A.L. Erlanger

Today's Theater Stories features The New Amsterdam Theatre! Learn about the history of The Ziegfeld Follies, the ghost of a showgirl that haunts the theater, the impact of The Lion King, and more!

Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 25, 2016—Pacific Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, brings one of the most legendary silent films ever made—the 1925 larger-than-life “Ben-Hur”—to full breath-taking splendor in the concert hall, when the orchestra performs the score live as the movie is shown on the giant screen. The score—newly composed for the classic Hollywood hit—was written by Stewart Copeland, former drummer for “The Police,” who performs on drums and a myriad of percussion instruments (including trash cans to create the sounds of the Roman troops), alongside the orchestra for this movie extravaganza. With its enormous cast and crew and a visual scope that is awe-inspiring to this day, “Ben-Hur” tells the tale of a Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, but lives to regain his freedom and return for revenge. Buckle your seat belt for a wild chariot race, bloody battle scenes at sea and music that enhances every minute of it—all the ingredients for a very special event.

Orange County, Calif.—Feb. 25, 2016—Pacific Symphony, led by Principal Pops Conductor Richard Kaufman, brings one of the most legendary silent films ever made—the 1925 larger-than-life “Ben-Hur”—to full breath-taking splendor in the concert hall, when the orchestra performs the score live as the movie is shown on the giant screen. The score—newly composed for the classic Hollywood hit—was written by Stewart Copeland, former drummer for “The Police,” who performs on drums and a myriad of percussion instruments (including trash cans to create the sounds of the Roman troops), alongside the orchestra for this movie extravaganza. With its enormous cast and crew and a visual scope that is awe-inspiring to this day, “Ben-Hur” tells the tale of a Jewish prince who is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, but lives to regain his freedom and return for revenge. Buckle your seat belt for a wild chariot race, bloody battle scenes at sea and music that enhances every minute of it—all the ingredients for a very special event.