Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show: Bruno Mars Takes The Stage

Throughout America, football is a pastime like no other. It brings families together, creates rivalries, and adds competition to the lives of many. So it is no surprise the Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated events all year. That being said, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is as equally waited for, discussed, and admired as the game itself.

I jumped out of my seat when I heard Bruno Mars was going to be performing. I'm sure many others did too. Bruno Mars has become an acclaimed songwritewr over these past few years, and his music varies from sad love songs like "It Will Rain" to joyful, upbeat ones such as "Locked Out of Heaven" even to regular, lax songs about life like "The Lazy Song".

Bruno Mars has won several awards since 2010, one of which includes a Grammy for his song "Just The Way You Are" in 2011. He has been nominated for many awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album in The 2014 Grammy's.

I personally like Bruno Mar's music because it is real, filled with emotion, and able to relate to. His songs include the struggles many of us face in our daily lives, and he expresses, through song, how he feels them too, so we can relate to him and feel better knowing there are other people out there that feel the same way as we do. Also, he has an large range of notes and a beautiful tone to his voice.

We as an audience are unsure yet of what he will be performing, although there are many songs he can choose from, and whichever ones he picks, I'm sure America will love to see them performed live at the Super Bowl. Another interesting thing to think about is how he will appear, or what else he will decided to put in to increase his performance. None of us may know until Sunday night, February 2nd. I'll be tuned in, so you should too!

Dominic Pagliaro, 15
Sophomore at Notre Dame High School, West Haven

Hairspray: Big musical, Big comedy, BIG HAIR!

Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teen of the 60's and her best friend, the ever so dorky Penny Pingleton. Penny and Tracy have an unhealthy obsession over the Corny Collins Show, and the dreamy Link Larkin, a teen boy who dances on the show. When one of the stars takes a break, Tracy is added on to the show with the help of her new African-American friend Seaweed, and her dream has finally come true. Tracy and her friends decide it's unfair that the black kids can only dance on TV once a month. They all take a stand and do whatever it takes to integrate the television show...without denting their 'dos!

Over the past few months, I have been lucky enough to participate in the perfect show as a perfect role; Penny Pingleton. I have dreamed of playing Penny ever since I was young, and I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to play it other than Lighthouse Youth Theatre in Armonk, New York. The cast is made up entirely of teens ranging from eighth grade to seniors in high school. Hairspray is a high energy fast moving musical, you'll find yourself dancing in your seat!

Hairspray will be performed on...

January 10th at 7:30 and 11th at 2:00 and 7:30

January 17th at 7:30 and 18th at 2:00 and 7:30 for the senior cast (which I am a part of).

click here to purchase tickets for the show!

(Buy tickets for the blue senior cast if you want to see me as Penny Pingleton!)

This is a show you do not want to miss!

-Shay LaRusso, 16

Junior at Norwalk High School