Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights with Live Music Soundtrack

On June 6 at 7:30 p.m., the Sebastiani Theatre will present a special showing of the classic Charlie Chaplin film, City Lights, with a newly composed, live soundtrack performed by members of the Renegade Orchestra. City Lights is considered Charlie Chaplin’s film masterpiece. As both a comedy and a drama, the film showcases Chaplin’s depths as a silent film actor, leading the audience through scenes of both classic slapstick humor, and masterfully portrayed emotion.

Premiering in 1931, City Lights, was a silent film produced after “talkies” had already changed the landscape of cinema three years prior. Chaplin initially refused to transition into movies with sound, and produced City Lights as his statement against films with recorded dialogue. He believed “talkies” lacked the emotional and artistic depth of silent films. City Lights stands as a masterpiece of the silent film genre.

This special showing of City Lights will feature a new, live soundtrack, performed by members of the Renegade Orchestra performing live in the theater as a 1930’s style jazz combo. The Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma was built only a couple of years after the premiere of City Lights and still retains its art deco charm. Concessions include wine, as well as amazing popcorn, and other treats. The orchestra will be available for a meet and greet after the show.