Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer - The Auburn Plainsman

Pictured, each of the main actors in "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike". from left to right: Reid Williams (Spike), Sarah Schomburg (Nina), Morgan Mckenzie (Cassandra), Director Scott Phillips, Harrison Dunn (Vanya), Rebekah Taylor (Sonia), Elizabeth O'Malley (Masha)

Lifestyle

Auburn University Theatre Department presents 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | April 22

From April 9 to 18, the Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance put on a production of "Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike" on the Black Box stage in the Telfair Peet Theatre. Serving as the final performance of the Department's 2025-26 season, the play was a send-off for the senior actors and a demonstration of up-and-coming freshman talent.

A cartoon character with a red cap and mustache gazes upward at brightly colored stars in a dark, starry background.

Lana Ha | Graphics Editor

Lifestyle

A jolly Jumpman's jaunt: A review of 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | April 13

"The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," based on the popular 2007 Nintendo game of the same name, released in theatres on April 1. Despite its explosive box office opening, the film has proven rather controversial in terms of critical reception.

A division of blue and yellow hues features clock hands on the left and a sunburst on the right.

Ellie Hobbs | Graphics Artist

Lifestyle

The sunlight question: Should the modern world still observe daylight saving time?

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | March 7

Daylight saving time is a concept that appears rather simple on paper: The clock jumps one hour forward or backward biannually. However, despite its supposed simplicity, the impact of this “springing forward” and “falling back” has led to some controversy.

An open locket features a black-and-white image of a tree, set against a lace-covered green background with bronze ribbons.

Ellie Hobbs | Graphics Artist

Lifestyle

Heights without depth: A review of 'Wuthering Heights'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 21

The newly released 2026 adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights,” directed by Emerald Fennel, is likely the most infuriating attempt at adapting a classic novel I have ever watched. It acts in contrast to everything the novel does right, has nothing to say and handles its darker elements with a surprising lack of grace.

Reverend Dale Braxton at a workshop in Hale County, Alabama, for the "Sew Their Names" project.

Contributed by Charlotte Hendrix

Identities

The Jule Art Museum hosts Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts hosted the 2026 Auburn Forum for Southern Art and Culture as an all-day event on Feb. 7. The event ran from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring a series of exhibitions, speakers and other explorations of art originating from or inspired by the South, alongside its usual art displays. Entry to the event was free and various artists and speakers came to further explain their work.

Addison Strickland | Graphic Artist

Lifestyle

Ferrophobia: A review of 'Iron Lung'

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | February 8

“Iron Lung” is a must-see for any fans of unique horror, especially eldritch horror, and its smaller scale doesn’t hold it back from being an ambitious movie and a perfect example of what a dedicated team can accomplish on a shoestring budget and a solid concept.

A brown boot is filled with a green sprouting plant, surrounded by colorful, twinkling holiday lights.

Casey Gongon | Graphics Artist

Lifestyle

Love is in the stars: A review of WALL-E

By Foster Mayhall | Lifestyle Writer | January 30

In 2008, animation studio Pixar released an animated feature called "WALL-E," following a string of eight consecutive Oscar nominees, making up the studio’s golden age. Unlike those films, this was not about talking animals, sentient toys or lovable monsters. Instead, "WALL-E" was a space opera, an environmental piece and most importantly, a romance. Through a mix of clever homages to classic love stories such as “Hello, Dolly!,” as well as the movie's masterful use of cinema as a language, Pixar manages to create a beautiful dynamic between the two leads. For these reasons and more, I cannot help but recommend it to anyone looking for a romantic movie to watch this Valentine's Day.