A Pirate for the ages

I think Barry Paris is lost in his own version of the Zapruder film. Jack Sparrow overtly gay? Puhleese! Androgynous? Yes. Weird? Double yes. But so are Prince, Mick Jagger and half the rock stars (upon which Johnny Depp modeled his character) playing today.

I just saw "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and couldn't disagree more with Paris' assessment (review, July 7) -- other than the movie being too long. He obviously had an agenda when seeing this movie, and it had nothing to do with film criticism! Depp is an actor of great subtlety, which was part of the appeal of the original "POC." Sparrow is a character for the ages; let's not paint him into a pretty pink box when he so obviously deserves a more broad-minded approach.

Each member of the audience can read into the nuances of Depp's characterization. The broad strokes of this actor's genius obviously were too much for Paris' addled imagination to take in. As for why Elizabeth would find the Captain appealing, well, there's no end of androgynous stars out there today (up to and including co-star Orlando Bloom) that attract many a woman's (and man's fancy).

Let's not read too much into it. It's supposed to be funny, not political.

Astrid Cook
Bethel Park

Why I won't go to the Dixie Chicks

I enjoyed John Hayes' recent Dixie Chicks articles, however, I am surprised that the music analysts are puzzled at the lack of ticket sales for the upcoming tour.

I think I am a typical Dixie Chicks fan. I am 44, a wife and mother of two. I am a Republican and an evangelical Christian. I have always loved the Chicks' music and I still do. I have purchased three copies of the new CD -- one for my car, one for my 13-year-old son's iPod and one for a friend. In addition, I listen to it at work through my Rhapsody subscription.

The new CD has some of their best songs yet and I can't get enough of it. My son and I would like nothing more than to go to the upcoming concert, especially with so many great seats still available. However, I don't want to go to a political rally, and I'm afraid that it will turn into one. I don't agree with their politics, but I do like the music. That's why people are buying the CD but not concert tickets. If I do decide to go, I will wear a T-shirt that says: "I love Jesus, W and The Chicks!"

Helen Gricks
Ross

Great Peggy

I have seen more than 200 Pittsburgh CLO productions. I saw "42nd Street," in which Alessa Neeck played the role of Peggy Sawyer.

She is the most talented young player I have ever seen in a leading role at the CLO. What a performance!

John Nestor
Wilkinsburg