October 1, 2008

How can a silent movie be that scary?  See the 1925 silent classic film, The Phantom of the Opera, and try to stay calm.  The gloomy depths of the Phantom’s subterranean lair beneath the Paris Opera are at least twice as creepy and crawly as subsequent film versions of the story.
 
Michigan Theater organist Steven Ball provides live accompaniment on the Barton Theater Organ for the special Halloween screening which takes place at 7 pm on Friday, October 31.
 
Lon Chaney stars as Erik, the twisted composer mad with love for the luscious young opera singer, Christine, played by Mary Philbin. With a song in his heart, he carries out his evil plan to make her a star – and strangely, have her all to himself at the same time.  Christine’s lover, Raoul, fails to rescue her, proving once more than faint heart never won fair maiden.  All in all, it’s more Gothic than horror-film but still gloriously atmospheric.
 
Regular ticket prices apply at the door only: General admission is $9.00, $7.00 for students, seniors and US veterans, $6.50 for Michigan Theater members.  Reserved seats at $15 are available in advance on Ticketweb.com.  All shows take place at the historic Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty Street, across from Borders Books and Music in downtown Ann Arbor
 
Please visit the Michigan Theater web site for more information and a complete schedule with show times: http://michtheater.org