Halloween might elicit different responses depending on one’s age. For “tweens,” the traditional Celtic festival means numerous sweets. For party-happy nocturnal-types over 18, it means plenty of hooch and little clothing.
However, for those who get past their Halloween-eve night without a major headache, Tampa Theatre offers an impressive treat, screening the 1925 silent horror classic, The Phantom of the Opera. The picture will be shown Sunday, Oct. 24 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for non-members and $10 for members and those with a valid military ID.
This isn’t just an ordinary 92-minute black-and-white silent film; after all, who would consider live music silent? Tampa Theatre’s very own “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ will be played by Cliff Shaffer, who has been hitting the theatre organ’s keys for the past 15 years.
Shaffer cites the music of the 1920s and the ‘30s as his major influence, but loves playing the Wurlitzer for different reasons.
“Theater organ is my passion,” said Shaffer. “When I play at the Tampa Theatre, my emotions run the gamut. The sound overwhelms me and I am [transported] to another time and place.”
His performance will be complemented by the voice of Melissa Muys, who will perform the arias from The Phantom of the Opera. Muys, niece of 107-year-old Tampa Theatre legend Rosa Rio (who just passed away this March), holds a Master’s degree in vocal performance. “I am extremely excited,” said Muys.
Besides opera engagements in St. Louis, Kansas City, New York, Sarasota and Orlando, Muys also performed excerpts from the Lloyd Weber musical of the same name with her aunt, Rosa. “It’s incredibly special to merge the two now,” said Muys about her upcoming performance.
Without a doubt, this motion picture and live music hybrid might not suit everybody, but it will certainly be a pleasure for the culture aficionado.
JP Busche can be reached at jbusche@spartans.ut.edu