Lolley McConnell

NEWS 4/8/10 7:00pm

My First Time deflowers sex stigma

By Lolley McConnell

The stories of My First Time range from romantic to funny to painful to absurd, as eight actors on a bare stage recount others' tales of the first time they bared it all. With anecdotes gathered from the Web site www.myfirsttime.com, the play showcases multiple perspectives on virginity and delivers the message that no matter how your first time worked out, never fear, for there will be many, many other chances to get it right. Co-directed by Wiess College sophomore Matt Banks and Lovett College senior Sarah Lyons, the off-Broadway show is appearing at Rice for a second consecutive year, and it reveals a significant maturity in this run. The onstage monologues are supported by a multimedia display, which provides statistics and celebrity quotes about their own initiations. While most of the stories are scripted, the audience is encouraged to get involved by filling out an anonymous survey that is then given to the actors. As a result, there's a chance your first time will be part of the act.

NEWS 9/11/08 7:00pm

Behind the screen at Colorado's Telluride Film Festival

By Lolley McConnell

You must have a large store of faith to attend the Telluride Film Festival. With a lineup that is not announced until you are cozily nestled in one of the ski lodges of the small town, there is no chance to shop for Oscar bait or star directors. Even the staff is kept in the dark about who and what will appear, but they faithfully return year after year, most as volunteers, simply because Telluride is so unique.Do not expect the festival to be a few days of star chasing; there is an unspoken code that actors and directors are there only to present and talk about their work, not to hand out autographs or pose for pictures. This creates an atmosphere centered on film where you'll find people talking about the movies instead of the celebrities.