Arts in Action: Cedarville University’s Jazz Band Swings through November concert
By Cadence Powers
The Cedarville University Jazz Band held their most recent concert in a room so packed that the audience had to stand. Almost two hours in length, Friday, Nov. 21 saw students, family members and community members alike gathered in the DMC recital hall. The band delivered a fantastic performance, each song ebbing and flowing with a practiced ease. It begs the question, what does it take to put a concert like this together?
Dr. Jenkins directs the Jazz Band 1 rehears...
‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ brings all the worst new ideas to magic
By Josh Ball
Sleight of hand is the magician’s trade. Diverting the audience's attention away from the real action is not easy to do. It allows the magician to say, “the closer you look, the less you’ll actually see.”
In 2013, the first installment of “Now You See Me” reminded the world why magic is so fascinating. In a cat-and-mouse chase with the FBI reminiscent of “Catch me if You Can,” the main characters, the Four Horsemen, use their tricks to perform massive ...
Season four of ‘The Witcher’ fails to deliver on already low expectations
By Josh Ball
‘The Witcher’ is a franchise with plenty of media adaptations. Latest among them is Netflix’s show. When actor Henry Cavill announced he was leaving the show due to creative differences, questions abounded. Cavill is known for being a fan of fantasy. Fans worried his dedication to the source material was the only reason the show had not spiraled into the Hollywood slop the fantasy genre has become. Sadly, we were right.
Season three ended with a lot of potential. Every ...
‘The Running Man’ captures audiences’ attention as an entertaining game show
By John Hiett
Could you survive 30 days against professional assassins and eagle-eyed civilians to win 1 billion dollars? This is the premise of “The Running Man,” set in a dystopian future where consumers are at the whim of mega corporations and their control over social media and laws.
Based on Stephen King’s 1982 novel, “The Running Man,” this film takes heavy inspiration from the source material and pays homage to the original movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger released ...
‘Playdate’ comically and confusingly conveys fatherhood
By Carly Shaner
They say people get closer in high-stakes situations; that friendships are strengthened when the stakes are heightened. Why not also use those circumstances as father-son bonding time?
“Playdate” follows Brian (Kevin James), a new stay-at-home stepdad, as he tries to connect with his son Lucas (Benjamin Pajak). They accept an invitation from another stay-at-home dad, Jeff (Alan Ritchson), and his son CJ (Banks Pierce). At said playdate, part of which is in a Chuck-E...
‘A Very Jonas Christmas Movie’ captures the laughter of Christmas
By Danielle Cherry
In this comedic Christmas movie, the Jonas Brothers portray themselves in their struggle to get home for Christmas. Through all the singing and hijinks, the brothers’ biggest obstacle is themselves and the bond that seems to be disappearing before their eyes.
Throughout the film, each brother struggles with some level of self-doubt, each stemming from popular internet knowledge. Nick is the uptight brother, Joe is the womanizer, and Kevin just wants to ...
Arts in Action: Portraits of Cedarville University’s studio painters
By Ella Lurtz
A 10-minute walk from the heart of Cedarville University’s campus, students of all majors trek to the Carnegie Center for the Visual Arts for painting foundations class. Half a dozen portraits begin to take shape on a row of canvases as students blend colorful layers of oil paint. Aaron Gosser, associate professor of studio art, makes his rounds through the studio, checking their work and giving tips to improve their technique.
An artist himself, teaching other students ...
‘Hidden Gems’ is a collection of well-performed pieces with a handful that truly shine
By Eva Tweeten
Known for his rich voice and beautiful covers of classic songs, Josh Groban delivers a new staple to his repertoire in his newest album, “Hidden Gems.” A compilation of formerly limited-edition Groban pieces and new covers, “Hidden Gems” is a natural addition to Groban’s collection.
Groban has been with his partner, Natalie McQueen, since 2022. Their relationship was made official on Valentine’s Day in 2023.
The opening track, “The Constant,” is ...
‘Ballad of a Small Player’ requires audiences gamble 101 minutes for an uncertain payout
By Teagan Warren
Edward Berger, the director of “Ballad of a Small Player,” is known for other films on my watchlist including, “All Quiet on the Western Front” (2022) and “Conclave” (2024). Most recently, he presented a stunning, detailed filming style in his film adaptation of the book “The Ballad of a Small Player.”
At the time of review, this film was ranked number six in movies today on Netflix. It depicts a man who calls himself Lord Doyle as he stays in a fancy ...
Leanna Crawford opens the ‘Still Waters Tour’ in Xenia, OH with style
By Amelia Morris
You may not have heard the name Leanna Crawford, but you likely have heard her song “Still Waters.” On November 6, 2025, Crawford opened her “Still Waters Tour” with her first show at the Schneider Banquet Center in Xenia, Ohio.
Crawford is a new Christian artist best known for her hit “Still Waters,” from her album of the same name. The catchy and spiritual song features a chorus with lyrics similar to the words from Psalm 23, also known as ‘the ...
