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Emily Rose Benefield (left) and McKeever Wright (right) come together for a photo at an As You Are Worship Night.
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By Kiley Beykirch, Staff Writer
Published Apr 19, 2024
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University Christian Church resurrects silent-movie era

A 1925 tale of horror will be part of University Christian Church’s annual silent movie celebration.

UCC will screen “The Phantom of the Opera,” a silent film, at 7 p.m. Oct. 30. The church is located at 2720 S. University Drive in the 109.

Popcorn and ice cream will be served at 6:30 p.m. before the free movie begins, and moviegoers are encouraged to dress up in child-friendly costumes.

Thomas Helms, a TCU graduate of ‘82, will bring the silent movie to life with improvised organ music, said Kyla Rosenberger, UCC music director and senior organist.

Helms is “known for his interpretation of “The Phantom of the Opera,”” Rosenberger said.

According to UCC’s journal, Helms is also an expert organist who has written 14 scores for silent films.

"The Phantom of the Opera" is a tale of love and horror, according to Rotten Tomatoes. Erik, the phantom, loves Christine, an understudy at the opera. But when rejected, he starts a reign of terror at the opera house.

Silent movie nights began at the church as a 10th anniversary celebration of UCC’s newest organ, Rosenberger said. Comedies have been shown the previous two years, but since this year’s event is so close to Halloween, the creepier “The Phantom of the Opera” was chosen.

TCU associate professor Joan McGettigan wrote in an email that the event is being co-sponsored by UCC and the TCU film-TV-digital media department.

Rosenberger said UCC supports the arts and hosts many “events that are not strictly sacred.”

For more information, visit: http://www.universitychristian.org/event/598191-2014-10-30-silent-movie-night-phantom-of-the-opera/

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