monday, October 17, 1977
daily nebraskan
page 13
Popular laser light and sound show
could result in permanent program
By Casey McCabe
The persons who filled UNL's Ralph Mueller
planetarium for three days of laser light and sound shows
liked what they saw. And, the encouraging response results
in a more permanent laser program.
Lawrence Goodridges' Laserworks, a portable laser
show, visited Lincoln recently, played for sell-out crowds
and stirred up considerable interest in the1 unique art
form.
"There are a lot of negative images surrounding lasers,
so it was gratifying to see such interest," according to
planetarium director Jack Dunn. "It adds a different dim
ensions to the planetarium, and it is a rather large depar
ture from our regular shows, but I think it belongs here."
The set up is selling for $30,000, a price which Dunn
says is less than that of most systems.
He said the planetarium is a good place for the show
and Laserworks poses no problems in physical set up,
requires no special heavy-duty wiring and has no specific
power requirements.
The portable unit also can be used for other types of
programs, Goodridge said.
"The way the system is set up, it is specifically pro
grammed, but still retains a live option to create other
images," Dunn said. "It can vary from shows if desired.
I like the artistic input in Laserworks, and the different
possibilities.
Quite successful
"Other laser programs look like they have been put
together by TV programmers. They are very nice, slick,
and commercial, and are quite successful, but his (Good
ridge's) is much more artistic and goes better with the
music."
Dunn said other commercial laser shows include
Laserium, which has a chain of 10 outlets around the
country, and Eye See the Light Show. He said he has
contacted both of these programs, but they are very
expensive and not enough money could be made in the
100-seat planetarium.
"The laser show belongs in the planetarium, even
though it is not astronomical in content," Dunn said.
"The hemispherical dome is found to be best for these
shows, and the whole idea fits into our program. Other
places are doing regular light shows, and of the large
planeiariums around the country, only one is not current
ly doing work with lasers."
Dunn said that in the beginning, conservative planetar
iums wanted nothing to do with lasers, but soon were
swayed by the greatly increased revenue they brought.
The use of lasers as an entertainment form did not gain
much notice until about four years ago, and have picked
up interest tremendously in the last two years, Dunn
said. The stigma that surrounds the laser as being a danger
ous object often has hindered its progress, he said.
ODBOOSSTttiXBB
TOSMDS
The Lincoln Symphony Orchestra Association and
The University of Nebraska School of Music present
i I I nil I II I X Is 1 Thrw Sunday afumooni at four o'clock
M
Goodridge is intent on dismissing this theory and takes
time out before his shows to explain the benefits and
myths about the laser.
Useful tool
"We stress the laser as being a useful tool for man,
not a death ray that's going to zap somebody " Dunn
said. "There is no heat from these lasers. They couldn't
melt an ice cube. The only possible danger is that of any
bright light, a direct beam in the eye. Otherwise they are
a perfectly safe form of entertainment."
But lasers have been subject to misuse, Dunn said.
They have become increasingly popular in light shows for
several rock groups and often have been used without
thought, shining them directly onto the audience, he said.
The government has been cracking down on these uses,
and in most states guidelines for laser use have been
established.
"We want to do programs, that people will enjoy, and
get people interested in the planetarium," Dunn said.
"And Laserworks certainly stirred up interest. Anything
in the universe is possible and this is just another way of
serving people."
Evening's recital
marks 20th year
UNL School of Music piano instructor Larry Lusk will
commemorate his-twentieth year at UNL with a recital in
Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery Auditorium at 8 p.m.
Tuesday.
Lusk said he is confident and prepared for the recital
because "at my ancient age of 45, I'm still learning.
I'm constantly still making progress," he said.
Lusk will play piano compositions by four composers.
The "first piece will be "Sonata in E Minor" by Haydn.
Lusk said it is a "very charming, fun piece that sounds
simple but is harder than hell to play."
"Variations Serieuses, op. 54" by Mendelssohn will be
' second. Lusk called it "very light music by a guy who
never had a trouble in life," but also said it contains
almost every technique used in playing the piano.
Next will be nine "little gems" from "Visions Fugitives,
op. 22" by ProkoviefT, who Lusk described as "one of
those composers kind of like Picasso or Stravinsky who
tried everything there was to try."
The final selections are both by Chopin, four pieces
from-"Preludes, op. 28" and "Ballade in A-flat major,
op. 47." Lusk said the.- last work, is "perhaps the most
perfect piano piece ever written."
The concert is free to the public.
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iuoaromoro
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Lincoln's ,
CarpootVanpool
i
Piano Competition
Medallion Winners
with Jhe Lincoln Little Symphony
Robert Anders Emile, conducting
Now. 13 Michael Houstoun
Dec 18 Alexander Touradze
Febr. 26 Jeffrey Swann '
Series Price:
Regular 12.00 Any Student 6.00
Tickets for individual
performances (on sale Nov.3):
Regular 5.00 Any Student 2.50
UNL OPERA THEATRE
, presents t
Secret
Marriage
comic opera by Domenico Cimarosa
Oct27.28.29 8PM
Oct.30 3PM
L - UNL Students Z.50 .'-V
Y ReouUr 3.00 65 & otr 20 J
"Perhaps the finest regional orchestra in this country"
Minnesota Orchestra
Leonard Slatkin,
conducting
UNL Students 5.00
Regular 8.00
NOVEMBER 1 8PM
Bach ' Brandenburg Concerto
No.6
Barber Violin Concerto
Dvorak Mew World Symphony
NOVEMBER 2 8PM ,
Weber Oberon Overture
Beethoven Symphony No. 2
MussorgUy Pictures at an
Exhibition
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