MUSIC • MOVIES • MEMORY
PREMIERE PERFORMANCE : AXIS THEATER / NEW YORK NY
COMING SOON TO A VENUE NEAR YOU
Some of the best songs ever written for movies–
performed with reimagined footage from the movies themselves.
CINEMA SONGS: Musical Treasures from the Silver Screen premiered at NYC’s Axis Theater, the former site of the iconic Café Society. The production celebrates the timeless connection between music and movies, and promises to take audiences on a nostalgic journey through the golden age of cinema, showcasing some of the most memorable and beloved songs written for classic films. As the musicians perform the tunes, reimagined footage from the films themselves is projected over them, creating an immersive and unique multimedia experience.
In addition to the live performance, the show also features fascinating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the making of these seminal films and the artists who brought them to life. This engaging narrative element provides a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of the songs, allowing audiences to appreciate them on an even more profound level.
The show is the brainchild of creator/director David Driver in collaboration with Emmy™-winning editor and video artist Tony Zajkowski. The one-of-a-kind performance features songs from beloved films such as Alfie, American Gigolo, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Night of the Hunter, The Spy Who Loved Me and The Poseidon Adventure.
The Axis Theater, with its rich history as the former site of Café Society, provides the perfect setting for this captivating production. The legendary New York City nightclub opened in 1938 and was known for its commitment to racial integration and showcasing groundbreaking talent, including Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, and Sarah Vaughan. The venue's storied past adds an extra layer of charm and significance to the show, as it pays tribute to the musical treasures of a bygone era.
The Symphonic Six is Adam Bernstein (upright bass), Whitney LaGrange (violin), Dana Lyn (keyboards), Brad Mulholland (clarinet, flute, tenor saxophone), Chelsea Starbuck Smith (violin), Clem Waldmann (percussion), joined by Driver himself (singing). Together, they will transport the audience on a nostalgic journey through some of the best music ever written for films, celebrating the magic of cinema and the power of music to evoke emotions and memories.
“David Driver has coined an oblique downtown twist on saloon singing, devoid of melodrama, like Jerry Vale dreaming of Chet Baker. He’s a persuasive performer.”
– Rob Tannenbaum, The Village Voice




