Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
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Review of the play: The Moonlight Sonata of Beethoven Blatz (MSBB)
Played at: The Rachel Browne Theatre located at 211 Bannatyne in Winnipeg
Okay, without ruining the entire play for anyone that wants to see it, here’s what went down. MSBB was written by Armin Wiebe and directed by Kim McCaw. This is Wiebe’s first full-length play and is set in a shack in a Manitoba Mennonite community set in the 1930s.
We got Susch (Tracy Penner) who wants a baby and a washing machine. None of which her husband of two years, Obrum, is providing. Obrum (Tom Keenan) doesn’t just bring home a piano, but his friend Beethoven Blatz (Eric Nyland), who is super eccentric and does nothing but try to fix the busted up piano and call Susch Sonia.
Sonia, I mean Susch gets sick and tired of her husband not sleeping with her because of his alleged poison ivy in his crotch, and gets sexually frustrated. At this point Susch may or may not seek company from another man and gets knocked up. Okay, so she sleeps with Blatz and she is with child and happy about it. Not because she cheated on Obrum, but because she is going to have a baby and her and Obrum can be happy.
Add in a lesbian midwife named Teen (Daria Puttaert) and you’ve got yourself a play. In all seriousness, I thought the relationship Teen and Susch had was very interesting and was curious to see where it would end up. To my disappointment, nothing came from it.
I did enjoy this play a great deal and would recommend it; I laughed at many points and thought the piano playing by Blatz was a great addition and left me wanting more.
And if you do wanna see it at The Rachel Browne Theatre, it’s too late. You have missed your chance because it is no longer playing, so you will have to be content in reading this review. I know, you are probably pretty jazzed about that. So read on to find out what crossed my mind. It’s what you came here for.
What crossed my mind as I watched MSBB:
1) Soooo, Obrum is encouraging his wife to cheat on him? Do Mennonites do that? I don’t think that’s right, call me old fashioned, but once you get married you stop sleeping around. Not that you should sleep around if you aren’t married.
2) Wow, when Susch wants something, she gets it.
3) Please don’t let her have that baby on the stage. Not that I think it would be gross, but as Karen Press would say, it’s cliché.
4) I wish I learned to play the piano.
4) I wish I learned to play the piano.
5) I lesbian twist. Didn’t expect that.
6) Really, people are leaving? This is a great play.
7) Blatz is really good at playing the piano; I just want him to go to town on it.
8) No, she’s not having that kid.
9) I want some closure with Teen and Susch. Not even a kiss?
10) Yup, she’s having her kid and she is being suuuper animated about it. It probably does hurt that much to warrant the yells coming from Susch, but I really didn’t need to hear it. I was enjoying the play and it was jarring and disruptive to hear Susch’s screams.
11) So, we end in a group sing-a-long? I was expecting Blatz to play a killer song.
12) I wish I learned to play any instrument.
13) I want a brummtopp.
I also had the chance to be a part of an artistic talkback and the playwright's talk. I feel that while I enjoyed the play, Wiebe didn't do a great job of explaining some things. The thing I had the most trouble with is the lesbian relationship between Susch and Teen. When asked about the relationship, Wiebe didn't answer the questions directly and seemed to be avoiding the word lesbian altogether. He acknowledged that Teen loves Susch, but that was the end of it.
When meeting Wiebe I was immediately stunned by how much he didn't fit the way he looked in my mind; he doesn't look like someone that would write a play of adultery and lesbian loves. I wanted him to be more comfortable about it though. Those were the two most interesting moments of the play and that I would have liked to hear more about. Turns out those are the two things he didn't want to talk about.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
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This is long overdue, but on April 6th, I went to see Mother Mother at the Garrick with my CreComm friend John and they were pretty phenomenal. I was feeling under the weather so I sat in the seats, but I don’t feel that because I wasn’t standing by the stage, I enjoyed it any less.
I have yet to listen to the entire Eureka album because I haven’t purchased yet, but I still knew some of the songs from it and recognized and appreciated the fact that Mother Mother played a mix of songs from all three albums.
This was my first time seeing Mother Mother, but I would definitely see them again. They sounded absolutely stellar on their albums but are a great deal more impressive in person.
What crossed my mind watching Mother Mother:
1) I love that they came out when called for and encore. Bands that don't just comes off super douchy. Luckily Mother Mother has a plethora of crazy good songs, that they could play all night. They played three songs for their encore and I just wanted them to go on and on and on.
2) The opening band Whale Tooth was a fantastic choice.
3) The men who fall up stairs. Why is there no one that knows how to climb stairs? That last one is a doozy. In their defense, out of all those who fell, none spilled the drinks they were holding. Bravo.
4) If I wasn't so stuffed and sick I would be slammin' back some Keith's.
5) Bustin' out the sax. I appreciate that.
6) The men who crowd surf. Crowd surfing is never a good idea. Although, it is funny for everyone when you fall.
7) Winnipeg really is a small town. At the relatively tiny Garrick, I found three other people from my tiny town.
8) Don't get #3 and # 6 together, people will get hurt.
9) I feel old. For some reason there were many young kids there. Not young as in 12, but between the ages of 15 and 20. Yeesh.
10) The best concert I have been to, until I go see the Black Keys in July.
What crossed my mind watching Mother Mother:
1) I love that they came out when called for and encore. Bands that don't just comes off super douchy. Luckily Mother Mother has a plethora of crazy good songs, that they could play all night. They played three songs for their encore and I just wanted them to go on and on and on.
2) The opening band Whale Tooth was a fantastic choice.
3) The men who fall up stairs. Why is there no one that knows how to climb stairs? That last one is a doozy. In their defense, out of all those who fell, none spilled the drinks they were holding. Bravo.
4) If I wasn't so stuffed and sick I would be slammin' back some Keith's.
5) Bustin' out the sax. I appreciate that.
6) The men who crowd surf. Crowd surfing is never a good idea. Although, it is funny for everyone when you fall.
7) Winnipeg really is a small town. At the relatively tiny Garrick, I found three other people from my tiny town.
8) Don't get #3 and # 6 together, people will get hurt.
9) I feel old. For some reason there were many young kids there. Not young as in 12, but between the ages of 15 and 20. Yeesh.
10) The best concert I have been to, until I go see the Black Keys in July.
Enjoy this little Mother Mother diddy.
And this one too while you’re at it.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
comments (1)
I have spent a lot of time working on this project, which I submitted to the CCMA’s for best montage. Is it the best? We shall see awards night.
What crossed my mind while making my montage:
1) Why are people telling me it is difficult to film children? They’re idiots, I can do it.
2) See, I can do it. All it takes is bag of cookies.
3) Moms do not like it when you give their two and a half year old a whole bag of cookies.
4) Kids are so cute. Was it wrong of me to want a career and not a family?
5) Nope, I made the right choice.
6) This is harder than I thought.
6) This is harder than I thought.
7) Made harder that there was a three month old to care for too.
8) Oh, I wasn't taking care of the three month old. Ha. "Ash, your baby is crying."
9) "Ash, both of your babies are crying."
10) Dogs are easier to film than a two and a half year old.
11) When a baby doesn’t wanna do something, he ain’t gonna.
12) I am not sure what filters to use outside. Wish Dave were here to tell me.
13) I love it how kids are constantly falling.
14) Let me just say that I love kids, but thank goodness I can walk away from them. Jeez Louise.
15) If you are thinking of filming a kid. Don't do it. They're cute, but also they are disasters.
16) Edit suites are cruel and unusual punishment for CreComms.
17) I mean, there is evidence of ventilation, yet there is no ventilation.
18) Time code error? Screw it, that footage probably wasn't good anyway.
19) I love my family.
15) If you are thinking of filming a kid. Don't do it. They're cute, but also they are disasters.
16) Edit suites are cruel and unusual punishment for CreComms.
17) I mean, there is evidence of ventilation, yet there is no ventilation.
18) Time code error? Screw it, that footage probably wasn't good anyway.
19) I love my family.
See what has me smiling every time I see it and enjoy it as much as I do.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
comments (0)
Yesterday was the magazine trade fair at Red River College and from 11-2 the Atrium was packed. I was amazed by how many people thought our makeup artist was actually a woman and was shocked how quickly our free lube from Love Nest got scooped up.
Some shout outs and congrats.
A huge congrats to Lomo, Burlap, and to my great friends at Thingamajig for winning best layout, content, and overall magazine. You all deserved it.
I would also like to thank my group (Chuka, Daniella, and Judy) for working so hard to make Tuck and Tape all that it is. You all did a phenomenal job and should all be very proud of yourselves.
To Daniella and her boyfriend for making the cupcakes. Chuka for coming in early with me to set up. To Judy who made a great poster for the booth. There are many more things you all did and I am thankful you did.
Jynx for being our lovely cover model and who made time to come to RRC and give makeovers.
And to all the other groups. I have heard so much positive feedback and you all made the fair absolutely amazing.
What crossed my mind at the magazine fair:
1) How does our drag queen makeup artist look so much better than me?
2) After Larry Partap referred to lube as “love chap,” I began to question whether or not he knew what it was.
3) This magician is blowing my mind right now.
4) Duncan likes his toenails painted?
5) How many cupcakes, cookies, and jellybeans do you have to eat before you go into a sugar-induced coma?
6) C Petts acts like he is all prim and proper, but he is actually just a big clown.
7) Tuck and Tape that shit.
8) I have only seen one magazine fair before, but I am pretty sure that this is the best one ever.
9) Wanna design your own T-shirt? Heck yes I wanna!
10) A trade fair isn’t complete until you have beaver cookies, Sunny D, and meatballs.
11) How does our drag queen makeup artist look so much better than me?
Thanks for all who came and supported the first year CreComms. Check out some of the photos.
Some shout outs and congrats.
A huge congrats to Lomo, Burlap, and to my great friends at Thingamajig for winning best layout, content, and overall magazine. You all deserved it.
I would also like to thank my group (Chuka, Daniella, and Judy) for working so hard to make Tuck and Tape all that it is. You all did a phenomenal job and should all be very proud of yourselves.
To Daniella and her boyfriend for making the cupcakes. Chuka for coming in early with me to set up. To Judy who made a great poster for the booth. There are many more things you all did and I am thankful you did.
Jynx for being our lovely cover model and who made time to come to RRC and give makeovers.
And to all the other groups. I have heard so much positive feedback and you all made the fair absolutely amazing.
What crossed my mind at the magazine fair:
1) How does our drag queen makeup artist look so much better than me?
2) After Larry Partap referred to lube as “love chap,” I began to question whether or not he knew what it was.
3) This magician is blowing my mind right now.
4) Duncan likes his toenails painted?
5) How many cupcakes, cookies, and jellybeans do you have to eat before you go into a sugar-induced coma?
6) C Petts acts like he is all prim and proper, but he is actually just a big clown.
7) Tuck and Tape that shit.
8) I have only seen one magazine fair before, but I am pretty sure that this is the best one ever.
9) Wanna design your own T-shirt? Heck yes I wanna!
10) A trade fair isn’t complete until you have beaver cookies, Sunny D, and meatballs.
11) How does our drag queen makeup artist look so much better than me?
Thanks for all who came and supported the first year CreComms. Check out some of the photos.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
comments (0)
In order to get out of a research assignment that is sure to be dull and difficult, I have opted to do something else that is dull and difficult.
Sports.
No, not play them.
God no.
Read them.
For 92.9 KICK-FM.
You see, I am not you would call a sports fan, and unless it is curling or hockey, I pretty much draw a blank.
Then why read the sports you ask?
News was taken and I just love to deliver the news.
So there I was, new to the glamorous world of college radio.
What crossed my mind as I read the sports this week:
1.) I don’t know what NCAA stands for.
2.) It doesn’t matter how many times I read it over, I cannot say Detroit Red Wings. I say it like this: Red Rings. I can’t help it, I could never say a word that starts with a W when a word that starts with an R comes before. Another example, red wine. Can’t say it. It’s red rine.
3.) If you can’t say a name, YouTube is there to save the day.
4.) What the heck is the sweet 16?
5.) If you don’t have enough sports news, the newswire, Dave Hollier, or John Gaudes are there to save the day.
6.) Why do I have to mess up at least 38 times before I can read the sportscast decently?
7.) You know what would make this better? Red rine . . . I mean red wine.
8.) Edit suites aren’t the place for you if you are a generally hot person.
9.) I still don’t know what NCAA stands for.
10.) I know more about curling than any other sport.
I would like to thank the newswire, Dave, John, and Garth for helping me with the sports. You’re all stars. But not Dallas Stars because they stink.
These are some of the photos from my last bonspiel in 2009 in Winnipeg Beach with Melissa, Nicole, and aunt Maggie.
Sports.
No, not play them.
God no.
Read them.
For 92.9 KICK-FM.
You see, I am not you would call a sports fan, and unless it is curling or hockey, I pretty much draw a blank.
Then why read the sports you ask?
News was taken and I just love to deliver the news.
So there I was, new to the glamorous world of college radio.
What crossed my mind as I read the sports this week:
1.) I don’t know what NCAA stands for.
2.) It doesn’t matter how many times I read it over, I cannot say Detroit Red Wings. I say it like this: Red Rings. I can’t help it, I could never say a word that starts with a W when a word that starts with an R comes before. Another example, red wine. Can’t say it. It’s red rine.
3.) If you can’t say a name, YouTube is there to save the day.
4.) What the heck is the sweet 16?
5.) If you don’t have enough sports news, the newswire, Dave Hollier, or John Gaudes are there to save the day.
6.) Why do I have to mess up at least 38 times before I can read the sportscast decently?
7.) You know what would make this better? Red rine . . . I mean red wine.
8.) Edit suites aren’t the place for you if you are a generally hot person.
9.) I still don’t know what NCAA stands for.
10.) I know more about curling than any other sport.
I would like to thank the newswire, Dave, John, and Garth for helping me with the sports. You’re all stars. But not Dallas Stars because they stink.
These are some of the photos from my last bonspiel in 2009 in Winnipeg Beach with Melissa, Nicole, and aunt Maggie.
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
comments (0)
For the past few weeks I have had no life, but it wasn’t for nothing. Looks at what I have accomplished!
The first picture is of my travel ad for Beausejour, the second is a poster for the upcoming magazine fair, and the third one is a made up ad for Discreet Boutique for our magazine (Tuck and Tape).
I am really looking forward to not being so busy so I can have more time to write a real blog post and not just post school work. Stay tuned for that.
What crossed my mind as I do all this work:
1) How am I going to make an ad that makes Beausejour look good?
2) $4.00 for foam core? What a rip. Oh well, at least I didn't spend $20 (Ryan).
3) I hope these snowmobiles that are going 100 mph don’t crash and hit me. In fact there was a crash not 30 yards from me, and the rider broke his leg. But the crash happened just as they passed me, thank goodness.
4) This guy in this poster puts most women to shame. The model's name is Jynx and she is amazing and very friendly. Thanks to her for helping out and making our magazine great.
5) Judy, why do you have rope lying around?
6) “Hey Chuka, can Jenn tie you up and I take pictures?” “Sure.” Great! I can’t believe I got them to pose for it.
7) I like how CreComms help other CreComms.
8) Now that I am done, I can stop spending my nights in the MacLab drinking Tims. Yeah!
Posted by
Laura Kunzelman
comments (0)
As my ears flood with the whine of snowmobile engines, I step onto a flooded fairground, one imagines an ice-skating rink. Carefully stepping to avoid falling, I wonder why I was the only one having trouble walking. As I looked at everyone around me, I came to the conclusion that it was because I wasn’t dressed for the occasion. I came in leggings, a dress, and leather boots. Not typical winter gear such as ski pants and jacket, toque, and winter boots.
I cruise down Main Street, taking in what Beausejour has to offer, seizing the sights. And by sights I mean the grain elevator, a Chinese food eatery, and the crematorium. Next stop, the half-mile flooded oval track at the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships (CPTC) raceplex.
Glen Kaatz, president of the CPTC, is happy with the nearly 200 entries, some coming from as far away as Michigan. “You meet a lot of really good people here, lifelong friends,” says Kaatz.
Kaatz introduced me to his friend from Sauk Centre, Minnesota, PJ Wanderscheid, CPTC’s 2010 champion. The 27-year-old four-time Eagle River World Champion says, “A lot of the good guys come here, like Garry Moyle, all the fastest are here.”
“This is one of those races you want to put on your resume. I’d like to make it two years in a row,” says Wanderscheid, remembering last year’s CPTC win.
It felt like I was being welcomed back home when I was greeted by a group of older gentlemen who ushered me inside a shack that I randomly walked in to. No one questioned why I was there, they just volunteered to take me the best spots to take pictures, and filled my plate with warm cinnamon buns and perogies.
Andy, Gary, soft-spoken-Kenny, Ivan, John, and ‘Red Beard’ are rough looking men, but are the sweetest guys you could spend a day with in a small shack probably only 100 square feet. “Eat, eat,” insisted ‘Red Beard.’ Even though I never find out his real name, it just seemed natural to call him ‘Red Beard’ as he insisted I do. I even feel comfortable enough to call him ‘Yellow Beard’ because of all the mustard he had dripped onto it.
We sat eating our perogies watching the races in the warmth of the shack, occasionally stepping outside to inspect a sled or to snap a few pictures. The races went off without a hitch except during the last race of the day when 25-year-old racer, Dustin Wahl, was injured in a crash, suffering a broken leg and ankle.
Wanderscheid did win, beating out some pretty big names in snowmobile racing, and will return again next year to defend his two-year reign. After 13 years of racing, Wanderscheid says, “There is nothing like going over a hundred miles an hour on a sled, I will be here for many years to come.”
Beausejour is 45 minutes northeast of Winnipeg and more information on the town and its attractions can be found at ourhomeyourhome.ca. Information on the CPTC and their events can be found at cptcracing.com/info.
