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from the issue of March 10, 2005
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Keaton film classic screened with Alloy Orchestra March 22
The Alloy Orchestra, a unique musical ensemble that writes and performs live accompaniment to silent films, will accompany Buster Keaton's The General, beginning at 7:30 p.m. March 22 in the Great Plains Room of the Nebraska East Union. This performance is sponsored by the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Working with an outrageous collection of peculiar objects, Alloy Orchestra players Terry Donohue, Ken Winokur, and Roger C. Miller create soulful music from unlikely sources. The orchestra has performed at the Telluride Film Festival, the Louvre and Lincoln Center. Their reputation has earned them praise from film aficionados and critics. Roger Ebert called Alloy Orchestra "the best in the world at accompanying silent films."
Now in their 14th year, Alloy Orchestra uses an unusual combination of found percussion and state-of-the-art electronics to create almost any sound imaginable. They can duplicate the effect of an entire symphony or a simple German bar band. The orchestra can make the audience believe they are hearing radio signals from Mars or being swept up in the Russian Revolution. Alloy Orchestra has scored the music for 20 feature-length silent films (including Metropolis, Nosferatu, and The Lost World) and numerous shorts. In addition to their silent film scores, the group has created soundtracks for several contemporary films and videos.
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, The General is one of Buster Keaton's most memorable films. The story revolves around Johnny Gray (Keaton). Johnnie loves his train ("The General") and his girl, Annabelle Lee. When the Civil War begins Johnny is turned down for service because he's more valuable as an engineer. Through a series of misunderstandings, both Johnny's family and Annabelle think he's a coward, and they refuse to speak to him until he becomes a soldier. When Union spies capture The General with Annabelle on board, Johnny must come to the rescue. His efforts to recover The General - and to win back his girl's love - become a funny and action-packed series of events.
Tickets are $15; $10 for students. Call the Lied ticket office at (402) 472-4747 or (800) 432-3231 for ticket availability.
GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 10
ARTS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 10
First MFA thesis exhibition opens March 21
20th Century clothing exhibited at Hillestad Gallery
Friends of Chamber Music presents Leipzig Quartet March 18
Keaton film classic screened with Alloy Orchestra March 22
King of the Corner Reception Sponsors Omitted
Live Husker Women's Gymnastics on NET1
Miss Miye Japanese Doll Exhibit at Morrill Hall
Poet Haskins reading March 24
Theatre Arts member performs in cabaret
Victorian fancy quilts topic of March 31 lecture
732015S34401X
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