All Entries in the "Arts/Entertainment" Category

Writing instructor enjoys telling tales

PCC instructor and storyteller Molly McCloy, right, entertains the audience alongside a fellow storyteller.

By PALOMA MELLO

Molly McCloy, a nonfiction storyteller who teaches writing at Northwest Campus, started spinning tales as a college student.

She was studying for a master of fine arts at the New School in New York City when a teacher told her about The Moth.

“It was a storytelling slam, like a competition,” she said. “You put your name in a hat and they draw 10 names out. You have to tell a five-minute story from memory, no notes, and you get scored on it.”

It didn’t go well the first time McCloy tried, but she persevered and now maintains a busy storytelling schedule.

During an April performance with Odyssey Storytelling at Fluxx Studio, tales about her family kept the audience laughing.

“All of my stories are true. It might be a little exaggerated, but everything is true,” she said. “They came from personal experiences.”

Her sense of humor often amazes people who thought she was reserved and quiet.

“People get surprised when they see me on stage,” McCloy said. “Most of the time I don’t bother to make people laugh until I know them.”

She limits her humor to storytelling, and has never tried standup comedy.

“I think that in standup the expectation is higher,” she said. “It is like, you better be funny.”

McCloy grew up in Phoenix. She graduated from Evergreen State College in Washington and earned a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University before moving to New York for five years.

She came to Tucson in 2010 when PCC offered her a job as a writing instructor. Her girlfriend, a Tucson native, was ready to leave New York and return home.

“We were tired of the big city,” she said. “I was worried Tucson would be too much like Phoenix, but I actually like it a lot.”

In Tucson, McCloy missed the Moth competitions, and thought about starting her own group. When she learned about Odyssey Storytelling, she signed up there instead.

“The Odyssey is a whole different thing, it’s not competitive as the Moth,” McCloy said. “It’s more like a community.”

Roscoe Mutz, an Odyssey producer and host, said the non-profit group uses volunteers to bring stories and entertainment to Tucson residents.

“We truly believe that storytelling is an art to connect to the community and meet people,” he said.

Anyone interested in telling stories at Odyssey can contact the group to arrange an audition, Mutz said.

Oyssey performs the first Thursday of each month at Fluxx Studio, 416 E. Ninth St. Admission costs $7.

Since McCloy joined Odyssey, she has met lots of people and even recruited new students to her PCC classes.

“I told people at Odyssey about my class and now I have four Odyssey people, which is amazing,” she said. “They are all pretty serious about it.”

One of those students, Penelope Starr, started the Odyssey Storytelling group about nine years ago.

“Molly is great,” Starr said. “She always has interesting stories to tell.”

McCloy tries to help her students learn independently by spending time writing and researching during class.

“I like teaching at Pima,” she said. “I have good quality and motivated students.”

For a schedule of McCloy’s upcoming shows, visit here.

For more information about Odyssey Storytelling, visit here.

Writers’ Workshop registration under way

By ANDREW PAXTON

Pima Community College’s annual Writers’ Workshop returns May 24-26 with a full lineup of authors, poets and literary agents.

Writers from all genres and talent levels are invited to participate at the West Campus Center for the Arts.

Director Meg Files, a PCC writing instructor and published author, said the workshop provides a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere.

“I want it to be open and accessible to all,” Files said.

“Sometimes Pima students think they aren’t qualified,” she added. “But if they have any interest in writing, then they are qualified.”

Sessions include talks by experts, and writing exercises. Sample titles include “First Kiss: Cultivating Your Young Adult Voice” and “Pitfalls of Memoir Writing.”

The workshop provides opportunities to talk with professional writers about technique, style and getting published.

“At the Pima workshop, I welcome the chance to encourage others and maybe pass on some hard won knowledge,” author Gabrielle Burton said in an email.

The conference gives attendees a chance “to validate oneself as a real writer, to be with other writers who, with luck, are on your wavelength and will become friends and to pick up writing tips that may help you to improve your craft,” Burton said.

“The focus is on the actual writing,” Files said.

Non-credit registration for the three-day workshop costs $130. “It’s really the most reasonable rate you will find for a conference of this caliber,” Files said.

A limited number of scholarships are available.

Attendees who submit a manuscript by May 10 can schedule a one-on-one consultation with an author or agent, at no extra charge.

Participants interested in noncredit registration can enroll in WR 705 online at pima.edu, in-person at any campus or by phone at 206-6468.

The workshop can also be taken as a credit course, WRT 285. Details are listed in the Summer 2013 class calendar.

To submit a manuscript or for more information, contact Meg Files at mfiles@pima.edu or call 206-6084.

‘Dance Fusion’ returns for encore

By BRUCE HARDT

Pima Community College dancers will embrace contemporary and futuristic choreographic themes in Dance Fusion II performances on May 10-11.

Performances in the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre include Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m.

Director Aurora Gonçalves-Shaner said students and faculty will perform ballet, jazz and modern dances to classical, contemporary and cultural music.

One number, for examples, fuses ballet with a Viennese waltz.

“This is a well-blended show with a variety of styles and vibrant costumes,” she said in a press release.

“I choreographed a piece in which the movement resembles the work mechanics of a clock,” Goncalves-Shaner said. “The piece, titled ‘Timelessness,’ represents the cycle of life and our never-ending progression.”

The choreography in another piece, “Syllabary,” takes its inspiration from the letters of the alphabet.

“The students and I collaborated and created movements to the shapes of the letters,” Gonçalves-Shaner said.

Gonçalves-Shaner will include a tribute to mothers with video and dancing. The program will also showcase several student works.

Tickets cost $10, with discounts available.

For further information, call the box office at 206-6986 or visit here.

FYI

“Dance Fusion II”

When: May 10-11

Where: Proscenium Theatre, West Campus CFA

Tickets: $10, with discounts available

Box office: 206-6986

ARTS BRIEFS

Wind Ensemble

May 2 – 7:30 p.m.

The Pima Community College Wind Ensemble will perform in concert on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre.

With Mark Nelson directing, the ensemble with open with “Overture in Bb” by Caesar Giovannini.

Other selections include “Host of Freedom” march by Karl King and “Suite Francaise” by Darius Milhaud, a musical portrayal of five French provinces.

Performances by brass, woodwind and percussion ensembles with be interspersed throughout the concert.

The program will close with “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by Jon Zdechlik.

Tickets are $6, with discounts available. For information, call 206-6986 or visit here.

Chorale and College Singers

May 5 – 3 p.m.

The Pima Community College Chorale and College Singers will hold a final spring concert on May 5 at 3 p.m. in the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre.

Under the direction of Jonathan Ng, the Chorale will sing American folk songs. Selections include “The Water is Wide” and “Hymn of America” by Stephen Paulus, “Shenandoah/He’s Gone Away” by Mark Hayes and “Silent Noon” by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The program will also include choruses from “Dido and Aeneas” by Henry Purcell.

The College Singers will perform “Missa Sancti Nicolai” (Mass No. 6 in G).

The choruses will join to perform “We Shall Walk in the Valley in Peace” by Moses Hogan and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” by Mark Hayes.

Tickets are $6, with discounts available. For information, call 206-6986 or visit here.

Orchestra

May 12 – 3 p.m.

The Pima Community College Orchestra will present a Mother’s Day concert on May 12 at 3 p.m. in the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre.

Directed by Alexander Tentser, the orchestra will feature ballet music by Charles Gounod from the opera “Faust” and two pieces by Bedrich Smetana from “The Bartered Bride” opera.

The program will also include Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Finale” from the Eroica Symphony and “Concerto Grosso” for strings by Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni.

Tickets are $6, with discounts available. For information, call 206-6986 or visit here.

-Compiled by Bruce Hardt

‘Snowbirds’ spreads wings May 13-14

Promotional poster for “Snowbirds”

BY COLE POTWARDOWSKI

“Snowbirds,” the 28th film by students of the digital arts program at Pima Community College, premieres May 13-14 at 7 p.m. in the Proscenium Theatre at the West Campus Center for the Arts. Admission is free.

The story was conceived by student Mitchell Gingras, who drew from personal experience living in Green Valley. In “Snowbirds,” three children rebel against an unscrupulous septuagenarian named Ennis who despises children.

Student Greg Mannino directed the film.

“Basically you have to make sure everything keeps moving forward while trying to maintain your vision and stay on deadline,” Mannino said via email. “Achieving both of these goals doesn’t always happen.”

Last semester, the Advanced Cinematography class, DAR 215, filmed the movie in four days. This semester, the Post Production for Film class, DAR 217, edited the footage.

Pima instructor David Wing supervised.

“It’s fun to see what students come up with for editing solutions,” Wing said.

The post-production class met Tuesdays from 6:10-9:10 p.m. and edited with Final Cut Pro. Students sorted hours of footage to compile a 20-minute film.

“They spent a lot of time outside of class editing as part of their lab component of the class,” Wing said.

Students were divided into groups and edited their versions of the same scene each week. Student Micki Hernandez selected the version to use in the finished film.

Hernandez was unit production manager last fall, a job that included scouting locations and scheduling. For post-production, she assumed editing duties.

“Editing is all about making everybody happy and figuring out what to cut,” Hernandez said. “If a shot is under or overexposed, that shot is easy to get cut as well.”

Students Justin Miller and Eric Lynch designed sound while Mannino returned with artwork to use in the film.

“I present my work to the class and they vote on whether or not to use them,” Mannino said.

The production team hired a musical composer, Leo Kirkpatrick, through Craigslist.

“We put sample music in and then the composer fills in the blanks for the mood,” Hernandez said.

The current cut was test screened by the Digital Video Editing class, DAR 115.

“Test screening gives us a chance to make input and determine what else to add or remove,” Wing said.

Mannino hopes views will enjoy the film.

“Hopefully, no one will be offended by its off-colored humor or cartoon-like nature,” he said.

After the premiere, DVD copies will be distributed to the students and actors involved. An option for later public viewing is still pending, Wing said.

FYI

Crew:

Director: Greg Mannino

Writer: Mitchell Gingras

Cinematographer: Marshall Frost

Editor: Micki Hernandez

Sound design: Justin Miller and Eric Lynch

Cast:

Samantha: Jenelle Lee Vela

Mud: Xander Flores

Wilfred: Elijah Coate

Lillian: Susan B. Kramer

Ennis: Art Lohman

Bunky: George Chatalas

Denver: James Henriksen

Bethany: Debbie Zehfus

Digital arts student builds growing empire

Pima Community College student Fernando Aguila Jr. shows off some of his latest creations.

By BRUCE HARDT

True passion is an attribute that is hard to come by in a day and age when the silliest antic can garner Internet fame. Once in a while, one encounters a gem among the dull and unexceptional.

Fernando Aguila Jr., a digital arts student at Pima Community College’s West Campus, provides an example of what happens when you take your passions seriously and turn them into extraordinary works.

Under the hip-hop moniker kAZual da Kid, Aguila has used his growing skills in all manner of arts to build a personal empire in the fields of music, design and photography.

The slogan for his clothing company, OHFISHL Clothing Co., aptly reflects his work ethic and views.

“My little slogan is called ‘some play the game, we make the rules,’” Aguila said. “Just to represent holding yourself to a higher standard, representing yourself to the best of your ability.

Always a fan of music, Aguila began rapping at age 18 when a co-worker invited him to work with a mutual friend. A writer of poetry, Aguila incorporated his skills for writing and love of music to form a musical career spanning mixtapes and an EP, “kAZual Talk.”

“The Old Pueblo has a bad image of what hip-hop is. Here in Tucson, being a border town, there’s a lot of drugs involved,” Aguila said. “The hip-hop movement that I’m with and a part of doesn’t represent that. We represent positivity and trying to make a name for ourselves.”

Aguila has created a publication, 5Twenty Magazine. It goes hand in hand with his love of music, improving Tucson’s outward appearance and providing a positive vibe for those within the local scene.

He hopes to use his label, Late Nite Muzik, to help younger artists release material.

Among the label’s impending releases, Aguila has plans to release a final mixtape and album as his swan songs.

“The music game is a young man’s game,” Aguila said. “I honestly feel I’d like to focus, music-wise, on the few artists I have and on the magazine and my clothing. It’s really hard to balance them all out, along with school.”

His time at PCC has had an immense impact on Aguila. He cited his writing and business classes as giving him the skills needed to succeed.

Of particular note was his time in digital arts classes. Aguila called instructor Dennis Landry an inspiration and thanked him for “having his back.”

“Everything that I’ve learned digital-wise has taken my skills to the next level,” Aguila said. “I didn’t have to take the Web design classes. I wanted to take them because I wanted to learn.”

Among his influences, Aguila credited his wife for always pushing him, actively and inactively. His mother-in-law, whose own entrepreneurial work includes owning a hair salon, also inspired him.

“I’d like to dedicate this to anybody that’s supported me along the way, from teachers to family to friend and local supporters,” he said. “It’s a big movement, my driving force, and I’m just doing my best to not let them down.”

Aguila’s music can be heard here. His clothing line is available here and his 5Twentymagazine can be found here.

BEST BETS: ‘Lords of Salem’ reign supreme

By BRUCE HARDT

Director and musician Rob Zombie’s latest film, “The Lords of Salem,” is a stunning work of low-budget horror done at its very best.

The movie opened to a limited release on April 19. It is playing at the El Con Mal Century Theatre, 3601 E. Broadway Blvd., and the Harkins Spectrum Theatre, 5455 S. Calle Santa Cruz.

Zombie’s previous films include his original “House of 1000 Corpses” and its sequel “The Devil’s Rejects.”  He also directed a remake of the 1978 classic “Halloween,” and a sequel, “Halloween II.”

In addition, he directed the animated film, “The Haunted World of El Superbeasto.”

“The Lords of Salem” is likely Zombie’s most original work, and his most intelligent.

Zombie substitutes the vicious bloodbaths of previous works with atmosphere and portentous imagery. He signature is all over this film, in bold, thoughtful crimson.

The movie centers on the slow mental breakdown of Heidi (Sheri Moon Zombie, his wife and a regular in his films).

Zombie couples her dissolving psyche with the impending rise of a coven of vengeful witches who are poised to claim the descendants of the founders of Salem, Mass.

His retro-approach to horror is at its best here. Made on a shoestring budget of $1.5 million, the film makes expert use of limited resources. It projects its intentions through uncomfortable imagery, haunting shots and thrifty directing.

This film will appeal to any casual horror audience. However, those put off by blasphemous content should steer clear: “The Lords of Salem” will not settle well with you.

Horror alumni round out his well-selected cast. They include Ken Foree (“Dawn of the Dead,” “The Devil’s Rejects”), Dee Wallace (“The Hills Have Eyes,” “The Howling”) and Udo Kier (“Blood for Dracula,” “Suspiria”).

John 5, known for his collaborations in Zombie’s musical projects, composed the superb soundtrack. Songs from The Velvet Underground, Rick James and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band also contribute.

A foreboding mood, shocking visuals and a well-executed cast make it not only Zombie’s best since “The Devil’s Rejects” but likely one of the best horror flicks of the year.

“The Lords of Salem” is rated R for disturbing violent and sexual content, graphic nudity, language and some drug use.

Horoscope

By DIEGO LOZANO III

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Maybe you were better off dropping that math class weeks ago, Taurus. Get a job and pray for a fun summer. There’s nothing more I can tell you. Cheer up mate.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Stop over-posing yourself or your face will permanently morph into that duck you’re imitating in your profile picture. Your ideal soulmate is probably Instagram. Filter that.

Cancer (June 22- July 22)

You know damn well you can’t pass finals if you don’t party the weekend before, right? Left, make sure you bring sunglasses to class so your instructor can’t tell how messed up you are.

Leo (July 23- Aug. 22)

Honestly, there’s nothing sexy about a lion or the leggings that seem to be severely eaten by your backside. Change your wardrobe and perhaps purchase a handbook on good hygiene.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

You like the good things in life and you know how to enjoy them. But you procrastinate more than a Dutch woman. Have you even thought about finals yet? Do you even go here?

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Relax, it’s only finals. You’re shaking more than a 13-year-old boy who got caught watching his dad’s porn. I hope this was enough to make you smile, but you probably shouldn’t. Your grin makes you look like a creep.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Here, here my little scorpion friend. Don’t cry if your next post doesn’t receive as many likes as you’re anticipating. No one cares about your fitness sessions. Open a book, stop partying and get to studying.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec 21)

Be amazed that something exciting will happen at work or school this week. Friday could be Hawaiian shirt day. If not, you should suggest it. If they don’t comply, just don’t show up naked or Roy Flores will hunt you down.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan 19)

No one likes a ratchet or dumb ass. If I were you, I’d worry about hitting the books and passing a class or two, not your friend’s bag of marijuana. On second thought, Michael Phelps doesn’t have 20 gold medals for no reason.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Well-done Aquarius. After two semesters, you might actually have an idea of what the hell you’re gonna do in life. Either that, or you just come to class to sit in the back and visually violate your peers.

Pisces (Feb.19-March 20)

If life was really like a box of chocolates, you’d be out of the box and your brain would hold an IQ equivalent to a Milk Dud. Fortunately, you’re not a chocolate and life has made you its bitch.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Do you really want to eat those McNuggets and that Big Mac? You are what you eat. Ten years from now you’ll be working for McDonald’s, taking my order. Drop that obesity burger and think twice.

Instructor transforms guitar love into music career

By ANDREW PAXTON

For as long as he can remember, guitars have fascinated Ben McCartney.

“It was my preschool teacher that first made me want to get a guitar,” McCartney said. Every time she pulled out her 12-string, he was captivated.

McCartney’s mother was a musician and played piano professionally when he was growing up.

“This gave me a lot of motivation to work up pieces to performance level and gain experience in front of an audience,” he said.

However, the Pima Community College instructor didn’t start playing seriously until he was in junior high.

“I figured I had to do something, what was I gonna do?” he said. “Sports? No. Chess Club? No. But there was a guitar right there.”

A friend was already playing guitar and the two started a band. McCartney began performing at clubs when he was 15, having his parents take him to gigs around Syracuse, N.Y.

Not long after, he started giving his first lessons, often to people more than twice his age.

“You don’t have to be old to teach someone a D-major chord,” he said. “Not like I was teaching jazz guitar back then.”

McCartney studied classical guitar at State University of New York Fredonia in Buffalo. He also studied and taught at Akron, where he earned his master’s in 1999.

When McCartney moved to Tucson to further his education at the University of Arizona, he continued instructing students as a graduate assistant. He took a position at Pima in 2003.

“I feel really lucky,” he said. “It’s a great gig.”

He has since expanded his guitar instructing, teaching private studio lessons in combination with his classes at the college. He currently has more than 20 private students spanning multiple varieties and talent levels.

Teaching private lessons gives McCartney a chance to engage in different forms of music besides the classical guitar that he predominantly features in his PCC classes.

“It gives me so much more experience than teaching just classical,” he says. “I love being around my guitars and using them to teach a variety of styles, from shred guitar to jazz to bluegrass.”

Playing music has given McCartney the chance to travel the globe, performing shows in Brazil, Cuba, Venezuela and throughout Europe.

He has also earned awards during prestigious solo guitar competitions.

McCartney runs his own production company and has published several music books, some of which are featured in his college and private guitar classes.

He also runs a website (benmccartney.com) where students and music aficionados can purchase composition texts and performance CDs, get information about shows and lessons, and watch practice videos.

His future plans include expanding his website to offer more instructional demos and interactive features, so musicians from all genres and skill sets can benefit from his more than 25 years of experience. He also plans to expand his publishing company.

McCartney’s students enjoy the style and enthusiasm he brings to the classroom during lessons.

“He inspires me to play,” Pima student Pilar Smith said. “He never makes anyone feel awkward.”

Smith is considering taking private lessons with McCartney once the semester has concluded.

McCartney also plays in several cover bands, including the ‘90s grunge rocking Lollapaloozers. They jam out for 21-and-up crowds starting at 10:30 every Thursday night at the Hut, located at 305 N. Fourth Ave.

The balance between running a production company, practicing, playing music and instructing his students can be difficult to maintain.

“Sometimes I just let the publishing company ride and whatever is gonna sell, that’s it,” he said. “Right now, preparing for the recital is like training for the Olympics.”

McCartney said playing for an audience presents a chance to give back to the world of music.

“I see it as a great opportunity,” he said. “For me to just practice and never do anything with it is kind of selfish at this point.”

“Music, to me, is meant to be shared. It is a living art.”

PCC instructor Ben McCartney.

—————————————-

Guitar recital April 28

Ben McCartney will perform a classical guitar recital at the West Campus Center for the Arts Recital Hall on April 28 at 3 p.m.

The recital will feature selections from his new CD, “New Interpretations of Popular Favorites.”

The CD and some of his publications will be available at the concert.

Tickets are $6, $5 with student ID. Call 206-6986 or visit www.pima.edu/cfa for more information.

Corn mother reception set April 24

By COLE POTWARDOWSKI

A “Return of the Corn Mothers” reception on April 24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. will honor artwork, inductions and winners of a creative writing contest at Pima Community College’s West Campus.

The reception opens a free multicultural exhibit that will run from April 24 through Aug. 29 in the Student Art Gallery on the second floor of the West Campus A building.

“Corn mother” is an entity synonymous with Mother Earth that originated from Pueblo cultures in the American Southwest. A corn mother represents life, creativity and femininity.

The exhibit will feature portraits and stories of 34 corn mothers by award-winning photographer Todd Pierson. It will also display the artwork of Barbara Clark, Anne Louise Zapf, Judy Newland and Raven Mercado, who are four of eight corn mothers in Arizona.

West Campus executive assistant Geneva Escobedo, who is a corn mother herself, organized the exhibit.

“It is a special time where we can also honor the corn mothers in our lives and share our stories,” Escobedo said in a press release.

In March, Escobedo opened a writing contest for Pima students to submit a poem, short story or creative nonfiction prose about their ideal corn mother. Five winners were selected on April 1, two for poetry and three for short story submissions.

The students are Brenna Mirano-McSpadden, Tina Helton, Jill Pierce, Ken Rosburg and Ashley Cuen.

“The poems are just wonderful,” Escobedo said. “And the students who wrote the stories will present excerpts at the reception.”

The exhibit will also induct two 2013 corn mothers: Sylvia Lee, a member of the PCC board of governors and a former Pima administrator, and her mother, Sofia Lee.

“As the great-granddaughter of a Chinese immigrant and Arizona pioneer, I am proud to share my story and source of inspiration,” Sylvia Lee said in a press release.

Pierson and exhibit founder Renee Fajardo of Metropolitan State University in Denver will participate in the induction ceremony.

For more information, contact Geneva Escobedo at 206-3110 or gescobedo@pima.edu.

Best bets: ‘Evil Dead’ reigns blood, ‘Game of Thrones’ has come

By BRUCE HARDT

The “Evil Dead” series stands as one of the most beloved horror brands ever made. As has become inevitable, a remake of the first film is upon us.

Unlike other remakes that are barely even a half-thought of their source material, “Evil Dead” conducts itself accordingly.

“Evil Dead” follows a similar premise to its predecessors. Five 20-somethings travel to a remote cabin in the woods, where they find an ancient book that unleashes demons onto the world. Bland sounding I know, but “Evil Dead” handles itself with rarely seen confidence.

Director Fede Alvarez, known for his short films, infuses his version with gallons of blood and enough fan service to forgive the movie of its faults.

Easily one of the most graphic films I’ve ever seen, “Evil Dead” achieves its visceral results with convincing practical effects.

Sam Raimi, director of the originals, and Bruce Campbell, whose iron chin graced them gloriously, served as producers for this remake. In addition, long-time series producer Robert Tapert returns.

“Evil Dead” comes with my highest recommendation. While it does not replicate the demented whimsy of the original, it latches onto the franchise’s mythos, granting itself a unique identity with a genetic makeup comprised lovingly from elements of its predecessors.

“Evil Dead” is now in theaters. It is rated R for strong bloody violence and gore, some sexual content and language.

‘Game of Thrones’ returns

The end of March brought us the season premiere of HBO’s seminal fantasy-drama series, “Game of Thrones.” It will run every Sunday at 9 p.m. through June 9.

The adult-oriented show weaves an elaborate tapestry of political intrigue, medieval warfare and foreboding prophecy.

Taking place dominantly on the continent Westeros and to a lesser extent, Essos, the show chronicles the war for the Iron Throne and dominion of the North.

The war is fought between powerful noble Houses, the most prominent being Stark, Lannister, Baratheon and Targaryen.

Adapted from author George R.R. Martin’s epic book series, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” Game of Thrones is named for the first novel, “A Game of Thrones.

The first season was an adaptation. The next season loosely followed the second book, “A Clash of Kings.”

The third season has the monumental task of bringing to life the third and longest entry in the series, “A Storm of Swords.”

Season three is dedicated to the novel’s first half, while the already announced fourth season will cover the remaining half.

Narratively speaking, “A Storm of Swords” is the series’ most rewarding read, a complex paper brick that gives Tolkien a run for his money.

Season three of Game of Thrones is poised to be the best installment yet in HBO’s staggering vision of Martin’s opus.

Seasons one and two are now available on home media. The current five books of “A Song of Ice and Fire” are available at your local bookseller.

The two remaining novels, “The Winds of Winter” and the tentatively titled “A Dream of Spring” are yet to be released.

Arts briefs: jazz ensemble, theatre workshop, wind ensemble

Compiled by BRUCE HARDT

Jazz Ensemble concert April 30

Pima Community College Jazz Ensemble will hold a spring concert on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre.

Under the direction of Mike Kuhn, the performance will feature an 18-piece band performing big-band styles and arrangements.

The program will showcase arrangements by lead trombonist Roger Wallace. Vocalist Rachel Ezonnaebi will sing two arrangements, Duke Ellington’s “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and “At Last,” made famous by Etta James.

Kuhn will perform a small group arrangement of his own piece, “Love and Warr,” dedicated to his fiancée. Other selections include “Wind Machine” by Sammy Nestco, “Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock and “Groovin’ Hard” by Don Menza.

Tickets are $6 with discounts available. For information, call 206-6986, email centerforthearts@pima.edu or visit pima.edu/cfa.

Workshop brings theater to life

The Pima Community College Musical Theatre Workshop invites you to “Being Alive” on May 1 at 7 p.m. in the West Campus Center for the Arts Recital Hall.

Under Nancy Davis Booth’s direction, the audience will experience theater students amid the rehearsal process in all its fun, difficult and delicious discontent. Audiences are encouraged to come celebrate the surprise, challenge and success of a student performance.

Program selections will include scenes from “Ragtime,” “Carousel,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Godspell,” “Mame,” “Fiddler on The Roof,” “The Fantasticks,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Once Upon A Mattress” and “Jekyll and Hyde.”

Tickets are $6 with discounts available.

Wind Ensemble performs May 2

The Pima Community College Wind Ensemble will perform its final concert of the spring semester on May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the West Campus Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre.

With Mark Nelson directing, the ensemble with open with “Overture in Bb” by Caesar Giovannini. Other selections include “Host of Freedom” march by Karl King and “Suite Francaise” by Darius Milhaud, a musical portrayal of five French provinces.

Performances by brass, woodwind and percussion ensembles with be interspersed throughout the concert, which will close with “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by Jon Zdechlik.

Tickets are $6 with discount available.

Horoscope

By COLE POTWARDOWSKI

Aries (March 21-April 19)

You ram through college acing exams. But according to the Higher Learning Commission, your credits resemble dry Raisin Bran. Go buy yourself a Dodge Ram.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

You’re probably reading this because your sign is the Taurus and you’re anxious to read something cool about yourself. Sorry. It’s all bullshit.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Thing 1 and Thing 2, Tweedledee and Tweedledum. You have two sides. You think because you have a twin you’re special and everybody does double-takes when they look at you. Just remember: When you’re in trouble, the twin did it.

Cancer (June 22- July 22)

Don’t be crabby that you’re working overtime this summer or crawling through a summer course at Pima. You’re a crab for life. On the night before your birth, your mother ate at Red Lobster.

Leo (July 23- Aug. 22)

You’re ready for summer! The adventurous outdoors, mountain hiking and beach surfing awaits! Too bad in Tucson you take one step outside and burst into flames.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

Hey, Virgo. You wear enough tattoos and body piercings to be an art exhibit. But the truth is you’re still a virgin, no matter how many cherries you pop.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Stop what you’re doing! Put down whatever it is, go outside and eat at Panda Express. You’ll find better horoscopes in a fortune cookie.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

When life gives you lemons, start a lemonade stand. The nickels and pennies you earn might just be enough to pay for a semester at Pima.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec 21)

Something wicked this way comes! A unit exam! But no worries. After you ace it, you’ll run out the door in ecstasy and kiss the first person you see — be it man, woman or beast.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan 19)

Help save the planet, Capricorn! If someone litters, pick up their garbage and put it in the nearest trash receptacle. If you do this enough, someone will pay you in peanuts and think you’re an elephant.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

You’re a water bearer Aquarius, so congratulations on holding your bladder. The only water you ever broke was your mom’s. Happy birthday to you.

Pisces (Feb.19-March 20)

According to Neptune, something in this universe smells fishy and it’s probably you. Change your shampoo.

Jurassic Park 3D roars into theaters

By ANDREW PAXTON

Steven Spielberg’s iconic movie featuring killer dinosaurs running amok is back in theaters, this time containing eye-popping 3D effects that will immerse you on an island teeming with hungry man-eating beasts.

Hang on to your butts.

“Jurassic Park 3D” grabs audiences from the fear-inducing opening scene until the ending credits as viewers follow Alan Grant (Sam Neill), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) through their harrowing tale of prehistoric mayhem.

Not long after John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) invites the three to inspect his theme park featuring cloned T-rexes and Velociraptors, things start to go wrong, thanks in part to the mischievous computer-programmer-turned-corporate-spy Dennis Nerdy (Wayne Knight).

Not even the legendary Samuel L. Jackson, in his role as head programmer Ray Arnold, can prevent people from being hunted and mutilated by the ravenous reptiles.

Although the release of “Jurassic Park 3D” commemorates 20 years since the original film hit theaters, many of the points featured in the movie are just as poignant today.

A reoccurring theme in the film revolves around mankind’s loss of respect for nature, and humans believing they can control everything.

“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should,” Malcolm warns.

In our modern world where cloning continues to develop and genetically modified organisms are showing up on grocery store shelves, the message hits close to home.

Cyber espionage and reliance on automation are also explored in Spielberg’s romp through a prehistoric theme-park, juxtaposing the past, present and future into a kaleidoscope of chaos and carnage.

As government officials warn us daily of digital attacks, the images of Nerdy taking down the groundwork of Jurassic Park with a few keystrokes should make everyone think twice about the systems that maintain our own electricity, water and other vital infrastructure.

“Jurassic Park” won Academy Awards for Best Sound Mixing, Best Sound Editing, and Best Visual effects when it was first released. Now, those award-winning effects have been upgraded with 3D graphics that makes viewers cringe and squeal with every snap of dinosaur jaws.

The graphics and musical score “are top of the line. Spared no expense,” as Jurassic Park’s creator Hammond would say.

Whether making a return visit or your first trip, the journey to Jurassic Park is well worth the price of admission. Just make sure to hang on tight.

Drama remembers Anne Frank

By COLE POTWARDOWSKI

Mr. Frank (David Zinke) urges silence as Anne Frank (Gaby DeBrequet) climbs stairs in their secret annex while hiding from Nazis.

Pima Community College’s theater department will step back in time in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” a historical drama about a young Jewish girl who went into hiding for two years during the Holocaust.

The play runs April 11-21 at the West Campus Center for the Arts Black Box Theatre.

The Pulitzer Prize winning drama was adapted from Frank’s diary in 1955 by playwrights Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett. Nancy Davis Booth will direct the Pima production.

The show will also commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day at Tucson’s Jewish Community Center on April 7. Members of the cast and crew will meet and learn from Holocaust survivors.

“I was surprised that the students knew so little about the Holocaust and World War II,” Booth said in a press release. “It is critical for each generation to know the story and to tell it over and over.”

Frank was born to Otto and Edith Frank in Frankfurt, Germany on June 29, 1929. The Dutch-Jewish family relocated to Amsterdam after the rise of the Nazi Party in 1933.

A decade later, Frank’s older sister received a deportation notice to a concentration camp. The family hid in a secret annex atop the father’s office building. They shared the cramped hideout with four others for two years until the Nazis discovered them on Aug. 4, 1944.

Frank left behind a diary. Her father’s decision to publish it resulted in a bestseller with more than 60 translations, two stage adaptations and several movies.

Through the ages, the message of the diary remains.

Actors in Pima’s production read Frank’s diary and wrote character evaluations for their roles. They separately researched the play history, genocide since the Holocaust, concentration camps, color patches, D-Day and food rationing of the time.

“They’re going to present this to each other and then learn it as a whole,” Booth said.

Rehearsals run from 6-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. On performance nights, the cast will warm up 30 minutes before the show and remain onstage through the intermission.

“This is a very seasoned cast,” Booth said. “Everybody’s disciplined.”

Student Gaby DeBrequet, who plays Anne Frank, acknowledged the need for focus and energy.

“It’s important to put some of yourself into your character,” DeBrequet said. “Trust is a huge thing.”

She drew parallels between Frank’s temperament and her own, and spent time exploring the set before rehearsals, to understand the character’s frame of mind.

Booth gathered additional facts and collected music from the ‘40s by Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich and Kurt Weill. She also collaborated with Rabbi Stephanie Aaron of Tucson’s Congregation Chaverim, who lent her an authentic prayer book called a siddur to use in the play.

Anthony Richards designed the secret annex, constructing the three-bedroom set with open-framed walls to ensure optimal viewing.

“You can see all of it from any angle you’re sitting,” Booth said.

“The Diary of Anne Frank” debuted on Broadway in 1955, and is still performed. Booth said she picks relevant themes, and wanted to reprise the play’s message for a Pima audience.

“I hope they will have some sort of change in their thinking about intolerance,” Booth said.

In 1944, Frank kept a positive outlook. “In spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart,” she wrote.

Tickets cost $15, with discounts available.

Performances will run Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

American Sign Language interpreters will be available April 18.

An open dialogue with the audience, cast and director will follow each performance.

For more information, call 206-6986 or visit pima.edu/cfa.

FYI
‘The Diary of Anne Frank’

When: April 11-21

Where: Black Box Theatre, West Campus CFA

Tickets: $15, with discounts available

Box office: 206-6986

Details: pima.edu/cfa

Cast

Mr. Frank: David Zinke

Mrs. Frank: Jessica Morgan

Anne Frank: Gaby DeBrequet

Margot Frank: Rebecca Edmonson

Mr. Van Daan: Jesse Pickering

Mrs. Van Daan: Victoria Cordova

Peter Van Daan: Damian Garcia

Dussell: Aeric Azana

Miep Gies: Samantha Severson

Mr. Kraler: Andrew Kincaid