The Kent Stage, housed on East Main Street with a bright sign, started as a silent movie theater in 1927 and quickly grew to become a community staple. It transitioned to live entertainment in 2002, and now, the venue is tracing back to its roots and showing a silent film with a twist.
Paul Bielatowicz, a musician who fell in love with music at a young age, created “Nosferatu Live,” a new take on the classic silent film of the same name. The German film is an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s vampire tale, “Dracula,” published in 1897.
Bielatowicz, who spends his time creating new ways to approach music, developed a “multimedia music experience,” where audiences can view “Nosferatu” and hear live music he produced. The performance came to The Kent Stage for one night only Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
“The idea came from wanting to do a show that was more than people coming to watch a concert — to make it a multimedia experience,” Bielatowicz said. “The opportunity came when 2020 came along and all touring was canceled.”
The music was created starting with the very last scene in the movie. Bielatowicz described the final shots of the film being iconic, as shadows were being used creatively for the first time.
The multimedia experience uses many instruments and technology to create the show with a band consisting of Bielatowicz, his drummer Leah Bluestein and the bass player, Mike Dutko.
“I play a variety of instruments, a couple of synthesizers, three guitars and a theremin,” Bielatowicz said. “We all play kazoo, and there is going to be a big box of kazoos at the front of the stage for audience participation.”
Bielatowicz previously performed at The Kent Stage, but this was the first time he performed ‘Nosferatu Live’ at the venue. He said he thoroughly enjoys Ohio and the Kent music scene.
“I love Ohio,” Bielatowicz said. “I feel like there is a real vibrance there. The Kent Stage is fantastic — it is historic. It started out as a silent movie theater itself, so it’s the perfect venue for this silent movie show.”
The musician describes the music he writes as “progressive rock,” and said Ohio has a strong presence of “prog rock” music.
Richele Charlton, assistant director of The Kent Stage, explained that the venue brings world-class entertainment to Kent, and has shows that cover many different interests with something for everyone.
“We have an amazing amount of shows that come up,” Charlton said. “We don’t just do one kind of show. We reach out into a lot of different genres.”
Maya Lee is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
