Tag: Peter Krasinski

Organist Peter Krasinski returns for silent horror movie “Waxworks” at the Gloucester Meetinghouse October 21st

Posted on by Catherine

from Gloucester Meetinghouse Foundation press release: 
waxworks150.jpg
Sunday matinee, Silent Horror Movie with Organ Accompaniment – Sunday, October 21st, 2018, 3:30pm in the historic 1806 Gloucester Meetinghouse

MAESTRO OF THE PIPE-ORGAN RETURNS

As Halloween approaches, maestro of the pipe-organ and sonic artist Peter Krasinski returns to the Meetinghouse to accompany the scary silent movie ‘Waxworks.’ As in past years, Peter will perform on the sonorous 1893 Hutchings-Fisk organ to the delight of the audience, young and old. A short film, featuring Douglas Fairbanks, called the ‘Electric House’ will open the show.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘Waxworks’ is a 1924 German horror-fantasy film (Das Wachsfigurenkabinett) directed by Paul Leni. The plot is about a poet hired by the owner of a wax museum in a circus to write tales about Harun al Raschid, Ivan the Terrible and Jack the Ripper. While writing, the poet and the daughter of the owner, Eva, fantasize the fantastic stories and fall in love for each other.  Its a thrilling horror movie for the whole family to enjoy.

TICKETS

General Admission $20; Students with ID $10, Under 12 Free (no one turned away for lack of funds; limited free tickets)  Tickets at the door (cash, check or credit card) and online with more information at www.gloucestermeetinghouse.org

LOCATION

The Meetinghouse, home of the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, is located on the green at the corner of Middle & Church Street.  Accessible side entrance is at 10 Church Street with an elevator to the Sanctuary level.  Parking on the green is allowed.

Lindsay Crouse, Peter Krasinski soar | Peter Pan silent film screening at Cape Ann Cinema

Posted on by Catherine

Another unforgettable Cape Ann Cinema & UU Gloucester Meetinghouse collaboration was held on Sunday, December 3, 2017–a special screening of the silent film adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan as a benefit for Pathways for Children. Ellen Sibley was there for Pathways, welcoming guests and opening the evening.

ELLEN SIBLEY intro -Peter Krasinski with Lindsay Crouse accompanying silent film Peter Pan at Gloucester Cinema & Stage, a Gloucester Meetinghouse benefit Pathways for Children 20171203

Peter Krasinski with Lindsay Crouse accompanying silent film Peter Pan at Gloucester Cinema & Stage, a Gloucester Meetinghouse benefit Pathways for Children 20171203_155949
photo caption: Sound check (Peter Krasinski and Lindsay Crouse readying their accompanying live performances for silent film Peter Pan screening at Gloucester Cinema & Stage, a Gloucester Meetinghouse benefit for Pathways for Children)

Renowned organist Peter Krasinski explained that star Lindsay Crouse would use her artistry to accompany this silent screening like a Benshi, a Japanese word for performers who provided live narration for silent films in order to translate the intertitles. Though Krasinski has collaborated with benshi in Japan for some of his live performances, yesterday’s event was the first time he’s done so in the United States. I went to film school and was fortunate to take master classes in cinema studies with Bill Everson, a film historian and major collector. He’d invite Lillian Gish and other silent screen stars and producers to lecture, and always there were amazing accompanists. Not once though have I experienced a narration, too. I’ve heard Krasinski play before and seen Crouse act in film, tv and Gloucester Stage. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew it would be like nothing else I’d ever experienced.  Krasinski has seen Peter Pan numerous times and his confident music was subtle and charming, cueing the music to the action on the screen and improvising along with Crouse. Crouse’s narration was pitch perfect. Crouse spoke of her affection for the story and related seeing it 17 times as a child (yes, with Mary Martin) and how it’s among the defining and formative theatrical pulls of her youth.Who knew Nana’s whimpering and such subtle variations of so many characters crying throughout Peter Pan was possible? I googled Lindsay Crouse audiobooks right when I got home. Lindsay Crouse audiobooks

What amazing effort and art for a good cause.

Upcoming Gloucester Meetinghouse / Cape Ann Cinema collaboration Continue reading “Lindsay Crouse, Peter Krasinski soar | Peter Pan silent film screening at Cape Ann Cinema” →

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church on 10/31/15

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

On Halloween Night — Saturday, October 31st at 7:30pm International Sonic Artist Peter Krasinski will be accompanying the 1920’s silent film “Phantom of the Opera” starring Lon Chaney, on organ.   “Creative costumes” are encouraged; everyone in costume can join a parade at intermission and be eligible for prizes.

Phantom-Halloween-2BDESCRIPTION:

Experience a unique evening of entertainment for the whole family with one of the most famous silent film actors of all time, Lon Chaney, in his legendary role as the Phantom of the Paris Opera House.  When Krasinski accompanies a film it becomes literally a “once in a lifetime” event. Well known in the Gloucester area for his improvisational skills he began perfecting his craft at Hammond Castle and has become internationally known as a master of his art.  This is a “do not miss” evening!

This event is the first of 2015-16 Concert & Lecture Series to benefit the Meetinghouse Preservation Fund.   For more information see:  www.gloucesteruu.org

This event takes place at the Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church, 10 Church Street, Gloucester MA 01930.    Doors open at 7:00pm, the show starts at 7:30pm.

ADMISSION:

$15 general admission, $12 seniors (over 65) & students; children under 12 free.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Sunday 10/12/14

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

Phantom-3THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA!

The timeless 1920s silent film classic starring Lon Chaney with live improvised score by International Sonic Artist Peter Krasinski

DATE:  Sunday, October 12th, 2014
TIME:Doors open at 7:00pm, the show starts at 7:30pm.

LOCATION:
Gloucester Unitarian Universalist Church,
10 Church Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

ADMISSION:

$15 general admission, $12 seniors (over 65), children under 12 free.

DESCRIPTION:

Experience a unique evening of entertainment for the whole family with one of the most famous silent film actors of all time, Lon Chaney, in his legendary role as the Phantom of the Paris Opera House.  When Krasinski accompanies a film it becomes literally a “once in a lifetime” event. Well known in the Gloucester area for his improvisational skills he began perfecting his craft at Hammond Castle and has become internationally know as a master of his art.  This is a “do not miss” event! This event is part of 2014-15 Concert & Lecture Series to benefit the Meetinghouse Preservation Fund.   For more information see:  www.gloucesteruu.org

REVIEWS:

“Anyone who has been lucky enough to hear Mr. Krasinski in performance knows his skill at presenting the essence and power of a film.”

“It was remarkable and seamless, and yes—no modern action movie could outdo it.

In fact, I’ll go so far as to say it was live theater…It was as if Krasinski became one with the elements”

“During the applause and encores, you gestured to the hall’s organ – I’m sure it was, in turn, bowing to you in appreciation for having being played so dexterously”

Peter Krasinski Spite Marriage Event at St John’s Church Feb 5th

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

SpiteMarriage

Dear Joey,  I love GMG.  Can you put up this announcement.  It’s lots of fun, and is always a full house.  Attached is a jpg of the original poster.
St. John’s Church welcomes back for winter fun Peter Krasinski, Boston organist who will accompany Buster Keaton’s silent film Spite Marriage on Saturday, February 5 at 7 pm.  Laugh at the slapstick comedy of Buster Keaton’s silent film “Spite Marriage” (76 min.), about an unassuming dry cleaner in love with a famous actress who in turn loves somebody else. Organist Peter Krasinski improvises the music, just as it would have been performed at the movie’s release in 1929. An organ consultant, conductor, and music educator as well as a performer, Krasinski currently serves as accompanist at Beth El Temple Center in Belmont and organist of First Church of Christ, Scientist in Providence. $15/10 students and elders, at the door. Vintage Cartoons start at 6 pm.
St. John’s Chuch, 48 Middle Street, Gloucester 978.283.1708
www.stjohnsgloucester.org