Arts and Entertainment – Page 8

The Office Welcomes Will Ferrell

By Spencer Barnett and Connor Hughes-

The announcement of Steve Carell leaving ‘The Office’ left many fans in a state of panic, but now there’s hope.

As of June of 2010, main character Michael Scott (Steve Carell) announced his retirement, NYDailyNews.com. Carell had been star for the past seven seasons of The Office with his corky personality and strange ways of managing a business. Now with the main character spot open, rumor has it that Will Ferrell may be the next one to fill Michael Scott’s shoes.

0000007501_20060920143802 — Steve Carell playing Michael Scott on "The Office". Photo from Squidoo.com

In an interview with the International Buisness Times, Carell spoke on his departure.

“I just think it’s time … I want to fulfill my contract. When I first signed on I had a contract for seven seasons, and this coming year is my seventh. I just thought it was time for my character to go.”

Steve Carell’s departure left Office addicts wondering who will take Carell’s place. This may not be a permanent fixture, but it should fulfill the needs of some fans. Ferrell will play a branch manager, Deangelo Vickers.

“[Deangelo Vickers] loves the American Southwest,” said Ferrell. “and he’s just kind of in his own way going to step into Michael Scott’s shoes and try to fill them.”

Ferrell and Carell often are a part of the same projects: Carell tried out for ‘Saturday Night Live,’ claiming he lost out to Farrell, and they starred together in 2005’s ‘Bewitched.’

1d7c1_burgundy — Will Ferrell playing Ron Burgundy in "Anchorman". Photo from pagebandits.com

Ferrell’s addition to the show was announced on television in a promo for the show’s new episode, airing April 14th. Michael Scott’s proposal to Holly and the announcement that they were moving to Colorado laid the groundwork for his exit. Carell’s last episode will air on April 28th.

Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight K. Schrute, gave an inside look at how Ferrell got the part, and what viewers can expect, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly:

“He called us up. He called the producers and said ‘I heard Steve’s leaving and I would like to be a part of his exit some how. I’d like to be there for it.’ So they were like, ‘Hell yeah!’ I think it will be great because Will’s sense of humor is very much in line with our show’s sense of humor.”

Co-star John Krasinski doesn’t think that Ferrell can fill the shoes of the Emmy award-winning actor; in a recent interview with Parade Magazine, he said:

“”No one can replace [Carell]. That goes for him as an actor, because no one has the sense of humor he does, but also there’s no person who has his incredible positivity and professionalism, and just a really good heart. So we’re losing a friend first and foremost.”

From the Boulevard of Broken Dreams to Broadway

For all the Green Day lovers out there, Broadway’s got a show for you.

Green Day’s most popular album, American Idiot, is on now Broadway. With a plot line based off of the songs on the album, the show is “invigorating, moving and thrilling” according to The New York Times.

The musical follows young Johnny as he is pressured into a life of drug addiction by the drug pusher St. Jimmy. Green Day’s very own front man, Billie Joe Armstrong, joins the cast as St. Jimmy himself.

Johnny is portrayed as a rebel more likely to love than to fight, but he can’t resist the temptation of the bad influence, St. Jimmy. As St. Jimmy leads Johnny into his life of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll, Johnny’s friends also become a focus of the show. Tunny, played by Stark Sands, joins the Army after his move with Johnny to the city, Will, played by Michael Esper, must stay home to be with his pregnant girlfriend (Jeanna de Waal), and then there is the girl Johnny has his eyes on.

Armstrong and his band Green Day wrote all of the songs for the show and Armstrong wrote the book with the director, Michael Mayer.

The show received outstanding reviews from many critics including The Toronto Star which said that “American Idiot” is “the first great musical of the 21st century.”

Rolling Stone called it “a global knockout. Blows your mind while it blows the roof off. ”

Penn Manor students, however, have mixed reviews about the musical.

Zoe Hower, a junior, thinks “it looks stupid. I don’t like musicals.”

Another student said it sounds dumb.

Some students think it’s a great idea to make the album into a musical. Trina Martin and Haleyy Smith, both sophomores, would go see it.

“I love the whole album,” said Martin.

“Green Day? I love them,” said Smith.

“American Idiot” will be at the St. James Theater, 246 West 44th Street, Manhattan with Billie Joe Armstrong performing as St. Jimmy.

By Cassie Funk

Jersey Shore, Repeat or New Episode?

By Dayonte Dixon –

Jersey Shore Finale!! It’s finally here, but if you happen to see it you might think you are watching last week’s episode, or last month’s or even last year’s.

On Thursday March 24th the third season of Jersey shore ended with what seemed to be an episode exactly like the last episodes.

The finale consisted of a party, the dance club, Sunday dinner and, of course, another Ronnie and Sammie fight.

One thing that changed is that Jenni aka JWow has made it official with her Jersey Shore sweetheart Roger, when he asked her to be exclusive over shots at a local nightclub.

Tyler Smith, junior at Penn Manor High School said, “I didn’t get to watch the finale of Jersey Shore, but I could probably guess what happened.”

He would be correct.

It was just a few months ago that Jersey Shore was one of the most popular reality shows on television, now it’s fading away like most reality television shows. Too much same old, same old.

Season 3 cast members, according to www.static.igossip.com

Many complain that the same thing happens every week. Even the foreshadowed fighting ( Ronnie and Sammie), which has always seemed to get the audience excited, has disappointed the fans.

The only thing that seemed to have changed this week is that there will not be a new episode next Thursday, which according to some may not be a bad thing.

Season 4 cast will take off to Italy next summer, but you might as well just call it season 3 in Italy.

Nothing’s Better Than a Classic

By Corbin Gillichbauer-

On March 22, 1963 the Beatles released their first album “Please Please Me,” two years before their 50th anniversary of the band, and many still think the Beatles started a music sensation to rock and pop.

Many forget about John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr but students at Penn Manor do not.

Mike Gebhard said, “They are my favorite band ever, ‘Let it Be’ is my favorite song from the Beatles.”

Please Please Me is a 31:59 minutes of Beatles music.

Vaughn Stetler a die-hard Beatles fan who listens to them daily said, “I can’t get enough of them.”

Zach Sheaffer’s favorite quote from the Beatles music ever said was, “But tomorrow may rain, so I’ll follow the sun.”

People don’t forget the great music a band created for the world. Kids at Penn Manor think that the Beatles started off a revolution of new music. “P.S. I Love You”

Classic Beauty, Elizabeth Taylor Dies

By Alicia Ygarza –

Elizabeth Taylor had a huge heart, a heart for films, a heart for helping people and a heart for love. But while her love and emotions were strong, her body was weak.

Taylor died Wednesday, March 23 at Cedar’s-Sinai Medical Center at the age of 79 due to congestive heart failure. According to published news reports, she was hospitalized at the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center for six weeks.

By many, Taylor is considered one of the last of the glamorous studio stars.

Elizabeth Taylor died Wednesday at the age of 79. Photo courtesy of themakeoverguy.

Taylor was a child when she started her movie career. “There’s One Born Every Minute” was Taylor’s first film, released when she was 10.

Then, in 1944, MGM’s “National Velvet” made Taylor a star.

According to IMDb, during the 1940s and 50s Taylor stared in film after film and rose to be known as “one of the world’s great beauties.” She had a creamy complexion, jet-black hair and famous lilac-colored eyes.

Though Taylor was famous for her beauty, she was also infamous for her illnesses.

According to Lancaster New Era, Taylor suffered with pneumonia and a brain tumor.

“A diva, she made a spectacle of her private life- eight marriages, ravenous appetites for drugs, booze and food, ill food that sparked headlines constantly proclaiming her at death’s door,” according to that published report.

One thing Taylor will always be remembered as is a great friend.

In an interview, actress Shirley MacLaine said, “I don’t know what was more impressive, her magnitude as a star, or her magnitude as a friend.”

Taylor also is known for her supportive friendship with Michael Jackson.

Taylor once said, “I don’t entirely approve of some of the things I have done, or am, or have been. But I’m me. God knows, I’m me.”

Woodshop – a Hidden Paradise for Students

By Brandon McCormick & Eric Gerlach –

Woodshop – a little known class – but it’s beloved by many students.

When selecting school courses, not all students opt for the hands-on classes. But there is a select group of students who know what one of their electives will be each year. These students, without question, will have a woodshop class in one of their blocks. Tyler Dommel, for instance, is a four-year veteran of wood shop.

Tyler Dommel posing with his project - Photo by Matthew Soto

“I took woodshop all four years,” Dommel said, “It will help me (create things) in the future,” said Dommel.

In the upper level classes, students are able to choose what they want to build with teachers, Matt Soto, permission.

Last year Dommel made a coffee table and this year he is making a TV stand. These projects he will be able to keep for a lifetime.

“My most successful project is my coffee table,” said Dommel, “but my TV stand this year will be equally as nice.”

The Cabinetry II class is the most advanced class of wood shop that Penn Manor offers. Some students who take this class joke around to other Penn Manor students that cabinetry II is an AP class, in more specific terms, “AP Wood.”

Kyle Musser has been taking woodshop classes for two years.

“I would recommend this class because it helps you think,” said Musser.

Musser plans to continue taking cabinetry classes to reach the “AP Wood” level.

Soto, the woodshop teacher, claims his favorite part of the class is the creativity and using the machines.

Matthew Soto helps a student cut wood - Photo by Eric Gerlach

“There are a lot of potentially dangerous machine that we need to be skilled in using,” said Soto.

Even with the potentially hazardous machines students use, Soto provides a safe class says Kyle Kann, another four year veteran.

“He keeps a safe work environment,” says Kann. “He runs a tight ship.”

Kann claims the most irritating part of the class is taking the safety quizzes before the students can use any machines. Although he understands the reasoning, everyone needs to be certified for each machine to ensure the safety of themselves and everyone in the shop.

“It’s something hands-on you can do during the day, and I’ll get something to keep at the end of the year,” said Kann.

Since the shop is tucked away in the lowest level of the school some students aren’t even aware of it.

Student working on their woodshop - Photo by Eric Gerlach

“I’ve never taken woodshop,” said Brandon Schuman.

Schuman has decided to stay away from the hands-on class claiming he doesn’t enjoy working with wood. He admits it would be an enjoyable class for some students.

“It gives appreciation for hard work and enhances their ability to be good craftsmen,” said Soto. “They have the enjoyment of making something they can take home with them.”

The class even takes part in “doughnut Friday.” If everyone is progressing in their project the class enjoys a quick snack before heading off to second block.

Almost all “AP Wood” students agreed, others should take part in this hands on class, although they don’t mind keeping the secret to themselves.

Lindsay Lohan – a Thief?

By Olivia Bailey and Cassie Kreider –

Lindsay Lohan, the 24-year-old actress, has been accused of stealing a $2500 necklace from a store in Venice, California. The Los Angeles Police Department has handed the case over to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office. They have obtained a search warrant for her house.

When they got it, a friend of Lohan’s brought the necklace to the Pacific Division police station. Los Angeles Times was told that a surveillance camera showed Lohan wearing the necklace.

However, she claims she “borrowed” it and her stylist forgot to return it. According to ABC New, this is not the first time she has been linked to missing jewelry. In 2009, Lindsay Lohan was in England when $400,000 worth of jewelry went missing from the set of Elle magazine. They say, “Elle has no reason to believe that Lindsay Lohan was in any way responsible.”

Dezire Diaz, a Penn Manor freshman says that Lindsay Lohan probably didn’t steal the necklace, “She has better things to worry about”

If she is convicted she will serve up to three years in the California State Prison.

According to Hollywood Life.com, Lohan showed up to the court in a snug white mini-dress for the occasion.

She pleaded not guilty and after took her fifth mug shot and paid $40,000 for her bail. Her probation has been revoked.

According to TMZ, Lidnsey Lohan’s attorney Shawn Chapman Holley said,”We vehemently deny these allegations and, if charges are filed, we will fight them in court, not in the press.”

The necklace was said to be a gold choker with green, semiprecious stones.

A video was released showing Lindsay in the jewelry store and now the store is selling the tape.

Has Charlie Sheen Lost His Shine?

By Bobby Rehm –

“I am on a drug. It’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available. If you try it once, you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body.”

Chances are that you’ve heard this quote before. It’s just one of the many quotes that “Two and a Half Men” star, Charlie Sheen has come up with recently. The difference here is that these aren’t part of the show, these are all Sheen.

The former star of one of the most popular comedies on television has been bringing attention to himself, and quite a bit of it is negative. Between his porn-star girlfriends babysitting his kids, his new found drug use, or saying completely absurd things on TV interviews, many would say Sheen’s reputation is going down the tubes.

“I like the show but not him as a person,” explained senior, Dillon Walker.

And many others agree with him.

phpThumb_generated_thumbnailjpg — Charlie Sheen at his best. Photo from theinsider.com

“He is crazy. What’s wrong with him?” said phys ed teacher, Billie Jo Atkins.

Although many see Charlie Sheen in a negative light, some find themselves on the border.

Senior Casey May says that she likes Sheen in “Two and a Half Men,” but not so much as a person. Many people felt similarly when asked the same question.

“At least someone is baby sitting his kids,” said Brian Dunne. There are even a few people that find his recent behavior acceptable and like Sheen.

“I love him,” said senior Brock Kauffman. “I like him because he simply doesn’t care what people think.”

Despite crazy interviews, irresponsible treatment of his kids, and demand of a pay raise, some people will like Sheen for who he is, which he believes is a “Rock Star from Mars”.

Students Advocate for AP Art

Faith Walauskas is the new generation of Gonzo.

By Faith Walauskas –

Last year, the art department got very close to a shot in the heart for art students and teachers– the elimination of the Advanced Placement art course.

In the end, the course was continued. The universal question remains – in light of budget cuts – how long will the course be offered at Penn Manor.

“A.P. Art was in danger last year because we had a teacher resign and we chose to not replace (that person) due to budget cutbacks we made,” said Penn Manor Superintendent Mike Leichliter.

AP Art requires aspiring art students to create a 24-piece portfolio that may be used for college credits. The portfolio includes a 12-piece breadth portion, and 12 pieces based around a coherent theme.

“AP Art offers many valuable opportunities to students looking for a challenging and rigorous environment to nurture their artistic and creative strengths,” said AP art teacher Karen Gingerich. “AP Art, as with all the arts, encourages students to become independent thinkers who will contribute inventively and critically to their culture.”

Students who were planning to take AP Art or have completed the course are its biggest advocates.

“I’m currently a double major in Psychology and Studio Art, and despite how much I complained about AP Art, it actually helped me to prepare for college,” said 2010 Penn Manor graduate Dani Leon. “In fact, I was surprised to realize I knew more about art and critiquing than most of my fellow(college)students. If anything the class over-prepared me.”

Leon was contacted through Facebook messaging while she spends her spring semester overseas in London.

“It’s hard for a non-artist to know what an artist needs. They’re not wasting their time or their lives painting silly pictures. No, they’re creating dimension to their world, exploring in a way that few know how to,” said Leon. “It’s easy to dismiss it because art is subjective, but for that very reason it must stay. We are taught in school, especially public school that there is a question and then there is an answer. Unfortunately that is not how life works.”

In an email, Leichliter explained, “Last year the state kept their funding level BUT used federal stimulus funds which expire this year–Penn Manor like other schools in the Lancaster, PA, and across the nation will be making some very tough choices regarding programs in the future. I can tell you that we will continue to have options for students but I am sure they will not be as many nor look identical to what we have today.”

Leichliter’s email reply also included a link he suggested be checked out regarding the continuing financial conflicts Pennsylvania schools are facing.

“The decision of which classes will not be offered next year will be based upon the number of student requests that are receive during the course selection process,” explained Penn Manor Principal Philip Gale, “We will be making reductions in staffing that will have an impact on classes that are offered. At this time, it has not been decided which classes will be offered or not offered.”

“As we push forward into challenging times ahead, I have faith and hope that the arts will continue to thrive in Penn Manor,” says Gingerich.

“The Music Man” Review

By Connor Hughes –

Half the school, one spectacle.

As half of the student body enters the auditorium for assembly A, there’s a buzz throughout the hallways. The musical preview can be an exciting time for students. It’s a break from classes, and the cast always puts on an exceptional show.

The cast gives a warm goodbye in the hallways to the pleased playgoers. Photo by Connor Hughes.

As principle Eric Howe attempts to seat the hectic students, I sit back with my camera anxiously.

The stage manager, Cheyenne Zuck and assistant stage manager Sarah Zerfoss introduce the cast. They were clearly nervous for the words they had to say. After they left the stage, the orchestra started to play.

They played, and played and played.

It went from a feeling of anxiousness to a bit awkward quickly. After about five minutes of just music and murmurs from the crowd, I was already thinking something went wrong. But then, the curtains finally opened and out came the cast.

Then the stars came on. Matt Noll conducts the train as Cody Goldberg, Tim Deubler, Brian Buckius, Jesse Graham, Joe Gordon, Jared Bonawitz, and Nick Charles ride along and sing a very interesting first scene. It must have taken perfect timing to execute the quick change of pitch from all of the cast members.

I take out my camera and snap my first picture, it comes out dark and blurry. I snap another and the flash goes off… everyone within a 20-foot radius turns around with judging eyes. When I realize I can’t hide the fact that it was me who created the giant distraction, I sheepishly say “sorry” and give up on taking pictures for the time being.

Hailey Fafel and Jill Wiley in a heart-wrenching scene. Photo by Connor Hughes.

When the next scene begins with Tim Deubler taking the stage, all eyes were on him. He grabbed the attention and didn’t let it go until he was completely off the stage.

Where did the little kids come from? Elementary schools in Penn Manor apparently. They sure are recruiting young.

Although, the kids were in the perfect spot, they were almost prepared as well as the high school students.

Miss Teen Pennsylvania, Jill Wiley, did an exceptional job as always with her Disney-quality voice. Penn Manor has been watching her for four years now and she never ceases to amaze. Along with Hailey Fafel, who plays Amaryllis, the aspired pianist who has a crush on someone who is afraid to speak a word to her, the singing was exceptional.

Overall the crew did a great job. The choreography lead by Donovan Hoffer was executed perfectly. The plot didn’t draw my attention much, though, and the non-existent cliffhanger at the end didn’t help. Maybe the full version of the play will draw audiences into the story line.

To see the cast in action with the prolonged version of “The Music Man”, the dates are March 4, 5 and 11, 12.