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You can't overstate the magic that happens when the lights go down, a movie goes up and—thrillingly—a 60-piece orchestra swings into synchronized action. Live music used to be the norm before the sound era started in 1929: Movie palaces employed pianists for comedies and big ensembles for prestigious Hollywood dramas. (I'll never forget an '80s-era screening of Charlie Chaplin's immortal City Lights at SUNY Purchase, where the live orchestra tore into Chaplin's original score with gusto.)
The Godfather will be getting the same treatment come February 5–6 at Washington Heights' cavernous United Palace Theatre (4140 Broadway at 175th St), one of the city's largest screens. Amazingly, Francis Ford Coppola's gangster classic has never been exhibited in NYC with a live orchestra in exactly this manner; the Wordless Music Orchestra is expecting the night to feel special—and is even encouraging audience members to dress formally. (If your tux is at the cleaner, we're confident that dressing up like your favorite Corleone will suffice.) The show time for both nights is 8pm. Tickets range from $29 to $99 depending on seat location. Spend a little—it'll be worth it.
Nino Rota, the composer, was Oscar-nominated for his instantly iconic score, yet his awards campaign hit an iceberg when it was discovered that his music utilized a segment of an earlier Rota love theme from an existing score (from 1958's Fortunella). Rota's masterpiece was disqualified, but we ask you: Can you hum the theme from Limelight, the ultimate Oscar winner? Thought not. When Rota's opening mournful trumpet kicks off the evening, expect shivers.