Overview
At a Glance
The glory of silent films are "in" again. Last season’s performance sold out, so don’t miss this new opportnity to experience a classic film with its original score performed live by The Cleveland Orchestra. In the final appearance of Chaplin's iconic Little Tramp (the character that brought him world fame), the incomparable actor-director created a comedy about humanity's struggle to survive amidst the changing industrialization of the world.
Presented in concert
with The Cleveland Orchestra
conducted by William Eddins
and featuring Brent Chamberlain, Jason Levy,
Rohan Mandelia, and Matthew Rizer
as the voices of the singing waiters.
Music by Charlie Chaplin.
Musical arrangements by David Raksin and Edward Powell.
Original musical direction by Alfred Newman.
Original scoring restored for live performance by Timothy Brock.
Modern Times © Roy Export SAS. Music copyright © Roy Export Company Establishment and Bourne Co. All rights reserved.
Synopsis
Charlie is a factory worker in this hectic age — a minor cog in the grinding wheels of industry. His job is mechanically tightening bolts on a moving belt. The monotony of the work drives him berserk. Taken to hospital, he soon recovers and is discharged, but cautioned to avoid excitement. Caught in a street riot, he is mistaken for the leader and thrown into a patrol wagon.
Charlie unconsciously thwarts an attempted jailbreak. As a reward, he is given a cell with all the comforts of home. But just as he is ready to settle down to a life of ease and contentment in jail, he is pardoned. He then gets a job in a shipyard, but is fired for doing the wrong things at the wrong times. He resolves to return to the comfort and security of jail. He meets the girl, a gamine of the waterfront. She and her orphaned sisters are about to be taken into custody by the juvenile welfare officers, but she escapes. When she is about to be arrested for stealing food, Charlie attempts to take the blame, without success. He wanders into a cafeteria, orders everything in sight, then informs the manager that he has no money to pay.
On the way to jail he meets the girl again. Together they escape and from then on they are inseparable companions. Charlie gets a job as night watchman in a department store. His first night on duty is hectic. Burglars invade the store, and Charlie is involved once again with the police, and once more shunted to jail. Released, he meets the girl who has found herself a job as a cabaret dancer. She gets Charlie a job in the same restaurant as a singing waiter. He proves a huge success. Happiness seems close now, but the juvenile welfare officers have finally tracked the girl down. They attempt to take her into custody, but Charlie foils them and escapes with the girl. Together they trudge down the lonely road, ready to face whatever the future may bring.
Modern Times was premiered on February 5, 1936, at New York’s Rivoli Theatre.
Parking
A variety of parking options are available for concerts at Severance Hall, including guaranteed pre-paid parking passes (purchased through the Ticket Office or via this website).
CAMPUS CENTER GARAGE
The Case Western Reserve University Campus Center Garage is located directly adjacent to Severance Hall (parking entrance is off East Boulevard), with stair and elevator access to Severance Hall. Event parking in the Campus Center Garage can be purchased for $10 per vehicle when space permits. However, the garage often fills up well before concert time and only patrons who purchase pre-paid parking passes are ensured a parking space.
Pre-Paid Parking for the Campus Center Garage can be purchased in advance for $14 per concert by calling the Ticket Office or through this website. Pre-paid parking guarantees you a space, but availability of pre-paid parking passes is limited.
HOW TO BUY PARKING
If you are purchasing your tickets via this website, there is an opportunity after you have put seats into the checkout cart when you can select the “Find Parking” button.
Alternatively, if you have already purchased tickets, you can purchase pre-paid parking online through the concert Event Calendar. Above the calendar, check the box “for ticket holders who wish to purchase tickets only” under Select a Type of Event. The calendar will then show available parking.
Parking can also be purchased through the Ticket Office by calling 216-231-1111.
Limited additional event parking is available in the Case Western Reserve University Lot 1 off Euclid Avenue across from Severance Hall, or at the University Circle Lot 13A on Adelbert Road, and at the Cleveland Botanical Garden parking garage on East Boulevard. Space at these lots may be particularly limited during weekday daytime hours. Some on-street parking is also available, but often fills up well before curtain time.
PARKING MAP
For a printable map of parking areas surrounding Severance Hall,
click here.
Severance Restaurant
Severance Restaurant at Severance Hall features contemporary American cuisine in an elegant setting and is perfect for a quick bite or leisurely dinner before the concert.
The restaurant, operated by Cleveland’s own Sammy’s, is located on the street level of Severance Hall along East Boulevard. A pre-concert dinner buffet begins up to three hours before each Cleveland Orchestra evening concert.
Reservations are advised.
For dinner reservations,
please call 216-231-7373 anytime or reserve online.
MENU
View a sample pre-concert evening buffet menu.
