Stories by Sharon Jacobs
The B-Side
From the vault: 'Middlemarch' blooms with modern sensibilities
BY SHARON JACOBS
It’s easy to push off anything written before 1900 that’s not an English class staple as too old or inaccessible for our generation to really “get.” But the realism and relatability of “Middlemarch” allow it to apply just as much to 2011 as to 1874.
The B-Side
The Drive to Downtown: How the University's artists are re-imagining our connection to Detroit
- Anna Schulte/Daily
BY SHARON JACOBS
Founded in Detroit and irrevocably connected, yet celebrated independently for its high standards of research and education, the University too struggles with its role in Detroit. Are we “insiders” or “outsiders”? Do we have an obligation to interrelate? Among the University’s artistic community, there’s no one answer.
State of journalism examined in 'Page One: Inside the New York Times'
BY SHARON JACOBS
The subjects of this year-in-the-life-of-a-newsroom documentary try their darndest to show that, in the words of past Executive Editor Bill Keller, “Journalism is alive and well and feisty, especially at The New York Times.”
'Pink Friday' full of empty calories
BY SHARON JACOBS
She’s spiced up the singles of many an artist lately, helping to raise Jay Sean’s “2012” from mediocrity and Kanye West’s “Monster” to perfection. But when Minaj is the only thing on the plate, it turns out she’s all buttery style and no nutritional substance.
A peek behind the curtains: Backstage for 'U' student productions
- Marissa McClain/Daily
BY SHARON JACOBS
Onstage at the Power Center, three of the starring actors in the upcoming Music, Theatre & Dance opera “The Elixir of Love” rehearse a scene. Dressed in plainclothes in front of an imitation-stucco archway, they belt out the same several measures repeatedly. A guy twirls a girl once, twice, then attempts to sit her on his knee — which she misses.
Die Antwoord gets nasty on $0$
BY SHARON JACOBS
It defies reason that South African rave-rap sensation Die Antwoord should write enjoyable music. But for all the gross feelings that will creep up on listeners after hearing the group’s re-released debut $O$, the album is actually kind of catchy and unforgettable — at least for the insuppressible dirty newness of its sound.
'Community' star Donald Glover talks 'Rocket Science'
BY SHARON JACOBS
Donald Glover’s character on “Community,” former football prodigy Troy, isn’t the show’s pop culture almanac — that title belongs to his socially inept friend Abed (Danny Pudi). But just because tonight’s episode is a half-hour homage to “Apollo 13” and other outer-space media, that doesn’t mean Glover has to sit out the fun.
Entering the 'Woods' with the Department of Musical Theatre
- Jed Moch/Daily
BY SHARON JACOBS
For “Into the Woods” Director Mark Madama, an associate professor of music, this production marks only his third staging of a Sondheim show in more than 10 years directing musical theater at the University.
Will Arnett's comedic development gets arrested on 'Running Wilde'
BY SHARON JACOBS
Fox’s “Running Wilde” is a veritable “Arrested Development” orgy and had all the requisite excitement surrounding it. So maybe the premise was a little weak, but surely, with Hurwitz and Arnett in control, the show would pull through with the wacky dry humor, clever wordplay and self-obsessed yet somehow loveable characters “Arrested” fans would expect, right? Nope — turns out the “Running Wilde” team has made a huge mistake.
Academia electronica: Performing Arts Technology majors learn the art of hearing
- Marissa McClain/Daily
BY SHARON JACOBS
On a Thursday, the eight students in School of Music room 2057 all face the wall. Each one sits at a workstation outfitted with a Korg Triton synthesizer connected to a speaker, a Mac desktop and a recording console that’s littered with buttons and knobs. This is PAT 201, “Introduction to Computer Music.”
