See Chaplin’s ‘City Lights’ in original format

It might have been absent of color and sound, but when Charlie Chaplin entered his scenes in the 1931 film "City Lights," people couldn't help but fall in love with the classic.

"People used to save up their money, get dressed up and go watch the newest silent film," said Bud Pico, a spokesman with the city of Henderson.

Now, 80 years later, the city is showing the film, replacing the original music score with a live performance from the Henderson Symphony Orchestra.

"It is definitely a challenge lining up the music with the film," said Taras Krysa, the conductor of the orchestra. "The music itself is easy."

"City Lights" is scheduled to be shown one time only at 8 p.m. Friday at the Henderson Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway. Tickets are $10.

"The film is being projected by a 35mm projector used during the times of the original film," Pico said. "The film industry switched over to digital film projection years ago, and the old projectors are hard to come by. We were unable to find this type of projector in Southern Nevada but were able to rent one from Hollywood (to show the film Friday)."

"City Lights" is a romantic comedy about a man trying to win the affections of a blind girl who thinks her suitor is rich and handsome.

"Charlie Chaplin was known for his movie roles and especially for his classic characters, but what most people don't know is that he was an accomplished composer and songwriter," Pico said. "Not only did Charlie Chaplin write, direct and produce 'City Lights,' he also composed all of the music that will be performed by the Henderson Symphony Orchestra."

Pico said this film is considered one of the greatest films of all time. The American Film Institute has rated the film as the No. 1 romantic comedy.

"I grew up watching Chaplin," Krysa said. "It's such a classic love story. But I am a hopeless romantic."

Krysa has been studying the film to determine how the flow of the evening will go.

"Projects like these aren't done often," Krysa said.

Krysa said the group will practice the piece, first against a DVD.

The group might get only one or two rehearsals with the actual movie reel.

Pico said that to be able to rent the original film, which is coming from Paris, the city had to provide a list of qualifications, including the conductor's list of accomplishments, to be approved to produce this event.

Krysa believes the evening is a good way to bridge the gap between a generation that has watched Chaplin and a new generation that possibly hasn't see the film.

The Henderson Symphony Orchestra comprises volunteer musicians.

Krysa, who was born in Ukraine and trained in Russia as a violinist, has directed the orchestra since 2006.

"It is a wonderful group," Krysa said.

Krysa has watched the number of people who attend the orchestra's events multiply over the years and said he can't wait to see the turnout for "City Lights."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit hendersonlive.com or call 267-4849.

Contact Henderson and Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.