WCU to present ‘Clown Princes’ of silent comedy Jan. 31
A ragtime orchestra will perform at "The Clown Princes" event.
The first Galaxy of Stars production of 2010 at Western Carolina University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center will take audience members back in time to the days when silent film stars ruled the silver screen.
“The Clown Princes,” beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, will feature three short films starring Charles Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd. The films will be accompanied by the 15-member Paragon Ragtime Orchestra.
Conducted by Rick Benjamin, who introduces the movies with a combination of history and humor, the PRO is the only orchestra touring in America that plays the original scores to the films.
Films on the program are Keaton’s “The Play House” from 1921, Lloyd’s “Get Out and Get Under” from 1920 and Chaplin’s “Behind the Screen” from 1916.
The unique performance has won rave reviews from critics. “The music is incomparably sweet and stirring,” said The Philadelphia Inquirer. “And Rick Benjamin, who founded and conducts the PRO, is a musician of wit and sensibility.”
Tickets cost $25 for the general public; $20 for WCU faculty and staff and people 60 years and older; and $5 for students ages 5 and older.
Next up on the Galaxy of Stars 2009-10 season are Tom Mullica’s tribute to Red Skelton on Sunday, Feb. 14, and the Ballet Magnificat! Production of “The Hiding Place” on Sunday, April 18.
To purchase tickets, visit the FAPAC box office or call the box office at 828-227-2479 for Visa and MasterCard orders. To order online, go to http://www.wcu.edu/fapac/.
