The University News

Q&A with soul-pop-punk band The Cab

Matt Wilhelm • February 22, 2008

College is the obvious answer for many graduating high school seniors. The members of soul-pop-punk band The Cab, however, decided to pursue fame and fortune. After writing their first single "I'll Run" during their first practice session and two years of dedication they signed a record contract at the same time that their peers received acceptance letters.

There will be no Oscars for old films

Kelley Dunn • February 22, 2008

In a year highlighted by a greedy oil man, some long-lost lovers, a pregnant teen with an unparalleled vocabulary, George Clooney kicking ass and taking names and a chilling, unprecedented performance by Spanish actor Javier Bardem, this season's awards features a number of worthy winners.

Metro maestros get ready to energize student center

Sarah Hale • February 22, 2008

The halls of the Busch Student Center are alive with the sound of ambient dobro melodies, swinging jazz standards and rowdy New Orleans funk. Since November 2007, a variety of musical acts has entertained diners during lunchtime outside of Au Bon Pain. This unnamed series is part of BSC Building Manager Chris Grabau's vision to build an energetic atmosphere in the BSC.

The King of Pop re-releases thrilling album

KATIE LEWIS • February 22, 2008

There is no doubt that Michael Jackson is a hit-making machine. Despite the dismal sales of 2001's Invincible (Sony), Jackson's classic tunes from the 1982 smash hit Thriller continue to kick ass, two-and-a-half decades after the album's debut. Feb. 12's release of Thriller 25 (Sony Music Distribution), which was the world's best-selling album of all time, includes all of the original songs, in addition to new tracks starring hot artists Fergie, will.i.am, Akon and Kanye West.

‘Avenue Q’ drives right up the profane collegiate alley

KATIE LEWIS • February 15, 2008

Puppets can teach lessons to adults, too, as a group of plush creatures sings about finding purpose and making sweet love in "Avenue Q." The Tony Award-winning musical by Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty opened Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre to a raucous crowd of adults.

Rep’s show makes a killing

Thomas Skelton • February 15, 2008

Few people enjoy jury duty, but even fewer experience the dark version of it as portrayed in "Twelve Angry Men," which will be performed at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis through March 2. Martin Platt directs the play, written by Reginald Rose in 1957.

Theater professor makes mark on the Rep

Thomas Skelton • February 15, 2008

Gary Barker is one angry man-sort of. Barker, a professor in the theater department at Saint Louis University, is currently starring as Juror 2 in the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis' production of "Twelve Angry Men." "My character is probably the least angry of the angry men," Barker said.

Christina Ricci snags fairy-tale role in Penelope

Margaret Murphy • February 15, 2008

Once upon a time, there was a young actress by the name of Christina Ricci. Ricci was a talented girl, starring in films at just 9 years old. The young girl lost her way, however, with a string of films that failed to garner much box-office success. But, with a little hard work and dedication, Ricci's rebounding role comes in the form of the fairytale-based film Penelope (Stone Village, Feb.

ArtDimensions fills art-shape void in St. Louis

ADAM TAMBURIN • February 15, 2008

Artists in St. Louis have a new cultural mecca. After moving from space to space in its seven-year history, ArtDimensions, a St. Louis-based, non-profit organization that aims to energize the local artistic community, has moved to the Third Floor Gallery on Washington Avenue.

On the Inside: Food for immature thought

Kelley Dunn • February 15, 2008

The older I get, the more I realize just how young I actually act. I'm getting to the point where I just cannot act my age. I can't work on anything without taking a break to play solitaire. I can't play a game of solitaire without winning a game of solitaire.

Crow expresses all she wants to do on Detours

Ashley Jones • February 15, 2008

She captivated listeners with hit songs such as "All I Wanna Do" in 1993, "Everyday is a Winding Road" in 1995 and "Soak Up the Sun" in 2002. Now, singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow is back with a new album, Detours (A&M, Feb. 5), which will captivate fans in much the same way that her previous hits did.

In Bruges puts Belgium on the map

Matt Wilhelm • February 15, 2008

In Bruges (Focus Features, Feb. 8) is an unusually thoughtful film for this time of year. With the consideration period for the 2007 Oscars over, it is the season when schlock such as Meet the Spartans and Fool's Gold dominates the box office. Impressively, In Bruges, written and directed by Tony award-winning playwright Martin McDonagh, surpasses this strangeness as it unfolds.