Theater organ group’s fund-raiser Saturday showcases Hollywood’s newest silent film

By George Basler

A charming story, a happy ending and a scene-stealing dog will be on display Dec. 29 at The Forum in downtown Binghamton when the Binghamton Theatre Organ Society presents its latest showing of a silent film.

Philharmonic names new executive director

Heidi Kelley has been named executive director of the Binghamton Philharmonic, succeeding Stephen Wilson. Kelley, appointed following what was described as “an extensive national search,” will join the Philharmonic on March 1. Currently she is executive director of the Abilene (Texas) Philharmonic.

Deck the halls with holiday movies

By George Basler

I normally can’t stand making lists. But Christmastime is an exception. I almost enjoy “making a list and checking it off twice.“
I’m also a big movie fan. So, I thought I’d combine the two and present a list of my top 10 Christmas movies of all time. I’m certainly no expert. This is just a personal opinion. Any additions, agreements, or disagreements are welcome; that’s what the “leave a comment” section is for . The list goes from 10 to one. Most of all, have a happy holiday season.

Have you been art-full this week?

Did you attend or participate in an arts event this week? Please share your adventures.

‘Hairspray’ rocks the house at BU

Reviewed by George Basler

The cold-weather blues got you down? The pre-Christmas blitz got you frazzled? Thoughts of a fiscal cliff  bumming you out?

Take time out to head to the Watters Theater at Binghamton University’s Anderson Center for 2 1/2 hours of pure, unadulterated fun that will have you dancing in your seats at the end of the show.

The occasion is BU’s rollicking production of the musical Hairspray, which recreates the spirit of an old-fashioned Broadway musical comedy without seeming old-fashioned in any way.

The show is a buoyant time capsule of the days when rock ‘n’ roll was young, television was black and white and the highest praise for any song was that “it has a good beat and you can dance to it.”