The University News

UTheatre presents new-age comedy

Matt Smyser • April 25, 2008

"Kid-Simple," which opened Friday, April 18, at Saint Louis University Theatre, is a dizzying array of a lot of things, but mostly sight and sound. These two elements become as vital to the story as the actors themselves. Subtitled "A Radio Play In The Flesh," the comedy from Jordan Harrison is told in a fairy tale form from the recollection of the narrator, senior Paris McCarthy, sitting in a cushioned armchair on a platform high above the stage.

Ben Folds rocks the farmland

KATIE LEWIS • April 25, 2008

According to musician Ben Folds, playing outdoors negatively affects the audience's appreciation of his music. Slated to play at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, held in Manchester, Tenn., June 12 to 15, Folds said in a conference call from Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 23, that "a lot of music just doesn't sound as good outside ... The wind blows, and, all of the sudden, music starts sounding different.

Cast of ‘Jersey Boys’ rests up for Fox shows

KATIE LEWIS • April 25, 2008

Christopher Kale Jones gets more sleep in one night than most people. The actor, who plays Frankie Valli in the musical "Jersey Boys," said that he has to sleep eight to nine hours each night and stay hydrated to keep his vocal stamina going. "My vocal muscles are tight after singing 27 songs in the show," he said.

Musician fights female pop stereotypes

Kelley Dunn • April 25, 2008

After playing at sold-out arenas, playing on a college campus during its "Rock, Rap, and Rawhide" pre-concert carnival would seem less intriguing to many-unless you're Alex Winston. "It's actually really cool, because I get to meet a lot of people," Winston said.

New Apatow flick looks to become instant comedy hit

Matt Wilhelm • April 25, 2008

Last Friday, producer Judd Apatow put down another layer of foundation on his reconstruction of mainstream Hollywood comedy. After helming two TV dramadies, "Freak and Geeks" and "Undeclared," that were adored by critics and fans but were ratings-deprived, he moved to the big screen.

On the Inside: Lost and deliciously found

Kelley Dunn • April 25, 2008

With the school year coming to a close, teachers piling on last minute assignments and the realization that you don't have a summer job yet and stand little chance of getting one starting to set in, this time of the year can be a difficult one. Don't worry, though, I have the fool-proof solution to cheer anyone up: Challenge me to a game of hide-and-seek.

Q&A with Tyler Hilton

Kelley Dunn • April 25, 2008

Tyler Hilton is not one to take the easy way out. Signed right after high school, the 26-year-old pop rocker has been gaining a following ever since. After the success of his first two albums, Hilton snagged acting roles in the CW's "One Tree Hill" and the Academy-Award winning film Walk the Line.

Letterman seeks ‘stupid tricks’ in Branson

Will Holston • April 25, 2008

If you or your favorite pet has a unique or unusual talent, David Letterman wants to see it. On May 10, "The Late Show with Dave Letterman" will hold tryouts in Branson, Mo, for the show's popular stupid human and stupid pet tricks segments. Lynn Berry, director of public relations for the Branson Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the audition process.

Q&A with Jo Dee Messina

ADAM TAMBURIN • April 25, 2008

Jo Dee Messina approached her set on Saturday, April 26, with the cool confidence of a pro-flying a Spiderman kite in pajama pants and a sweatshirt in the parking lot. That carefree demeanor likely stems...

Q&A with Chingy

ADAM TAMBURIN • April 25, 2008

When Chingy emerged from his red sedan, he was a jittery ball of energy. "Sound check," he said authoritatively. His 40-person entourage followed him to the stage, head-bobbing attentively as he bounced...

A cappella groups perform in BSC

Kelley Dunn • April 18, 2008

The St. Louis Room in the Busch Student Center will be alive with the sound of music-beat boxing, whistling and a cappella music. On Friday, April 25, from 7 to 9 p.m., Saint Louis University's female a cappella group, Beyond All Reason, will host its annual spring show on the third floor of the BSC.

Midwest rockers The Audition bring tour to St. Louis

Megan Kenny • April 18, 2008

After the release of its second album, Champion (Victory Records, Jan. 22), Chicago-based, pop-punk band The Audition is enjoying its rising fame as it headlines the Spring Break '08 tour, presented by smartpunk.com. The tour includes bands Hit the Lights, Early Avenue and The Morning Light and played St. Louis' downtown venue 2 Cents Plain on Wednesday, April 16.