Night

Last night I went to the Riviera Theater in downtown Three Rivers to see Così fan Tutte, filmed at the Salzburg Festival in July of this year. It is a creepy take on Mozart's disturbing comedy, this version focused on Don Alfonso as a demonic force determined to separate the young lovers from their innocent optimism and drag them into cynical despair. The advantage of seeing it at the Riviera is in being able to take your glass of wine into the theater (from the theater's attached wine-bar)... or popcorn, if you like! The mezzo playing Dorabella (Isabel Leonard) was a real standout for me, but they were all wonderful.

On the way home I took this shot of the downtown lights, not despairing at all.

Nosferatu

Last night, just in time for Halloween, the Riviera Theater played Nosferatu, the 1921 German Expressionist vampire horror film, still scary after all these years. It was an amazingly good print, the tints still visible, and best of all, music composed and performed by Blue Dahlia. I had a front row seat, and took this picture of musicians and monster during the film (click small photo for larger view.)

The avant-garde musical association Blue Dahlia has been writing original scores for silent movies for about ten years, and has performed around the eastern US. The music is a fusion of classical, jazz, and world music styles mixed with an awesome array of sound effects. What can you say about a group that has both a banjo and a didgeridoo? If they are ever performing in a city near you, don't miss them! Website: http://www.bluedahlia.com/

Caterpillar Surprise

Three Rivers has a lively art scene, and also supports arts for children, unusual for a small city in this era of budget cutting. This "critter" is encountered in a local alley, put together from old steam radiators removed from the Riviera Theater when it was refurbished. The caterpillar was painted by local children, under the direction of artists Kim Glessner and Kathy Bingamen.

Riviera

The Riviera Theater downtown, a completely refurbished 1920s movie theater, now showing all sorts of old and new films -- and opera! "Aida" and "La Traviata" so far.

Latvian Fest

Photo taken at the Latvian fest held at the Riveria theater Saturday night. Included was a talk, a film, Latvian treats served by young women in native costumes, Latvian dancing, and this group playing delightful Latvian folk music. Two accordions! and a wonderful fiddle player. I will try to find their names.

Three Rivers has a large Latvian community and a Latvian Center, Garezers, just outside of town.