Halloween Magic Lantern Show
Step into a realm of nostalgia and enchantment with the return of the Halloween Magic Lantern Show at PRS, where the eerie charm of yesteryear comes to life through captivating visuals and haunting melodies. This year’s presentation, led by the talented Matt Schnittker, promises an unforgettable evening filled with wonder, accompanied by live piano music that enhances the magical experience.
Audiences will be treated to a mesmerizing collection of vintage hand-painted slides from the 19th century, showcasing beloved tales such as Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting poem “The Raven,” the captivating story of “The Irish Ghost,” and the classic adventure of “Jack the Giant Killer.” These beautifully crafted images invite viewers into a world where the supernatural intertwines with the imaginative, creating a spellbinding atmosphere.
The Magic Lantern, an ingenious invention dating back to 1659 by Dutch physicist Christiaan Huygens, will take center stage. This remarkable device uses a projector with a lens, glass slides, and a flame (later enhanced by electric light) to cast phantasmagorical images onto a flat surface. Spectators will marvel as ghosts shimmer and float across the screen, skeletons dance in delight, and even a playful rat scampers into the open mouth of a snoring man. For nearly 250 years, the Magic Lantern captivated audiences of all ages, becoming a beloved fixture in entertainment until it was eventually overshadowed by the rise of motion pictures. However, its legacy lives on, as immortalized in Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny & Alexander in 1982.
Guests are invited to journey back in time for a fantastical, Halloween-themed experience in the PRS Auditorium. The show will feature a vintage projector that beautifully showcases the hand-painted slides, all brought to life by the artistry of Matt Schnittker, alongside the enchanting piano melodies played by his son, Benjamin Schnittker.
This Halloween Magic Lantern Show is not just a performance; it’s a nostalgic voyage into the past, where the thrill of storytelling, artistry, and music intertwine to create a hauntingly beautiful celebration of the season. Join them for a night filled with laughter, gasps, and wonder, as they revive the art of the Magic Lantern for a new generation to cherish.