"The Circus" event page

Charlie Chaplin in plaid waistcoat and bowler hat contemplates a spoon heaping with a white powder.

Northrop Presents

“The Circus”: Silent Film Featuring Live Organ by Aaron David Miller

Sunday, Feb. 7, 3 p.m. CT
In Person / Livestream
On Demand Through Feb. 14
2026-27 Northrop Season

In-person Tickets

Livestream/On Demand

Captioning

Step right up and see the greatest film concert on Earth! The king of silent comedy Charlie Chaplin meets the king of instruments, the Northrop pipe organ, for a big-top event that is anything but quiet. Renowned organist Aaron David Miller will accompany Chaplin’s iconic silent movie “The Circus” (1928), improvising the music live just as was done in early 20th-century theaters. A Q&A with Miller will immediately follow the show.

A romantic comedy that showcases Chaplin at the peak of his comic powers, “The Circus” follows the pratfalls of The Tramp who accidentally finds circus stardom and pursues the affections of the circus proprietor’s daughter. From a police chase through a funhouse mirror maze, to haphazard lion taming, to high-wire hijinks featuring mischievous monkeys, enjoy a rousing afternoon of zany clownery and jaw-dropping organ music that’s fun for all ages!

“This picture would make every boneless wonder crack his ribs with laughter.” — The Camden Herald, Aug. 16, 1928

Advisory: This 1928 film briefly depicts an abusive parent-child relationship.

Top image: Film still from "The Circus" (circa 1928).

Gallery

Aaron David Miller plays a pipe organ on stage to "The Circus" silent film.

Aaron David Miller performs with a silent film at Northrop. Photo © Tony Nelson.

A frightened Charlie Chaplin stands in a cage with a lion in "The Circus."

Film still from "The Circus" (circa 1928).

Charlie Chaplin stands on his toes, with his face and body against a circus tent.

Film still from "The Circus" (circa 1928).

Charlie Chaplin makes a silly face at a toddler held by a man talking to someone.

Film still from "The Circus" (circa 1928).

Charlie Chaplin smiles while talking with Merna Kennedy outside by a circus trailer.

Film still from "The Circus" (circa 1928).

Aaron David Miller plays the Northrop pipe organ under its lamp light on a dark stage.

Aaron David Miller improvising on the Northrop organ. Photo © Tony Nelson.

Charlie Chaplin with a scared expression and a monkey on his shoulder holds a balancing bar.

Film still from "The Circus" (circa 1928).

A dark theater with a man playing a pipe organ on stage with a film on a screen in front of him.

Aaron David Miller performs to a silent film at Northrop. Photo © Tony Nelson.

Related Links, Quotes & Reviews

“An impressive display of swirling virtuosity.” — Los Angeles Times

“Aaron possesses a composer’s insight to understanding music.” — The American Organist Magazine

“Courageous improvisations with flair.” — MPR

“Aaron turned the organ into an audible color wheel as he improvised.” — Los Angeles Times

To Help You Decide

Create Your Own Package

Our flexible Create Your Own package lets you choose your experiences from any three or more in-person events from the 2026-27 Northrop Season! Limited time: Subscription packages are on sale only through Sept. 24.

Subscribers enjoy:

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*Some exclusions apply.

Package Details

Explore Discounts

Groups of 10 or more save 10% and pay lower per ticket processing fees on adult ticket prices for 2026-27 Season in-person events at Northrop, excluding Encore and Pick Your Price events. Discount cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

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Know Before You Go

Event Information

Seating: General Admission
Performance & Livestream Begins: 3 p.m. CT, Feb. 7
On Demand: Through 11:59 p.m. Feb. 14
Pick 3 or More Events and Save

If you need assistance, please call 612-624-2345, email umntix@umn.edu.

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During the Performance

Sensory Friendly Lounge

A Sensory Friendly Lounge equipped with sensory supports and staffed by trained volunteers will be available to all guests who are seeking a safe and soothing atmosphere during this and other select performances. Learn more on the Accessibility Services page.

More Accessibility Services

This event will be captioned, with other accessibility services available upon request. Some services require advanced notice.

Acknowledgments

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.