Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra: Steamboat Bill, Jr. – Silent Film with Live Score

The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra is taking over the Schrott Center for the Arts on Saturday, April 17, 2027, for a screening of Buster Keaton's 1928 silent film Steamboat Bill, Jr.. It's a double feature in one: the movie plays on screen while the orchestra performs Carl Davis's score live on stage, so the music hits in real time right along with the action. The whole thing is presented as part of the Butler University Free Community Movie Series.

Steamboat Bill, Jr. was directed by and starred Buster Keaton, and it's one of his best—full of the kind of physical comedy and huge stunts he's known for. The orchestra's job is to follow the film as it unfolds, with the music timing itself to every gag, chase, and stunt. It's a live score in the truest sense, so the sound changes as the scene does, rather than just playing along to a recording. The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra is led by Music Director Matthew Kraemer, who'll be conducting from the stage.

Because it's a silent film, the music does a lot of the heavy lifting, and having a full orchestra there to play it live gives the whole thing a different energy than watching it at home. It's a program aimed at the whole family, so it works as a date or as something to bring the kids to. The performance is part of the Butler University Free Community Movie Series, which is worth keeping in mind if you're looking for a low-stakes way to spend a Saturday night.

It all goes down at the Schrott Center for the Arts, located at Butler University, 610 W. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. The show starts at 7:30 PM on Saturday, April 17.