Battling for souls in the River City

Hello from battleground central.

Don't know if you've been following the news in entertainment for the last couple of weeks, but things have gotten a little crazy in good old Southeast Missouri. And I, as Cape Girardeau's go-to guy in the area of arts and entertainment (at least I think that's what they tell me) have been right in the middle of it.

It all started when Southeast Missouri State University decided to put on a little-know Shakespeare play called "Romeo and Juliet." But this wasn't the "Romeo and Juliet" most people are familiar with.

In a clear show of bravado and creative integrity, director Kenn Stilson made the boys in the play exactly what they are -- fighting man whores. They love phallic symbols, pissing in public, mooning people, etc.

A faithful interpretation of Shakespeare's bawdiness it was, but some high school administrators didn't see it that way. They boycotted the show, and I was inundated with response to the play, both good and bad.

All I can say is if you didn't see it, you missed out.

But on to something you can see. Chances are while you're reading this another controversy is taking hold nationwide over "United 93." This flick tells the story of the flight that nose-dived into a Pennsylvania field on Sept. 11 -- a plane that was supposedly headed for the nation's capitol.

We all remember Sept. 11 vividly, and Hollywood wants to get in on that action. If you ask me, it's a bit exploitative, but curiosity is my bane, and I'll watch it.

Another flick is getting even more rage, and love, than "United 93." For May marks the start of the blockbuster season, and "The Da Vinci Code" looks to be the summer's first mega-hit.

Never read the book? Wonder why Christians are so concerned? Here's why.

According to theory's in "The Da Vinci Code," Jesus wasn't divine. In fact, he had sex, some little Jesuses, and didn't rise from the dead when the Romans strung him up on a cross.

As the movie's May 19 opening date comes closer, expect to hear more about the clash between Christians and conspiracy theorists. Watch it, do the research, and make up your own mind.

But if you want to stay away from all that heavy stuff, just read on, my friend. This month's OFF fills you in on some ways to relax without screaming terrorists and evil monks.

Davis Dunavin takes you inside the gearhead culture at the drag strip, while Nicole Stanfield examines the yin to the drag strip's yang at a Cape Club Complex drag show.

Fire up the grill and break out the ice cold beer, it's May, and here's OFF.