A group of students at The University of Michigan has proved this true with their creation of “A Very Potter Musical,” a full-length theatrical production that was entirely written, composed, and performed by students. The show parodies the Potter novels, including elements from all seven strung together to summarize the whole dramatic saga in two hour-long acts. The show was performed five times through a non-profit student theatre company last April.

The masterminds behind this project call themselves “Team Star Kid,” and have their own channel on youtube.com. Since posting their entire show online shortly after live performances were over, the first clip has received over 300,000 views.

In order to steer away from any legal copyright issues, their websites, teamstarkid.com, iterates that they posted the show “solely for the personal, non-commercial enjoyment of [themselves] and other Harry Potter fans.” To further the enjoyment, the soundtrack of the show is also available for free download.

This musical is – dare I say it? – magical. Every character shines in his or her own specific role. Actors exaggerate the personalities of the infamous Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco to the comical extreme.

In addition to having composed much of the music, Darren Criss plays Harry Potter as a self-centered, melodramatic bro. He is accompanied by a hilarious, constantly-hungry Joey Richter as Ron Weasley. Together they are “totally awesome.” Hermione, played by Bonnie Gruesen, could have easily been annoying, but instead offered a nice balance to Harry and Ron’s ridiculous antics.

However, Lauren Lopez stole the show with her portrayal of Draco Malfoy. Yes, Malfoy is played by a girl. Flamboyant, arrogant, and unable to stand still for any length of time, Draco Malfoy is the funniest part of “A Very Potter Musical.” Lopez shines through in her performance of “Granger Danger,” during which Malfoy professes his hidden love for Hermione Granger.

This is just one of the hilarious creative liberties writers Matt Lang, Nick Lang, and Brian Holden constructed from the source material. They also expand upon another relationship that seems lacking in the original novels; Professor Quirrel and Voldemort perform much of the musical attached back-to-back. At one point during the song “Different,” Voldemort declares in a perfected evil warble, “I’m happy as a squirrel, when I’m with Mr. Quirrel.” With an outrageously inappropriate Professor Dumbledore, the show is beyond improvement.

Potter fans, Draco/Hermione shippers, Voldy lovers, anyone who has ever enjoyed the story of the “Boy Who Lived” – you now have a mission in life: to go onto youtube.com, search “A Very Potter Musical,” watch it, and thus fill that hole in your Harry-shaped heart, the one you did not even know existed.

Gwen Kestler, Editor-in-Chief

I was in my car – iPod on shuffle, of course, because it would be a crime to turn on the radio – when “The Rabbit, the Bat, & the Reindeer” by Dr. Dog filtered through my one functional speaker. Not having heard that particular song, or band for that matter, in months, I remembered just how much I loved Dr. Dog and was upset at myself for accidentally discontinuing my lengthy obsession. It’s a little sad how vividly I remember this, like it was a life-altering moment, but I digress.

After first stumbling upon the group a couple years ago, I was completely infatuated. Dr. Dog’s fourth album, We All Belong, did me in. Fate, their fifth album, cemented my fixation. Normally at this point, I would talk about phenomenal stand out tracks, but frankly, every song on these two albums is a collective masterpiece. Exaggeration aside, I could not pick out a select few to recommend if my life depended on it.

Dr. Dog’s most recent studio albums showcase their resemblance to the The Beach Boys and the Beatles, a combination that never fails to impress even a non-

Beatles fan like myself.

This past summer, it was announced that Dr. Dog’s sixth album will be released in the spring of 2010, with the tentative title of Shame, Shame. When asked about the impending project, lead guitarist and vocalist Scott McMicken said it will “more accurately show what the band is like at a live concert.”

Needless to say, this album will be one I actually purchase come April 2010.

Allyssa Pollard, Entertainment Editor

This winter, Neuqua Valley High School will be presenting the Wizard of Oz with a contemporary twist. With new music, a few different character names, and the same entrancing storyline, The Wiz is sure to be a success.

Clearing up the confusion of whether The Wiz is a musical or a play, Aubrey Smith, the director of The Wiz, calls the play a show with singing but not a full fledge musical. The Wiz will not have all the songs originally found in the movie. Instead, it will highlight some of the most recognizable songs such as “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and “No Bad News.”

Along with the exciting music, a surprise guest will be coming to the winter play. Tight lipped about it, Smith hinted that just like every year there is a special guest who comes for the winter play and this year will be no different. Some guests from previous years are Angela Spivey and The Voices of Victory, Steven Beasley and Rev. Timothy White. All of these guests are recording artists who have topped the gospel charts. He implied that along with the incredible show sure to come, the guest coming this year is something to look forward to.

Contrary to the belief that The Wiz will be an all African American show, Smith assured the Echo that there would be no discrimination in the cast. Smith replied, “I cast the best person for the role…regardless of race.”

So be prepared to head on down the yellow brick road in January for the opening of The Wiz.

Gretchen Andsager, Staff Writer

The popularity has now trickled all the way down to Neuqua Valley. The Hunger Games was selected as this year’s “One Book, One School”. Several copies of it will be distributed amongst the staff, and will then be passed along to students and faculty members.

This year’s selection is different from others in that the novel is geared more towards young adults. The genre also has shifted from the realistic fiction of past years to more of a fantasy/science-fiction category.

The story follows a fifteen-year-old girl name Katniss, who lives in a land divided into twelve districts. Every year, two children, one boy and one girl, are randomly chosen from each district to participate in the “Hunger Games.” The twenty-four kids are put into a controlled, isolated environment, and forced to kill off one another until only one is left, gaining pride and riches for their district. The government endorses and televises the entire event. When her younger, weaker sister is chosen to compete, Katniss decides to go in her place.

Since the writing is more middle-school level, it is sometimes hard to fully accept some of the plot’s unrealistic assertions. This aside, The Hunger Games possesses political themes reminiscent of Lois Lowry, in addition to fast-paced action sequences of Katniss literally fighting for her life, and thus achieves the gripping excitement for which every young-adult author vies.

Gwen Kestler, Editor in Chief

James Brown spent three years in jail for robbery, illegal possession of drugs, and for assaulting the police.

Paul McCartney spent 10 days in jail for illegal possession of marijuana in a Tokyo airport.

Soulja Boy spent one night in jail for loitering in an abandoned house and then running from the police.

T.I. has been in jail for a year for illegal weapon possession.

Now Lil’ Wayne has been convicted for illegal possession of a 0.4 caliber hand gun and marijuana on his tour bus. And this is only naming a few artists.

Whether by ill-judgment or for other unexplainable reasons, it seems that musicians have been in and out of trouble, in and out of jail, and in and out of the news constantly.

Yet, public reaction is more surprising. These crimes are often dismissed simply because of the popularity of the artists, when in fact it should not be.

Indeed, crimes such as those mentioned above are still looked down upon when heard on the news, but it is not viewed likewise when about a musical artist. For many hip-hop artists, these crimes add to the “gangsta” personality that is often sought after.

Overriding such misdeeds simply creates unfair double-standards. Yes, teenage and adult audiences are mature enough to know right or wrong, but that is no excuse as to why these situations are viewed with nonchalance. Even viewing such an offense with indifference is a crime in and of itself.

In fact, this now allows derogatory and violent lyrics to be accepted and almost banal in today’s music, revealing the shifting standards and ethics of society.

Music is meant to be a connection to people and universal emotions, and these artists have a large impact on their audience.

If popular artists do not step up and be the role-models they were meant to be, then it is the duty of the listeners to judge the crimes they committ, not ignore them.

Reema Rao, Editor in Chief

Samberg is not only a talented comic actor, but a writer as well. He is behind the comedic genius of many of our favorite Digital Short’s including ‘Natalie’s Rap’, ‘I’m On A Boat’, ‘Ras Trent’, and ‘Lazy Sunday’. However, Samberg is not a comedic troubadour. He works with Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, the other two members of his comedy troop, to produce the funny videos we have fallen in love with.

“I think they push the limit, but that’s partially why they are so funny”, said Junior Emily Adams. “They are a crude brand of humor, but they appeal to a wide audience.”

Indeed, every generation has its comics who push the limits, like Richard Pryor, circa 1970 whose controversial comic acts touched on everything from thug life to cocaine addiction. The very show Samberg stars on, Saturday Night Live, was, and still is notorious for poking fun at every crack in humanity and world governments.

Aside from being the most attractive Jew since Bette Midler in her prime, Samberg also won a Creative Arts Emmy for the Digital Shorts he has written and starred in. Although many of his acting and writing goes without award, his roles are never forgotten. Samberg has taken on the role as Rod Kimble in Hot Rod, and Robbie Klaven in I Love You, Man, and has portrayed dozens of diverse characters in Saturday Night Live skits.

Undoubtedly, Samberg has left his mark on society, but there is still more to come. Samberg is currently working on Freaknik: The Musical, along with rapper Lil Wayne. Until the release of any major motion picture with Samberg, which will undoubtedly be highly anticipated, we can tune into Andy and his ever present humor every Saturday night.

Anna Miller, Staff Writer

The band made their first major appearance when they were on the cover of Kerrang! Magazine, who dubbed them “the best new band you’ll hear in 2008”. They also performed this year at Lollapalooza in Chicago.

Their second full length album, The ’59 Sound, was released on August 19th, 2008. The record is a masterpiece that can be compared to the best work of Bruce Springsteen. Fast-paced and with a bluesy feel, the vocals of singer Brian Fallon are great in their own right, and with their quick, energetic, instrumentals backing him, including the guitar playing of Alex Rosamilla, it becomes an amazing arrangement.

It offers a feeling of originality in the music, something that is lost in most rock today. Each song on The ’59 Sound has its own feel and the ability to stand alone. Even through the instrumentals, the influence of Bruce Springsteen is obvious.

The record starts with the song “Great Expectations” a fast, catchy song that will get stuck in your head after listening to it once. The title track, “The ’59 Sound” is a quick song reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen’s classic, “Born to Run” as the band offers great lyrics backed by bluesy instrumentals. Followed closely by the song, “Old White Lincoln” the album continues with an original, fast paced, sound.

The middle songs slow the albums pace down, but do not cease to achieve with great songs like, “Miles Davis & The Cool” and “Casonova, Baby!” The record ends with the song, “The Backseat”, which provides a strong ending to an album that is very different from other rock albums released.

All throughout, The 59’ Sound, never ceases to amaze and entertain. Offering catchy, but intelligent songs, The Gaslight Anthem have a timeless album that shows their talent at creating music that is original and timeless.

Thomas Rowland, Staff Writer

“This is perfect from a strategic perspective,” Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger told CNNMoney.com. “This treasure trove of over 5,000 characters offers Disney the ability to do what we do best.” In a conference call, Iger also mentioned that it would provide Pixar Animations with additional opportunities as well.

While both Disney and Marvel reached a mutual commitment, Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko held the most significant opinions as the creators of the original Marvel characters. In fact, Lee, 86, envisioned Marvel as the next Disney.

“I love both companies,” said Lee in an interview with the Associated Press. “From every point of view, this is a great match.”

This deal not only advances financial situations for both companies but also increases popularity as well. “Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing business,” Marvel Chief Executive Ike Perimutter said to CNNMoney.com. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization around the world.”

Disney is further working to encourage an increased audience of boys and men. With releases of the princess classics, Hannah Montana films, and the Jonas Brothers Concert Experience, the male audience has significantly diminished. Hopes are that Wolverine and Spiderman will change that.

Currently, Marvel still holds contracts with Paramount, Sony, and Fox, but it is not hesitating to start projects with Disney soon. Under an established contract, Marvel is expected to release five more films with Paramount, including the fourth installment of Spiderman.

But until then, fans have been entertaining internet surfers with the top hookups between Disney and Marvel characters, one of which is Minnie Mouse and Spiderman. To view the rest of the Top Ten list, visit http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/chicago-subtext/2009/08/top-ten-disney-marvel-hookups.html.

Reema Rao, Editor-in-Chief

Although White has shed her former image, she keeps some semblance of her past in Dark Undercoat’s gothic style lyrics. Her slightly dark subject matter combined with her wispy, intimate voice creates a ghostly mood that envelops every song, and adds to its overall indescribable familiarity.

One song from the album, “Wild Tigers I Have Known” was created for the film with the same title, directed by Cam Archer. This song perfectly exemplifies White’s employment of piano in the attempt to create a fragile atmosphere, a feat Archer was also trying to achieve in his 2006 film.

Although fairly gloomy, Dark Undercoat fits as a soothing addition to a playlist for almost anything, whether it is the soundtrack for studying or moping around, acting depressed.

Allyssa Pollard, Entertainment Editor

Scott Westerfeld describes such a society in his novel Uglies, in which he offers up a world when one’s appearance reflects their placement in society.

When teenagers in this sci-fi turn 16, they receive intense cosmetic surgery to reconstruct every flaw in their face and figure. The change from a self-conscious Ugly, someone who does not receive the surgery, to a well-respected Pretty is what one’s entire life is based upon.

Tally Youngblood is a teenager caught up in the battle between society’s rules and rebelling against them. In her city, everyone awaits the fateful day of their surgery.

Tally has always anticipated this day, until she meets Shay, a girl who makes her consider if the surgery is really necessary for the life she wants. Her plan to run away makes Tally consider whether that is the life she would like to have

As soon as Shay runs away to a mysterious place called The Smoke, a hidden camp filled with unchanged Uglies, it forces Tally to rethink which side she is on, the ways of society that she has always known, or her new friends’ revolutionary ideas.

The creativeness of Uglies’ alternate reality makes it a worthwhile read and the twists and turns of the plot do not fail to create suspense. The insight into the character’s minds reveals their emotions and makes them relatable, interesting people to follow.

Through Westerfeld’s imagination, the reader is allowed to take a step away from reality and enter a world that is completely different from what they know.

Molly Sonricker, Staff Writer