Cast and crew of Phantom of the Opera announced.
Phantom of the Opera coming to TJ in March 2011. Artwork by Katie Boyer.
The TJ Drama Department is officially preparing to show Phantom of the Opera, being one of the first high schools in the nation to do so.
Following in the footsteps of Godspell, Chicago, Footloose, and RENT, Phantom of the Opera is expected to draw in an audience from all around the community. TJ’s next musical production gets off to a great start with a well organized schedule and a strong cast and crew which has already begun to gel at the first cast/crew meeting on Friday, December 10. “That meeting was simply to get to know each other and begin to form a team. We want everyone to feel included and important, because they are. You can’t have a show without actors, props or a set. Everyone needs to work together to make this show happen,” said Drama Teacher and Play Director Michael Palmieri.
Though the play is showing on March 16, 17, 18, and the 19th, at 7:00 p.m. at TJ, rehearsals start after winter break in January, and are expected to last from 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. every day. Palmieri says, “It takes a lot to perfect a show, so practices will start in the Winter to get ready for Spring. Students will be notified with more information after break.”
Phantom of the Opera, unlike many plays, does not have only just one lead character in its plot. “This musical has many leads. Everyone is an important part,” commented Palmieri. Erik the Phantom, a character who haunts the stage in the musical will be played by Senior Joseph Powell. The role of Christine, a young, Swedish soprano will be portrayed by Junior Haley Green, who will be accompanied by Junior Keith Hussy, playing Raoul, Christine’s childhood friend and love interest. The role of the stuck up, spoiled diva, Carlotta, will be played by Senior Anna Romero, and Piangi, the tenor lead opposite of Carlotta, will be portrayed by Jordan Antonia. The successful managers Mr. Firmin and Mr. Andre will be played by Colby Schaller and AJ Rawlings. Junior London Thatch will portray a suspicious caretaker, Madame Giry and Junior Gena Pinson will play her only daughter, a ballet dancer, Meg Giry. The company, performing in nine out of 27 songs will be played by Jessica Coffey, Gisela Coffey, Mariah Linton, Tori Wallace, Jessica Jackson, Alida Kops, Ashley Fulkerson, Whitney Hackbarth, and Caitlin Barley.
The Spring musical tech crew will consist of Alexis Barber, Will Bower, Connor Hickman, Aidan Jared, Maggie Keithly, Gerri Kutz, Michael Kutz, Sophie Mercer, and Sam Steinberg. As part of the crew, students are the stagehands in charge of lights and the building of sets.
The excitement for Phantom of the Opera builds as the date comes closer. “I think this is possibly the strongest cast and best tech crew we’ve had so far. I’m looking forward to seeing what will come from Choir Teacher Edwina Hebert’s musical direction and Choreographer Carole Fulkerson’s choreography put together. They are amazing, and their extraordinary talent will make the show. I’d love to see everyone attend the musical at least once,” said Palmieri.
Also eager for the musical to get going, Hebert enthusiastically directs the cast’s vocal chords. “Phantom of the Opera is going to be fantastic. The cast and crew are assembled from TJ’s most talented students. This will be another groundbreaking production that we hope everyone in the community will come out and see,” said Hebert.
Congratulations to the cast and crew for their achievement. Spartans, make sure to buy your tickets in advance from Palmieri, or a student involved in the musical, who all hope everyone comes to check it out.
