVIE GEEK with
Jeff Johncox
NOW PLAYING
GREEN LANTERN Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
‘S&M Lawncare’ provides low-cost laughs By Levi Lee For POP
“S&M Lawncare,” the third feature film from Singletree Productions, is the only film you’re ever likely to come across in which a character attempts “suicide by corndog.” It’s also the only film in which you’re likely to find a hallucinogenic experience complete with a doppleganger in a jaguar costume incited by excessive consumption of raw cookie dough. However, those aren’t the only things that make this quirky comedy from Mark Potts and Cole Seelix another success from the veritable “mumblecore” workhorse that is, Singletree Productions. “Mumblecore,” an independent film genre that began popping up in the early 2000’s, are films that work with an extremely low budget, largely improvised scripts and focus on the personal relationships and everyday problems of
New Releases
What Jeff says: It’s dicey going into the adaptation of one of my favorite comics characters. How much is fanboy pleasure and how much is real pleasure? How much is fanboy disappointement and how much is real disappointment? How much CGI can possibly be in one film? Watch the @ review online
Also Showing
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COMING SOON June 24: Cars 2 Voice Cast: Owen Wilson, John Turturro, Michael Caine, Larry the Cable Guy, Eddie Izzard, Emily Mortimer Rated: G
what they do. It’s clear that they didn’t have a huge budget for the film, but there’s plenty of film making skill on display to distract from that. Potts and Seelix, who wrote the screenplay together, clearly have an ear for comedy and an on screen chemistry that is undeniable. Also of note are the delightful comedic turns made by Nick Tankersley, who also served as Producer for the film, and Derek Smith as Sal’s older brother. The only performance that doesn’t quite work is Brand Rackley’s portrayal of Drake, the villain of the piece. It’s an over-the-top character, but it seems like Rackley pushes it too far, carrying his character out of the slightly altered reality that the rest of the film creates. Overall, however, I’ consider the film another success from the guys at Singletree, and the only thing I’m left wondering is what this bunch would be capable of if given a proper budget.
MOVIE LISTINGS • Green Lantern — A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe. PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Mr. Popper’s Penguins — The life of a businessman begins to change after he inherits six penguins, and as he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland, his professional side starts to unravel. PG. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)
Rated: PG-13
twenty-somethings. “S&M Lawncare” follows best pals Sal and Mel, who together make the dynamic duo of S&M Lawncare, their towns premiere lawn care service, that is until the C-Cup fueled Lawns by Drake begin stealing their customers one by one, proving that sex sells...even in the usually down to earth business of landscape maintenance. As their clients jump ship one by one, the pairs respective dreams are threatened. The film follows their trials and tribulations as they attempt to win back their long-standing customers from the not quite evil, but certainly misogynist Drake and his two yes-women/objects of abuse, Lara and Laura. The Singletree boys continue their now longstanding tradition of doing a lot with a little in “S&M Lawncare.” This is their third low-budget feature film in as many years, and with each one the group gets better and better at
• Bridesmaids — Picked as her best friend's maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie (Wiig) looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids. R. Movie Geek Rating: SEE IT (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • The Hangover Part II — Right after the bachelor party in Las Vegas, Phil, Stu, Alan, and Doug jet to Thailand for Stu's wedding. Stu's plan for a subdued pre-wedding brunch, however, goes
seriously awry. R. Movie Geek Rating: SEE IT (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil — Red Riding Hood is training in the group of Sister Hoods, when she and the Wolf are called to examine the sudden mysterious disappearance of Hansel and Gretel. PG. (Robinson Crossing) • Insidious — A family looks to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. PG-13. (Robinson Crossing) • Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer — Third-grader Judy Moody sets out to have the most thrilling summer of her life. PG. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Kung Fu Panda II — Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon. PG. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Midnight in Paris — A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better. PG-13. (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)
• Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides — Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too. PG-13. Movie Geek Rating: SEE IT (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Prom — A group of teenagers get ready for their high school prom. PG. (Robinson Crossing) • Rango — An ordinary chameleon accidentally winds up in the town of Dirt, a lawless outpost in the Wild West in desperate need of a new sheriff. PG. (Robinson Crossing) • Rio — When Blu, a domesticated macaw from small-town Minnesota, meets the fiercely independent Jewel, he takes off on an adventure to Rio de Janeiro with this bird of his dreams. G. (Robinson Crossing) • Soul Surfer — A teenage surfer girl summons the courage to go back into the ocean after losing an arm in a shark attack. PG. (Robinson Crossing) • Source Code — An action thriller centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he's part of a mission to find the
bomber of a Chicago commuter train. PG13. Movie Geek Rating: SEE IT (Robinson Crossing) • Super 8 — After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the creepy phenomenon. PG-13. Movie Geek Rating: EPIC (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14) • Thor — The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders. PG-13. Movie Geek Rating: SEE IT (Warren Theatre) • Water for Elephants — A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet. PG-13. (Robinson Crossing) • X-Men: First Class — In 1963, Charles Xavier starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr, his best friend... and future archenemy. PG13. Movie Geek Rating: SEE IT (Warren Theatre, Hollywood Spotlight 14)
MaryAnne Hempe Forgotten Video
‘61*’ You don’t have to like baseball to love “61*” (2001), Billy Crystal’s terrific tribute to the man who broke Babe Ruth’s 34-yearold hold on the most home runs hit during the regular season. If you love baseball already, you’ll be absolutely overjoyed. Kudos to Crystal for making it such a thrill to watch. Barry Pepper and Thomas Jane look a lot like Maris and Mantle, and both are exceptional both on and off the diamond. Read the full review online @ .com
$QZ QHHKEG VQR Domestic revenues, June 10-12 Rank • Film • Weekend gross (millions) Gross to date • Weeks in release • Theaters
1. Super 8 $36.5 • 1 • 3,379 2. X-Men: First Class $98.0 • 2 • 3,692 3. The Hangover: Part II $215.7 • 3 • 3,675 4. Kung Fu Panda 2 $126.8 • 3 • 3,929 5. Pirates of the Caribbean $208.8 • 4 • 3,433 6. Bridesmaids $123.8 • 5 • 2,922 7. Judy Moody… $6.1 • 1 • 2,524 8. Midnight in Paris $13.9 • 4 • 944 9. Thor $173.7 • 6 • 1,782 10. Fast Five $205.1 • 7 • 1,329
$35.5 $24.1 $17.7 $16.5 $10.9 $10.1 $6.1 $5.8 $2.4 $1.7
SOURCE: Hollywood.com Box-Office
Friday, June 17, 2011
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IN GOOD TASTE
Pink Elephant Café offers intoxicating fare By Kendall Brown POP Editor
Walking into the Pink Elephant Café, 301 E. Main St., feels a bit like walking into your Grandma’s house — if Grandma had a deep appreciation for art and was one hell of a cook. The pink and purple walls are covered in artwork, the tables draped with doilies and the chairs dotting the room look like the charming, mismatched fare of a flea market. No matter how shabby chic the décor may be, with the eclectic selfcreated Pink Elephant Pandora station dripping through the speakers (Stevie Nicks, Johnny Cash, and Mazzy Star came on in my time there) it’s the food that really shines. Everything is made from scratch daily. In fact, owner Shannon Sherrod doesn’t even own a freezer. This necessitates daily trips to the store for fresher cuisine. Perhaps the greatest thing about the Pink Elephant Café is the fact that they change their specials daily. To keep customers abreast of what’s going on, each morning Sherrod updates the restaurant Facebook page, letting everyone know what’s on the menu that day. Suddenly, it’s not such a big deal if you’re a creature of habit and start visiting the same restaurant over and over. At the Pink Elephant, it’s almost like you’re visiting some place new anyway. Each day, on special they have an entrée, a quiche, a salad (typically fruited and made based upon what’s in season), and a vegan option. They also have a regular menu offering consistent items, but the specials are where they experiment with new ideas. Those experiments pay off. On my trip to the Pink Elephant, I tried the Strawberry Sandwich. Consisting of strawberries, chicken, basil, red pepper jelly, lettuce, and whipped Swiss cheese, I had to be reassured as to the sandwich’s tasti-
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Just S. of 4th St. on I-35 in Moore ALL Digital Cinema & THX
SIMPLY THE BEST SHOWTIMES FOR THE GRAND AUDITORIUMS AND BALCONIES
Photos by Kendall Brown
The Pink Elephant Café, 301 E. Main St., offers New American-style gourmet sandwiches, salads and soups.
FAST FOOD FACTS
Pink Elephant Café Location: 301 E. Main Cuisine: New American-style gourmet sandwiches, salads and soup Of Note: Offers vegetarian- and veganfriendly options, along with a daily gluten-free quiche Price Range: Under $10 Atmosphere: Casual May We Recommend: Strawberry and Chicken Sandwich Alcohol: No The skinny: Pink Elephant daily specials wow through creativity. ness. Thank God I can be persuaded. The sandwich was just the right amount of sweet and spicy and perfect for a hot afternoon meal. I also tried their soup containing dairy and corn and a slice of their freshly made cake. Everything was
Friday, June 17, 2011
fantastic. The soup had a slight hint of cheese without tasting like the melted end of a Velveeta stick and the cake was moist enough to not crumble. The Pink Elephant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch
from 11 to two and for dinner from five until 10. They’re an ideal spot for both that special date or for a night out with your friends. Just make sure you’re willing to try something new and take suggestions. You won’t regret it.
GREEN LANTERN 2D PG-13 1:30-4:30-7:30-10:20 MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS PG 12:35-3:35 GREEN LANTERN 3D * PG-13 $$ 6:40-9:30 OKLAHOMA’S LARGEST SCREENS
GREEN LANTERN PG-13 3D * $$ 12:15-3:45-7:10-10:30 2D 11:30-9:20-10:30 MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS PG 2:15-4:50-7:25-10:00 JUDY MOODY SUMMER PG 11:40-2:05-4:20-6:50 MIDNIGHT IN PARIS PG-13 12:10-3:00-6:00-8:15 SUPER 8 PG-13 12:40-1:30-3:40-4:30 6:40-7:30-9:30-10:25 X-MEN: FIRST CLASS PG-13 12:00-1:05-4:10-6:30-7:20-10:05 THE HANGOVER 2 R 1:25-3:20-4:20-7:15-9:40-10:05 KUNG FU PANDA 2 3D * PG $$ 4:05 KUNG FU PANDA 2 2D 1:15-6:45 PIRATES 4 3D * PG-13 $$ 11:35-9:45 PIRATES 4 2D 2:55-6:20 BRIDESMAIDS R 1:00-4:00-7:05-10:20 THOR 2D PG-13 9:35 $$ Extra Charge for Digital 3-D MOVIE LINE:(405) 703-3777 Times For Today Only WarrenTheatres.Com *No Passes
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