CAT’s first production

Charleston Alley Theatre’s fourth production of its 2008 season is Night Mother by Marsha Norman – play that seems a bit unconventional for the Charleston area.

The play is about a daughter, Jessie, and her mom Thelma. It begins with Jessie telling her mom that she will be dead the next day since she plans to commit suicide that night. Throughout the play it becomes clear why Jessie plans to kill herself and how she has planned it. The play also focuses on the life Jessie and her mom have had.

Suicide is a difficult topic, whether its a play or reality, and it will be interesting to see how the Charleston Alley Theatre plans to convey the subject matter and message.

‘4 Minutes’ of pure genius

Madonna and Justin Timberlake (arguably two very influential artists) recently collaborated on the song “4 Minutes (To Save the World)” – a song that’s catchy and a video that’s flashy.

“4 Minutes” is a  song off of Madonna’s new CD Hard Candy that will be released April 29. (Timbaland is also featured in the song).

The lyrics are sprinkled with several sexual innuendos, which leads some to believe that the song is about what you would do in the last 4 minutes you have to save the world. The lyrics “Grab a boy” and “Go grab a girl,” give off this implication.

Although the meaning of the lyrics is a bit unclear, there is no denying that the lyrics are catchy. You can probably catch yourself singing along to Madonna’s words “I want somebody to speed it up for me then take it down slow,” and Timberlake’s words “Don’t be a prima donna, Madonna.”

Now the video is the most impressive thing about the collaboration between these two artists. The chemistry (despite the age difference) between Madonna and Timberlake is uncanny. They bounce well off of each other as they dance and act throughout the video.

The video also has a futuristic appeal with visually compelling elements and is very upbeat. At certain moments the screen will twist and turn. There are also moments when people featured in the video are seen from the inside.

With a good single like “4 Minutes (To Save the World),” Madonna’s CD is bound to be a hit.

Don’t Forget ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” brings a humorous light to those awkward break-ups.

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is about Peter who, after a devastating break-up with his TV star girlfriend Sarah Marshall, heads to Hawaii hoping to forget about his relationship with Sarah. However, Peter soon learns that Sarah is at the same resort as Peter with a new boyfriend.

As seen by the trailer, hilarity ensues as we see Peter weep over the break up and in the awkward encounters with his ex and her new boyfriend.

“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is guaranteed to have some memorable one-liners seeing as how this film is from the producers of The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up - two equally funny movies.

If comedy is your forte don’t forget about “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” when heading to the movie theater this weekend.