From PEMBERVILLE FREEDOM AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society will present its “Live! In the House” concert series, showing Charlie Chaplin in “Modern Times,” featuring Lynne Long at the piano. The event will take place at the Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St., Pemberville, on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Beeker’s General Store or at the door for $15. People may also contact Carol for tickets at 419-287-4848.
Charlie Chaplin’s “Modern Times” is a timeless satirical comedy that blends humor, social commentary, and heartfelt emotion. The film follows Chaplin’s iconic “Little Tramp” as he struggles to survive in an increasingly industrialized and mechanized world during the Great Depression.
At the start, the Tramp works on a relentless factory assembly line, where the dehumanizing pace and absurd demands of modern industry push him to a nervous breakdown. After a series of misadventures – including mistaken arrests, accidental heroics, and comical run-ins with the law – he meets a spirited, homeless young woman (Paulette Goddard). Together, they dream of a better life, facing hardship with resilience, wit, and optimism.
Through slapstick sequences and poignant moments, “Modern Times” critiques the alienation caused by technology and economic hardship, while celebrating human connection and hope. It’s Chaplin’s last silent film, incorporating sound effects and minimal dialogue, and remains a brilliant blend of comedy and social reflection.
Lynne E. Long, a graduate of BGSU in piano performance, has maintained a private piano studio in her home for over 50 years. She has been a member of the Ohio Music Teachers’ Association for years and holds a Permanent Professional Certificate. Long has performed and accompanied at a variety of functions in the northwest Ohio area, including solo recitals, dedication concerts, and senior recitals (cooperative pianist) at BGSU.
As a trustee of the Historical Society of Grand Rapids, Long coordinates the “Rhythm on the River” music series in the summers. She has recorded to CDs of sacred music. Currently, Long is an organist on staff at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Holgate and accompanies silent movies at numerous venues. It brings her joy to select entertaining music that enhances each silent movie.
For more information, call Carol Bailey at 419-419-9645 or visit www.pembervilleoperahouse.org.
