In ‘Cyclorama,’ Former Classmates Confront an Extra Problematic Drama Teacher | Big Indy News
Connect with us

Entertainment

In ‘Cyclorama,’ Former Classmates Confront an Extra Problematic Drama Teacher

Published

8 months ago

on

CYCLORAMA
By Adam Langer
338 pages. Bloomsbury. $27.

As the old saying goes, comedy equals tragedy plus time. Adam Langer’s new novel, “Cyclorama,” significantly complicates that equation.

Superimposed on a high school’s theatrical production of “The Diary of Anne Frank,” a somewhat saccharine adaptation of the best-selling book that appeared on Broadway and won a Pulitzer, the novel is structured, like the play, in two acts. The first takes place in 1982, when Holocaust remembrance was a particular priority of American culture: Many survivors were still alive, a new generation needed to be educated and everyone was still gathering around the same electronic hearth.

The second act jumps to 2016 and — against a backdrop of anti-immigration, neo-Nazism and media atomization — is like one of the more darkly comic class reunions imaginable. (P.S.A. for those who’ve never attended one: They’re all darkly comic).

To latchkey children in the ’80s, the occasional sleazy teacher was as familiar as divorce or a TV dinner. Still, someone like Tyrus Densmore, the drama coach directing the play in Langer’s novel, is extra problematic. Densmore, a failed actor in a bad marriage with a deeply troubled son, is a legend at North Shore Magnet in suburban Chicago for his swagger and high standards. Trying to impart “the overpowering stench of reality” to the play, he subjects his cast to an overnight rehearsal during which they have to use thrift-shop cookware as chamber pots. “I am breaking you down, but I will build you back up!” he yells at odd intervals, like the drill sergeant in “An Officer and a Gentleman.”

Though he served in the Korean War, Ty-Ty, as a few have nicknamed him, is decidedly no gentleman, with disturbing habits like leaving hardcore porn magazines on his desk and inviting male students to his home for private costume fittings, then joking about fellatio while kneeling down to measure their inseams. Most alarmingly, he has long chosen a favored, vulnerable mentee each year to accompany on a trip to see shows in New York — “wondrous, dangerous freedom,” one of his prospects envisions the city — booking adjacent hotel rooms, drinking liquor and indulging in other activities that no mimeographed permission slip would possibly authorize.

The school’s journalism teacher, told of Densmore’s behavior by two students in the play, shakes her head — “the bastard’s still at it, is he?” — and says they’ll never be able to get anyone on the record about the situation. So the students plot to entrap him in a terrible act at the cast party, a scheme that will backfire harder than a Chevy Camaro.

Langer is as good a prop master as the one for Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” judiciously peppering his pages with relics from the past like Styrofoam containers from McDonald’s, Walkmans, overcooked lamb chops and references to Mariel Hemingway. Though “The Breakfast Club” came a little later, Gen Xers might also flash on that movie’s stereotyped teenagers locked in detention: Here, too, we have a jock, a pretty princess and a few troubled misfits.

Credit…Anthony Collins

Keeping track of who’s who in “Cyclorama,” and who’s playing whom onstage in “The Diary of Anne Frank,” can get a little homework-y. For extra credit, remember that the play, which was first staged in 1955, distorts Frank’s original account somewhat into a hopeful, transcendent vision of human nature rather than a document of history’s horrors.

That the theater department of the high school is called the Annex, like the quarters where the Frank family was in hiding; that the despicable Densmore compels his charges to write intimately in diaries that he’ll seize, both these details seem a trifle on the nose — while the “t” in Margot, the name of Anne’s sister, has been sloppily lopped. And have this year’s novelists all gotten a memo from their editors to include a scene of police brutality or racism?

But Langer’s flip forward to 2016 is the literary equivalent of a Mary Lou Retton tumbling pass. The rabbi who once encouraged a Torah portion about prostitution is now assuring “safe spaces.” One former classmate, feeling enraged and cheated, is on the verge of voting for Donald J. Trump. Another has died of AIDS, just a looming shadow when the novel begins. One has become, mirabile dictu, a successful actor. One is bitter, and finally trumpeting Densmore’s abuse on Facebook. Another, an investigative reporter, is struggling at an alternative weekly-turned-digital news site, working alongside “beaten-down millennials scrolling Twitter.” Can reporting out his own high-school scandal in first person, against everything he’s been taught about journalism, be the click-o-rama that salvages his career?

The word cyclorama refers to the seamless panel at the rear of stage sets, often used to provide the illusion of infinite sky. Though it sounds like the title of an after-school TV program, it’s also the term for a type of art installation, popular in the 19th century before the advent of cinema, that gave the viewer a 360-degree perspective on a different time or place — like an early, analog virtual reality. It’s a well-chosen title, indicating under a scrim of slapstick something far more haunting and serious.

Read the full article here

Related Topics:
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

This Off-the-Shoulder Sequin Top Is Perfect for New Year’s Eve — On Sale Now!

Published

3 months ago

on

December 23, 2022

By

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services.

Our closet is like a New Year’s Eve graveyard, filled with the sequined skeletons of past holiday outfits we’ve since discarded. That’s the thing about New Year’s — it often feels like a waste of money for just a few hours of fun. Rather than splurge on a sparkly dress you’ll only wear once, we recommend buying a staple piece you can style over and over again. Our top choice? This off-the-shoulder shirt that’s currently on sale from Amazon.

Adorned with sequins and available in 12 different colors, this trendy top features a flattering silhouette that complements all figures. The drapey style shows off a little skin while still covering trouble areas on arms, and the relaxed fit skims curves nicely. You can mix and match this statement shirt with a variety of bottoms, from high-waisted pants to a mini skirt. Since the options are endless, you’re getting more bang for your buck.

Read on to find out why this sequin shirt is a New Year’s Eve necessity!

Get the Anna-Kaci Women’s Short Sleeve One Shoulder Sequin Top for just $36 (originally $45) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 23, 2022, but are subject to change.

The Anna-Kaci Women’s Short Sleeve One Shoulder Sequin Top is perfect for a New Year’s Eve party! The unofficial dress code of the holiday is sequins, so you’ll fit right in. Bonus: this top is surprisingly comfortable.

We also love the versatility of this sparkly shirt. As everyone else around you is freezing in frocks, you can choose to complete your ensemble with warm pants or a blazer on top. Pair this shirt with faux leather pants in the winter or shorts in the summer! Stick with a solid shade, or go all out with a multicolored or ombré option.

Get the Anna-Kaci Women’s Short Sleeve One Shoulder Sequin Top for just $36 (originally $45) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 23, 2022, but are subject to change.

Take this sparkly shirt from a holiday party to a concert! Stand out on any special occasion in this fun top that will earn you all the compliments. As one shopper said, “This shirt was perfect for attending a bling Christmas party. It fit well and shined brightly. It’s perfect for events.” Another customer gushed, “This shirt is everything! Comfy, flattering and makes this boxy girl have a waist!” And if you’re worried about this top feeling less than luxe, just read this rave review: “Many sequined tops and dresses look more like a costume to me, but this one doesn’t. I ordered for a concert but feel like it is something I will also wear on other occasions.”

On New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, rock this one-shoulder sequin shirt, on sale now at Amazon!

See It! Get the Anna-Kaci Women’s Short Sleeve One Shoulder Sequin Top for just $36 (originally $45) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication, December 23, 2022, but are subject to change.

Not your style? Shop more from Anna-Kaci here and explore more tops here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Looking for other New Year’s outfit ideas? Check out more picks below:

This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women’s sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.

The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!

Read the full article here

Continue Reading

Entertainment

‘Babylon’ stars Margot Robbie, Jean Smart fear deepfakes: ‘Year 3000 porn’

Published

3 months ago

on

December 23, 2022

By

Jean Smart and Margot Robbie aren’t so fond of advanced technology in Hollywood.

During promotion for the film “Babylon” — which documents the rise and fall of characters in 1920s Hollywood — the cast of the movie was asked what they believe will be the next big shift in Tinseltown.

In Entertainment Weekly’s “Around the Table” video series, almost all the actors who joined — including Robbie, Smart, Brad Pitt, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo and Li Jun Li — agreed they were concerned about deepfakes.

Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to manipulate videos and replace the likeness of one person with another.

Margot Robbie and Diego Calva in “Babylon.”
Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures via AP

“Are they just going to take our faces, and we won’t even be going to work anymore?” Robbie, 32, said.

“So creepy,” Pitt, 59, chimed in.

Smart echoed the concern but pointed out that their likeness can be used even after they’re gone.

“Or after you’re dead, they’ll go, ‘Oh, let’s put Margot Robbie in that movie’ — a hundred years from now, having her doing God knows what. And your estate will have to sue them. It’ll be horrible, Margot,” the 71-year-old actress said.

Margot Robbie, left, and Li Jun Li in "Babylon."
Margot Robbie and Li Jun Li in “Babylon.”
Paramount Pictures via AP

The “Hacks” star continued saying that she’s troubled by seeing Marilyn Monroe in TV commercials and Fred Astaire in Coke commercials due to the technology in Hollywood — and said she will not be OK with her likeness being used after she’s dead.

“Unless my kids are getting rich off it. Of course. In that case, then it’s all right,” Smart quipped.

But there’s one thing that is absolutely off the table for Smart’s likeness.

“I don’t want to be in a year-3000 porn,” she added.

Jean Smart in "Babylon."
Jean Smart said she will not be OK with her likeness being used after she’s dead.
Scott Garfield/Paramount Pictures via AP

Meanwhile, some celebrities are already using deepfakes for projects.

Back in September, it was reported that an AI platform created a “digital twin” of Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with aphasia — a brain disorder that affects his ability to communicate, which will allow him to appear on screen after his retirement from acting.

The “Die Hard” actor’s deepfake already made its debut in August 2021 when his face was “grafted” onto Konstantin Solovyov for a commercial for MegaFon, a Russian telecommunications company.

His estate has the final say on what’s created with his face.

Read the full article here

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Erika Jayne is spotted in LA as she sports a pale blue sweatsuit and sunglasses during shopping trip

Published

3 months ago

on

December 23, 2022

By

Make-up free Erika Jayne shops for expensive Christmas gifts at luxury store Hermès in LA – amid the RHOBH star’s money woes

Erika Jayne went without makeup as she shopped in Los Angeles days before Christmas.

The fashionista was low-key as she wore a pair of oversized glossy black rectangle-shaped sunglasses. 

The 51-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star – who has been battling money woes ever since her ex husband was declared bankrupt – was dressed expensively in a pale blue Alexander Wang sweatsuit and sneakers.

Bare face: Erika Jayne went without makeup as she shopped in Los Angeles days before Christmas

The platinum blonde beauty wore her locks bone straight, styled in an undefined part as they cascaded over her shoulders.

She looked cozy in her crew neck top and matching loose-fitting sweats, which she coordinated with pale pink and blue sneakers. 

Erika carried an Hermès bag on her arm as she carried a small, bottled water with pristinely manicured hands.

She was out and about by herself as she fit in some retail therapy two days before Christmas.

Under the radar: The fashionista was low-key as she wore a pair of oversized glossy black rectangle-shaped sunglasses

Under the radar: The fashionista was low-key as she wore a pair of oversized glossy black rectangle-shaped sunglasses

Last weekend Erika got into the holiday spirit as she attended a Christmas party with friend and costar Lisa Rinna.

Both women flaunted their long, toned legs as they wore dresses to the event hosted by friend Sanela Diana Jenkins.

Jayne took to Instagram to share a snapshot from the gathering in which she and Lisa kicked their legs up.

‘This was the BEST Christmas party EVER!!!’ she wrote in the caption as the photo showed her in a luxe white fur coat.

Season's greetings: Last weekend Erika got into the holiday spirit as she attended a Christmas party with friend and costar Lisa Rinna

Season’s greetings: Last weekend Erika got into the holiday spirit as she attended a Christmas party with friend and costar Lisa Rinna

The fashion-forward socialite donned a pair of pointy-toe metallic purple heels as she sat in a chair designed to look like a sleigh.

Rinna was equally stylish in a cream blazer dress with a black satin collar and gold accoutrements set in a pattern.

She added a pair of knee-high black leather boots and carried a metallic gold clutch.

Erika finished her caption with a shoutout to Lisa as she wrote: ‘thanks for babysitting me and telling me what happened at the party.’

Looking great: The two gal pals were also spotted together earlier this month as they attended the 2022 People's Choice Awards with their Bravo TV castmates

Looking great: The two gal pals were also spotted together earlier this month as they attended the 2022 People’s Choice Awards with their Bravo TV castmates

The two gal pals were also spotted together earlier this month as they attended the 2022 People’s Choice Awards with their Bravo TV castmates. 

For her part, Erika wore a long, mock neck bodycon dress with a trendy, nude silhouette graphic design.

Rinna, who’s feuding with Kathy Hilton amid the RHOBH hiatus, donned a long black dress with a plunging neckline. 

Engaging with her 2.5 million followers on Instagram, Jayne shared photos and wrote in a caption: ‘I had fun last night.’

Hot! Erika wore a long, mock neck bodycon dress with a trendy, nude silhouette graphic design

Hot! Erika wore a long, mock neck bodycon dress with a trendy, nude silhouette graphic design

Read the full article here

Continue Reading

Trending