Maniacal Natalie Merchant: ‘What is the matter here?’ By Michael Tatum No music figure I revile intrigues me more than Natalie Merchant, formerly of the pop group 10,000 Maniacs. Read more...

‘Mask’ screenwriter visits Melnitz Film success story Mike Werb returns to his alma mater By Michael Horowitz Daily Bruin Senior Staff "Every parking attendant in town is writing a screenplay," declares Mike Werb, who writes screenplays for a living and doesn’t park any cars except his own. Read more...

Philharmonic revives 1919 performance for 75th By John Mangum The Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrated its 75th birthday with a six-foot tall cake. It didn’t need candles because the orchestra was on fire. Read more...

‘Islands’ offers six hours revulsion, not ‘revolution’ Six-hour play seems more like fluff than social commentary By Jennifer Richmond Daily Bruin Staff "Revolution creates hell for all the people involved," Osvaldo (Shawn Elliott) says of the torment he’s endured throughout his life. Read more...

Hackett modernizes old plays UCLA professor directs comedies for Getty museum By Jeanna Blackman Imagine the Getty museum asking you to direct two ancient comedies. And ­ by the way ­ your work will be judged by theater-goers as well as specialists in ancient history. Read more...

Serros thrust into spoken-word world UCLA student tours as road poet with Lollapalooza By Gaby Mora Daily Bruin Staff If you thought your summer was cool, imagine playing basketball with the Beastie Boys, performing on the same stage as Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, touring the country in a luxury liner, and most importantly, doing it all under the pretext of fulfilling your career dreams. Read more...

Specials concert lacks excitement Despite good set, Palace show fails to rev up audience By Gaby Mora Daily Bruin Staff The most disappointing aspect of the Specials show at the Palace Friday night was the crowd leaving thinking they had seen the best of this legendary ska band. Read more...