Final preparations are under way for Ran’s fall student performance, which focuses on one of his favorite films, the psychological murder mystery Spiral Staircase. Fittingly, the show falls on Halloween.

The evening (formally titled “Spiral Staircases”) will include scenes from the film and musical and theatrical performances by New England Conservatory students and others. Directed by Robert Siodmak, the 1946 film tells the story of a mute servant girl threatened by a murderer who has a penchant for killing the handicapped. The girl, who hasn’t been able to speak since childhood, must somehow call for help before becoming the killer’s next victim. Dorothy McGuire, Ethel Barrymore, Elsa Lanchester and George Brent co-star. If you don’t already own a copy on DVD, Ran recommends the 2005 MGM edition.

The October 31 show is at 8 p.m. at New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall. It’s free.

As a warm-up to “Spiral Staircases,” one of Ran’s favorite restaurants, Khao Sarn in Brookline, is hosting “Film Noir and Pinot Noir,” an evening of food and wine on Tuesday, October 30. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

The cost is $18, which includes appetizers and wine. Khao Sarn is located at 250 Harvard St., a short walk from Coolidge Corner.

The event goes from 8 to 10 p.m. and reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, please email Noon at noonks@comcast.net.

Ran and guitarist David “Knife” Fabris have added a show in Germany to their upcoming European tour. On Tuesday, November 27, Ran will give a lecture at 2 p.m. at the Max Planck Institute Guest House in Tuebingen, Germany, followed by a duo concert. Seating is limited, so please call ahead (+49(0)7071-601765) if you’re interested in attending.

The tour dates now include:

November 22 — Ran performs solo at the Jazzdor Festival in Strasbourg, France.

November 27 — Lecture and duo performance at Max Planck Institute Guest House, Tuebingen, Germany.

November 29 — Duo performance with Knife at Theatre du Perigueux in Perigueux, France.

December 9 — Duo performance with Knife in the afternoon at Le Petit Faucheux in Tours, France. Ran will also be teaching a master class in the week leading up to this show.

December 13 — Ran performs at the Sunset Sunside Club in Paris. Ran will teach a master class at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris in the days leading up to this show, and students will participate in this night’s performance.

December 15 — Duo performance with Knife at Casa Jazz in Rome.

2007
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January

We’ll see you in November.
–Steve

Vol. 3, No.10