Scene

The Clock Won't Stop on Ke$ha's New Album

Weekend Events Calendar

Not a 'Nine:' Marshall's new musical film adaptation disappoints

Girl Talk rings in the New Year with mash-ups on steroids

The Kooky, Ooky, Spooky Addams Family Musical

They're creepy and their kooky, mysterious and spooky, they're all together ooky, the Addams Family! And so it goes for the new Broadway-bound musical, which just finished its preview run in Chicago, based on the infamous kooky, spooky and ooky family first created in comic strips by Charles Addams. "The Addams Family," with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa ("The Wild Party") and a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice ("Jersey Boys"), takes those original cartoon characters to craft a new story about Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester and the rest of the gang. Anjelica Huston (star of the 1990s films) and John Astin (Gomez in the original television series) are long gone, but have been fondly replaced with a group of seasoned Broadway veterans and a few promising newcomers.

Weekend Events Calendar

That was so 2009': Scene's list of cool for the new year

That was so 2009': Scene's list of cool for the new year

Football Photo Gallery: Brian Kelly hired

Brian Kelly was formally introduced as Notre Dame's head football coach at a press conference Friday, less than two weeks after the firing of former coach Charlie Weis.

Weekend Events

Thursday

The Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Adventure

On a regular Tuesday afternoon, the week before finals, we hopped into our car and drove three and a half hours to Pontiac, Mich., to watch a Phoenix concert. The French electro-rock band is on their U.S. tour, and our plan was to leave Notre Dame at 2 p.m., watch the concert and be back before parietals. Yet after a long drive on Michigan's road kill infested highways, we arrived at the Clutch Cargos, a church-turned-concert venue, only to wait another two hours for them to actually start playing. Due to the late start, we left later than expected and were hit with a snow storm. Also, because so many people were smoking at the concert, one of us (the only one with a driver's license) got an irritated eye and couldn't see properly, making it impossible to drive. A Holiday Inn Express shown like a beacon of hope in the dark snowy night. We had to drive back in the morning, and go straight to our 10:40 a.m. class with last night's clothes. In the end, was it worth it? Absolutely. Phoenix put on such a high energy show that the crowd never took a break from dancing. The band played almost all their songs from their newest album, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," as well as all their older fan favorites. Lead singer (and Sofia Coppola paramour) Thomas Mars seemingly did not stop to take a breath. The only times he did pause, it was to express his strong gratitude to the crowd. Opening with one of their most popular songs, "Lisztomania," Phoenix continued to play another two songs before even addressing the crowd, leading to the show's fast paced momentum which fed the audience with their energy. This kept the crowd moving, singing and dancing the entire time. One girl even tried to crowd surf but failed horribly as she immediately fell and knocked one of us down. One of their best performances, "Lasso," came early — although all of them were incredible. Mars walked up to the audience and sang straight into the front row, which only further excited the crowd. From afar, all we could see were people's hands touching his face and ruffling his hair. The band did an outstanding job at making their live music sound even better than on the record, largely due to the combination of their talent with their spirited performance. After singing "Rally," "Fences" and "Long Distance Call," Phoenix slowed the pace down with "Love Like a Sunset," a largely instrumental track allowing for everyone to appreciate their all around talent (and for the couples to dance closer together). Another notable performance, "Napoleon Says," captured more excitement than when recorded, giving this older song new vigor. Before we even knew it, Phoenix was announcing their last song, "Rome." Yet, moments after exiting the stage they returned for a four song encore. They played an acoustic version of "Everything is Everything," a beautifully preformed cover of the Virgin Suicides soundtrack, "Playground Love" by Air, and "If I Ever Feel Better." Phoenix ended on a high point with their current hit, "1901," making the crowd jump even higher and sing even louder than they had been before. As if we weren't all going crazy for the band already, Mars also walked amongst the crowd from the end of the room and back, saying thank you the entire time. Phoenix made our trip so worthwhile that the whole hassle of getting there and back only added to the excitement of our adventure. Definitely take the time to listen to their music. In short, they're awesome.

Scene Says

Dear Scene, In light of your recent advice column on pranksters, I have an important query regarding the ethics of pranking. A good two months ago, some acquaintances initiated a prank war with our room. We spent valuable time, brainpower and Flex points deviously plotting our revenge. Fists were shaken, middle fingers were raised and friendships were shattered. Currently, we're up, 3-1, and they haven't responded in a solid month, demonstrating their cowardice, lack of strong leadership and deservedness of pranking. Is it morally objectionable to prank them again? Let me rephrase that. Should we prank them again? Sincerely, Frustrated in Badin   Dear Frustrated in Badin, Your aptitude for prankish behavior is to be commended and astounds even us, veterans of several tours of pranktitude including the unforgettable conflict of 2004. We wholeheartedly support the furthering of this battle. We believe you have a right, nay an obligation to continue to take this fight to their proverbial doorstep. However, gird your loins, as your tomfoolery tutor, I feel I must warn you that this seeming inaction by your foes may be a clever ruse to lull you into a unsuspecting comfort only to strike with a fiery vengeance.  After all, America did not create its nuclear arsenal in seven days. When they strike, and strike they will be they any men at all, prepare yourselves for pranking at an entire new level.  It may be wise to stockpile several days worth of food and water, as well as duct tape and industrial strength plastic sheeting.  Whatever their response, remain calm and take it with good humor and a jolly heart. Any consternation they cause, you cannot hold a candle to the great campaign of terror you have carried over the intervening months. Personally, we have witnessed pranks in which the planning process took years as well as multiple thousands of dollars. Your act of pranking may only incite their rage, causing them to add nefarious elements to their already devious prank. We must also warn you about the perils of repeated and escalating pranking, the fall of the Roman Empire can be directly correlated to the large volume of silly string and fake noses imported by Nero in an attempt to get back at Hannibal after his hilarious well-executed elephants over the mountains prank. We realize our advice may offend some of our readership with the delicate feelings of an emotional under-developed adolescent girl. Some may even say that we're advocating kicking your opponent while he is down, weeping in a puddle of his own filth? Our response to these overzealous critics is comprised of two equally important pieces: First, man up. Second, what would you do if it was Jackie Chan who was down?  Would you stand there and let him jump up and proceed to beat you with a lemon peel? No. You have to press your advantage and in this case, be positive that their lives never become a monotonous drudgery sure to sear the soul. Prank and prank well my children, -Scene Is your life troubled? Do you need the wise words that only an anonymous paper can provide? You're not alone. We're looking out for you. We've been there, walking the same dark alleyways and dirty sidewalks you're currently traversing. We came out better men and women and only wish to pass our sage advice onto the future generation. Do you have a question, problem, quandary or otherwise sticky situation that you need help with? Write Scene at jshaffe1@nd.edu

Lady Gaga evolves with 'The Fame Monster'

 Lady Gaga is back in action with "The Fame Monster," an album of both brand-new songs and reissues of her first album, "The Fame." With her new songs, Lady Gaga proves that she can still make great, catchy dance tunes, but also shows the maturity she's found since her first album was released last year. Overall, "The Fame Monster" is the next step in the evolution of an incredible performer. 

Twilight': An enlightened male perspective on 'Breaking Dawn'

 I've never thought of myself as a typical male. However, there are times in my life when I'm confronted with the fact that no matter how much it pains me, I share common traits with a Dave-Matthews-listening, Natty-Ice-swilling, Xbox-live-playing frat boy. On matters such as red meat, college football and the simple joy of a bubble bath, I can and have held conversations lasting multiple minutes with my sleevelessly-attired and Chinese-character-tattooed counterpart. 

Happy 'Hallidays' from Howard

 It's the "Halliday" season, and Howard Hall is spreading cheer this Wednesday evening with their signature Christmas event.  A winter wonderland will appear between Crowley Hall of Music and LaFortune from 8-10 p.m., full of sweet treats, a sleigh ride and if Santa's on our side, some magical white precipitation from the sky.  

Bright Star Shines at DPAC

"Bright Star", written and directed by Oscar winner Jane Campion, tells the story of poet John Keats and his sort-of lover, Fanny Brawne. Campion's lush and breathtaking rendering of this happy-then-tragic tale is sure to draw a lot of attention come awards season this spring. The film features an excellent script full of wit, passion and levity, is shot with a stunning eye, and the cast gives what must be some of the finest performances of their respective careers. Some may recognize Paul Schneider, otherwise known as Mark Brendanawicz from "Parks and Recreation," as well as Thomas Sangster, that cute kid from seasonal favorite "Love, Actually."

Handel's Messiah

The English oratorio "The Messiah," originally composed by George Frideric Handel, held well to the tradition of the composition and was performed excellently by Notre Dame's official concert choir, the Chorale.

Study Spots: Campus' Best and Worst

Just as Jack Frost is finally beginning to nip at our noses, so too are finals starting to bite at our heels. They are looming over our heads, and the idea of studying for them is daunting. To help out, the following is a list of the three best and the two worst study spots on campus. Criteria include proximity to caffeine and sugary snacks, potential for distraction and comfort. Let's just hope these spots don't fill up the night before your big Orgo exam. BEST

A Christmas Classic: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Every Christmas season comes along with a decision that holds within it the power to make it a time to remember or an experience that you wish you could forget. Sugar plums dancing, St. Nick HO HO HO-ing and Christmas caroling are all vital components to a successful yuletide season but in this modern age I dare say that we must add one more box to our holiday checklist, that of the Christmas eve movie.

A Carroll Christmas

Three hundred paper bags filled with sand, tables heaped with cookies, a giant tree and … a guy dressed up as Mrs. Claus. Yes, it's time for "A Carroll Christmas," the Far Quad dorm's signature event. Its tagline? "If you only come to Carroll one time, come to ‘A Carroll Christmas.'" Hall president Rob Wilson, a junior, said that close to 1,000 people trekked to the event for the 2008 edition, and he hopes the mild weather will bring big crowds this year. Earlier in the week, residents spent several hours filling paper bags with sand and candles before hauling them out in wheelbarrows to place along sidewalks. The lit candles will mark the path to Far Quad. These luminaries go "all the way up to Lyons, because, quite frankly, not that many people have ever been to Carroll Hall," Wilson said. Wreaths, paper snowflakes and artificial trees decorate the dorm's first floor, while a giant real tree takes a place of honor on the front lawn. After its lighting ceremony on Friday night, it will be able to be seen across the lake and even from the top floor of the Hesburgh Library. Residents also judge a cookie-baking contest, picking out their favorites of the entries from students across campus. These batches are part the veritable cookie buffet, along with hot chocolate and cider, which fills at least one room of Carroll's first floor. Other highlights include Christmas karaoke and "Santa's workshop," where visitors can pose with Santa, Mrs. Claus and some elves —all Carroll residents in costume. "There's not a lot of people in the dorm — just a hundred," Wilson explained, so each resident takes up some of the work — which includes freshman duty as Santa's elves, tights and all. Wilson said that the event is also hosting a toy drive for the charity Hannah & Friends. Visitors can bring along unwrapped toys and place them in the marked boxes before heading inside to get their fill of cookies and karaoke. Besides providing yet another place to wear that snazzy sweater from Goodwill, "A Carroll Christmas" gives students an opportunities to stretch their boundaries, so to speak. "We're really proud of the event, and we try really hard to get as many people as we can to come. A lot of people have never been out to Carroll before." The Christmas party grew out of a Halloween haunted house tradition, which was shut down in 1997 amid some controversy. Carroll decided to take up another holiday event and started with the open house that has grown over the years. "I personally think it's the best Christmas celebration on campus," Wilson said.