Sierra Madre Playhouse, in collaboration with Silents Synced, presents a unique cinematic experience that merges the timeless charm of silent film with the evocative sounds of modern rock. For one night only, Buster Keaton’s 1924 silent comedy Sherlock Jr. will be paired with R.E.M.’s atmospheric 1996 album New Adventures in Hi-Fi in an immersive film screening on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 8:00 PM at Sierra Madre Playhouse.
A Modern Reimagining of a Silent Film Classic
“This innovative and immersive experience reimagines Buster Keaton’s masterful comedy through a contemporary musical lens,” says Matt Cook, Artistic and Executive Director of Sierra Madre Playhouse. “These mashups breathe new life into classic motion pictures and honor the Playhouse’s origins as a silent film house.”
The event aims to highlight both Keaton’s cinematic brilliance and the moody, introspective soundscapes of R.E.M., creating a dialogue between two artistic eras.
About Sherlock Jr. and Its Lasting Legacy
Regarded as one of Keaton’s most iconic works, Sherlock Jr. features the legendary actor-director as a bumbling projectionist who dreams of being a detective. When he’s wrongly accused of theft, he literally steps into the world of film to clear his name—blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Lauded by The Hollywood Reporter as “the greatest of all silent film comedian-auteurs,” Keaton’s work continues to captivate audiences. Sherlock Jr. was selected in 1991 by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, cementing its cultural and historical significance.
The Musical Backdrop: R.E.M.’s New Adventures in Hi-Fi
Released in 1996, New Adventures in Hi-Fi was recorded during and after R.E.M.’s intense 1995 world tour. The album is known for its expansive sonic textures and meditative lyrics that reflect the transience of life on the road.
Critically acclaimed by Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Spin, the album offers an atmospheric soundscape that brings a fresh, emotional resonance to Keaton’s visual storytelling.
Ticket Information and Venue Details
Tickets: $20
Phone: (626) 355-4318
Website: www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
Location: Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024
About Sierra Madre Playhouse
A beloved institution in the San Gabriel Valley, Sierra Madre Playhouse has been hailed as a “jewel” by Pasadena Weekly and “a landmark theater” by ABC7 Los Angeles. This intimate 99-seat venue is celebrated for its award-winning productions, community programming, and diverse performance offerings—from theater and music to dance, film, and comedy.
Founded in a building that began as a silent film theater in 1910, the Playhouse preserves its historic charm while continuing to push creative boundaries. Recognized with Ovation Awards, NAACP Theatre Awards, and LA Times Critics’ Choice honors, the Playhouse remains a cornerstone of Southern California’s cultural landscape.
