04/16/18
HAYS, Kan. – After three sold out shows during 2017-2018, the Fort Hays State University Encore Series will host its final show of the season, The Hot Club of San Francisco Presents: “Cinema Vivant,” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center.

“Cinema Vivant” is an imaginative and innovative evening of vintage silent films accompanied by live gypsy swing. Before World War I, European filmmaker Ladislaw Starewicz, pioneered stop-action animation, creating a never-before-seen movie experience. A gifted storyteller who used the new medium of animation to illuminate his fantastic imaginings of the secret lives of ordinary objects, Starewicz has become an obscure cult hero.

Two Starewicz films are featured in “Cinema Vivant:” “The Cameraman's Revenge,” a charming piece about the marital troubles of beetles; and “The Mascot,” an adventure story about lost toys. In addition, “Cinema Vivant” includes American film pioneer Charley Bowers’ rediscovered film “There It Is,” a whimsical comedy about a mysterious occurrence investigated by Scotland Yard.

In addition to the evening performance, The Hot Club of San Francisco will participate in a variety of activities throughout the day, including educational performances with area elementary students and an invitation-only reception for Encore Series contributors.

The educational outreach program for local elementary students, sponsored through a partnership with the Hays Arts Council, will begin after noon on Wednesday, April 25, in Beach/Schmidt. Approximately 700 to 800 fourth- and fifth-grade students will attend a matinee performance including educational commentary from cast members about the history of gypsy jazz.

The annual contributors reception will also be on the evening of April 25 prior to the Encore performance. This invitation-only event allows the Special Events Committee the opportunity to thank all those who financially contribute to the series. These private donations help support the series and allows Encore to bring high-caliber performances to the Hays community. Contributors will receive an extended sneak peek at the 2018-2019 season.

The day will culminate with the evening performance of “Cinema Vivant” at 7:30 p.m. in Beach/Schmidt. Tickets are available at the Memorial Union Student Service Center by calling 785-628-5306 or by visiting www.fhsu.edu/encore.

Tickets for the general public are $30 reserved and $26 unreserved; for seniors and children ages 5-17, tickets are $28 reserved and $24 unreserved; and for FHSU students, tickets are $21 reserved and $17 unreserved with a Tiger Card. If the performance does not sell out, FHSU students have the option of purchasing half price tickets at the door. The ticket booth opens at 6:45 p.m.