US – Saturday, March 20
The Grid
The week's releases
Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.
 
My Entertainment
THE WEEK THAT WAS
This week, the news community ate up the story of world’s fattest mom Donna Simpson — who, reports claim, actually hopes to increase her already ample girth to claim a new record.
 
My Entertainment
THE WEEK THAT WAS
This week, the news community ate up the story of world’s fattest mom Donna Simpson — who, reports claim, actually hopes to increase her already ample girth to claim a new record.
 
The Word
James admits to ‘poor judgment’
Sandra Bullock is having quite a week with her dogs. On Thursday, husband Jesse James released a statement to People magazine about the affair rumors swirling around the couple, stating that a “vast majority” of the allegations are “untrue and unfounded,” but says, “It’s because of my poor judgment that I deserve everything bad that is coming my way.
 
Movies
Taking on a blockbuster
If the name Stieg Larsson isn’t familiar, the cover of his globally best-selling book may provide instant recognition, considering the novel is reaching Harry Potter-level ubiquity. The film adaptation follows suit, blowing box office records all over Europe for its roundly praised, faithful rendition of the story of two detectives (of sorts) who uncover family scandals in search of a woman who has been missing for 40 years. We sat down with director Niels Arden Oplev to chat about his version of the tale.
 

Photo: CAROL ROSEGGValerie Harper gets ‘Looped,’ dahling
Tallulah Bankhead was as much of a character as she was an actress. Although she set the screen on fire in such films as Alfred Hitchcock’s “Lifeboat” and garnered rave reviews on Broadway, her scandalous personal life — and her witty take on her indiscretions — made her a legend. Valerie Harper takes on Bankhead in her twilight years in the new Broadway production of “Looped.”
 

Photo: CAROL ROSEGG
New York Arts
The mistrial minstrel show fails to balance
Clearly John Kander and the late Fred Ebb, creators of musical classics such as “Cabaret” and “Chicago,” knew how to spin cynicism into theatrical gold. And that talent is very much in evidence in “The Scottsboro Boys” at the Vineyard Theatre, which combines hard-boiled skepticism with tuneful razzle-dazzle to often entertaining effect.  Yet despite its clever story-telling, “Scottsboro” fails to find its balance. It should take your breath away but barely elicits a sigh.
 
New York Arts
Pop culture meets experimental nature
More than 2 million people have watched, on YouTube, a drunken David Hasselhoff attempt to eat a hamburger. Another thousand or so will see David Neumann’s Advanced Beginner Group recreate the grim scene — several times over — during “Big Eater,” Neumann’s latest work at the Kitchen.
New York Arts
The right cast helps to cut the clutter
Kate Whoriskey’s production of William Gibson’s 1959 drama, “The Miracle Worker,” is nothing if not sturdy. Anchored by strong performances from its two exceptional leading ladies, it charts just-out-of-school teacher Annie Sullivan’s struggle to get through to blind and deaf young student Helen Keller and counteract the influence of Helen’s overindulgent family. Abigail Breslin is smug and ferocious as Helen, while Alison Pill is a study in single-mindedness as Annie, determined to open up Helen’s world through language.
 

Photo: YI ZHAO
New York Arts
Diamond jubilee for dance at 92nd St. Y
Since 1935, the 92nd Street Y has harbored dance, hosting such pioneers as Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey and Robert Joffrey. In 1994, the Y began sponsoring a spring festival, held off-site, to showcase contemporary choreographers. This year’s 75th-anniversary celebration returns the festival to the Upper East Side facility.
 
New York Arts
Suzan-Lori Parks’ moment of ‘Grace’
Get ready for an Armory art attack
Adorable meets intelligent
Mapping changes in classical music
Paul Taylor is dance stripped to its essentials
Come on, get ‘Happy’
Dancing while the skinny lady sings
This ‘Time’ drags on
Seductive classic gets a habanero-hot staging
This ‘View’ is not one to be missed
New York Arts
Dance on Camera fest: The merging of motion
When you have to walk the walk
From their outfits on up — this ‘Lear’ rules
In her dream world
Channeling the history of Latinos
Refreshing ballet turn at the Joyce
First comes love ...
A delicious feast for your eyes and ears
These boys are really bad
Designing character
 
 
 
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Music
MMMpod
The March MMMpod features conversation and music from Surfer Blood and The Allman Brothers Band (There's a double-bill you're not too likely to see. However, Gregg Allman does mention Hannah Montana!). We also speak with Vampire Weekend and the Dropkick Murphys.
 
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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