By Mary Barber, Jackson Citizen Patroit, Staff Writer
Sunday, September 12, 2004
 

Osmond, conductor for the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, suggested the combination to the theater's executive director, Bob Moles, after an Arts & Cultural Alliance meeting.

"It's not necessarily something I would've dreamed up, but it sure hit a chord as soon as he mentioned it," Moles said. That's because it combines three elements the Michigan Theatre is known for: nostalgia, music and movies.

"It puts it all together," Moles said.

But it won't be the Jackson Symphony Orchestra in the pit. Even the thought of it makes Osmond shudder.

"It's a huge task," he said.

Instead, he asked Leo Najar to bring his 13-piece Bijou Orchestra down from Bay City to accompany the 1928 Buster Keaton film, "Steamboat Bill, Jr." Najar has been a guest conductor for the JSO, Osmond said, and his orchestra does this sort of thing all the time.

"Silent films have become very stylish, very hip," Najar said. "It's a visual thing at what is basically a concert. ... It's not just like renting a movie with a soundtrack."

Najar said the orchestra uses the same instrumentation that would've been used in the silent-film era, from 1900 to 1930 -- six woodwind and brass players, five strings players, a pianist and percussionists. Their regular jobs range from playing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to teaching at various colleges.

"It's a group of musicians who have an interest in this kind of performance," Najar said.

"The idea of the music isn't to distract from the story," he said. So he's selected music that fits with the scene and the time, American music.

At least, that's what will be heard until the final, 12-minute storm scene, when the music will shift into "music we think of as telling big stories," Najar said, such as Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries."

The orchestra will play throughout the 71-minute movie, with a few sections improvised, as in the old days. They'll be seated in the old orchestra pit so they can see both the screen and Najar.

Before the film starts, Paul and Ann Lutenske will perform a vaudeville-style act with comedy and music. That fits in with the theme of the night; Buster Keaton started performing in vaudeville as a child, and the Michigan Theatre has played host to many such shows.

"No place else in town could do this," Moles said.

Najar suggested the Keaton film to Moles and Osmond. "Steamboat Bill, Jr." was released in 1928, just before the Michigan Theatre opened. It's considered one of Keaton's best films, with a hint of "Romeo & Juliet" to the story. Keaton's stunts during the cyclone scenes are legendary.

Those who pay $40 for the VIP tickets will be able to park in front of the Michigan Theatre on Mechanic Street, which will be closed, Moles said, and they'll have preferred seating in the front of the theater. Then they'll be invited to an "afterglow" after the movie, at the symphony's rehearsal hall, 215 W. Michigan Ave. That will include champagne, food and more entertainment.

Or patrons can pay $10 for the movie and vaudeville act alone.

The event will raise money both for the JSO and for the theater, which is in the midst of renovations as well as a campaign to raise $150,000.