I was a few weeks from high school graduation on April 20, 1999, roughly the same age as Columbine killers Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold. I vividly remember the news frenzy that day, as well as what it was like to be a high school student in the weeks afterward, making tasteless jokes at the same time you secretly considered the best hiding spots your school had to offer. But most of all, I remember the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that came as I watched TV that day, a feeling that returns every time I read about the massacre or watch a film such as Bowling for Columbine. Columbinus, a play by Steven Karam and P.J. Paparelli, examines the events that led up to that day, as well as the massacre itself. Since I already saw the somewhat unnecessary Gus Van Sant film Elephant, I'll pass on this one, but if you can stomach the theatrical re-enactment, Columbinus plays through October 21 at the Black Box Theatre at Collin County Community College, 2800 E. Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. Tickets are $8, $6 for students and seniors. Call 972-881-5100 or visit collintheatrecenter.com.
Oct. 17-21, 2007