Monday, Jan. 9, 2023

Broadway show ‘On Your Feet!’ to perform at the McKnight Center

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

The Broadway musical “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan” will perform at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are now on sale.

“On Your Feet!”On Your Feet! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent — and each other — to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The Tony-nominated musical tells the life story of the 26-time Grammy Awardwinning couple where Gloria Estefan is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music. In addition to her 38 #1 hits across the Billboard charts, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song “Music of My Heart” and has received numerous honors and awards over the course of her illustrious career.

Emilio Estefan, with a resume that includes 19 Grammy Awards, is one of the most successful producers

in the music business, blending Latin, pop and world rhythms creating his own unique style and world- wide hits. It is this vision that transcends the music field and spills over into film, television, hotels and restaurants, among other business endeavors, including becoming the first Cuban-born minority stakeholder in an NFL franchise, the Miami Dolphins.

Alexander Dinelaris, who wrote the book for the musical, is best known for helping write the critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning movie “Birdman: or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

The soundtrack is based on several popular songs from Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s discography, such as “Get on Your Feet,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Don’t Want to Lose You Now,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” and “1-2-3.”

Mark Blakeman, the executive director of the McKnight’s Center, spoke positively about the musical. “’ On Your Feet!’ is a production with a contagious thrill – you can’t help but tap your feet and sing along with the popular music,” Blakeman said.

This all-new exhilarating original musical is winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike, with The New York Times cheering, “The very air in the room seems to vibrate in this undeniably crowd-pleasing musical!”

Critics gave strong reviews to “On Your Feet!” with reviewers describing the musical as “explosively energetic,” “infectiously fun,” “musical fireworks,” and “explosive and insightful.”

The actress for young Gloria Estefan, Katie McCollum, is an Oklahoma City University alumna. “On Your Feet!” will be her debut performance with a national touring company, and her first time returning to her home state.

More information and ticket sales are now available at www.mcknightcenter.org, and the box office can be contacted at 405.744.9999

Foul trouble, foul shots were difference makers in loss to Texas

Braden Bush Assistant Sport Editor

In typical Big 12 fashion, the degree of separation between winning and losing was small.

OSU suffered its second conference defeat in a 56-46 loss to Texas in Gallagher-Iba Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Off-night for free throws

Not much separated the Cowboys and Longhorns.

Texas (13-2, 2-1) didn’t outshoot OSU from the field – 31% to OSU’s 30%. Or the 3-point line – 29% for OSU and 28% for UT.

The differentiation came at the free throw line.

“Those are free points that (were) detrimental to the end of the game, and so we need those,” guard Bryce Thompson said.

The Cowboys (9-6, 1-2) shot 12-for-21 from the charity stripe (57%), well-below its 72.4% average, and its worst performance from the line since Nov. 27, when OSU shot 56.5% against Prairie View A&M.

In the last seven games, OSU had shot at least 70% in each. Avery Anderson, who shoots over 90% from the line, went 1-for-4. Caleb Asberry came into the game with a free throw percentage pushing 92%, but he missed a pair of free throws.

Many of the misses came in crunch time, too. In the second half of a tight game, the Cowboys made only five of 10 attempts.

Cowgirls claw out first conference win over Texas

different OSU players scored.

Davis Cordova Staff Reporter

In OSU’s last game, it struggled scoring the ball late in the fourth quarter. However, the Cowgirls found a way to score late versus Texas.

On Saturday, the Cowgirls held onto their lead late to defeat Texas, 86-82.

The Cowgirls led most of the second half and had a double-digit lead in the second and third quarters, but the outcome came down to the final five minutes of the game, as Texas clawed back and tied it up at 74.

In those final minutes, five

Guard Lexy Keys knocked down a crucial three-pointer with about two minutes to go, guard Anna Gret Asi shook a defender and made a layup with 30 seconds left and forward Lior Garzon tallied six points, with four coming from the foul line, in the final five minutes. The committee was strong tonight, unlike the previous two games where the Cowgirls scored just 14 points combined in the final five.

“This team is always going to be by committee,” said coach Jacie Hoyt. “It’s going to take everyone to do their part. Tonight, Lior hit huge free throws, Anna Gret had the big and-one, Lexy hits the dagger three, I mean, that’s Oklahoma State women’s basketball right now, and as long as we’re sharing the ball and buying into that, I think we’re going to have a lot more of these.”

The Cowgirls played most of the fourth without starting guard Naomie Alnatas, forward Kassidy De Lapp, who both fouled out, and starting forward Taylen Collins, who exited the game with a leg injury in the third.

Alnatas led the Cowgirls until her disqualification with about three minutes to go, she finished with 20 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Following her exit, she had to just watch, but Asi stepped up in her place and Alnatas wasn’t upset, she was, in her words, “lit.”

“I was lit,” Alnatas said.

“Especially if you know G (Asi), it’s like her eyes and she got hype and I was like ‘who is this girl?’ I was just lit with her. We were just all playing with heart tonight and I feel like that’s what matters and how we came out with a dub.”

“BalIt’s a feel-good story and we know audiences will leave this center feeling inspired by its celebratory message.”

Courtesy of The McKnight Center

“On Your Feet!”On Your Feet! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent — and each other — to become an international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

Davis Cordova

Avery Anderson (0) is normally a reliable free throw shooter, with an average of over 90%. But against Texas, he went 1-for-4.

Davis Cordova

Oklahoma State guard Naomie Alnatas scored 20 points, eight assists and five rebounds in OSU’s 86-82 win over Texas on Saturday.

“To me, free throws (are) about toughness,” coach Mike Boynton said. “We’re a better free throw shooting team, certainly, than we showed. We’ve had these games before, and unfortunately, they kinda kill your rhythm. Especially when it’s guys (who) you can usually turn your back and start thinking about what’s next.”

Foul (causing) trouble Bryce Thompson subbed into the game with 3:20 left in the first half. Then back out. Then back in. Back out, again.

In the final four minutes, Thomspon subbed in and out three times. Boynton’s hand was forced after Thompson picked up his second foul with nine minutes left in the first half. The constant subbing and lack of continuity contributed to the Cowboys’ leading scorer taking only five shots in the game and scoring just five points.

“For me personally, that definitely is a factor,” Thompson said of his foul trouble. “I was out for a good portion of that first half because I got into foul trouble. That’s something I’ve got to work on, just kinda being solid so I can stay in the game and stay on the floor.”

He wasn’t the only one. Woody Newton picked up three fouls in six minutes in the first half, which forced him to sit on the bench for much of the game. Newton picked up his fourth foul just five minutes into the second half.

OSU was already without starting center Moussa Cisse, but fouls caused more trouble.

Tyreek Smith committed three fouls in the opening half and had to sit well into the second half.

Boynton said the foul trouble hurt their offense, which was already struggling.

“What we need to do is keep our best guys on the court,” Boynton said. “Certainly, didn’t help not having Bryce and Avery for most of the first half.”

Block party

The Cowboys were missing the conference’s leading shot blocker in Moussa Cisse. Couldn’t tell.

OSU blocked 12 shots (UT had one), which is three more than its previous season high.

Kalib Boone led the team with six blocks, which tied Moussa Cisse for the most in a game by an OSU player this season.

“He just seemed like his motor was a lot – he had a lot more going on today just because of the absence of our big man,” guard JohnMichael Wright said. “He knew that, so he knew he had to pick it up. And we tried to follow him with it, with our energy on defense, but he definitely was a big spark on the whole game, on both ends of the floor.”

For the most part, the defense was good. It held a Texas team coming off a 103-point outing to 56. But even with the blocked shots and low point total, Wright said they still missed their starting center. And so did Boynton.

“Looks like the result is we need him; the result says we need Moussa,” Boynton said.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

sports

Davis Cordova

exas held OSU guard Avery Anderson to just five points in the Cowboys’ 56-46 loss on Saturday.

Cowboy defense exceptional on day it needed to be perfect

the Longhorns inbounded the ball and sped down the floor. OSU guard JohnMichael Wright fouled Texas forward Timmy Allen, sending Allen to the line and dampening the spirits of many in Stillwater.

Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter

Gallagher-Iba erupted as Asberry’s 3-pointer from the left wing gave OSU the lead with 8:20 left in the game. It would be the last field goal the Cowboys scored in their 56-46 loss against Texas.

As the Cowboys admired Asberry’s shot and listened to the roar of a large crowd for an 11:00 a.m. tipoff,

“Too many times, even when we did score, our transition defense wasn’t great,” OSU coach Mike Boynton said.

“And that moment was a critical moment in the game, we make a three… and we give it right back in transition on a foul which stops your momentum, takes the energy out of your crowd, puts them at the line, gives them a chance to reset their defense and we just have to be better in those situations.”

OSU’s defense, which was exceptional, holding a Texas team that scored 103 points its last game, wasn’t perfect. And on a day where the OSU

offense looked unorganized against an athletic and long Texas defense, exceptional wasn’t good enough to win.

“We were pretty confident,” Wright said. “Once (Asberry) hit that shot it brought us more energy. But we just didn’t get back on defense, we celebrated a bit too much on that shot. But even with them getting that foul in transition we were still pretty confident because we tied the game or took the lead and were ready to seal the deal.”

OSU shot just 30% from the field and turned the ball over 18 times. Even free throws, an area the Cowboys have shown improvement in, were a weakness as the Cowboys went 12-for-21 from the line.

The 46-point performance is a season-low. Outside of forward Kalib Boone, the Cowboys didn’t have a player score more than seven. Guard Bryce

Thompson, who has carried the OSU offense in the first stretch of conference play, mustered only five shots and cited being shuttled in and out of the game because of foul trouble as the reason he was unable to find a rhythm.

The Longhorns didn’t throw any advanced schemes at the Cowboys. Opening in man-to-man, the Horns forced a shot clock violation to begin the game and held the Cowboys without a field goal for spells of over 11 and 8 minutes.

“We were locked in,” Texas coach Rodney Terry said. “We got back to the way we guarded early in the year, that’s probably one of our better defensive games that we’ve had for 40 minutes… we played really hard. We didn’t play perfect, but we got after them really hard on defense.”

Caleb Asberry held his shooting form as he watched the ball go through the rim.

Davis Cordova

OSU held Texas to a season-low 56 points on Saturday but failed to find an offensive rhythm, making only 30% of shots from the field and 57% of free throws.

Mastrogiovanni’s major decision powers Cowboys to win

mentally, when you’re in a big moment, you need to rely on your technique and find a way out. I just think I need to take that to all my matches.”

Mastrogiovanni and his teammates recognized the loud road environment and responded.

Adam Engel Editor-in-Chief

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Trevor Mastrogiovanni, lunged toward Brandon Kaylor seconds removed from the opening whistle.

A shot seconds removed from the opening whistle.

In front of a near sell-out crowd in Gill Coliseum, John Smith, Oklahoma State’s wrestling coach pointed and clapped toward Mastrogiovanni. Something Smith wanted to see for a while.

Sunday’s version of Mastrogiovanni showed a guy grinds out ranked wins and a guy who can escape from bottom. Those were first semester issues for Mastrogiovanni. But on Sunday, Mastrogiovanni’s win proved paramount to Oklahoma State’s 20-12 win over Oregon State.

Mastrogiovanni used a quick, early takedown to win 3-2 over Oregon State’s Brandon Kaylor at 125 pounds. His first period takedown, proved to be a difference for many Cowboys in a day that lacked them.

“Looked maybe a little lethargic in some of those early matches,” Cowboy coach John Smith said. “Just not ready to go punch someone.”

Mastrogiovanni, with a left black eye leftover from the Southern Scuffle, worked toward Kaylor with his speedy shots.

The win put the Cowboys ahead, 13-12.

“I just think I kept a lot more pressure this time than I have been,” Mastrogiovanni said. “Even in my other matches this season. Not being in the moment. I kept my hands on him and I felt like that took a toll and tired him out.”

Minutes later, he lifted Kaylor’s hands away from his chest and escaped from bottom. Something Mastrogiovanni didn’t do much of in the first semester.

“I’ve been training the same way,” Mastrogiovanni said. “I just feel like,

Some didn’t.

The Beavers’ manufactured momentum with wins at 165, 174, 184 and 197 pounds.

“Just not tough enough,” Smith said. “Good crowd. Exciting. Just needed a little bit more.”

Oregon State earned its biggest upset at 174 when Aaron Olmos used his quick-strike offense to defeat AllAmerican Dustin Plott, 9-4. Olmos staved off any attack from Plott, who only scored escapes.

“Dustin Plott never was in the match,” Smith said. “Didn’t look like he had much defense at all. Little bit surprised by it. Coming off a Southern Scuffle victory.”

Daton Fix followed Mastrogiovanni with a major decision.

Fix, Oklahoma State’s 133-pounder, never stopped attacking in his 12-4 win over Jason Shaner. He extended Oklahoma State’s lead. One that Mastrogiovanni started.

“I always get that adrenaline and tingly feeling before I got for my match,” Mastrogiovanni said. “I love these environments. In order to be the best, you gotta live for these environments. You gotta show up on these days.”

Carter Young finished with a 6-2 win over Cleveland Belton at 141 pounds.

Victor Voinovich and Kaden Gfeller won the dual’s first bouts but Oregon State stunned Oklahoma State’s middleweights.

The Beavers’ manufactured momentum with wins at 165, 174, 184 and 197 pounds.

Oregon State earned its biggest upset at 174 when Aaron Olmos used his quick-strike offense to defeat AllAmerican Dustin Plott, 9-4. Olmos staved off any attack from Plott, who only scored escapes.

“Dustin Plott never was in the match,” Smith said. “Didn’t look like he had much defense at all. Little bit surprised by it. Coming off a Southern Scuffle victory.”

It’s been a theme for Oklahoma State. A few consecutive losses in the middle of a dual but a late response. Especially one from Mastrogiovanni, a gritty performance fit for a guy with a black eye.

“If it gets hit again, it gets hit again,” he said. “You just go and brawl. It looks cool. Makes you look tough which is cool.”

No. 14 Oklahoma State 20, Oregon State 12 Jan. 8, 2023, Gill Coliseum, Corvallis, Ore.

Attendance: 6,764

149: No. 19 Victor Voinovich (OKST) MD Riley Gurr (ORST), 10-2

157: No. 14 Kaden Gfeller (OKST) dec. Isaiah Crosby (ORST), 10-9

165: No. 23 Matthew Olguin (ORST) dec. No. 20 Wyatt Sheets (OKST), SV-1 7-5

174: No. 29 Aaron Olmos (ORST) dec. No. 4 Dustin Plott (OKST), 9-4

184: No. 11 Trey Munoz (ORST) dec. No. 13 Travis Wittlake (OKST), 4-3

197: No. 18 Tanner Harvey (ORST) dec. No. 21 Luke Surber (OKST), 14-9

HWT: No. 26 Konner Doucet (OKST) dec. J.J. Dixon, 3-2

125: No. 17 Trevor Mastrogiovanni (OKST) dec. No. 12 Brandon Kaylor (ORST), 3-2

133: No. 2 Daton Fix (OKST) MD No. 18 Jason Shaner (ORST), 12-4

141: No. 31 Carter Young (OKST) dec. No. 23 Cleveland Belton, 6-2

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU Athletics

Trevor Mastrogiovanni, Oklahoma State’s 125-pounder, defeated Brandon Kaylor, 3-2, in the Cowboys’ 20-12 win at Oregon State.

The Chicago Symphone Orchestra to perform at the McKnight Center

Kennedy Thomason Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is coming to Stillwater.

The performance will happen at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts on Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. Concert tickets are sold out, but a waitlist is available to join.

The CSO is the third major orchestra Oklahoma State has hosted in Stillwater this year. In the last year, OSU had the privilege of bringing in the best five orchestras in the nation. These include the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Mark Blakeman, the McKnight Center’s Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director, said bringing the CSO to town is another step in accomplishing the McKnight Center’s goals.

“One of our artistic goals is to present all of the ‘Big 5’ orchestras here in Stillwater, and this concert brings us closer to achieving that ambition,” said Blakeman. “Making this concert even more special is the opportunity for our audience to celebrate the musical legacy of one of the world’s preeminent conductors, Maestro Riccardo Muti before he retires at the end of the performing season.”

CSO musicians are accomplished performers. On average, they perform more than 150 concerts each year. Most of these are held at the Symphony Center in Chicago, but they also tour the world. The CSO has performed in 29 countries, totaling five continents. The Orchestra is currently on its 63rd international tour.

The CSO has a history of performances in Oklahoma. They first performed in Oklahoma in April 1903. The most recent concert in Oklahoma was in January 1987. The CSO at the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts will be the first time the group has visited Stillwater.

The concert program has been released and includes a vast array of pieces:

Ludwig van Beethoven | Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 Ludwig van Beethoven | Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93

Anatoly Lyadov | The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62 Modest Mussorgsky | Pictures at an Exhibition

This concert is funded in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

To find more information on tickets or the waitlist, visit www. mcknightcenter.org or contact the box office at 405.744.9999.

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Tribune

Vocal soloist Alexey Tikhomirov (center left) and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 13, “Babi Yar,” with Riccardo Muti conducting. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

OSU will host Next Level

Leadership for Women series

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

OSU goes the extra mile to build successful students.

This year, the Spears School of Business plans to focus on its female students by hosting the Next Level Leadership for Women series, which begins in March and ends in June.

Next Level Leadership partnered with the Oklahoma International Women’s Forum and LeadHERboard to create a series meant to inspire, empower and educate women.

Women are important to the workforce. Rebecca Eastham, the director of the OSU Center for the Future of Work, said research shows workers of all genders find higher job satisfac-

tion and commitment to their organization when their leaders are women.

Although success is not a rarity for working women, not all women remain in the workforce long-term.

“With women now leaving the workforce at much higher rates than men and women’s participation in the labor force dropping to its lowest level in three decades, OSU wants to help develop and retain women in leadership roles,” Eastham said.

The Next Level Leadership series aims to educate women on useful workplace tactics that will take their leadership skills to the next level. Lessons will be taught by women with impressive leadership experience. Potential topics include women’s leadership in times of crisis, practicing mindfulness in leadership and life, negotiations

in the workplace and accountability.

The series will welcome speakers such as Hernani Alves, Amazon bestselling author; Kari Mirabal, TedX speaker; Sara Bradshaw Ray, founder of My Network; and Shannon L. Rich, founder of LeadHERboard, and Oklahoma Hall of Fame president and CEO.

To ensure students receive meaningful, personal training, only 30 women will be allowed to register for the series. Registration for the series is $4,500 and includes books and meals.

To prepare women for the workforce, the series offers its 30 members a professional headshot, Kolbe assessment, complimentary registration to the Women’s Business Leadership Conference and one-on-one time with coaches to fine-tune their leadership skills.

The series begins on March 8 at the Women’s Business Leadership Conference in Tulsa and will be followed by four virtual sessions on March 21, April 4, April 13 and May 10. The final session will be held in person in Stillwater on June 14-16.

“Not only is this program filled with relevant and timely content, but it also provides hands-on, application of critical skills while building a network from across the state of Oklahoma,” Eastham said.

To learn more, visit https://business.okstate.edu/cepd/programs/next_ level_womens_leadership.html

news.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of OSU

Abbey Davis, Rebecca Eastham, Lindsey Greco and Maribeth Kuzmeski will be hosting educational sessions at the Next Level Leadership for Women.

Lifestyle

‘Purgatorial mediocrity’: ‘M3gan’ Review

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

The horror production company “Blumhouse’s” new attempt at a flagship franchise is a massive swing and a miss.

As I watched “M3gan,” I found myself laughing uncontrollably the entire time. Sometimes I was laughing at the movie scenes, but most of the time I was laughing at the movie itself. So grab a friend, wait for the theaters to empty out and you will have a great time making fun of the cheesy nonsense “M3gan” brings to the table. Without it, there isn’t much else to enjoy.

“M3gan” is basically the exact same plot as “Child’s Play” from 2019, but is somehow worse and even less original. It runs of a mill evil doll story, but the doll isn’t really evil until the last 45 or so minutes of this 102-minute-long film. The majority of the movie is spent stumbling through predictable plot beats, establishing the exact same message that “Black Mirror” spent five seasons cramming down our throats.

The movie tries to be self-aware at times, but falls short of being intentionally campy like “Evil Dead” or “Scream.” Because of this, it isn’t scary enough to be a horror nor is it funny enough to be a comedy. The movie falls straight into purgatorial mediocrity.

Though I will admit, there is some good stuff here. Most of the actors

sound like they’re asleep, but child actor Violet McGraw’s acting is awesome throughout the movie. The several voices of the titular M3gan doll are pretty decent as well. I also like the design of M3gan herself, and the climax of the film was interesting visually.

I like to see when horror movie characters do things that belong in horror movies. Unfortunately, this only happened during the last 10 minutes. The rest is unintentionally cheesy, predictable, and completely meandering.

The best thing you can do is never, ever take this film seriously.

There’s a scene that, I think, is meant to be scary. M3gan is walking down a hall menacingly toward someone, and I got to give it to the movie, it’s a spooky concept. Then, her endoskeleton begins to crack as her body contorts, pretty creepy! She starts doing TikTok dances as she stumbles toward the frightened victim.

Two people scoffed and walked out of the theater when this happened, I was laughing so hard I couldn’t see.

That’s about all there is to say about “M3gan” it’s a serviceably entertaining horror film that’s more of an accidental comedy. Besides a few decent performances and cool designs, this movie leaves much to be desired and next to nothing to write about besides how goofy it is.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

Courtesy of IndieWire

Violet McGraw, left, as Cady, M3GAN and Allison Williams as Gemma in “M3GAN,” directed by Gerard Johnstone.

‘Surprisingly existential’: “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” Review

Michael Clark Staff Reporter

This shouldn’t have been a good film.

DreamWorks’ once legendary track record of movies has slowly slipped from their grasp over time. I’m not big on animated films but I didn’t want to waste my AMC Stubs tickets this week, so I saw this movie on a whim.

I could not believe how happy I was when I walked out of the theater. Even though I’m nearly 20 years old, “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” was a strong reminder of why animated movies can still be good.

The premise is simple, yet surprisingly existential. The titular Puss in Boots has used up eight of his nine lives and the Grim Reaper himself is on the prowl to finish him off. As he goes on a journey to restore his life count, our fearless feline contemplates what it means to be alive and what to make out of the inevitability of death.

This movie is a full-blown existential crisis, yet, it handles these themes beautifully in a way kids and adults alike can enjoy. “The Last Wish” manages to tie these themes back into its main cast beautifully.

The animation is reminiscent of “Into the Spider-Verse” with the stylishly choppy action scenes, yet this pays off extremely well. The fights and set pieces in this movie are great and

every moment is part of a fully realized vision. The acting, the writing, and the animation are great. This film really does fire on all cylinders.

However, the scene that really sold me on this film, with minimum spoilers, features a character having a genuine panic attack on screen. It’s an honest and emotional look at the fear of death. This film teaches us to embrace mortality and live life to the fullest without fearing the end of the road. As stupid as this sounds for a review of a movie about a cat that wears boots, I felt genuinely moved.

Each character in this movie has a distinct outlook on life and these values clash in interesting ways. This movie was made for the teens and adults who grew up with this franchise. There is

even a surprising amount of swearing, most of which is censored to more significant comedic effect. I laughed and I also got a little choked up. The 102-minute runtime flew by as smoothly as butter.

With that, I have to say I recommend “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” more than any animated movie since “Into the Spider-Verse.” It is a masterclass on how to make an animated kids’ movie, all while having brilliant themes and writing, genuinely funny moments and more heart than anything DreamWorks has put out since “How to Train Your Dragon.”

If their upcoming movies are as good as this, I’ll be the first to see them.

Courtesy of Tribune

From left, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), Perro (Harvey Guillén) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.” (DreamWorks Animation/TNS)

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (01/09/23). Good fortune blesses your house this year. Reap bounteous harvests with disciplined, consistent efforts. Adapt around winter romantic or creative changes, before your springtime garden blossoms. Forging and renewing social connections despite summer challenges opens exciting autumn career possibilities. Enjoy home with family and friends.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Follow your heart. Do things you love doing. Sadness, difficulty and strife abound. Pamper yourself with relaxation, fun and creative projects. Enjoy your dear ones.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Settle into your cozy nest. Despite breakdowns or messes, home comforts warm your spirit. Clean, sort and organize. Give away extra stuff. Clear space.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — Study the situation. Expect the unexpected. Communications could seem distorted, confused or blocked. Draw upon hidden resources. Connect and take action for love.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Monitor budgets carefully. A disruption could get expensive. Cut frivolous expenses. Don’t offer to pay for everything. The best things in life are free.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Carve extra time for yourself. Indulge your favorite inexpensive rituals and practices. Luxuriate in hot water. Wash stress away. Nurture yourself and better support others.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 6 — Savor a peaceful hideaway to process transitions. Avoid noise, crowds or controversy. Lay low to contemplate plans, potential and possibilities. Review options. Choose upon reflection.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Don’t get stuck or stopped by an awkward social moment. Fortune follows action today. Clean a mess. Advance common goals with teamwork and collaboration. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 7 — Professional attention rises. Update websites and promotional materials. Your past work speaks well for you. Show it off nicely. Adjust focus toward desired projects.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — An unexpected development invites new possibilities. Patiently navigate obstacles for wider travels and explorations. Or study and investigate from home, for greater ease. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Collaborate to maintain positive cash flow despite unforeseen expenses. Old formulas may not work in the current situation. An open mind helps. Try something new. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Patience helps you avoid argument or conflict. Sparks fly with light provocation. End a negative spin cycle by refusing to engage. Listen generously.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Continue to build physical strength and stamina, despite challenges with health or work. Pretend optimism still works. Fake it til you make it. Keep practicing.

“Hold on a __!”

Nemesis

Untouched serve

Eritrea’s capital

Black gemstone

Shrub with colorful flowers

Slugger Juan who won the 2022 Home Run Derby

“When will u b here?”

Snoozefest

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio, and an apt name for a trio of answers in this puzzle

Science workshops

Australia’s __ Barrier Reef

Tree with smooth gray bark

Roofing material

South Asian wraparound dress

Some spa applications

“__ only as directed”

Bona fide

Largest city in the Bahamas

“You really understand me”

Well-organized

Hole-making tools

Elapse, as time

Actress Lollobrigida

Start of a title by 44-Down

“As if!”

Shoelaces alternative

Guy who always agrees with the boss

Gather a bit at a time

Award for TV excellence

Mythical river of the underworld

Wound covering

Black-and-white sea creature

Buzzing facial adornments

Sharp-eyed bird

L.A. arts district

Put away, as a sword

Places for bowling

Espadrille, e.g.

Frigid temps

T-bone, for one

“This won’t hurt __!”

Tune (out)

Big rig

Solemn bio

Egyptian serpents

Magic spell

Fed. property agency

Solution to Saturday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis