The Rio Theatre is delighted to welcome Austin. Texas ensemble The Invincible Czars back to our stage for a double bill night featuring two classics from the silent era  – THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI – accompanied with a live, original score.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA The iconic moment when Mary Philbin removed Lon Chaney‘s mask in The Phantom of the Opera (1925, dir. Rupert Julian) is one of cinema’s most enduring images. Now, The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of  emotional depth to this 100-year-old classic with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film in art house cinemas across the US and Canada in 2025.

The tour will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this early American horror film.  The band has been captivating both music and film enthusiasts across North America since 2015 when their soundtrack for Nosferatu earned them accolades in the art house community and made them staple of the silent film circuit.

The Czars’ Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous composition, recording, and collaboration. The group drew inspiration from the film’s gothic visuals and haunting narrative to craft a score using their primary instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet.  They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times!

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI tells the story of a group of friends who encounter the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his scary, sleepwalking sidekick Cesare at a carnival.  When a series of murders brings the town to its knees, Franzis sets out to prove Caligari is responsible… But is he?

There is simply no better way to experience these icons of of the silent era than on the big screen, accompanied with a live score!

Saturday, April 19
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Centennial Tour Live
Doors 6:15 pm | Film 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

brief intermission

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
Movie 9:15 pm *As this is screening as part of a double feature, the start time is subject to change.

Following the film(s) The Invincible Czars will participate in a brief talkback with the audience, meet and greet, and will also be selling their amazing merch!

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA & DR. CALIGARI Double Feature Pricing – See them BOTH for one incredible price!
Double Feature Kids (Under 12) $22
Double Feature Early Bird Tickets $28 (Until March 27)
Double Feature Seniors & Students (Must provide ID) $30 + s/c | $35 at the door
Double Feature General Admission Tickets $35 + s/c | $40+ s/c at the door
Double Feature VIP Tickets (Priority Seating in the first 5 rows, centre section) $40 + s/c | $45 at the door

Tickets HERE

Sorry, single film tickets not available for ‘Phantom’. But trust us, once you experience the first film, you’ll want to stick around for another!

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI Single Film Tickets
Single Feature Kids (Under 12) $20
Single Feature Early Bird Tickets $22 + s/c (Until March 27)
Single Feature Seniors & Students (Must provide ID) $25 + s/c | $30 at the door
Single Feature General Admission Tickets $30 + s/c | $35 at the door

Tickets HERE

Who are The Invincible Czars?

Hailing from Austin, Texas, The Invincible Czars make cinematic, experimental “rock” for music nerds, horror fans, film lovers, followers of science fiction and fact, comics, cartoons & humor and anyone with a complicated relationship with heavy metal and classical music.

Do you like Primus, Tchaikovsky, Frank Zappa, Steve Martin, Louis Armstrong, Danny Elfman, Ween, Monty Python and Mr. Bungle? 

They do, too, and their revolving door of players keeps them sounding and looking different from project to project.

The Alamo Drafthouse called them, “one of the best silent film orchestras in the nation.”