In Brief: Arts events in and around Modesto

'Passion of Joan of Arc' program at UOP

The University of the Pacific in Stockton will show a digitally restored version of influential 1928 silent film "The Passion of Joan of Arc" on Oct. 20, accompanied by an orchestra and singers.

The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Faye Spanos Concert Hall. The film will be introduced by Richard Einhorn, the man who composed the score for the restored film in 1995. Solos will be performed by UOP faculty members Dan Ebbers, Ann Miller and Burr Phillips plus two UOP vocal students and the a cappella quartet Anonymous 4.

The acclaimed production has been performed more than 200 times across the country, including at New York's Lincoln Center.

"I have yet to perform this piece for an audience that has not been stunned by the totality of the experience," Ebbers said in a statement.

Born in 1412 in France, Joan of Arc became a mystic warrior and was excommunicated and burned at the stake by the Catholic Church in 1431 for heresy. Just over 20 years later, the Catholic Church conducted a new investigation and found that Joan of Arc was innocent.

In 1920, the Catholic Church declared her a saint, the only saint who was first excommunicated and burned.

Tickets to the film showing and concert are $9 general and $5 seniors; UOP students are free. For more information, visit www.pacific.edu.

Chelsea Costa on stage in 'Urinetown'

Former Modesto performer Chelsea Costa is playing Penelope Pennywise in a Los Angeles production of the musical "Urinetown" through Oct. 28.

Presented by Fraggle Productions, the show is playing at the Lounge Theatres. The musical is a comic tale of greed, corruption, love and revolution during a drought.

Costa's husband Ryan Foy plays Bobby Strong in the show. Costa and Foy recently moved to LA from New York. Costa has appeared in national tours of "Dora the Explorer" and "Go Diego Go."

Art on the Hill

Petroglyphe Gallery in Mokelumne Hill will host "Art on the Hill" on Saturday.

Eleven artists will demonstrate their techniques in and around the gallery from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. A reception is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. The event features sculpture, textile art, acrylic and oil painting, watercolors, oil pastels and copper work. There will be complimentary light appetizers, wine and live music.

Petroglyphe Gallery is at 8317 Main St. Call(209) 286-1387 or visit www.gallerypetroglyphe.com.

"Winter Magic" dinner theater series

The Groveland Hotel is presenting a "Winter Magic" dinner theater series featuring top magicians and illusionists. The schedule:

• Saturday — Robert Baxt, 15-year veteran of Hollywood's Magic Castle.

• Nov. 16 — Lawrence Lemon, San Francisco mentalist

• Dec. 14 — Nathan Phan, magician from Disneyland and the Magic Castle who appeared in the film "Superbad."

• Jan. 19 — Larry Wilson, Emmy nominee who has appeared on "Dick Clark Presents," "Evening at the Improv" and "Circus of the Stars."

• Feb. 22 — John Gardenier, sleight-of-hand artist featured on TV show "Bay Area Backroads."

Dinner is at 7 p.m. and the shows are at 8:30 p.m. Cover charge is $10. Seating is available for 46. Make reservations at(209) 962-4000 or guestservices@groveland.com. The Groveland Hotel is at 18767 Main St.

Fantasy portraits

Modesto artist Michael Mangano is showing his fantasy portraits of Modesto people all month at Serrano Social Club in downtown Modesto. His portraits show people in fairy tale or science-fiction settings.

Serrano Social Club is at 1030 J St., Modesto. Visit www.sproforthemo.com.

Mardi Gras Soiree

The Juline Foundation for Children is hosting a Mardi Gras Soiree Nov. 3 at Ripon Community Center.

The event runs from6-9 p.m. and features wine tasting, a silent auction and a Cajun dinner. There will be performances by the JFC Outreach Performance Group and Juline Regional Youth Ballet.

Tickets are $45. Ripon Community Center is at 344 W. Fourth St. RSVP by Oct. 29 at dance@juline-foundation.org.

Sonoran's kickstarter

Sonora writer Alexander Chow-Stuart raised $2,500 last month on kickstarter.com to help him complete his novel "Chinatown Nights." It was his second attempt to raise money on the site.

In August, he was unsuccessful at meeting his original goal of raising $20,000. Chow-Stuart has previously published eight books. His most famous is "War Zone," which was made into a 1999 film directed by Oscar-nominated actor Tim Roth.

YES bookings

Youth Entertainment Stage Company Ambassadors are available to perform at events and parties.

The members perform patriotic, holiday and friendship songs and Broadway show tunes. Donations vary. To book, call (209) 236-6850 or visit www.yescompany.org.

Swiss Echoes concert

The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes presents its annual Fall Concert and Dance on Oct. 20 at the SJV Swiss Hall in Ripon. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the event begins at 6 p.m. with a dinner of ripple (smoked pork chops).

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Heimat Chor (German choir of Stockton) and the Rob Scheiber Orchestra.

Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance by Monday for $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Admission to the concert and dance is $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Call Margaret Higgins at (209) 524-0642.