Wed 8/19 @ 7pm
Alice in Wonderland is coming back in a big way at Loganberry Books. And for good reason — 2015 marks the Alice Sesquicentennial and this Larchmere Avenue bookshop is paying homage to Lewis Carroll’s 1865 masterpiece, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, with an event straight out of the Victorian ages.
On Wed 8/19 Loganberry presents an Alice in Wonderland Magic Lantern Show. So what’s that?
According to Loganberry proprietor Harriett Logan, “Attendees can expect an authentic Victorian magic lantern show, using original technology and slides. Performer Larry Rakow will narrate the tale in entertaining fashion, followed by a Q&A which can address technical, literary or collectible topics.”
Described as the “first projector,” the magic lantern was invented way back in 1650s but wasn’t in its heydey until the end of the Victorian era, when it became a regular part of home and public entertainment. The slides changed every 30 seconds or so with live musicians often providing the soundtrack.
Since Rakow owns an original magic lantern slide projector and the original Alice slides, the event was a no-brainer for the Sesquicentennial.
Logan says the event is perfect for kids and adults alike.
“While originally designed as a children’s theatrical entertainment, Alice is a good story for all ages, and adult techies will enjoy the antiquarian technology used.”
Step back in time at the event while also stepping into one of Cleveland’s premier bookshops. Think brick-and-mortar bookshops are on the decline? Not so, says Logan.
“Independent bookstores are on the rise these past few years, even in Cleveland. Part of this is the loyalty factor of people wanting to support their main streets and home communities, and of wanting to have a bookstore they can physically browse. Another factor may be the waning of e-book sales, and the increasing number of studies that show people learn better and suffer fewer health risks with books on paper.
“Specifically at Loganberry, we offer an attractive environment in which to discover new works, we support local writers with book signings, host events, and we feature a curated selection of new, used and collectible titles side by side. And then there’s Otis, our furry captain.”
Books, Alice, Victorian technology and a cute cat… what’s not to love?
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is an amazing story, and its publication history is second to none,” says Logan. “Come visit the exhibition which features dozens of different illustrators, languages, toys and ephemera.”
Cool Cleveland correspondent Sarah Valek studied art and writing at Ithaca College. After graduation, she came back to Cle and served two years as an AmeriCorps*VISTA with the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She can be found on all sides of the city in pursuit of homeschooling activities for her son and the perfect soy latte. Contact her at CoolEditor@CoolCleveland.com or via Twitter.
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