Entertainment Critic to Step into Sandler Spotlight
By CINDY BUTLER FOCKE
By Cindy Butler Focke
Correspondent
BAYSIDE
When Symphonicity executive director Wendy T. Young watched Mal Vincent host a classic film series at the Naro Expanded Cinema in Norfolk, she had an idea.
Why not ask the popular movie and theater critic for The Virginian-Pilot to join the 90-member community volunteer orchestra for an onstage performance?
Vincent makes his Sandler Center for the Performing Arts debut at 3 p.m. today, in conjunction with Symphonicity’s presentation of “Let’s Go to the Movies,” featuring music from some of the most popular movies of all time.
“I thought it would be fun to have him here. It’s amazing the stuff he knows. He’s a walking encyclopedia of music trivia,” Young said.
“I’m not a public speaker, but I love movies,” said Vincent, who estimated he’s been at the paper four decades, including 25 years as entertainment writer. “I have covered classical music, dance, theater, movies, TV,” he said.
Vincent will use his North Carolina drawl, unique humor and knowledge of movies to introduce each musical selection. He said he won’t be using any notes.
“This presents a more personal side of me,” he said.
Because he’s met many Hollywood stars in his career, the audience is sure to hear stories about Vincent’s encounters with some of the leading men and women.
He remembered having lunch with Sir Laurence Olivier, who insisted he call him “Larry.” Vincent said Olivier asked him, “What is this dialect you speak? Could I use it?” Olivier thought it would help prepare him for his upcoming role of “Big Daddy” in the 1976 film “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” Vincent obliged, later sending the Oscar winner a recording of his voice.
Vincent and Symphonicity music director and conductor David S. Kunkel chose the selections, which include pieces by composers such as John Williams, whose music is in many award-winning movies, including “Jaws” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Kunkel said Vincent will bring a wonderful uniqueness to the concert.
“Movie music provides the biggest method people have for hearing classical music,” Kunkel said.
Featured movies will include “Exodus,” starring Paul Newman, selected to honor the 60th anniversary of Israel; “The Cowboys,” with John Wayne; “On the Waterfront,” starring Marlon Brando; “Gone With the Wind;” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”
Formerly the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra, the 27-year-old group changed its name to Symphonicity in April 2007.
“We wanted to go into the new theater with a new identity. We’re the same orchestra,” Young said.
“I am delighted to be a part of it. Only this audience can get me in a tux at 3 p.m. on a Sunday,” Vincent said.
Cindy Butler Focke, butler496@aol.com
going?
What “Let’s Go to the Movies,” hosted by movie and theater critic Mal Vincent
When 3 p.m. today
Where Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Market St., Town Center
Cost $19 to $29. Students $10 to $15. Military $12 to $19.
Info Call 385-2787 or visit www.sandlercenter.org
Originally published by BY CINDY BUTLER FOCKE.
(c) 2008 Virginian – Pilot. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.