Sierra Madre Playhouse will present Buster Keaton’s 1924 silent film “Sherlock Jr.” with music from R.E.M.’s albums on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 8 p.m. The innovative event, created in partnership with Silents Synced, reimagines the classic comedy by blending it with atmospheric sounds from R.E.M.’s “New Adventures in Hi-Fi” and “Monster” albums.
“This is a strategic format to draw new audiences to cinemas for a communal music experience like no other,” said Josh Frank, CEO and creator of Silents Synced, which developed the program during the pandemic.
The $20-per-ticket event represents a full-circle moment for the Sierra Madre Playhouse, which originally opened in 1924 as a silent movie theater – the same year “Sherlock Jr.” was released. Now celebrating its centennial, the venue’s transformation mirrors the innovative spirit of the screening itself.
“Buster Keaton is one of my favorite actor/director/writers in movie history. I’m honored that in some small way R.E.M. is collaborating with him from beyond the grave!” said Peter Buck, R.E.M. co-founder and guitarist.
The Sierra Madre screening follows the world premiere held on Feb. 1, 2025, at the historic Morton Theatre in Athens, Georgia – R.E.M.’s birthplace. The featured album, “New Adventures in Hi-Fi,” was the band’s tenth studio release and final recording with founding drummer Bill Berry.
“Sierra Madre Playhouse’s 2025 season is our most ambitious to date and reflects the venue’s remarkable transformation over the past 100 years from a silent film house to a full-fledged performing arts center,” said Matthew Cook, Artistic and Executive Director.
The Silents Synced series previously found success with “Nosferatu X Radiohead,” which screened at over 150 independent cinemas across over 30 states.
Sierra Madre Playhouse, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024. (626) 355-4318. www.
