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Packed House! Buster Keaton & Live Orchestra

Video courtesy of Stan Taffel, the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

What happens when you combine a live orchestra with a silent film? A packed house! Over 300 people showed up, and we had to open up the balcony. There was laughter, applause, and excitement throughout the entire show. 

As Bob Duncan says, “An impressive evening in every way—the orchestra’s score was in sync with the film from beginning to end and definitely enhanced the audience’s enjoyment and the film print was crystal clear. A memorable evening that all the participants can be very proud of.”

The show included a couple cartoons and the popular “Steamboat Bill Jr.” starring Buster Keaton; hand-cranked on a Power’s 1909 Cameragragh Model 6 Motion Picture Machine by Joe Rinaudo; and accompanied by the Famous Players Orchestra, scored and conducted by Scott Lasky. Stan Taffel served as Master of Ceremonies and Shane Glander projected the glass lantern slides.

In addition to the silent cinema and live orchestra, there was a raffle of original Disney artwork, hot dogs, refreshments, and of course popcorn. 

Famous Players Orchestra Board of Directors

Famous Players Orchestra Board of Directors

The evening was an overwhelming success. As Mr. Taffel says, “It’s an honor to be involved with Famous Players Orchestra and to serve on the board of directors with Scott Lasky, Joe Rinaudo, Joni Varner, Gary Lacher, Gary Gibson, Paul Butler, and Dean Mora.”

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March 11 • Live Orchestra • 1928 Buster Keaton

Steamboat Bill Jr

Join us this Saturday, March 11th, 2017 as we present Buster Keaton and Ernest Torrence in the 1928 silent comedy classic Steamboat Bill Jr. with Live Accompaniment by the Famous Players Orchestra.

This is going to bean amazing show and we really need your help to get the word out. Please tell your friends about us. Or if you’re on Facebook, please use this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1723288244668436/ to “share” this rare event. 

The film will be presented with a live period musical score performed by The Famous Players Orchestra under the direction of Scott Lasky.  §  Joe Rinaudo will project a high-definition restored 35mm film print on an original hand-cranked Power’s 1909 Cameragragh Model 6 Motion Picture Machine. § Your Master of Ceremonies will be film historian Stan Taffel.

Showtime is 7pm. Doors open at 6:15pm. Program will include a 30 minute intermission and raffle with prizes. Concessions will be available downstairs at the snack bar.

Admission is $10. Tickets may be purchased at the door beginning approximately one hour before showtime, or in advance online here:

Location: 
Christ Lutheran Church
2400 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
(southeast corner of Burbank Bl. & Buena Vista St., directly behind the Dunn-Edwards paint store)

MORE INFORMATION:
Famous Players Orchestra