Gothic Horror Gets Amped

Looking for a little gothic horror to match Eugene’s often gloomy spring? Head over to Art House April 22 and watch the 1925 silent film, The Phantom of the Opera, accompanied by a live soundtrack from the Invincible Czars. Fans of the musical adaptation and original film alike will be transported to the gothic world of music, horror and romance. The “Czars” define themselves as a “combination chamber ensemble/rock band,” mixing traditional orchestral instruments with drums, bass and guitar for an added “cinematic flair.” Since 2015, the Czars have been integrating film and music into exciting live performances, performing their music to films such as Nosferatu (1922), The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) and now, after nearly a year of preparation for its 100-year anniversary, The Phantom of the Opera (1925). The film’s gothic imagery inspires their original soundtrack, which incorporates piano, violin, electric guitar and bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet. Josh Robins, Czars’ leader, says the show is also about interactiveness to bring the silent film to life. “We like audiences to have fun, and dress up like it’s Halloween.” Whether screaming, or playing the part of the angry mob, they ask the spectators to help the band out, because “sound effects are better when they’re done by the audience.” Enter the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House with the Invincible Czars to experience classic gothic horror and romance, with a side of electric guitar.

“The Phantom of the Opera with Live Soundtrack by the Invincible Czars” is 6:15 pm April 22 at Art House, 492 East 13th Avenue. Tickets $25 online at EugeneArtHouse.com. All ages.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

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None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!