CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — A cinematic ghost will rise again this weekend as The Phantom of the Opera (1925), the iconic silent horror film starring Lon Chaney, returns to the big screen at the Virginia Theatre—complete with live organ accompaniment by renowned musician Dr. Steven Ball.
The film will be shown Saturday, September 6 at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, giving audiences a rare chance to experience this Gothic masterpiece in the way it was meant to be seen—and heard.
The 1925 silent adaptation of Gaston Leroux’s novel follows the story of Christine Daaé, a rising opera singer pursued by a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom. Set within the opulent yet eerie walls of the Paris Opera House, the film combines romance, mystery, and horror—made all the more unforgettable by Chaney’s groundbreaking makeup and performance.
Adding to the atmosphere will be live organ accompaniment from Dr. Steven Ball, one of the country’s leading silent film organists. Ball, a former Fulbright Scholar and internationally touring performer, is known for his improvisational skill and deep knowledge of historic film music.
Tickets are $10, with a $2 per-ticket fee, and are available through the Virginia Theatre’s box office and website.
