Sci Fi Center owner William Powell is always looking for creative ways to spice up his showings of classic genre films, and this week brings one of his most intriguing yet: The Sci Fi Center will show a double feature of classic silent horror movies (1925’s The Phantom of the Opera, starring Lon Chaney, and 1920’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, starring John Barrymore) featuring a live score performed by Ron Rierson and Chris Chimo of local experimental/electronic act Elf Machine.

The music will be a mix of structured pieces and improvisation; Powell went over each film with the musicians, explaining what emotions should be conveyed to the audience at various points. He expects the Phantom score to be more traditional and Dr. Jekyll to be a “chaotic mood thing.” Either way, the show will be close to what original audiences experienced, when these movies were traditionally exhibited with live orchestral or organ accompaniment. Powell prides himself on providing entertainment you can’t get renting DVDs, and this evening certainly promises a one-of-a-kind experience.