Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

2hr 1min | PG | Sci-fi/Adventure | USA 

This Spring, in the year 2024, in this galaxy right here, the Senate implores you to join us in saying, “May the fourth be with you!” as we screen the film that started it all. 

Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy in Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope. Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begin Luke’s Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to rescue the beautiful Rebel leader Princess Leia from the clutches of Darth Vader and the evil Empire. 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

1hr 26min | R | Comedy | USA 

Two dopes rip their way from California to Mexico and back again, evading the cops entirely by accident in Up in Smoke, a countercultural comedy of errors. 

Starring the stoner comedy duo, Cheech & Chong, this scrappy, meandering, low-budget farce burned bright at the box office in 1978, virtually creating a cinematic subgenre. With its enormous popularity it blazed the trail for every half-baked flick that has since risen from the ashes of the 1970s and remains a touchstone for a certain kind of high-minded film fan. 

We’ll see you on Saturday, April 20. 

But before you come, we’ll be blunt. While we know these guys are going to light up the joint with laughter, THE SENATE REMAINS A STRICTLY NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT. Thank you for your cooperation in advance. 

Snacks will be available at the concessions stand. 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Sunday, April 14 

Doors - 2:00 PM 

Concert - 3:00 PM 

Tickets - $17 

The Detroit Theater Organ Society’s long running Organ Pops Concert series kicks off the 2024 season with yet another marvelous musical afternoon at the Senate. This time around we’re combining the power of our Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ, (the eighth largest ever constructed) with the talents of yet another rising star in the theater organ world, Donnie Rankin!

Don’t miss your chance to experience the majesty, nuance and diversity of sounds that only a theater pipe organ can provide. 

Whether you are a lifelong theater organ enthusiast or just a curious music lover, we hope to see you there! 

About the Artist: 

Donnie Rankin was born in Ravenna Ohio and was immediately immersed in music. After hearing his great-grandfather Don Sr. play the electronic organ at home, Donnie first took an interest in the theatre organ at the age of three when he heard the sounds of the Wurlitzer at the Civic Theatre in Akron, Ohio.

After building a musical foundation in the school band, at age 12 Donnie’s family acquired their own organ and he began taking formal lessons. Classical piano training followed at age 16, and his budding talent quickly blossomed into first rate musicianship.

Since then, Donnie has won several competitions and awards, including being named the Overall Winner of the American Theatre Organ Society's Young Theatre Organist Competition when he was 18. After his win in 2007, Donnie began a 5 year journey studying with noted organist Jelani Eddington.

In the course of his career, Donnie has performed for several ATOS annual conventions, and has played for theatre organ audiences around the world, including appearances in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition to performances, Donnie has presented playing clinics as part of the ATOS Summer Youth Adventure and at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. His work as an organist and percussionist have been broadcast on countless stations including NPR, and BBC 2. In 2023 Donnie was named the American Theatre Organ Society's Organist of the Year. 

Donnie resides in Ravenna, Ohio where he runs a piano studio outside of his normal working hours. He remains on call as an organist at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, and the Akron Civic Theatre.

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in a gated parking lot on Gilbert St., behind the theater.

 DIFA 9

 Saturday, April 6th, 2024

 Doors Open 7pm, Organ Pre-show 7:30pm, Showtime 8pm

 Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210

https://www.senatetheater.com/parking

Join us for the 9th Annual DETROIT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION (DIFA) on Saturday, April 6th, 2024. Immerse yourself in an eclectic 90 minute mix of animated shorts showcasing a vibrant selection of works from both local and international animators.

Set in the historic Senate Theater in Detroit, this 1920’s Art Deco gem is not only known for its visual charm but also houses the world’s 8th largest Wurlitzer pipe organ. Enjoy the classic concession stand, comfortable lounging areas, and the added convenience of secure parking.

Be sure to catch the enchanting Wurlitzer Pipe Organ pre-show by the Detroit Theater Organ Society, beginning at 7:30pm. Doors open at 7pm with the main show beginning at 8pm.

Tickets are $10 and advance tickets will be available on March 1st, along the full animation schedule. Please note, this event is recommended for a mature audience (18 and over) due to some content and themes.

Click *INTERESTED* to stay in the loop, and for more details, visit difestofanim.com.

We can't wait to see you at the 9th annual Detroit International Festival of Animation (DIFA 9)!

For updates, join the DIFA newsletter or the DIFA Newsgroup:

www.difestofanim.com/newsletter

www.facebook.com/groups/DIFANewsgroup

The Senate Theater, home of the Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Sat. Mar. 30 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

2hr 7min | PG | Drama/Musical | USA 

Bidi Bidi Bom Bom! Your heart will sing. Como me duele! Your heart will break. 

Selena tells the story of the rise and sudden death of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, the trailblazing Mexican American singer, and the tight-knit family who made it all possible.

Released just two years after her tragic death, (with deep involvement and consent from the family) Selena the film has served as a loving monument to the “Queen of Tejano Music” for over a quarter century. 

Directed with sincerity and respect by Gregory Nava this modern classic has endured. It guides viewers through an uplifting musical journey, made real by the touching performances of stars Jennifer Lopez (in her breakout role) and legendary Mexican American thespian, Edward James Olmos. In the process it has ensured the legacy of its subject, allowing her music and light to shine beyond her time, inspiring new generations who otherwise may have never heard her voice. 

We could fall in love with her. 

So come to the Senate and fall in love (again) with Selena! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $12 

1hr 22min | NR | Historical Drama | France 

Live Organ Accompaniment by Scott Smith 

Presented in partnership with Cinema Lamont

Silents at the Senate and Cinema Lamont invite you to behold this singular film. An exaltation. An ode. A rousing picture of conspiracy, belief, and sacrifice. 

The Passion of Joan of Arc is a timeless artistic achievement, relentless in style and achingly evocative. It rightly stands as one of the finest films of all time.

Watch as an icon of women’s history transcends her era, the psychological drama of her final hours on screen. Listen as her struggle unfolds in bold imagery, invigorated by a live score from organist Scott Smith on the Senate Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. 

Based on the actual medieval records of the trial and execution of Joan of Arc, Carl Th. Dreyer’s masterwork is nothing less than a cinematic reincarnation.

In the soulful visage of Renée Maria Falconetti the patron saint of France comes to life, shot in startling close-ups that aim to “interpret a hymn to the triumph of the soul over life." 

Experience it the way it was meant to be seen: in the communal atmosphere of a theater, the majestic sounds of a theater organ filling the room. It will be a true feast for the ears, eyes, and spirit. We hope to see you there! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts 

Parking is available in a gated parking lot on Gilbert St., behind the theater.

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

1hr 54min | NR | Noir/Crime | USA 

PRESENTED WITH MOTOR CITY CINEMA SOCIETY ON 16MM FILM

“Made it, Ma! Top of the World!”  

With these iconic lines James Cagney—his voice aching with crazed intensity—cemented his comeback as Hollywood’s most explosive movie star.  In 1949, as moviegoers sat transfixed by the screen, the movie stars’ manic desperation left little doubt: Cagney and White Heat had reached the peak of the gangster film. And today, 75 years later, few, if any, have come close to attaining such heights. 

Using real-life gangsters like Ma Barker and her four criminal sons as a jumping off point, this firecracker of a story travels across the beauty of the High Sierra mountains, deep into the horrors of the penitentiary, and into the mind of a man suffering from “homicidal psychosis.”  

On the edge of the gangster and film noir genres, it features a bold heist, a femme fatale, and moody black and white photography, all directed by gangster flick veteran Raoul Walsh (The Roaring Twenties, High Sierra).

But what really sets it apart is Cagney. Bursting with vulnerability and rage, he embodies Arthur “Cody” Jarrett, a violently volatile, (and highly quotable) criminal madman beset with mommy issues, a debilitating psychosomatic ailment, and a beautiful woman he can’t help but trust.  

Come see why White Heat, decades later, is still on top of the gangster heap, WITH THE REAL FLICKER OF 16MM FILM ON SCREEN!

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Embark on a riveting journey of self-discovery with “Debating Destiny,” a captivating new play by James Anthony Tyler (“The Drop Off,” “hop the A,” “Some Old Black Man”).

Join Udonis Sparks as he confronts loss, discovers hidden talents, and faces life-altering choices. With teenage antics, rapid-fire banter, and heartwarming revelations, “Debating Destiny” offers a poignant exploration of the complexities of growing up through the art of debate. Don’t miss the world premiere of this amazing theatrical experience. Grab your tickets today.

About Mosaic Youth Theatre:

Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit is one of Southeast Michigan’s most highly regarded cultural treasures.

Our critically acclaimed student-driven performances and national and international tours have brought worldwide attention to Detroit as a center for arts and culture while shining a spotlight on the area’s talented young people and creating new and diverse audiences for the performing arts.

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

2hr 1min | R | Drama/Comedy | USA 

 A good man may be hard to find but friendship is always there. 

In Waiting to Exhale, directed by Forrest Whitaker, four Black women struggle against the tumult and disappointments of their lives. Through their bond with each other they find joy, love, hope and kinship—with a little help from some vehicular arson. 

Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Terry McMillan (How Stella Got Her Groove Back) this trailblazing hit film spurred the production of similar films for at least a decade and has had a long-lasting cultural impact. Though it focuses on middle class Black women and their particular problems it remains a touchstone of representation for any woman. Meanwhile, it dared to buck the trend of popular Black films that focused on the poverty stricken and violent lives of young Black men, proving once again the viability of films made for and about women—their desires, their issues, and their triumphs.  

Of course, with a cast like this how could you miss?

Superstar singer/actress Whitney Houston and critically acclaimed actress Angela Bassett lead the stacked ensemble,

a who’s who of Black actors from the mid-1990s featuring Loretta Devine, Gregory Hines, Giancarlo Esposito, Wesley Snipes and more. Add to that a soundtrack and score written by R&B giant, Babyface, and it’s no wonder that this film has remained one of the most relevant and beloved classics of the era. 

And we haven’t even mentioned how funny it is.  

We hope to see you there! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Sat. Feb. 17 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $12 

1hr 11min | NR | Drama/Romance | United States 

Live Organ Accompaniment by Lance Luce 
 

Depravity seizes upon poverty as extravagance collides with innocence in Queen Kelly,

a silent drama of doomed romance, presented with live musical accompaniment by Lance Luce on the Senate’s Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ! This incomplete but still captivating exercise in cinematic excess from director/screenwriter Erich von Stroheim proves that even an unfinished work from a master is still a masterwork. 

Co-produced by and starring Gloria Swanson, one of the silent era's biggest stars, what survives of the film tells the story of a playboy aristocrat who balks at his betrothal to his mad queen. On the eve of the marriage, he falls for an enchanting and fiery convent girl (Swanson) and then schemes to possess her, no matter the cost.  

In its existing form, the film presents a meticulously realized world in beautiful detail, a simple but sumptuous tale of worlds colliding—an ill-fated meeting that ends, (spoiler) in tragedy.  

But the epic and transgressive melodrama that could have been was never completed, itself a victim of incompatibility. But rather than a clash of class and circumstance, what doomed Queen Kelly from reaching its potential was the battle between art and business, the vision of an auteur versus censorship. 

Silents at the Senate is proud to present the 1932 release of this almost lost piece of silent film history!

Released only in Europe well into the “talkie” period, this is the most concise and cinematically pure version of the film. It features the so-called “Swanson” ending, filmed after the dismissal of Stroheim and shot two years after the abrupt end to the production due to massive cost overruns and the directors’ efforts to skirt the demands of censors. 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

2hr 4min | PG-13 | Romance/Sports Drama | USA 

Passion and courage. Desire and determination. A deep connection built on shared dreams. 

In Love & Basketball, romance got game. 

In this new classic of American cinema, the lives of two young athletes and childhood friends (Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps) are intertwined as they attempt to navigate the world of competitive basketball. Meanwhile, a powerful attraction keeps them drawn to each other again and again through injury, struggle, and distance.  

Gina Prince-Bythewood's semi-autobiographical debut feature is equal parts coming-of-age love story and nuanced sports drama, originally intended as a Black When Harry Met Sally. Upon its release this soon-to-be cult favorite garnered plenty of critical praise but was only a minor success at the box office. In the twenty plus years since, however, its reputation has only grown, turning it into a perennial favorite for Valentine’s Day viewing and earning it a rightful place in the National Film Registry.  

Come see this Spike Lee produced gem at the Senate, with all its action—on the court and off—splashed across our big screen! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Nuestra Cultura's Chicano History Week 2024 (Detroit, MI)

Join us for an exciting event celebrating Chicano History at the Senate Theater in Detroit, MI! Get ready for a vibrant and immersive experience as we explore the rich cultural heritage of the Chicano community. We will be screening the film, American Homeboy, by Director Brandon Loran Maxwell. From engaging live art and thought-provoking panel discussions to Chicano art exhibitions, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Chicano history and culture.

American Homeboy is a documentary film that explores the complex origins of pachuco and cholo culture which sprouted from American soil in response to wartime sentiment, social alienation, and government discrimination only to become a pop culture phenomenon. The film draws from rare interviews shot on 5k with leading Mexican American historians, academics, artists, activists, cholos, and former law enforcement officers against a backdrop of 50 hours of restored archival footage.

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

1hr 38min | R | Kung-fu/Mystery | Hong Kong 

Centipede! Snake! Scorpion! Lizard! Toad! 

Five deadly men. Five deadly fighting styles. Five Deadly Venoms. 

In a feudal world of violence, corruption and intrigue, a young novice of the Poison Clan must seek out and discover the identities of the five former pupils of his kung-fu master so that he might reclaim the good reputation of their clan. But will he be able to tell which of them can be trusted and which of them must be defeated? 

The Senate is excited to present this kaleidoscopic blend of kung-fu action, superhuman exploits, and intricate mystery from Hong Kong’s storied Shaw Brothers Studio. This is the film, perhaps more than any other martial arts picture in the post-Bruce Lee era, that kept kung-fu in the cultural consciousness within the United States. Through screenings at urban “grindhouse” theaters and steady rotation on television throughout the 1980s a cult following developed.

And with its dazzling, fantasy world this low-budget adventure provided an escape to countless youth on Saturday afternoons while it inspired filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and hip-hop luminaries like the Wu-Tang Clan.  

Don’t miss your chance to see this classic of Hong Kong cinema, presented just like Americans first saw it in 1978—dubbed in English with all the acrobatic action and bright colors splashed across a big screen. 

We're being joined at Five Deadly Venoms by our friends at the Detroit Kung Fu Academy for a special guest introduction and a 5-10 minute kung fu demonstration during intermission.

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Sat. Jan. 20 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

1hr 32min | Not Rated |Noir/Thriller | USA 

Love and hate. Darkness and light. A terrifying evil that only righteousness can overcome.  

The stuff of fables, of scripture, of the deep and eternal struggle in our souls. An old story, but rarely has this tale been told with such indelible and nightmarish beauty as in the noir/thriller classic, The Night of the Hunter! 

Robert Mitchum stars as Robert Powell, a murderous “preacher” in Great Depression era West Virginia. After being released from the state penitentiary he quickly closes in on the stash of stolen money he knows to be hidden somewhere in the home of his now executed cellmate. With charisma and sex appeal he insinuates himself into the life of the widow Willa Harper, (Shelley Winters) presenting himself as a man of God as he preys upon her unfulfilled desire and the innocence of her children. 

The first and last film directed by acclaimed British actor Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter was initially ignored by audiences and harshly reviewed by critics. This, despite its daring visual style, a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize winner James Agee, and a movie star lead. Over the decades, however, the film developed a cult following thanks to television and revival art house theaters. Audiences were drawn to its strange synthesis of film noir mood, horror aesthetics, elemental themes, and abstract set design. As a result, its cult burgeoned while simultaneously undergoing a critical reassessment that now places it among the best of all time. 

Don’t miss this masterpiece on our big screen! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Sat. Jan. 13 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

2hr 16min | R |Action/Sci-fi | USA 

This January 2024 the Senate Theater is going to party like it’s 1999 . . . 

IN OUR MINDS! 

By party, of course, we mean we’re inviting you to follow the white rabbit into our auditorium to once again experience The Matrix. This all-time mind-bender is turning 25 and there’s no better way to celebrate than to come see it on the big screen just like you saw it for the very first time. 

Woah! Déjà vu! 

Following Neo (née Mr. Anderson), an unsuspecting computer programmer dogged by nefarious men in black, The Matrix takes place in a world where humans are trapped in a simulation created by artificial intelligence. After meeting a pair of mysterious strangers named Trinity and Morpheus, Neo is ripped from his computer fabricated existence and soon discovers that he may be “the one” to release humanity from its virtual prison. 

But you’ve visited the Oracle, so you already know that, right? Or maybe you’ve come to the conclusion that ignorance is bliss? Either way, we can’t wait to see you at the theater to see this award-winning and influential special effects action spectacle! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Ballet Folklórico De Detroit is a volunteer run organization that provides affordable dance classes to the community. Join us for their annual holiday concert of traditional Mexican folk dancing,

Ballet folklórico, traditional Mexican folk dancing, is not any one style of dance, but rather, the  combination of traditional indigenous roots mixed with African, Spanish or other European styles.  Ballet folklórico encompasses all of these various traditional, regional and ethnically diverse dances.

Doors - 2:00 PM

Concert - 3:00 PM

Tickets - $17

'Tis the season to listen to holiday music, and there's no better instrument to provide that festive soundtrack than a Mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ. (Okay, we're biased, but we think you'll agree!) That's right, we're carrying on tradition by closing out the 2023 Organ Pops Concert series at the Senate with a Christmas concert! This year we are featuring the supremely talented, Stephen Warner, an indefatigable champion of the art of the pipe organ!

But you won't simply be able to listen to unique theater organ arrangements of seasonal tunes on one of the largest theater organs ever built. Those timeless melodies will also be accompanied by the vocal stylings of Rose Warner, who will be adding to that yuletide cheer with the incomparable beauty of the human voice.

About the Artist:

Stephen Warner is the organist at Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church in Detroit and a staff organist at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. He grew up in Traverse City, Michigan, where he studied piano from age seven and participated in almost every facet of the Traverse City Public Schools music program.

In 2003, Mr. Warner completed dual bachelor’s degree in organ performance and in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan. There, he had the opportunity to play the organ with many of the bands, orchestras and choirs, including the U of M Men’s Glee Club, which he was a member for 6 years. He studied organ primarily with Dr. James Kibbie and piano with Dr. Louis Nagel.

Mr. Warner studied engineering primarily due to his interest in organ building. He has had the privilege of working as an intern for John Brombaugh and Associates in Eugene, Oregon and now is an assistant for the Holden Pipe Organ Company in Ferndale, Michigan. Recently, Mr. Warner was awarded the David L. Junchen Technical Scholarship from the American Theater Organ Society. The summer of 2001 provided him with a unique study of the organ through a program called “Summer In French Organ Studies,” sponsored by the University of North Texas and the Bedient Pipe Organ Company. This program provided opportunities to perform on and learn the technical details of historic French instruments. This program has inspired Mr. Warner to consider a similar dual approach to studying the history of American instruments, particularly those of the 1920’s. The current application of this interest is in the creation of a fully illustrated book descibing the function and design of Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian's Skinner Organ. For this project, Mr. Warner has recieved the support of the Organ Historical Society through the awarding of the Mader Memorial Research Scholarship.

Mr. Warner has enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with his wife, Rose, singing with him in performances on both the classical and theater organ. He has also collaborated with long-time friend and saxophonist, Adam Olson, in recording and performing the works of vaudeville virtuoso, Rudy Wiedoeft. Lately, his performance focus has also turned to accompanying silent films, performing often at both the Senate and Redford theaters. Additionally, he has recently collaborated with banjo player Aaron Jonah Lewis on an upcoming album of traditional ragtime music entitled Ragtime Banjo Revival.

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society, a non-profit and all-volunteer organization, is supported in part by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Sat. Dec. 2 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

2hr 10min | PG |Drama/Comedy | USA 

Merry Christmas, Detroit! Merry Christmas Michigan Avenue! Merry Christmas you wonderful old Senate Theater! 

We’re kicking off the season of giving this year by bringing you It’s a Wonderful Life. More than seventy-five years on, this enduring holiday classic remains just as romantic, funny, and heart wrenching as ever.  

You’ve seen it again and again, but now you can see it on the big screen in a theater that was playing movies back in 1946 when this classic was released. 

George Bailey (James Stewart) is an idealist, dedicated to his family and neighbors. Almost universally beloved, he is known as a man of integrity and generosity, living his entire life within the quaint confines of his hometown. But will a stifled ambition, the cruelty of fate, and the darkness lurking beneath his picturesque surroundings lead him over the edge of despair into ultimate destruction?  

You probably know the answer. But the strength of this film, where integrity, generosity and the power of community defeats deceit, greed and a lust for power, is that knowing the end doesn’t matter. It never gets old, watching the life story of our flawed but thoroughly decent hero. We laugh and cheer at his triumphs. We ache and cry with him in his moments of darkness. We long to descend into the picture as Clarence, his guardian angel, descends from heaven to save his soul. 

Come experience this beautiful picture once again at the Senate. We’ll see you there! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society, a non-profit and all-volunteer organization, is supported in part by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

Sat. Nov. 18

Doors – 7:00 PM

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM

Film – 8:00 PM

Tickets - $6

2hr 6min | PG-13 | Sci-Fi/Action | France 

Whether you’re a supreme, cosmic being or just another meat popsicle, you don’t want to miss The Fifth Element at the Senate Theater.

A science-fiction cult classic with elaborate, over-the-top style

The Fifth Element is an extravaganza of big movie stars, bigger performances and galactic scope. It is a garish vision of a wasteful and corrupt future as goofy, unhinged and colorful as it is dystopian. But beneath all the camp and color lies the belief that the “divine light” of love can conquer all — even an “ultimate evil” from the deepest, darkest depths of outer space. 

Hollywood writer Robert Mark Kamen (The Karate Kid, Taken) and French writer/director Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, Léon: The Professional) worked together to blend their American and European sensibilities, giving birth to this

perhaps the oddest sci-fi extravaganza to ever make a killing at the international box office.

And though it divided critics at the time, The Fifth Element has only grown in popularity and esteem since its release. Not only a lavish visual spectacle of practical and computer effects with exciting action sequences, it also boasts iconic turns from the likes of Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman and Milla Jovovich. 

We’ll see you at the theater! (Multipass not required for entry.) 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue

EVENT DETAILS:
Doors: 6PM
Show: 7PM - 8:30PM (90 minutes)
Meet & Greet: 8:30PM - 9PM

Journey into the mind of a psychedelic astronaut with a consciousness-expanding comedy show that will leave you mesmerized. At the intersection of science and psychedelics comes "A Better Trip"–the latest work from Shane Mauss.

Originally conceived for his springtime residency at AREA15 in Las Vegas, this hilariously heady event highlights Shane’s personal psychedelic experiences and examines the history, science, and culture of psychedelics … but wait, there's more! It's also accompanied by a vivid display of mind-blowing visuals and custom animations that back the entire performance.

ABOUT SHANE MAUSS
Award-winning comedian, science podcaster, and mental health advocate, Shane Mauss relentlessly integrates his life, interests, and imagination into his material. The result of that effort is content and live show experiences that are as authentic & thoughtful as they are entertaining & innovative.

His Comedy Central "Tales From The Trip" videos have millions of views on YouTube, and his last SOLD-OUT tour ("A Good Trip") inspired the documentary film "Psychonautics: A Comic's Exploration of Psychedelics."

TV/Podcast Appearances: Kimmel, Conan, Showtime, WTF, You Made it Weird, Duncan Trussell's Family Hour, etc

ABOUT THE VISUALS
Michael Strauss is a VJ, digital artist, and event producer from Los Angeles who has crafted psychedelic audiovisual experiences and immersive environments for nearly 20 years.

By improvising with technology and creativity, he has enhanced the live experience for countless artists by opening hearts, lifting spirits, and blowing minds with his stunning real-time visual work.

Previous Artist Collaborations Include: Shpongle, Alex Grey, Desert Dwellers, OTT, Kayla Scintilla , etc

Doors – 2:00 PM

Concert – 3:00 PM

Tickets – $17

The Detroit Theater Organ Society is proud to present another afternoon of mighty sounds from the mightiest of instruments the (aptly named) Mighty Wurlitzer theater pipe organ!

That's right, it's another installment in our long-running Organ Pops Concert series at our home, the Senate Theater!

This time around we are pleased to host the 2020 American Theatre Organ Society Organist of Year, Justin LaVoie.

A native of Michigan, Mr. LaVoie has performed across the United States, dazzling audiences with his mastery of the instrument. Additionally, he has been featured on the nationally syndicated radio program Pipe Dreams and Steve Ashley’s Hot Pipes podcast.

There's no better way to experience and appreciate the full power and majesty of a theater organ than a live concert, and we can't wait to hear what Justin can do at the console.

We'll see you at the theater!

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in a gated parking lot on Gilbert St., behind the theater.

Join Council Member Santiago-Romero for free, family-friendly fun at The Senate Theater on Wednesday November 8. We will be screening the animated classic, Shrek, and providing complimentary refreshments to the first 200 guests!

Sat. Nov. 4 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $12 

1hr 8min | NR | Comedy/Drama | USA

Live Organ Accompaniment by Lance Luce
 

Brace yourselves for the magical and magnificent sounds of our Mighty Wurlitzer!  

It’s another installment of our ongoing silent film series, Silents at the Senate. This time we’re screening one of the most significant, well regarded, and beloved silent films, The Kid. Watch as Charlie Chaplin’s iconic face and physicality grace our screen. Listen as organist Lance Luce enhances the action with the Senate’s powerful theater organ. 

A poignant and charming mixture of pathos and playful comedy, The Kid is a masterwork in visual storytelling and one of the most financially and artistically successful films of the silent era.  

It should not be missed. 

Released in 1921, The Kid marks a turning point for Charlie Chaplin, who wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film. Previously Chaplin had almost exclusively appeared in or directed short films, almost all of which were comedies. With The Kid, however, he set out to not only lengthen the runtime, but also break free from the constraints of pure comedy and create a perfect blend of what he termed, “raw slapstick and sentiment.” There was perhaps no better vessel to achieve that aim than through his beloved character, the Tramp. With his trademark ill-fitting clothes, silly mustache and clownish walk, Chaplin’s iconic vagrant had already delighted audiences for years. But never had he pulled so deliberately upon their heartstrings as he does in The Kid, which proclaims at the start to be, “a picture with a smile—and perhaps, a tear.” 

Which is exactly what our organ is built for. From comedy to melodrama, from epic and grandiose to idyllic and domestic, the theater organ is an instrument built to evoke the full spectrum of human emotion. But first and foremost, these instruments were built so that they might enhance the feelings a filmmaker endeavored to provoke within the viewer. Indeed, there is no better way to enjoy a silent film than with a theater organ, blasting air through its pipes and notes into your ears, blending its aural artistry seamlessly with the visual artistry on screen.  

We’ll see you at the theater! 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

6:30 p.m. Doors open, audience check-in begins

7:00 p.m. CALIGARI begins

8:45 p.m. Intermission - Check-in for NOSFERATU ticketholders

9:00 p.m. NOSFERATU begins

CINEMA DETROIT presents INVINCIBLE CZARS and their nightmarishly fun live soundtracks to THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920) and NOSFERATU (1922) at the Senate!

This immersive live sound experience will transport you back 100+ years via these age-old tales accompanied by chilling modern scores and sound effects, created with an impressive blend of traditional acoustic and present-day electronic instruments. Known for performing their own eclectic live film soundtracks nationwide, INVINCIBLE CZARS will mesmerize you into the world of these films.

The world’s first feature-length horror film, THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI has inspired many artists including Tim Burton and David Bowie (among many others) with its strikingly modern visuals. Its craggy edges, disjointed backgrounds and heavy makeup have earned this dark fairy tale a reputation as the quintessential German Expressionist film. Its influential twist ending is also considered the first in cinematic history.

NOSFERATU, the first feature-length vampire movie, has endured for more than a century inspiring countless vampire films, video games, memes, publications and other content. The Invincible Czars’ chilling soundtrack, inspired by everything from Romanian folk music to horror sound design, amplifies the scariness to a goosebumps-inducing heights.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The first film, CALIGARI, starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 each for either of the films or $30 for both. Complete info and tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cinema-detroit-presents-invincible-czars-tickets-554667283777

Cantinflas en El Bolero de Raquel
EN ESPAÑOL with English Subtitles 

Sat. Sep. 23 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

1hr 41min | NR | Comedy | USA 

Presented in partnership with La Carpa Theatre and Cinema Lamont 

The Senate Theater, La Carpa Theatre and Cinema Lamont are proud to present El Bolero de Raquel, a classic farce from the legendary Mexican comedian Mario Moreno, better known as Cantinflas!  

In keeping with the kind of roles he was known for, Cantinflas portrays a poor shoeshine man who makes up for his lack of education with quick wit and charm. After finding himself in charge of his newfound godson, he embarks on a quest to better himself so that he might better take care of the young boy. But will his bad luck, hijinks and a new romance get in the way? 

Probably.  

But if you know Cantinflas you know that, win or lose, he’ll always have something clever to say about it! So don’t miss your opportunity to see this classic of Mexican cinema on the big screen at the Senate Theater. 

But this event is not only an opportunity to celebrate the genius of the so-called “Charlie Chaplin of Mexico.” It also doubles as a fundraiser for the Detroit teen theatre ensemble, La Carpa Theatre! Which is fitting, considering that Cantinflas got his start in the “carpa” travelling theater circuit of Mexico from which La Carpa Theatre gets its inspiration. The carpas of Cantinflas’ day typically took place in travelling tents and featured a variety of performances, including comedic sketches, dance, acrobatics and more. Today the La Carpa Teen Ensemble offers an opportunity for the youth to “embrace their voice and shed light on their community and their future” through the arts. 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

The Senate Theater, La Carpa Theatre y Cinema Lamont están orgullosos de presentar El Bolero de Raquel, una farsa clásica del legendario comediante Mexicano Mario Moreno “Cantinflas”. 

Como era la tradición de sus característicos personajes, Cantinflas interpreta a un pobre bolero de zapatos quien, aunque falto educación, tiene un gran ingenio y encanto. Después de heredar la tutela de su nuevo ahijado, decide cambiar de rumbo para mejorar su vida y cuidar mejor del joven niño. ¿Pero, será que su mala suerte y un nuevo romance se interpondrán en su camino?  

¡Probablemente! 

Pero si conoces a Cantinflas, sabes bien que, gane o pierda, el siempre encontrara una ingeniosa perspectiva ante la vida. Así que no te pierdas la oportunidad de ver este clásico del cine mexicano en la pantalla grande del Senate Theater!  

Además de ser un evento para celebrar al llamado “Charlie Chaplin de México”, será también una recaudación de fondos para el grupo de teatro juvenil La Carpa Theatre! Lo cual tiene mucho sentido, ya que Cantinflas empezó su carrera artística en “las carpas” un tipo de teatro mexicano ambulante a principios del siglo 20. Es de ahí de donde surge la inspiración para el nombre del grupo de teatro juvenil La Crapa Theatre. Las Carpas de la época de Cantinflas, eran carpas que se montaban en diferentes comunidades para ofrecer facil acceso a diferentes presentaciones artísticas como “sketches” cómicos, acrobacias, bailes, música y más. Hoy el grupo juvenil de La Carpa ofrece a los jóvenes la oportunidad de abrazar su propia voz, iluminando así a su comunidad y a su futuro por medio de las artes escénicas.  

The Senate Theater y The Detroit Theater Organ Society es patrocinado por The Michigan Arts and Culture Council y The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in our gated lot, on Gilbert, and Michigan Avenue 

Joan Crawford in Rain (1932) “Pre-Code” Hollywood Presentation 

Sat. Sep. 16 

Doors – 7:00 PM 

Organ Overture – 7:30 PM 

Film – 8:00 PM 

Tickets - $6 

1hr 34min | NR | Drama| USA 

DRAMA! DRAMA! DRAMA! 

The word alone doesn’t do justice to Rain. It is a film so overflowing with fervid emotion, so redolent of the deepest and darkest impulses of humanity that only caps-lock, exclamation points and repetition can come close to matching its passionate intensity. 

So, in other words, Rain presents an excellent example of films released during the so-called “pre-code Hollywood” era. This brief period (1927-1934) before the enforcement of the Hays Code censorship guidelines was marked by shocking, salacious, suggestive, and even surprisingly sexually explicit plotlines that both scandalized and tantalized moviegoers.  

Rain was one such film. Set on an island in the South Pacific against a backdrop of tropical disease and monsoon rains, it stars a young Joan Crawford and Walter Huston. Crawford plays Sadie Thompson, a prostitute fleeing the law while Huston portrays the self-righteous missionary determined to dominate her. Both are passengers from a ship, now stranded due to a cholera outbreak. Both are in danger of being consumed by sin, lust, and compulsion. Neither may make it out of Pago Pago with their soul intact.  

Come see how this DRAMA! DRAMA! DRAMA! unfolds at the Senate. 

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in a gated parking lot on Gilbert St., behind the theater.

Organ Pops Concert Featuring Dr. William Coale 

Sun. Sep. 10 

Doors – 2:00 PM 

Concert – 3:00 PM 

Tickets - $17

Our Organ Pops Concert series returns after a summer break for yet another concert in this decades long Senate Theater tradition. Our first of three concerts for the Fall/Winter 2023 season will feature Dr. William Coale on our Mighty Wurlitzer, making beautiful music befitting the majesty of our priceless instrument.

Dr. Coale is an experienced concert theater organist who has performed in concert in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Sweden. Additionally, he is a scholar of the art of the instrument, having literally written volumes on legendary theater organist George Wright, a task that imbued him with a deep knowledge of the history of the instrument and its place in cinema history.

We hope to see you at the theater for yet another afternoon of amazing theater organ music!

The Senate Theater and The Detroit Theater Organ Society is supported by The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and The National Endowment for the Arts. 

Parking is available in a gated parking lot on Gilbert St., behind the theater.

Music. Art. Food

This year you can expect 48 performances across three stages and over 100 vendors to check out throughout the day! Come join us in uplifting and celebrating all that our beautiful community and city has to offer!

FREE Admission