Franchise keeps lowering the bar

Even in this age of sequels and reboots in which we currently live, there’s such a thing as going too far - especially when the idea being rehashed didn’t have much in the way of staying power to begin with. With each copy of a copy, the concept continues its inexorable spiral downward to the bottom of the barrel. When it finally reaches the lowest common denominator?

That’s when you get the fifth installment in the “Scary Movie” franchise.

Patrons to vote on first show of group’s 20th season

WINTERPORT – Next fall, Winterport Open Stage will be entering its 20th season. As part of that celebration, they are using their spring production of the musical “Nunsense” to offer its loyal audience an opportunity to make its voice heard.

“Nunsense” – with book and lyrics by Dan Goggin - will be running from April 19 through 28 at the Samuel L. Wagner Middle School in Winterport. The cast, rich with local favorites, includes Heather Astbury-Libby, Brianne Beck, Tina Burns, Elena DiSiervo Burns and Kari Stowe. The show is helmed by director and choreographer Dominick Varney, with musical direction by Phil Burns.

UMaine’s Maine Masque presents Yasmina Reza play

ORONO – The Maine Masque is the University of Maine’s student-run theater group. Every year, members choose a play to be presented in the final mainstage slot of the season. Every part of this production is student-run – students perform in these pieces, of course, but they also produce, direct and design it. They are completely in charge.

This year’s offering is Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage,” directed by third-year student Goldie Irvine.

Clauder Competition names “One Blue Tarp” Best Maine Play

ORONO – Capturing the spirit of a place on the page can be an arduous task. Doing so by writing a play is even more so. 

This makes “One Blue Tarp,” a play written by Orono resident Travis Baker, even more impressive. Not only has he created a nuanced piece exploring the nature of relationships here in Maine – particularly the notion of people “from away” – but he has done so from a smartly skewed perspective that mines equal parts humor and pathos from those relationships.

Another Bieber fail

In case you were wondering, Justin Bieber is still behaving like a self-absorbed delusional little twit.

The latest misstep by the Biebs came during a recent visit paid to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. You would think that if anything could get Justin Bieber to behave respectfully and think about something other than Justin Bieber for a little while, this would be it.

You would be wrong.

Walking the walk

IONIA, Mich. - A Michigan judge whose smartphone disrupted a hearing in his own courtroom has held himself in contempt and paid $25 for the infraction. 

The Sentinel-Standard of Ionia and MLive.com report Judge Raymond Voet has a posted policy at Ionia County 64A District Court. It states that electronic devices causing a disturbance during court sessions will result in the owner being cited with contempt. 

Remake of horror classic ratchets up the gore

Every cinephile has a handful of movies that are particularly special to them. For whatever reason, those films serve as touchstones along their own personal pop culture journeys.

For me, Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” films definitely fit that bill. The wonderful journey of that trilogy (from low-budget gorefest to hilarious reimagination to full-on epic fantasy/horror/comedy) has ensured that the movies have retained a permanent place of affection in my heart.

Robinson Ballet LIVE 2013 at Bangor Opera House

BANGOR – The Robinson Ballet’s annual spring dance show has always been a highlight of the season for me. It’s as much as sign of winter’s departure as melting snow or tulips. And they never fail to put on a fun show. 

Robinson Ballet LIVE 2013 runs through April 13 at the Bangor Opera House. In addition, the company will be presenting their Youth Matinee production of “Aladdin” on April 13.

Lewiston Auburn Film Festival marks third year

LEWISTON/AUBURN – With the constant evolution of new technologies, it has never been easier to be a filmmaker. Granted, it’s still difficult as heck to be a good filmmaker, but more people than ever at least have access to the tools necessary to make a movie.

With this abundance of cinematic riches floating around out there, it’s nice to know that there are people out there doing their best to ensure that these films have a chance to find an audience. People like the folks in charge of the Lewiston Auburn Film Festival (LAFF).

Art auction to raise money for Black Bear Skatepark Association

BANGOR – The Black Bear Skatepark Association is trying something a little bit different for their latest fundraising effort. Something outside the box. Something unsanctioned. 

The Unsanctioned Art Show & Auction kicked off at COESPACE on April 7. The basic premise is a simple one. 40 local artists were given blank skateboard decks and tasked with creating unique artworks for subsequent auction. Other than that one instruction, the artists were given carte blanche to let inspiration run wild.