Stories by Joe Cadagin
Performance Network Theatre revives the Harlem Renaissance with 'Ain't Misbehavin' '
- Courtesy of Sean Carter
BY JOE CADAGIN
Performance Network Theatre’s production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” which features more than 30 of Fats Waller’s songs, captures the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African-American culture was gaining widespread appeal.
The B-Side
From the vault: What's pornography, what's art
BY JOE CADAGIN
At each set of exposed breasts, buttocks or genitalia, our embarrassed chaperone tried in vain to stop our childish pointing and giggling.
The B-Side
Michigan Men in Corsets: How a cross-dressing opera troupe built the Union
- Courtesy of Bentley Historical Library
BY JOE CADAGIN
From 1908 to 1955, all-male groups of students produced and performed wildly popular original shows known as the Michigan Union Operas. Without the participation of hundreds of corset-wearing cross-dressers, the Michigan Union might never have been built.
Fleet Foxes play a nearly sold-out show at Hill Auditorium
BY JOE CADAGIN
Since their debut, self-titled album was released in 2008, Fleet Foxes have soared to fame and even gained some mainstream recognition. Last night, the band played for a nearly sold-out concert at Hill Auditorium as part of a tour that will lead them across the United States and onto Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
From the vault: 'Getz/Gilberto' brings back music of the mod '60s
- Courtesy of AMC
BY JOE CADAGIN
Getz/Gilberto is the perfect musical expression of shibumi and the antithesis of the crazy rock of The Beatles, with a thousand screaming girls running after them. The synthesis of American jazz and Brazilian bossa nova created more stylish music — something you could sip a cocktail to.
Hold your applause for those who deserve it
- Courtesy of Marco Brescia/Teatro alla Scala
BY JOE CADAGIN
There is one way in which they can stand up for themselves and make some noise — or rather, not make some noise. If the ballerina tripped and you didn’t think she was particularly graceful, then don’t applaud for her. If the singer’s voice cracked and he was flat the entire evening, then sit on your hands during the curtain call.
The B-Side
Burroughs’s 'Naked Lunch' helped strip away literary taboos
- Courtesy of Oscillisco
BY JOE CADAGIN
First published in 1959, William Burroughs’s “Naked Lunch” is one of the most important works to come out of the American beatnik movement. The novel is the literary equivalent of turning over a rock to see the squirming, sickening world beneath and being both fascinated and repulsed by its contents.
Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents parody set in Japan
BY JOE CADAGIN
This weekend the University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents “The Mikado,” a work that reflects the West’s deep-rooted fascination with Japanese culture.
University Opera Theatre appeals to both genders with 'Little Women'
- Chris Dzombak/Daily
BY JOE CADAGIN
“Little Women” is a work written by a woman for women. It features a mostly female cast of characters and explores themes of femininity and womanhood. But according to director Robert Swedberg, the University Opera Theatre’s production of Mark Adamo’s 1998 operatic adaptation of “Little Women” will appeal to men too.
YouTube and the 'U': A student performs in Sydney with Internet-bred orchestra
- Courtesy of Madeline Huberth
BY JOE CADAGIN
Internet surfers can find relief in a beacon of high culture that shines steadily in the cyber ocean: the YouTube Symphony Orchestra, of which cellist Madeline Huberth, a dual-enrolled senior in LSA and the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, is a member.
