The same good old story

Last Wednesday, it took place the dressing rehearsal for the play they are going to be showing at Kalamazoo's Civic Center during the next weeks: Sherlock Holmes: The Last Adventure

The play was good enough to be a interesting entertainment. Though Sherlock Holmes is a little bit cliché, personally, I enjoyed it quite a lot as I have always been a huge fan of sir Arthur Conan-Doyle's works. However, I think there are episodes quite more interesting than this last one, who tells about the death of the famous detective (and that Conan-Doyle had to resurrect afterwards because of the fans).

Regarding the technical aspects of the play, I liked the lightning, simple in most of the scenes but extremely correct what is good, as many times it is not necessary at all big effects to achieve a good result. The costumes was probably what was more surprising. I consider that all them where really rich and I really enjoyed specially with the female ones and the cape of Sherlock... classic! The setting was correct, but sometimes it was kind of poor, and it did not fit with the global tone of the play, as in the train moments.

Besides, I think the acting was pretty good, specially if we take into account that many of the actors were volunteers and not professional actors. However, I think the acting of Sherlock Holmes was exceptional and I enjoyed a lot how he embodied the character of the English detective.

One only thing that I should blame on all the cast was the British accent they tried to fake, and that some times was really rough. 

So, roughly speaking, I have to say that I enjoyed the play, specially the second part, where there ir more action and the script and lines are quicker and not as slow as in the first part.

I will recommend everybody to go to the theater. It is always nice to see some live acting in front of you, instead of only movies. And also, Sherlock Holmes is always a good reason to do, even if it is the same old story as always. 

'Chrysalis', the beginning of something else?

College is a crucial phase for kids. It is fundamental to develop dreams, discover passions and find the own personality, or at least, start building it.

Charles Weber (21), senior at Kalamazoo College (Michigan), is trying to pursue his dreams that walk hand in hand with his enthusiasm for dance.

Last Thursday, January 31^st, the young student performed his SIP (Senior Individualized Project), the result of many moths of hard work. He named his project Chrysalis.

On the mandatory introduction, Weber described the performance that was going to take place as a reflection on the evolution of modern dance, especially during the 20^th century.

The influences of the young dancer are many and diverse. Weber recalled the names of some of the best choreographers of the last decades, from Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham to Paul Tylor.

The performance did not last more than thirty minutes, but it was more than enough to show the potential of this young man and the five dancers in his crew.

The show was divided in five independent parts. They were connected quite logically by the soundtrack, a really careful selected variety of songs that made increase the rhythm of the performance.

Hits from Muse, Kimbra, Sigur Rós, Swedish House Mafia or Robyn, besides chill out music, made the audience vibrate as many could relate with many of the songs played.

Another element of special importance was the lightening, combining flashes of blue and red, Weber achieved to create very intense atmospheres for the dancers and a great visual delight for the audience.

Besides, the lightening was the element in charge of the performance’s structure. The different acts were separated by blackouts with slight flashes of orange, which allowed the dancers to get ready in between acts.

Probably, one of the worst aspects was the dressing of the dancers, though they tried to match colors, the differences on the clothes the dancers wore spoiled the visual effect, especially in the group performances.

However, it was really surprising how accurate and beautiful was the dance execution of Weber’s crew. Even if it is impossible to forget that this was an amateur performance, sometimes the movements and formations seemed really professional.

Weber demonstrated not only his skills as a dancer, but also showed up his skills as a choreographer and as a stage director. Hopefully, this is only the beginning of a long and successful career.