A very special live cinema event.
Tickets $15, children $10.
In a captivating revival of cinematic history, the 1916 silent film Snow White has been brought back to life with a breathtaking live score composed and performed by harpist Leslie McMichael, accompanied by her sister Barbara McMichael on viola. This rare gem, which inspired a young Walt Disney to create his iconic 1937 animated masterpiece, had long been considered lost to time, rumored to have perished in a vault fire due to its flammable nitrate film stock. Leslie’s magical score seamlessly intertwines with the film’s expressive silent-era acting, enhancing the fairy tale’s timeless charm. Performing together, the McMichael sisters have toured this unique presentation across the country, enchanting audiences with their delicate yet powerful musical interplay. The project began when Seattle’s Northwest Film Forum commissioned Leslie in 2016 to craft an original soundtrack for the film’s centennial, a debut that premiered to acclaim at the Children’s Film Festival Seattle.
The press has showered this innovative pairing of silent film and live music with glowing praise. Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber hailed it as a “magical score” that “brings the silent film alive again,” emphasizing the sisters’ ability to evoke the story’s emotional depth. Critics have noted Leslie’s meticulous approach—using modern tools like a DVD remote and digital timer to align her compositions with the film’s every scene—resulting in a soundtrack that feels both spontaneous and perfectly synchronized. “It’s thrilling to play live and pair the visuals of the film with my music,” Leslie shared in an interview, a sentiment echoed by reviewers who call the experience “spellbinding” (Epsilon Spires). Audiences of all ages have been delighted by this fresh take on a classic, with the McMichaels’ performances often accompanied by popcorn and treats, creating a cozy, family-friendly event that celebrates both film and fairy tale history.
