2w The MichigarDy est Ann-Arbot, j998--. Thursday; ril6 61998 0 0 0 Te chgan baityBe! of An Arbor I99 Best of Theater Ann Arbor's theatrical offerings provide entertainment for students Best Theater and Drama Production: Henry V John Neville-Andrews' futuristic interpretation of Shakespeare's history play seemed not only artistic, but mov- ing as well. Best Actor in a Play: Jeff Bender, the Priest in "The Marriage of Bette and Boo" Bender's interpretation of a sexual- ly frustrated servant of God provided for some of the play's best comedy. His impersonation of frying bacon proved slightly more than hilarious. If only most of the other actors/actresses within the department could take a lesson from this gifted young per- former. Best Actress in a Play: Sophina Brown, Antigone in "Antigone" Brown's performances are always a treasure. Now, having conquered the famous Sophoclean role, it would be a treat to see Brown star as Medea in Euripides' classic tragedy (but only years from now, when she's added a few wrinkles to her face). Best Opera Theater Production : "Le Rossignol"/"L'Enfant et les Sortileges" Director Joshua Major gathered a tal- ent group of singers and delivered an excellent set of one-act operas. It's good to see that some of the lesser-known works aren't always ignored. Best Opera Performance: Jennifer Larson, "The Turn of the Screw" Larson's beautiful soprano voice is becoming regionally famous. Having premiered the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra's season with a set of aria classics, including a few by the always difficult Puccini, Larson's involvement in "The Turn of the Screw" made the opera worth sitting through. Best Musical Theater Production: "Sweeney Todd" Director Brent Wagner achieved the impossible. He gathered a group of semi-amateur performers and guided them to deliver one of the best perfor- mances of recent years. Sondheim is always difficult to present, but under David Smith/UNIVERSITY PRODUCTIONS The cast of "L'Enfant et les Sortileges" becomes angry at The Child. 1 SBest M " C rempub 4400 o (UB 8 P UB & I E AT ERY a vz , jo,,. ~r; ,lL, t. Wagner's directon, it seemed a simple endeavor. Best Actor in a Musical: Gavin Creel, Anthony in "Sweeney Todd" Creel will definitely conquer Broadway someday, and we can all say we knew him way back when. Creel's warm and passionate voice provided for the perfect interpreta- tion of Sweeney's romantic lead. Creel's rendition of "Johanna" should be recorded. Best Actress in a Musical: Catherine Marsh, Mrs. Lovett in "Sweeney Todd" Marsh is a Sondheim gal. She should be a Follies girl. Excellent two years ago as Little Red Riding Hood in MUSKET's "Into the Woods," excellent is she still. The role of Lovett, challenging for any actress, was originally written for the defini- tive Angela Lansbury. While she's no Jessica Fletcher, Marsh was able to whip through the quick lyrics of "Worst Pies in London" and soothe young Toby with the tender "Not While I'm Around." Best University Director: John Neville-Andrews for "Henry V"/Brent Wagner for "Sweeney Todd" (tie) While both professors are seasoned professionals, they rightly deserve the recognition. Hopes for the future: pro- ductions of "Titus Andronicus and "Follies," respectively. Best MUSKET Production: "Pippin" "Pippin" is probably one of the hard- est shows to produce well, simply because its success lies within its choreography and dancing. MUSKET fared well, even though there are no future Bob Fosse's on the University's campus. Best MUSKET Director: Gavin Creel, "Pippin" "Pippin,"'his first attempt at direct- ing, was such a success that an indica- tion of him being a great actor and director is a result. Hopeful hint: we'd like to see his version of "Once on This Isl and" Best MUSKET Actor: Eric Jackson, the Tin Man in"The Wiz" Enough said. Actually, one can't limit themself to just that. This big daddy shined as the Tin Man, and that's no pun. Slide some oil to him. We'd like to see him in Gavin Cree's production of "Once on This Island." Best of Business -- Continued Best Photocopying: Kinko's Copies Located at the corner of Maynard and E. Liberty, Kinko's is open all day, and the staff can help you if you don't know how to use the machines. Best Sporting Goods: Bivouac Located on State Street at N. University, Bivouac offers the great- est in sporting goods. In case you have managed to get through the year thus far without owning some- thing from The North Face, this is - the place to go. Best Groceries: Meijer On Salilne Rd, just south of I-94, Meijers offers just about everything. A store that has an amazing amount of food, as well as a tasty bakery and tacky clothing. Best Florist: Normandie Flowers It's pretty basic - they sell flow- ers. You can't go wrong with flowers from this S. University florist. Best Travel Agency: Council Travel Located on S. University, this agency is perfect for planning your spring break trip, or other vacations. lop: EMILY NAHAN/Uaily Bottom: ADRIANA YUGOVICH/Daily Campus Bike and Toy offers stuffed animals aplenty, besides other toys and bike equipment (top). Heather Schweitzer, Dave LaFave and Andy Arts of Middle Earth also get to play with really cool toys (bottom). Entering the OVER 80% OF NEW EMPLC KNOW BEFO DO IT YOURSELF TESTING I - ONLY YOU KNOW THC - COCAINE - OPIATES - A Call Personal Di 1-888-41 Department of Re Best Brewpub in Michigan U. Award Winning Beers Great Menu Monthly Beer Tastings Lunch & Dinner 7 Days New M-Fit Healthy Dining Sandwiches & Entrees Happy Hour All Day Monday and 4 to 7 Tues thru Fri 0Live Music0$2.50 pints Sunday - Thursday 114 E Washington 213-1393 www.arborbrewing.com What is the U's motive for keeping student :. housing overcrowded and transient? New book reveals why U of M doesn't want a student community in Ann Arbor Sold at Shaman Drum and Borders. See full text at: http://www.tir.com/-honigman L