As I was driving to work today, I was pondering the upcoming Classic Movie on Tuesday. This month it”s “From Here to Eternity.” I was thinking generally how much better a book is than its movie remake and I think the same is true of classic movies. They are so much better on the big screen.
I had previously seen many of them only on TV. What a difference the big screen and great sound system makes to appreciate these gems of our past.
One of the most striking was “On the Waterfront” with Marlon Brando, a film about the struggles of the depression, the union bosses and corruption, honesty and honor. It offers a real in-depth look into character. This is what has always drawn me to classic movies ? character development, real dialogue and artful cinematography.
Come out and enjoy these classics from our past, starting at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
Footnotes to upcoming events
? Singer Nesta Rae is releasing her new CD “Fly Free” on Nov. 12. The show starts at 7 p.m. Come out to support this Kelseyville woman who is turning heads on the Nashville scene.
? On Nov. 18, Bob Culbertson will headline the Third Friday Live program, backed up by Austin and Owens. Many don”t know that Culbertson is an internationally recognized master of the incredible instrument, the Chapman stick. This guitar-like instrument takes the instrumental capabilities of a one-person stringed instrument to unbelievable heights.
Culbertson travels the world performing and just happens to live right here in Lake County. Teamed with Austin and Owens, a duo of local and classically trained guitarists, this show should not be missed.
? On Dec. 16 the Third Friday Live show features Lake County”s own Matt Weiss, formerly of the Lost Boys, and Taj D and K-town ENT. They are joining together for a program that”s sure to please the youth of our community, with hip-hop and high energy performances.
Taj D and K-town ENT recently won the 2011 Rising Star competition and have been invited to Los Angeles to audition for “America”s Got Talent.” K-Town is fundraising to pay for this trip, so if you want to support them they can be contacted at taj.dedrick@yahoo.com.
New opportunity needs financial help
Clear Lake Performing Arts, parent organization of the Lake County Symphony, has just agreed to keep its beautiful concert grand piano at the theatre and make it available for non-symphony events. This will help us increase the variety of programs we can offer at the theater.
Housing this instrument will require some alterations to create a secure and environmentally treated space for the piano. The cost of making these alterations is approximately $10,000 so we”ve kicked off a fundraising campaign to build our “piano garage.” We”ve already received a $2,500 match pledge, so every dollar you give will be matched by this generous anonymous donation. I hope you”ll make a contribution by going to our website at soperreesetheatre.com
Classical music season
Speaking of the symphony, the theater will host the annual fall concert at 3 p.m. Nov. 20. The annual Christmas concert is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 18. Season tickets are now available for these programs along with the May Mother”s Day concert.
Lake County Live
The Soper-Reese has a new program in the works set to run on the last Sunday of each month. It starts on Jan. 29 and is a joint project between the theater and KPFZ 88.1 FM.
This live radio program will be staged at the theater before a live audience. Admission is free. This will be a variety show, modeled somewhat after the Garrison Keillor show, “A Prairie Home Companion,” with live local music, comedy, skits and many surprises. Come out and support this new program, or tune in at 6 p.m. on the last Sunday of each month to KPFZ 88.1 FM. It should be a very entertaining experience.
For all the latest in information, tickets and more go to www.soperreesetheatre.com and we”ll see you at the theater.
Mike Adams is executive director of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre.
