Tintypes, the Ring Theater’s first play of the fall season, is marketed as a “nostalgic revue” and as a “patriotic all-American” musical. Presented as part of Celebrating American Democracy and Diversity, the political movement on campus, Tintypes is a varied representation of America pre-World War I.

The play follows a hapless Charlie Chaplin-like immigrant (Chris Teustch) as he travels through turn-of-the-century America meeting various period celebrities like annoying diva Ana Held (Brittany Daley), political activist Emma Goldman (Samantha Stiglitz) and even then-President Teddy Roosevelt (Nick Wishnatzski). But this play belongs to the young black hired woman Susannah (Ericka Dorfler), who climbs the social ladder from factory worker to Vaudeville singer. Aside from this, there is no real plot to this play, but there are a series of amusing silent vignettes that serve to provide comic relief between the variously themed scenes.

The set consisted of six bookshelves stuffed with an assortment of nostalgic items thrown together from the prop room that makes the stage look like a Cracker Barrel without the tables, but reversed it revealed a charming Main Street U.S.A. accompanied by a big city backdrop. It’s hard to argue with the music of this revue since most in this play was lifted from popular plays from 1891 to 1920. These songs move at a brisk pace sometimes without a breath between them, let alone a transition. While there are several legitimate showstoppers, there are also some points that bring the play to a screeching halt (almost anytime our protagonist sings) – between these extremes the play seems to coast on nostalgia of our pre-9/11 innocence.

The play is mildly funny, due in part to Teutsch’s excellent pantomime skills; the strobe light simulating the silent film reel was particularly clever effect. However, the vaudeville segment in the second act almost makes one wish the concession stand sold healthier food during intermission.

True to it’s marketing; this play is unabashedly patriotic with almost a third of the songs dealing with love of America. However, coincidence or not, amid the classic songs a very subtle partisan message beyond apple pie and flag waving was quite apparent. Maybe as a reviewer I am just reading too much into a benign play that is completely performed on a surface level, but I challenge you to see if this partisan message is more than hundreds of political messages subconsciously imprinted to my brain due to the week of debate madness.

Upcoming performance dates are Oct. 6 – 9 at 8:00 p.m. with matinees on Oct. 9 at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $16 for weeknights and matinees; $18 for Friday and Saturday nights. Seniors, UM Faculty, Staff and Alumni Admission are $14 for weeknights and matinees; $16 for Friday and Saturday nights. UM Student Admission is $8 for weeknights and matinees $10 for Friday and Saturday nights, free show for students is on Tuesday, Oct 5.

Johnathan Twiggar can be contacted at j.twiggar@umiami.edu.

By Joanna Davila

EDGE Editor

Complied by Concord Records, the compilation called Party Music is a mix of 14 songs by various artists of various genres. Decorated with part of the American flag and some rather chic political pins inscribed with each artist’s name, the cover of the album definitely tells everyone that this CD has something to do with politics.

Handed out by the people who handle the Declare Yourself campaign, the tracks include artists such as the ever-popular Black Eyed Peas with “Hey Mama” and now-famous for their MTV performance of “Maps,” the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

To the surprise of listeners, there are also a few spoken songs or poetry that function as tracks. The first of several is a work entitled “I Let You Call Me Beautiful,” by Marty McConnell, a piece about how beauty is found in flaws and imperfections, not airbrushed bombshells and makeup ads. Interestingly enough, listening to someone speak a message instead of sing along to piano chords and drumbeats has a shockingly strong effect.

Despite the lack of continuity of the various artists, the compilation CD brings together a talented mix of both established and yet-to-be-heard artists who all have strong messages. So team up with Declare Yourself and snag some good tunes.

Joanna Davila can be contacted at j.davila1@umiami.edu.

By Joanna Davila

Edge Editor

Take Action, Volume 04 is the fourth installment of Sub City Records’ Take Action CDs, an extension of Sub City Records’ annual project to increase awareness of non-profit organizations through music. The two-CD compilation consists of 41 tracks by various punk rock bands that have names in both the punk rock world and mainstream.

Benefiting the National Hopeline Network, a crisis network and hotline for suicide prevention, the proceeds from the CD will go to raise money for the cause. In connection, it is no surprise that Sub City Records makes such a contribution, as the record’s mission is “to create a better world; one voice and one action at a time.”

As far as the compilation itself, the first CD begins with an earnest public service announcement from Andrew W.K who states that “life is a big and crazy place…don’t give up.” Immediately following, an unreleased song by NOFX pumps out music so energetically that by the song’s end, any listener has to be pumped with energy. Joining NOFX on the first of two CDs are The Kicks, Ever We Fall, V.P.R., and Go Betty Go, who all continue the energy started at the beginning of the 70-minute music menagerie. CD two by far carries a few more household names, such as Coheed & Cambria, Taking Back Sunday, Rufio, and Now It’s Overhead, that all lay down exceptional tracks. Both CDs, whether listened to together or apart are both outstanding collections of punk rock music.

Joanna Davila can be contacted at j.davila1@umiami.edu.

What a fantastic experience it was having the first Presidential Debate here on the University of Miami campus. As if we needed more proof that this is the best place to be, the entire world set its sights on UM as political and media heavyweights, descending on Walsh Avenue.

If you are feeling the affects of a withdrawal from politics, I have a fix that will help you make it through until the vice presidential debate tonight. I urge you all to check out JibJab.com, a website of political caricatures that is making a buzz for its well-crafted and extremely witty animation. You can also send e-cards from the site or pick up a hilarious screen saver right in time for the November election. What this site offers are a few good laughs and some comedic points that might actually get you thinking about who should be the next man to lead our great nation.

Most of the humor on the site is silly and surely shouldn’t offend anybody. Still, some of the points are valid and hit really close to the truth. It might be a good thing for some of you diehards to chill out and take a look at the lighter side of the political world. This site pokes fun at all parties and candidates with equal distribution. Perhaps some of you that were so caught up in the moment over these past few days will realize how silly it is when you get manic over your political views.

It is a discouraging sight to watch peers scream and get belligerent with anyone who shares different views. Accepting diversity is one of many things that makes our Nation great. If there is one thing I am sure we all can agree on in the month leading up to the election, it is that JibJab.com is a fun site to visit.

John Heslin can be reached at j.heslin@umiami.edu.

Political cartoons, often-called editorial cartoons are often times the visual vehicles for journalistic scrutiny of political policies and affairs. Amidst the mayhem of the Presidential Debates that took place Sept. 30, the Lowe Art Museum got a piece of the action, exhibiting the works of Chan Lowe and Jim Morin.

Cartoonists for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and The Miami Herald, Chan Lowe and Jim Morin have been entertaining readers and criticizing politicians and policies since the 1970s.

In an exhibit focusing on the upcoming presidential election and elections of the past years, the Lowe Art Museum offers a rather simple perspective on South Florida’s political cartoonists. Located in the second gallery, the exhibit of “It’s Debatable, The Political Cartoon Art of Chan Lowe and Jim Morin” is simply laid out with all the cartoons framed in a white mat and frameless pieces of glass.

Humorous and witty the various pictorials of elephants, angry mobs, and oversized talk bubbles range in topic. Seeming to be in no specific order, presidential candidates, actual debate cartoons, and issues of national concern ink the white canvases.

Despite the lack of color, flashing lights, or loud music, the exhibit has a voice of it’s own that can only be appreciated through an actual visit. Visit the Lowe and expand the knowledge of both past and present political topics, you’ll be surprised with how entertaining black ink can be.

Joanna Davila can be contacted at j.davila1@umiami.edu.

As long as fashion has been in style, clothing has been used to express the beliefs, ideals, and socioeconomic status of the wearer. From the deep purple robes worn by the aristocracy of Renaissance Europe, to the peace-symboled, tie-dyed T-shirts of 1960’s hippies, what a person wears has been a medium of communication for people who have something they want the rest of the world to know. And when it comes to having an opinion about something, nothing fires up a heated debate faster than politics. With one of the most influential and important presidential elections of recent history approaching at a rapid pace, it seems like everyone wants to ensure that his or her opinion is known – hence the plethora of political-themed apparel being thrown in students faces every time they attempt to push and shove their way through the UC Breezeway.

Despite the fact that it might make students late for class, the political fanfare on campus adds variety. There are Kerry supporters, Bush fans, random Nader followers, and then those people who just don’t give a damn who you vote for, as long as you get out there on Nov. 2 and cast your ballot.

“I think it [is] essential that students express themselves in controversial areas such as politics. Similar to the students of Tinker vs. Des Moines in 1969 (where school administrators tried to suspend students for silent protesting the Vietnam War with black armbands), UM students are practicing their first amendment rights. And although it may stir negativity between those of opposing parties, voting and communication through dress is our part of the political process,” Lauren Byrne, freshman, said regarding the political fashion around campus.

“Since young people are into fashion, [the recent trend of political clothing] is helping to make the students aware of the importance of voting,” Stephanie Merkin, junior, said.

Getting the 42 million voters between the ages of 18 and 30 to realize how vital their vote is seems to be the driving force behind the production of all the political attire. Take for example Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ Citizen Change program, which is manufacturing the “Vote or Die” T-shirts seen on celebrities and students alike. Although “Vote or Die” might be a bit harsh, Combs’ intentions are in the right place: Trying to get young people interested in the issues. Giorgio Armani is getting in on the action, too, with his “Think fashion makes a statement? Try voting,” shirt created by Marie Claire for Armani Exchange. All proceeds from sales of the shirts benefit the nonprofit organization Step Up Women’s Network.

Celebrities aren’t the only ones hoping young people exercise their right to vote. OUTspoken, a branch of the University of Miami club SpectrUM, has been selling “One-Term President” T-shirts (hand painted by club members) in the Breezeway since last week. As of Sept. 28, they had sold out their stock and are now using the profits to make more.

Pro-Kerry shirts, such as the one created by OUTspoken, seem to be the most abundant of the political fashion genre. There’s the “Vote Kerry” shirt actor Jack Black sported at the VMAs and the “fcuk Bush” shirt by French Connection (both are on sale at www.votekerry.com). However, Bush supporters can get their knocks in, too, with the “John Kerry is a fairy. Real men like Bush” shirt created by g-mart.

No matter what you’re for or against, whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, one thing’s for sure: there’s a shirt out there for you to make sure your voice is heard (or in this case, seen).

Danielle McNally can be contacted at d.mcnally@umiami.edu.

To think that the current president was leading in the rating polls prior to the night of the first Slam Bush rhyme championship held at Mansion on Sept. 29 baffles me. Although the views and opinions of the audience aren’t a true reflection of what America thinks, a lot of people in attendance really want President George Bush out of office. With the exception of a few Bush supporters, everyone converged to Mansion to show their support for removing Bush from office on the very crucial day of Nov. 2, or they came to see the Grammy-award recipients, The Roots, play for their first time in Miami in six or seven years.

The National Slam Bush competition was an innovative way for the organization to accomplish its primary goal – to reach out to as many unregistered voters in hip-hop communities and encourage them to vote in the upcoming election. Over the past couple months, 25 local Slam Bush battles were held all over the country, primarily in swing-state cities such as Miami, Albuquerque and Portland. The competition addressed the president’s policies (or lack thereof) through freestyle, spoken word or music. As a result of its trip across the nation, the organization activated 7,000 anti-Bush voters – either registering them to vote, getting them to join their volunteer database or enlisting them as anti-Bush spokesmen.

Celebrity host Chuck D. from the political and revolutionary hip-hop group Public Enemy had a message particularly for college students: “You’re adults, and it’s almost derogatory saying that somebody that’s college age cannot really understand what their future holds and [can’t] take control over their own future, when they old enough to be drafted and taken off to war.” And while the University of Miami prides itself on football, Chuck D. has a serious question, “If somebody is going to play football and you ain’t playing, what are you going to get out of the football game [except] keep score?” To answer the question, he encourages us to “keep score on [our] country as well.”

Each finalist during the championship had a few minutes to direct his or her thoughts to a man dressed in a Bush costume. The stage was set up as if it were a debate, as President Bush was on the right side of the stage with a sign that read “World’s Worst President of the United States of America” while the finalist tried to come with his or her best verbal attacks. Contestants were judged in part by audience’s approval and while a few succeeded, the majority failed to connect with the audience either because they rapped too fast for comprehension or they were just wack.

A winner was declared: Vanessa German from Pittsburgh who won a $5,000 cash prize and an opportunity to record at South Beat Records’ in-house studio. Her moving ode to President Bush titled “Thank You” thanked Bush for all the problems he has directly caused her and members of her community – lack of healthcare for her grandmother and abused sister and trying to ruin her chance of marrying her female partner because of his views on gay marriages.

If there were any problems that night, it had to be the time in between the championship and The Roots’ performance. Opening acts Mayday! and Algorithm truly disappointed me…and the crowd. Not only did they lack stage presence, but also they lacked the ability flow. They reminded me of amateurs who really needed practice, and maybe advice that this was not the proper career decision.

By 12:40 a.m., The Roots finally came out to the crowd’s approval. Starting the show off right, the amazing and beautiful singer Jill Scott came out to jam with The Roots for their collaboration “Complexity” and the single that garnered them their first Grammy “You Got Me.” Over the next two hours, The Roots played their hearts out on a number of songs that I was unfamiliar with, but that didn’t stop me from experiencing and appreciating the music they offered. As if I were at a rave, I couldn’t stop moving to the pulsating beats of the band and words of Black Thought. There was even a segment where they did their interpretations of songs such as Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love” and Salt and Pepa’s “Push It.” After the show, when I met Questlove (drummer and maestro of hip-hop) he told me that he played so hard that his hands were bleeding – and this was the first time that has ever happened to him.

Overall, the Slam Bush event was a night to remember. I was glad to see that the principles this country were founded upon – freedom of speech, right to protest, etc. -were still upheld, or least at this event. Like Chuck D. says, “Voting is as important as washing your ass and don’t look for props for washing up in the morning; it’s something you’re suppose to do when your grown. So don’t look for props for voting, but if you say that something stinks, all you have to do is hold up your arm and say ‘Well it stinks because you contributed to it because you didn’t wash.’ As it relates to society, something stinks in society because a lot of us didn’t vote.” Whether you are for President Bush or Sen. John Kerry, go out on Nov. 2 and exert your freedom to make a positive change for America, because nobody wants to smell like “boo-boo.”

Marcus Washington can be contacted at m.washington2@umiami.edu.