AVALON, CA.- The Catalina Island Museum’s annual Silent Film Benefit presents a rare opportunity to see the original 1925 version of The Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney, “The Man of a Thousand Faces.” The film will be accompanied by a 30-piece symphony orchestra, a world-class soprano vocalist and one of today’s most acclaimed theater organists, directed by Grammy Award-winning conductor Richard Kaufman on Saturday, May 16th in the Avalon Casino Theatre.

For the very first time in the history of the museum’s benefit, a soprano vocalist will accompany the film alongside the symphony orchestra and organist. Internationally acclaimed vocalist Lisa Vroman will perform the role of aspiring opera singer Christine Daaé, the Phantom’s love interest. Starring for several years on Broadway, in San Francisco, and at the Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles, Vroman sang the role of Christine in more than 2,500 performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical version of The Phantom of the Opera.

“I can’t wait until May 16th when we will present the legendary 1925 Lon Chaney classic, The Phantom of the Opera,” remarked conductor Richard Kaufman. “Once again, we’ll bring some of L.A. and Orange County’s finest studio and symphonic musicians to the island, which will make for another unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience for the audience, as well as the music makers!”

The event will take place on Saturday, May 16 in Avalon’s Casino Theatre at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for museum members and $24 for general admission. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the museum, by phone at 310-510-2414 or by visiting the Silent Film Benefit event page at www.CatalinaMuseum.org.

Members of the museum are invited to a Pre-Performance Talk featuring the conductor of the orchestra, Richard Kaufman and organist Dennis James prior to the event in the Avalon Casino Theatre beginning at 12:00 pm.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1920s and 30s attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed individual, best-dressed couple, and best character from the film.