Arts & Entertainment

Downtown St. Augustine is lit up during annual Nights of Lights

By Marella Flynn | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Thousands of tiny white lights have been illuminating the Nation’s Oldest City during the holiday season for the past 14 years.

“Did you know there use to be two movie theaters in the center of town? [They] only cost $1,” Flagler Assistant Professor Nicholas Panepinto said. Full of interesting St. Augustine tidbits, he is a proud former Saint. He was describing the historical downtown scenery before the tradition of Nights of Lights started.

Theatre arts seniors direct final performances at Flagler College Auditorium

By Amanda Hughlett | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Ten theatre majors are going to give their final bow on the Flagler stage December 5-8, figuratively speaking.

Brad Backman, Rachael Davis, Emiy Gerbino, Beckie Hawkins, Audrey Holeman, Paul Holzmeyer, Amanda Hughlett, Kevin McNeal, Ericka McThenia and Zephian Michaels are directing this semester’s senior conservatories known as “In Relation To…”

The shows are mostly absurd and deal with human relationships and interactions, as well as showcase famous playwrights such as David Ives, Samuel Beckett, Edward Albee, and Landford Wilson.

By Marella Flynn | gargoyle@flagler.edu

“Do you want the ultimate answers to life?” reads the flyer for Acting 1 class’ musical play entitled “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”

Take a break during finals week on Dec. 10 and mosey on over to the Flagler College Auditorium at 7 p.m. and you might just get an answer to one of your questions.

By Kelsey Mayid | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Whether you’re planning a holiday movie marathon, or just want to watch your favorite cold-weather classic, these movies are sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

1. “It’s A Wonderful Life”– The 1946 Frank Capra classic.
2. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” – Who doesn’t love the green meanie with a heart that’s two sizes too small? The 1966 animated classic is the only version that does justice to Dr. Suess.
3. “A Christmas Story” – All Ralphie Parker wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200 Shot Range Model Air Rifle. ‘Nuf said.

Innovative indie-rock group takes St. Augustine by storm at Café Eleven

By Ben McLeod | gargoyle@flagler.edu

Sixties-style harmonies, cheerful music, scruffy beards, Ray Ban Wayfarers — these are words that describe the Philadelphia rock group Dr. Dog. According to Esquire magazine, “Dr. Dog is the kind of group that other bands stand around and watch, slack-jawed, blown away by performances that are equal parts of rock spectacle and jam session.”

As I was standing in the crowd at Café Eleven watching Dr. Dog perform, I realized that traveling back in time was possible, and listening to this band’s music was the trick. Dr. Dog’s new release, We All Belong, is in the same neighborhood of music by The Beatles and The Beach Boys, sounding as though it came out in the late 60s.

Beatles mania strikes again! Across the Universe tickles the ears and eyes of audiences across the nation by revealing an enchanting plot, told strictly through Beatles lyrics. Director Julie Taymor, known for directing “Frida,” created a magical story line that never ceases to entertain the senses.

Evan Rachel Wood, of Thirteen, shines as the lead role, Lucy, an All-American, girl-next-door turned war protester, while co-star Jim Sturgess plays Jude from Liverpool, England. New to the American eye, Sturgess delivers quite a performance, one that makes this contributor believe we will be seeing much more of him in the future.

Michael Emerson is an award-winning American actor who has starred onstage, in movies, and currently plays Ben Linus on the hit television series Lost. He also happens to be a good friend of Flagler art professor Don Martin.

On Oct. 25, 12 lucky students in Martin’s Creativity: Art of Possibility class got to interview Emerson during a conference call in the Heade art studio. Emerson was in Hawaii, filming the new season of Lost.

Ladies and gentlemen, a musical extravaganza is upon us. The Talleyrand Music and Arts Festival held at Metropolitan Park in Jacksonville promises to be a day jam-packed with music, food and people, so get there early to find parking.

The Flagler Theatre Department’s upcoming show “Vanities” is an insightful play about three small-town girls who are growing up together, and growing apart, during a turbulent time in history, said Alicia Mangelsdorf, a senior theatre major and the play’s stage manager.

With the opening of several art galleries, a raw food restaurant and the new Rockin’ Bean Coffee Shop, West King Street has recently become quite a progressive part of town.

A new organic market and vegan deli has just joined this up-and-coming location. The Present Moment Market, which is affiliated with the neighboring Present Moment Café, provides a small amount of fresh produce, a vegan deli and a number of other organic products.