New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

All content by Madeline Kane
Reg Rogers in a suit with a blue tie, Katie Rose Clarke in a pink long coat with her arms outstretched, Jonathan Groff in a black suit with a black tie, Daniel Radcliffe in a brown suit and sweater and Lindsay Mendez wearing a white coat with a multi-colored striped dress standing on a stage.

Review: 42 years later, ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ finally gets a lengthy run on Broadway

After extensive re-writes and several notable productions, Stephen Sondheim’s greatest short-running flop is now on Broadway.
Madeline Kane, Contributing Writer December 12, 2023

Since his death in late 2021, composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s legacy has been celebrated on Broadway through multiple revivals of his iconic musicals, including “Into...

A small film crew stands in a cathedral with camera equipment, filming a woman in a long blue dress. A woman in a long blue dress. Behind the film crew, two people sit with cellos, and larger group of people are seated like an audience.

Review: ‘Maestro’ is a grand celebration of an American icon

Bradley Cooper’s sophomore directorial effort sees the star almost unrecognizable as Leonard Bernstein, exploring his tumultuous relationship.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer December 4, 2023

Hollywood favorite Bradley Cooper stars as American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein in his sophomore directorial effort, “Maestro.” With career-best performances from...

A man with brown hair wearing a white shirt leans on a woman with blonde hair wearing a beige shirt

Review: ‘Foe’ — despite its potential, it’s a big disappointment

Out in theaters now, the movie follows a couple’s relationship being tested when a proposal is brought to them.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer October 25, 2023

While the real world has only more generally raised concerns about artificial intelligence over the past decade, cinema has grappled with the idea of artificial beings for decades....

Still from the film “Carmen.” Actress Melissa Barrera as Carmen in a black dress with bedazzled red accents. Actor Paul Mescal as Aiden wearing a tan t-shirt.

Review: ‘Carmen’ modernizes the iconic opera

In his directorial debut, renowned choreographer Benjamin Millepied created a dreamlike yet unsteady presentation of song, dance and word.
Madeline Kane, Contributing Writer April 24, 2023

Benjamin Millepied’s dynamic directorial debut “Carmen” is based on the acclaimed opera of the same name, by French composer Georges Bizet. While the original was set in...

A photograph of Director Benjamin Millepied in a gray t-shirt, against a blurred background of various buildings against the sky.

Q&A: Benjamin Millepied on bringing a classic love story into the 21st century

The French choreographer spoke with WSN to talk about his love of the original “Carmen” opera, his directorial debut in its new film adaptation and what he hopes audiences will take away from his interpretation.
Madeline Kane, Contributing Writer April 24, 2023

Born and raised in Bordeaux, France, Benjamin Millepied first started dancing at the age of 8 when his mother, a ballet dancer herself, became his first teacher. After spending...

An illustration of Princess Peach, with a pink dress, blonde hair and a crown, eating popcorn in front of a purple, orange, blue and navy background. She is holding a gloved hand up to her face.

Review: ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ is a fun spectacle — no more, no less

Based on the iconic Nintendo games series, the film is visually entertaining, but narratively lacking.
Madeline Kane, Contributing Writer April 19, 2023

The recently-released “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is a fun visual feast, but often finds itself compensating for an underdeveloped story with too many Easter eggs, in the...

A family — including a mother with a blonde bob haircut who is wearing a white shirt and a black dress, a son, and a father wearing a gray, plaid three-piece suit — watches a movie in the theater.

Review: ‘The Fabelmans’ is Spielberg at his most vulnerable

In a career notable for poignant moments, legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg gets more personal than ever in this Oscar-nominated, semi-autobiographical tale. 
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer March 8, 2023

In a career spanning over half a century, Steven Spielberg has tackled a wide array of subjects in his movies: dinosaurs, archaeologists, aliens, combat soldiers, sharks, rebelling...

In a dimly lit bar, Russian political dissident Alexei Navalny looks into the camera, wearing a dark blue fleece and a light blue buttoned shirt.

Review: ‘Navalny’ is a profound portrait of the Russian activist

Nominated for an Oscar and now streaming on HBO Max, “Navalny” portrays a man who became the face of a movement.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer March 3, 2023

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has reaffirmed the horrors of President Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime to the world. With strict censorship rules and aggressive law enforcement,...

A movie still featuring a close-up profile of a woman looking to her left, with a sliver of sunlight hitting her face. She stands outdoors with a fence in the background.

Review: ‘Nanny’ offers a refreshing take on the worker-immigrant experience

Winner of the Sundance Grand Jury Prize, NYU alum Nikyatu Jusu’s debut feature takes a new approach to portraying the immigrant experience. The film is playing in select theaters and will be made available for streaming on Amazon Prime starting on Dec. 16.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer November 30, 2022

In American pop culture, the immigrant experience is typically portrayed with shaky camera movements, dull and colorless settings, and people who are physically, emotionally and...

The cover of the book “I’m Glad My Mom Died” is centered in frame. Pink text against a light yellow background reads “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” The author’s name, “Jennette McCurdy,” is pink and outlined in black. At the center of the cover is a portrait of actor Jennette McCurdy, whose hair is tied up into a ponytail. She wears a pink dress and holds a pink urn against a pink background.

Review: ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ offers a new take on memoirs

“iCarly” comedian Jennette McCurdy lays everything bare in her debut novel.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer November 4, 2022

Content warning: This article discusses eating disorders and sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Although broken interpersonal dynamics may be common when it comes to child...

A full crowd of people sit at a movie theater. The screen shows Marilyn Monroe, dressed in a fuschia gown and gloves, gesturing in front of a line of people laying down.

Review: With ‘Blonde,’ Hollywood continues to punish Marilyn Monroe

We should leave Marilyn Monroe alone and finally look at her life in the way she herself lived it.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer October 14, 2022

Content warning: This article discusses sexual, physical and emotional abuse.   Spoiler warning: This article includes spoilers for ‘Blonde.” Marilyn Monroe is someone...

A colorful eyeball-looking art installation sits in the middle of a gallery surrounded by color patterned drapes.

Review: ‘What A Glory to Be So Euphoric and Weak’ is simply executed but deeply meaningful

A small exhibit featuring colorful creations envelops La MaMa Galleria with layered textiles, chaotic patterns and organic introspection.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer October 12, 2022

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of body dysmorphia.  Nestled a few blocks away from NYU’s Washington Square campus, La MaMa Galleria displayed an intimate...