Phantom to Take Center Stage at OPAC on June 9-18
05/31/2017
Keep your hand at the level of your eyes, the Phantom is coming! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, “The Phantom of the Opera,” will be presented by the Jacksonville Opera Theatre at the Oxford Performing Arts Center on June 9-18. Tickets are $15-25 and available at 256-241-3322 or online.
Based on the 1910 French novel “Le Fantôme de l'Opéra” by Gaston Leroux, “The Phantom of the Opera” is the thrilling account of a mysterious Phantom, a musical genius who dwells beneath the majestic Opera Populaire, in 19th century Paris. He takes promising young soprano, Christine Daaé, under his wing and grooms her for operatic fame, all the while falling deeply in love with her. As Christine grows ever more successful, and a handsome young man from her past reappears, the Phantom descends into a jealous rage and terrorizes the opera company.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s score soars with unforgettable melodies such as “All I Ask of You,” “The Music of the Night,” and the title song, “The Phantom of the Opera.” Since its opening in London more than 30 years ago, “The Phantom of the Opera” remains one of the most successful box office hits in theatre history. The Broadway production, now in its 29th year, holds the record for longest running Broadway musical. Throughout its record-breaking run, “The Phantom of the Opera” has received over 70 major theatre awards – including seven Tony Awards – and has been viewed by more than 140 million people worldwide.
“’The Phantom of the Opera’ is already shaping up to be one of the best shows we have ever produced,” said Dr. Nathan Wight, director of the Jacksonville Opera Theatre and director of operatic activities at Jacksonville State. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us all. The cast and crew are phenomenal! You don’t want to miss it.”
The almost all-student cast includes:
- The Phantom: LaRue Bowman
- Christine Daaé: Madison Baldwin
- Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny: David Wooten
- Carlotta Giudicelli: Anna Lee
- Ubaldo Piangi/Don Juan: Macon Prickett
- Monsieur Firmin: Jared Shiver
- Monsieur André: Gavin Haynes
- Madame Giry: Noya Levy
- Meg Giry: LeAnna Fleming
- Joseph Buquet: Austin Waits
- Auctioneer: Ken Bodiford
- Madame Firmin: Charissa Johnson
- Monsieur Reyer: August Sturgill
- Monsieur Lefèvre/Passarino: Nicholas Doyle
- Porter/Marksman/Fop(Jeweler): Weston Hines
- Don Attilo: Larry Mason
- Porter/Chief Fire Officer/Fop (hairdresser): August Sturgill
- Wardrobe Mistress/Confidante: Kelsey Trussell
- Innkeepers Wife: Megan Day
- Fire Marshall 1: Nicholas Doyle
University student vocalists have teamed up with the area’s finest musicians and theatre technicians to mount this massive production. Directed by Wight, with music direction by Dr. Jeremy Benson, professor of flute and music history studies, and student Michael Greenwood, the show is sure to be the most stunning theatrical production ever produced by Jacksonville Opera Theatre. The Oxford Performing Arts Center had to undergo major enhancements to accommodate the show, fully equipped with a crashing chandelier.
“It has been a dream of mine to produce this iconic show on a local stage for a number of years,” said John Longshore, executive director of the OPAC. “This show is deeply loved by so many, including myself. To bring this production to the Oxford Performing Arts Center is one of the most challenging yet overwhelmingly exciting opportunities. Don’t miss the theatrical event of the summer!”
The Jacksonville Opera Theatre was established in 2003 to present vibrant, professionally staged productions featuring the musical talent from Jacksonville State University’s David L. Walters Department of Music. All productions are conducted, directed and designed by JSU faculty and staff and feature the talent of JSU students.