Spring musical Phantom of the Opera is canceled.
Artwork by Katie Boyer
A cast and crew meeting held on January 12 brought sad news as directors announced that the Spring Musical, Phantom of the Opera, will not be appearing on TJ’s stage in 2011. Drama Teacher and Theatre Director Michael Palmieri said, “Due to circumstances which we can’t fix right now, the team of directors have sadly decided to cancel the Spring performance of Phantom of the Opera.”
Though a cast list for Phantom was posted and practices had already been well underway, directors informed the cast, crew and parent volunteers of their decision after much discussion and consideration. “Directors came to this mutual decision then met with actors and technical crew to let them know. Parent and adult volunteers were informed a day later. We know a lot of people are disappointed and we’re going to try hard to put some cool things on stage this Spring to compensate for this cancellation,” stated Palmieri.
TJ has always had a musical production in the Spring, but this year brings new beginnings as ideas have been tossed around the directing set as to what to put on stage instead. Palmieri said, “The most important thing for us now is the students who are working so hard as cast and crew. We are right now investigating alternate events for Spring, so students will be able to perform. One of the considerations is a student directed program with Spartans directing, acting and doing tech in multiple shorter performances.”
Students feel the pain of Phantom of the Opera being canceled, but some are keeping an open mind. Senior and former Phantom Cast Member Anna Romero said, “I feel neutral about the cancellation. I’m sad that I don’t get to do a musical my senior year and I was really excited to play Carlotta, but I’m also glad that we might get to do one-acts now. I’m thrilled that I could have the opportunity to write, direct and act in my own play.”
Through the many obstacles encountered, Palmieri looks on the bright side of the circumstances and keeps his options open. Palmieri said, “We have great parent volunteers that have been so supportive. I will continue to meet with those adults to keep the relationships strong so we can continue to work together. Another consideration is our Performing Arts Program. We’ve been blessed with a string of successes including Godspell, Chicago, Footloose, Rent, Moon Over Buffalo, and Noises Off! While canceling Phantom of the Opera is a setback, we’re trying to take all positives we can from the entire situation and move on with the program.”
While Phantom of the Opera has been currently written off, whether just for now or forever has yet to be decided. Palmieri comments, “Though we usually plan a year ahead, next year’s shows have not been set. We don’t yet know what 2011 or 2012 will bring to the TJ stage.”
