Weekend more than just football

The Western Michigan Broncos are coming to town Friday, and that can
only mean one thing for CMU students.

It’s going to be one crazy weekend.

In fact, it’s going to be so crazy, side entrances to all dorms will
be closed off between Thursday and Sunday. Police officers are sure to
scatter the stadium Friday and the entire town all weekend in
preparation of excess partying.

But believe it or not, some students won’t be taking part in these
festivities. Some would rather not get involved in what could be the
biggest CMU football game in decades.

That’s where I come in.

I’ve decided to offer two good entertainment suggestions as Friday
night alternatives for those of you who are just too good for the game
— or vice versa.

The first and most conventional option for most students is to go to
the theater — but in this case, I’m talking about Moore Hall’s Bush
Theatre.

“Urinetown: The Musical” will be performed at 8 p.m. tonight through
Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday.

With a name like “Urinetown,” it’s got to be interesting.

And it should be. It might be mere coincidence the play is running
on the same weekend as the rivalry game, but word has it is this play
is going to be the best we’ve seen all year.

It isn’t going to be your typical musical or classical piece — in
fact, the play was written in 2001 and applies a modern feel, which
appeals to more college students.

I think most students owe it to themselves to check out “Urinetown”
anyway. For having to work on and perform this play during one of the
biggest weekends at CMU, the student actors and technical crew deserve
the audience and the attention, even if few see the play Friday.

Another popular option is to see “Borat: Cultural Learnings of
America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan,” which opens
Friday at Celebration! Cinema.

Although some perceive the film to be exceptionally insensitive,
“Borat” has been raved by even the best film critics as the funniest
movie of the year. Sacha Baron Cohen’s character is the next Napoleon
Dynamite, except funnier and more lovable.

Both suggestions are just from the top of my head. I’m sure plenty
of other events will be happening this weekend for people to get
excited about.

But the point is there’s no reason for anybody to be sitting around
and doing nothing this weekend. Forget homework — fans and tailgaters
have their game, art and music theatre enthusiasts have their play and
Americans in general have their Borat.

People like me will find room for all three this weekend.

If anything, your last resort should be watching the football game
on Comcast Local from your dorm or apartment.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that — just know when the team
needs a boost from its fans, you won’t be there to provide it when you
easily could have been.

Brian Manzullo can be reached at bmanzullo@cm-life.com.