Orchestra Iowa’s Latest Performance Was a Gem

This was a BRILLIANT idea!

I wanted to share my thoughts with you on an event I attended Saturday night at the Paramount Theatre. "Casablanca" featuring Orchestra Iowa was everything advertised and more.

The classic film, in black and white as it was meant to be seen, on the big screen on stage at the Paramount. That would have been worth the price of admission alone. Add in the musical accompaniment of Orchestra Iowa and it was simply spectacular, as they literally followed the musical score of the movie, note-by-note.

I admit, I was worried the orchestra might actually drown out the movie but that was not the case. It was perfectly in-sync from the get-go. A brilliant concept that, based on the size and reaction of the crowd, director Tim Hankewich hinted might not be the last of its kind from Orchestra Iowa.

We very much hope our ticket giveaway winners Chic Unkel, Abby Abrams, Laurie-Ann Laubach, Sara Vajgrt, and Ann Hauschild all made it to the show and enjoyed their evening as well.

The film, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its release in 2017. Whether you've already seen "Casablanca" or not, you owe it yourself to watch this story of love and war for yourself. Rent it, check it out from the library or go to the special screening of it that several movie theaters nationwide are hosting in November, including at Marcus 16 Theatres in Cedar Rapids, to commemorate the occasion.

Once again: "Here's lookin' at you", Orchestra Iowa.

[Via Paramount Theatre, Orchestra Iowa, Wikipedia, Orchestra Iowa, Cedar Rapids Public Library, Marcus Theatres]