The Michigan Theatre and Jackson Symphony Orchestra (JSO) are partnering to bring to the theatre’s big, big screen a wonderful silent movie “Steamboat Bill, Jr.”  with live orchestral accompaniment of the Bijou Orchestra, conducted by Leo Najar. The evening will begin with Paul Lutenske and Anne Russell Lutenske performing a vaudeville act with songs and skit humor typical of the era.

The 1928 comedy/romance/family film stars Buster Keaton, as Bill Canfield, the son of a cantankerous riverboat captain who comes to join his father’s crew. The father is uneducated but tough and strong willed; the son is educated but he is somewhat wimpish. The introduction to Bill Jr., is absolutely tickle funny, and like other Buster Keaton movies, Bill Jr. proves to his father and girlfriend that he is brave and strong.

Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin were fantastic in performing physical comedy that isn’t as easy as it looks – Steamboat Bill, Jr., shows that visual comedy is better than comedy where all the characters do is talk a lot. Keaton was unique among screen comics in that he never relied on pathos and never even tried for audience sympathy.

This JSO and Michigan Theatre affair will be a night to remember with VIP reserved seating that includes complimentary theatre pop and popcorn.  VIP ticket holders are invited to a special champagne reception at Orchestra Hall, 215 W. Michigan Avenue, following the movie. This event includes late night snacks, champagne, and the opportunity to meet the evening’s artists, entertainers and musicians - all for $40 per person. Limited seating available.

VIP seating tickets available by calling the JSO office, 517-782-4133, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the Michigan Theatre business office, 517-783-0962, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. VISA and MasterCard accepted.

General seating tickets $10 per person, available at the door.

Michigan Theatre is handicapped accessible