The Phantom of the Opera – A Night to Remember

Halloween – I am not really a big fan of it but I really enjoy seeing others dress up and play their characters – some well and some not so well. This Halloween was special for one reason – Aaron. No – it is not some sappy, romantic thing – okay, maybe just a teeny tiny bit romantic…nevertheless…IT ROCKED!!!

We decided that we wanted to do something fun – yes, more fun than dressing up – and we stumbled upon this jewel of an idea (thanks mostly to the internet and some persistent searching on our part.) We found out that the Paramount Theater in Oakland was showing The Phantom of the Opera. Nothing special, you say. Wrong. This movie was the 1925 – Silent Version- with Lon Chaney.

If that was not cool enough, the entire score of the movie was played live by Jim Riggs on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ with no sheet music. He played the entire movie by memory!!! This was all played in the most mind-blowing acoustically-thrilling movie palace of all time in Oakland – The Paramount Theater. And to top it all off – it only cost us $5.00 per person.

This experience was one that I will never forget. The organ resounded from the ornate walls and the majesty of the place just drew you in and you are immediately awestruck!

“Located on Broadway in downtown Oakland, Calif., the Paramount Theatre is a slice of living history that also embodies the end of an era. Back in the “golden age” of film, when Hollywood studios owned every major theatre and completely controlled film distribution, ornate, impressive theatres like the Paramount were the order of the day. “

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramount_Theater_(Oakland,_California)

It is really a diamond in the rough. The moment you walk in you feel like you are in Golden Hollywood and immediately feel like dressing up in those regal cocktail dresses with white gloves and glittering diamonds and float up the hallways to the movie palace. Amazing!!! I am sure I am not doing this place any justice by my description…but if you are in the area or live here and are in the mood for some vintage movie-viewing experience that will transport you to a whole new “old” world, this is the place to go!!!

After this feast for the eyes and ears, Aaron and I decided to stop by the Institute for the spectacular Halloween Party. It was really fun and packed to the hilt! We boogied the night away to some crazy tunes surrounded by crazy costumes and it was A BLAST!!! Pixar’s “pixies” were highly energetic and entertaining! Great Halloween – a night to remember.