This Sunday: Silent Film with Orchestra at the Brook

 

This Sunday, March 9th, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (PRO), will perform the original 1924 orchestral score, for Buster Keaton’s silent film Sherlock Jr. This unique event combines live music and classic cinema, offering audiences an authentic experience of early 20th-century entertainment. The performance will feature PRO Founder and Conductor Rick Benjamin,  leading the orchestra in a recent reconstruction of the film’s original score, complete with live sound effects. The program also includes additional silent film shorts and musical selections by PRO. A special pre-show performance will begin at 2:30pm,  with theater organist Ian Fraser.     About the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra   The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (PRO) is the world’s only year-round, professional ensemble dedicated to re-creating America’s Original Music, recreating lively syncopated sounds of early musical theater, silent cinema, and vintage dance. Since their Lincoln Center debut in 1988, PRO has performed at prestigious venues worldwide such as the Kennedy Center. Their music can be heard everywhere from WQXR to the Disney theme parks, where their music fills the streets of Main Street, U.S.A.     About Ian Fraser   Theater organist Ian Fraser will give a special 2:30 pm pre-show performance on the theater’s 3/10 Wurlitzer organ. You may know Ian from his silent film performances of Nosferatu and Safety Last at the Brook last year. Ian Fraser developed a passion for organs and mechanical music at the age of two after hearing a band organ on a carousel. His journey into theatre organ performance began at 16 after seeing a silent film accompanied by theatre organist Bernie Anderson. Leveraging his ability to play by ear, Ian taught himself in just a few short years to play the instrument. He is the house silent film organist at the UCPAC in Rahway, NJ. Additionally, Ian is the house organist at the Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee, NJ and the St. George Theatre in Staten Island, NY performing pre-shows for their classic movie series and “Arts-In-Education” series. To read more about Ian, hear him perform, and check out his upcoming shows, visit: ianfraserorganist.com     Event details:   WHEN: March 9, 2025, Organ Pre-Show - 2:30 PM, PRO Start - 3:00 PM Daylight saving begins! Don't forget to Spring Ahead! WHERE: The Brook Theatre, 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, NJ 08805 Phone: 732-469-7700  Ticket Pricing: Adults - $22 ($25 at the door) Seniors & Students - $18 ($20 at the door) Brook Arts Center Website: www.brookarts.org Paragon Ragtime Orchestra Website: www.paragonragtime.com   Special group rates available!   Planning to bring a school, senior group, or community organization? Take advantage of discounted group tickets, reserved seating, and a free study guide. Use code GROUP10 for 10% off groups of 10 or greater!   Don't wait—tickets are selling fast!   RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW   Paragon Ragtime Orchestra concerts are sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).     More Events this Month:   Lucky in Love Caberet   Saturday, March 8th - 7:30pm   ✨🍀 Get ready to feel Lucky in Love! Join us for a dazzling night of music, dance, and heartwarming performances.  All proceeds benefit the Brook Arts Center Community Players, to continue to produce high-quality community theater. Let's make this night one to remember! Tickets on sale now!💚🎶     Gold Rush   Saturday, March 15th - 8pm   An authentic tribute to Neil Young, Gold Rush captures the essence of the legendary musician’s raw talent and unique style. From his soulful voice to his intricate guitar playing, every aspect is meticulously recreated to transport audiences back to the golden era of folk rock. The tribute band delves deep into Young’s expansive discography, performing classics like “Heart of Gold,” “Old Man,” and “Harvest Moon” with the same intensity and emotion that made the originals so timeless.     Melodies & Momentum   Saturday, March 22nd - 1pm Tickets: Free Will Donation   Join us for Melodies & Momentum, a powerful celebration honoring women’s strength, talent, and achievements! The Brook Arts Center will showcase an incredible lineup of women-driven businesses, vendors, and performances, along with inspiring speakers, giveaways, and more.  Our keynote speaker, Susan Pellegrini, will address the cycle of narcissistic abuse and offer strategies for healing and empowerment. This will be an afternoon of inspiration , connection, and positivity—all in support of women-led entrepreneurship and artistry.   These events and more can be found on our website: www.brookarts.org   Brook Arts Center 10 Hamilton Street, Bound Brook, NJ, 08805