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NRMS to perform Sleeping Beauty
North Rockford Middle School’s Fine Arts Magnet has completed auditions for this year’s production of Sleeping Beauty.
The students have elected to add an 80’s theme to the play, which made auditions all the more interesting. Auditioning students presented themselves with enthusiastic 80’s catch phrases, stone washed jeans, concert t’s and bright neon colors for the royal family.
Starring in the play this year is AnnMarie Albach as Beauty, Elisabeth “Betsy” Hoekstra as Evilina, Brad Sanders as King Rudolf, Ethan Dunnum as The Prime Minister, Bailiegh Aldrich as Queen Eleanor, Lauren Butzer as Quill, Derek Haines as Prince Rupert, and Nolan Kosheba as Prince Alexander.
The play begins Tuesday, March 23. A sneak peek of the show can be viewed by the public at North Rockford’s Fine Arts Night, Thursday, March 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
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Alice revisits Wonderland—Movie a teen hit and record-setter
by CLIFF AND NANCY HILL
With the Disney movie “Alice in Wonderland” opening simultaneously in area theaters last Friday, March 5, we headed out to catch the opening at our hometown movie venue, NorthStar Cinemas. Wanting to catch this movie with one of our favorite actors, Johnny Depp, we had an ulterior motive. Your scribes had decided to expand our reporting horizons by doing an occasional movie review.
“Alice in Wonderland,” with the amazing Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, is now showing at NorthStar Cinemas. Photo composition by C&N
Before we get to the articulars of this film, let us pause to reflect upon on omething we tend to take for granted. How fortunate we are in the greater Rockford and Cedar Springs communities to have a fine six-screen movie house just minutes away.
At NorthStar Cinemas, we can enjoy first-run movies at small-town prices. In comparison to the out-of-town “big-box multi-screen” movie houses on the Beltline or Alpine Ave., NorthStar offers affordable admission and concession pricing. Here, a date night or family night out at the movies won’t break the bank. They even offer fresh, hot popcorn with real butter added at no additional charge! With a friendly staff, comfortable seating along with great legroom, and lots of adjacent parking, what’s not to like?
Which now brings us to our thoughts on “Alice in Wonderland.” The movie features an outstanding ensemble cast of Mia Masikowska (Alice), Johnny Depp (the Mad Hatter), Anne Hathaway (the kind White Queen), and Helena Bonham Carter (the evil Red Queen) along with Crispin Glover (as the Red Queen’s henchman, the Knave of Hearts).
Featuring stunning visuals, the Lewis Carroll novel takes new form under the direction of Tim Burton, who loves to include Depp in his films. In this latest retelling of the story, Alice, now 19 years old, embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny when she returns to the capricious world she first encountered as a young girl. There she reunites with her whimsical friends, the White Rabbit, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter.
Who better to play the Mad Hatter than the madcap Johnny Depp? Depp never fails to amaze us with his over-the-top portrayals of such characters as Willy Wonka and Edward Scissorhands, to name two of many. The little dance of celebration he did toward the end of the movie was a sight to behold.
For Alice fans, yes, she slew the feared dragon beast, the “Jabberwocky” to end the evil Red Queens’ reign.
We loved the movie and apparently so did the predominately teenage demographic that filled the house that evening. Yes, the teens, and a surprising number of baby-boomer couples, gave the movie thunderous applause as the end credits rolled.
Now, we’re not movie critics, but we are certainly movie buffs. We’ve managed to view seven of this year’s 10 Oscar-nominated Best Pictures. Just as a good book is candy for the mind, it follows that a good movie is candy for the eye. We’re not trained in the fine intricacies and skills of acting and filmmaking, but we know a good movie when we see one, and “Alice in Wonderland” is one such movie.
We like the “eye candy” analogy. If we had a movie-rating scale, we would use four eyeballs instead of four stars. This PG-rated movie would rate a full three eyeballs and should be seen.
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RHS presents Les Misérables
For those looking for a truly special event to attend, look no further than our own Rockford High School, for a heartfelt and touching performance of the epic theater work Les Misérables. The show will be March 18 through 20 and March 25 through 27, at 7 p.m.
From left to right, back row to front row: Doni Owens, Eponine; Jacob Loader, Javert; Alex Bird, Jean Valjean; Bretton Johnson, Marius Pontmercy; Emily Kolenda, Cosette.
The classic, which premiered on Broadway in 1987, has become one of the world’s best known and most loved musicals. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, with lyrics by Alain Boublil and beautiful music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, theater goers will follow the life story of Jean Valjean (Alex Bird) from a convict in 1815 Toulon, France, to a man of great humanity and compassion.
Les Misérables has something for everyone: two strong characters at odds with each other, the proud Jean Valjean versus Inspector Javert (Jacob Loader) and his profound sense of duty. The lovely Fantine (Marisa Bouwkamp) will stop at nothing to provide for her daughter. A classic love triangle unfolds when Eponine (Doni Owens) longs for the love of Marius (Brett Johnson) who falls instantly in love with Cosette (Emily Kolenda).
There is a thrilling battle, lead by charismatic student leader Enjolras (Scott Nadeau). A gang of thugs steal anything they can get their hands on, lead by Thenardier (Connor Jewell) and Madame Thenardier (Jessie Harris). Of course there are the street urchins, lead by the spirited Gavroche (Taylor Manett).
Lighting is by Gayla Fox and Julia Crawford, costumes are by Lisa Abbott and props are by Ann Posont and Cathy Fazio. Make-up and hair is by Shelley Funk and Carol Purcey. All of these elements give the show the look and feel of France in the1800’s.
Les Misérables literally means “the miserable,” and the show captures the essence of the poor and underprivileged rising up against the politics that have kept them there. But throughout the play there is a strong undercurrent of hope, and the entire company ultimately concludes that “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
Tickets are available by calling (616) 863-6031, ext. 7087, or by visiting in person on school days from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The box office will be open during the RHS Open House on Monday, March 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and also one hour prior to each performance, provided that seats are still available. All seats for all shows are very reasonably priced at $10.
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Food, Family, Fun — October 22, 2009
Local dentist takes a stand against sweets this Halloween
Candy to go to troops
One area dentist is redefining the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” This Halloween, trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to Belmont Dentistry, PLC in Belmont and receive $1 per pound. Dr. John Klooster is leading this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars and toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-provoking candy.
“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying. Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” says Dr. John Klooster from Belmont Dentistry. “Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well.
Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about two percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.
Candy will be collected at Belmont Dentistry the day after Halloween only from 3pm to 5pm. The candy must be unopened. Please no bites. It will then be shipped to troops overseas.
Belmont Dentistry is general dental practice committed to providing exceptional dental care for the whole family. Dr. Klooster and the Belmont team is available to provide more information at 616-284-3200, or visit them on-line at www.BelmontSmiles.com.
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Rudy Kazoody’s announce winner
Lydia Garner, an eighth-grader at North Rockford Middle School, is the winner of the Gummy Bear prize from last month’s drawing at Rudy Kazoody’s. Her guess of 223 Gummy Bears was the closest, with the correct amount being 209. This month, enter to win a gift certificate!
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