Chaplin and Keaton on the Set of Limelight

Chaplin and Keaton on the Set of Limelight

Greg Lam

The Pear Theatre

One was known worldwide for his bamboo cane, derby hat, toothbrush mustache, too-small black jacket, and a walk more like a penguin than a man.  The other’s big screen image familiar to all was a clean-shaven face smothered in thick, white makeup; a deadpan expression with smile totally absent; baggy pants; and a tiny, felt, pork pie hat.  One combined slapstick and pathos as his Tramp struggled hilariously against adversity; the other performed daredevil stunts that left audiences wide-eyed between their tears of laughter as Stone Face walked away unscathed.

For five decades, two of the greatest, most-beloved film comics ever had never worked together until in 1952, Charlie Chaplin invited Buster Keaton to join him in a couple of scenes of what was to be Chaplin’s last American-made movie, Limelight.  In his new play Chaplin and Keaton on the Set of Limelight, Greg Lam imagines what may have transpired in the dressing room between the two silent-movie giants as they meet for the first time in fifteen years, reminisce fondly about the days before talkies, and argue vehemently about their opposing philosophies of the purpose and value of movies.  The Pear Theatre’s production is a fascinating, educating, and highly entertaining world premiere in which funny and thought-provoking walk hand-in-hand and in which the performances of the two leads are nothing short of striking.

Please continue to Talkin’Broadway for the rest of my review.

Rating: 4.5 E

A Theatre Eddys Best Bet Production

Chaplin and Keaton on the Set of Limelight continues through July 21, 2024, in a two-hour (with intermission), world premiere production by The Pear Theatre, at The Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida, Suite A, Mountain View, CA.  Tickets are available at www.thepear.org .

Photo Credit: Argun Tekant