Entertainment

CULTURE

I saw ‘Moulin Rouge’ on Broadway and had the time of my life

By Ayla Peden | March 17, 2026

Over March 4–7, incoming Editor-in-Chief Shannon Mahoney, Social Media Editor Kiser Young and I traveled to New York City for the spring College Media Association Convention. While the main purpose of this trip was to learn more about running a newspaper and how we can improve, I would be lying if I said I hadn’t planned to spend most of my time exploring the city. One of the adventures we unanimously agreed on was to see a show, because how could you go to New York and not?

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CULTURE

How to lose an Oscar in ten minutes: The Timothée Chalamet controversy

By Elise Hanna | March 16, 2026

Despite having the arts to thank for getting him where he is today, Timothée Chalamet has found himself in hot water over his criticism of them.In a Town Hall produced by CNN and Variety, Chalamet said to Interstellar star Matthew McConaughey, “I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera, or you know, things where it’s like ‘hey keep this thing alive’ even though it’s like, no one cares about this anymore."

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CULTURE

Styles’ new style: A ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally’ review

By Ren Chaffee | March 14, 2026

“Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally” is the perfect name for Harry Styles’ fourth studio album. The album consists mainly of sentimental and reflective songs, like “Taste Back,” making up the “Kiss” part of the album. The “Disco, Occasionally” represents the smaller number of songs in the album that just make you want to dance like no one’s watching. Fans have been waiting nearly four years for this album.

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CULTURE

Sketched Out improv hosts first Alumni Show

By Layla Norris | March 13, 2026

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the laughter and shouts from Pearson 128 could be heard throughout the building.

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CULTURE

Smiling ends

By Elise Hanna | March 12, 2026

For a show whose premise lies in making people smile, the latest news about the show “Smiling Friends” is making fans anything but cheerful.The show premiered its first episode, “Desmond’s Big Day,” on April 1, 2020, as a part of Cartoon Network’s nighttime programming block Adult Swim. The complete first season aired on Jan. 10, 2022, despite plans having been made for a weekly release.Almost immediately, it became clear that viewers loved it, gravitating towards its smart humor, witty jokes and lovable characters — characters who genuinely seemed to care for and play well off of each other. Unfortunately, this high did not last long.

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CULTURE

From basement gigs to glory: Mitski’s standouts on ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’

By Ren Chaffee | March 7, 2026

Mitski began her music career at Purchase College’s Conservatory of Music. She recorded her first two albums there: “Lush” (2012) and “Retired from Sad, New Career in Business” (2013). These began as piano-based student projects that she self-published on Bandcamp (an online platform and store for independent musicians to sell their music and merchandise) before signing with record label Double Double Whammy for her third studio album, “Bury Me at Makeout Creek” (2014).

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CULTURE

‘I Just Might’ love Bruno Mars now: A review of ‘The Romantic’

By Elise Hanna | March 6, 2026

I will preface this with an admission that the majority of my prior Bruno Mars listening time comes from the radio in Target and my mom’s dinner-cooking playlist.I didn’t even realize the drought that his fans have been in waiting for new music.

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CULTURE

Live performance through the years at Miami

By Stella Powers | February 28, 2026

From student performers to big names like Billy Joel and Seth Meyers, Miami University has been home to a vast variety of performers over the years. Performers from all genres — comedy, music, theater and more — have filled different venues on campus, providing entertainment to students, faculty and community members for over a century.

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CULTURE

The Miami Student has been reporting for 200 years; Only 47 include 'Culture' section

By Ayla Peden | February 27, 2026

When The Miami Student published its first edition as The Literary Focus in 1827, it only included three things: literature, poetry and philosophical thought. Now, 200 years later, The Student has sections covering everything from sports and opinion to culture and environmental news. What The Student calls the Culture section today has undergone many iterations since it’s first appearance 47 years ago.

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CULTURE

How has media changed over the last 200 years?

By Joey Dimacchia | February 27, 2026

From the first print issue of The Miami Student 200 years ago to today’s ever-accelerating technology-driven landscape, the media has consistently demanded our attention. To explain its full evolution would require a substantial encyclopedia — thousands of pages cataloging inventions, platforms and formats now taken for granted. Yet to understand the media, it isn’t necessary to recount its entire history. At its core, media reflects a persistent human impulse: the need to create, to record and to communicate.

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CULTURE

Ryan Coogler’s ‘Sinners’ deserves every award

By Layla Norris | February 23, 2026

February is Black History Month. It’s always important to highlight movies, music, books and art that celebrate black culture and heritage. With the Academy Awards season also rapidly approaching, there is a standout film that sits at the intersection: Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.”

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CULTURE

Romance novels that will make your heart flutter

By Ayla Peden | February 14, 2026

As Valentine’s Day is upon us, and couples start showing up on everyone’s Instagram feed, the idea of love begins circling around everyone’s minds. Many people, including myself, like to celebrate with anything romantic — hearts, chocolate, flowers and, most importantly, a good romance novel.So, here are six of my favorite romance novels from over the years.

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CULTURE

Culture editors, staff pick favorite ‘ships’

By Staff Report | February 14, 2026

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, The Miami Student Culture staff decided to share our favorite ships—or romantic pairings—from different media.

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CULTURE

It’s not easy being back: A skeptical review of the Muppet’s comeback

By Elise Hanna | February 13, 2026

As soon as the Muppets announced their comeback show, “The Muppet Show,” I received at least 10 messages from family and friends. I’ve been an above casual Muppet enjoyer for a majority of my life, much to the dismay of my puppet-fearing younger brother.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Unconventional romance movies to make your Valentine’s Day more interesting

By Stella Powers | February 12, 2026

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start your annual romcom binge. However, if you’re anything like me, you’re a little sick of the typical romance films with little to no plot. Sure, they’re classics for a reason, but how many times have you seen them by now?Instead of pressing replay on “When Harry Met Sally” or “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” why don’t you check out some of these unconventional romance movies to change things up a bit?

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CULTURE

Bookworm Review: Reads to start off the New Year

By Shannon Mahoney | February 4, 2026

If, like me, you get a spontaneous burst of energy following the New Year that inspires you to reorganize your entire bookshelf and set an impossibly large reading goal for yourself, congratulations! You’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of my favorite reads from break to help get your reading goals off to a strong start.

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CULTURE

‘Death in the Business of Whaling’: A symbolic, existential album

By Ren Chaffee | February 3, 2026

Searows, otherwise known as Alec Duckart, recently released the album “Death in the Business of Whaling” on Jan. 23.Searows’ has an intimate and folk-style of music. His music is melancholic while still carrying a soothing ability. Searows is the type of musician you listen to during times of high-stress for relatability and comfort. His music is perfect for late nights.

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CULTURE

‘Primate’: Solid movie without a solid plot

By Kethan Babu | February 2, 2026

Usually, I like to look into a movie before I buy a ticket for it. At the very least, I like to read the synopsis, check the cast for any recognizable names and maybe see what the general audience reviews are before I commit to a two or more hour endeavor.Every once in a while, however, I’ll go to a movie with zero research or expectations going in.

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CULTURE

Local performing arts events set to entertain you this spring

By Stella Powers | February 1, 2026

This spring, Oxford will be home to a variety of live performances, featuring music, theater and more. For more information on these events, visit the Oxford Community Calendar or the Miami University Events Calendar.

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CULTURE

‘People We Meet On Vacation’: The romcom everyone needs

By Ayla Peden | January 31, 2026

As many people in my life may know, I have been anxiously awaiting the release of Netflix’s latest romcom, “People We Meet On Vacation,” which is based on the Emily Henry novel of the same name.I had been talking about it constantly, so when the movie came out on Jan. 9, I sat down with my boyfriend and pressed play — and it is safe to say I was not disappointed.