WESTCHESTER BROADWAY THEATRE IS PROUD TO PRESENT
"PHANTOM"
SEPTEMBER 13th - NOVEMBER 25th 2018
DECEMBER 27th 2018 – JANUARY 27th 2019
Book by Arthur Kopit
Music & Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Based on the novel Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
Directed and Choreographed by Tom Polum
Music Direction by Bob Bray
STARRING
Matthew Billman (as Erik; The Phantom)
and Kayleen Seidl (as Christine Daaé.)
Yeston & Kopit’s "PHANTOM" made its New York Premiere here at WBT in 1992. During our record breaking nine- month run, over 120,000 people attended. Night after night, audiences rose to their feet for the stunning musical thriller. The original production was directed by William Pullinsi and starred Robert Cuccioli as the Phantom and Glory Crampton as Christine Daee. "PHANTOM" returned to our stage in 1996 and 2007 directed and choreographed by Tom Polum, who had been in the original production. This extraordinary piece will grace our stage once again with Tom Polum at the helm.
"PHANTOM" was written by Arthur Kopit, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston who were the Tony Award winning collaborators for the Broadway Musical "Nine". "PHANTOM" is not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom of the Opera", which is currently running on Broadway. Both shows are based on the same Gaston LeRoux novel, with the Webber extravaganza being more like an opera, completely sung. The Yeston/Kopit "PHANTOM" is more of a traditional Broadway Musical with dialogue and songs throughout.
The show opened here at WBT on July 16th, 1992 to rave reviews. Jacques LeSourd critic from Gannett Suburban Newspapers stated... "There is also a gripping story, richly drawn characters, and music that can break your heart with its beauty... You'll find none of that in the Broadway 'Phantom'.... The rich orchestrations bring to mind 'Sweeney Todd' and even the propulsive sounds of Philip Glass. This is a score in the grand manner". Howard Kissel, critic from the New York Daily News said: "The first Genuine Broadway Musical I've seen in years and the most genuinely exciting Broadway Musical I've seen in years"…"Capturing the genuine 'Phantom"…" Despite all its masquerading, the real thing isn't on West 44th Street; it's playing here in Westchester". He was referring to our wonderful production of "PHANTOM"!
The story revolves around the central character of a man named Erik, (also known as the Phantom) who was born and raised in the catacombs under the Paris Opera House. Through a series of circumstances, he takes on as a pupil a young woman named Christine, who has been a street singer. She has a natural talent and a beautiful voice, but she lacks the special training to perform in an Opera company. He agrees to take her on as a student with certain conditions, the main one being that she will never see his face. After a lot of hard work she eventually auditions for the company and is not only accepted but is given the opportunity to play a principal part in an Opera. Without realizing it, they fall in love with each other. The relationship becomes obsessive and impossible, leading to a stunning conclusion which can only be experienced by attending a performance here at the Westchester Broadway Theatre.
The Cast Features: Matthew Billman (as Erik; The Phantom), Kayleen Seidl (Christine Daaé), James Van Treuren (Gérard Carrière), Larry Luck (Count Philippe de Chandon), Sandy Rosenberg (Carlotta), Kilty Reidy (Alaine Cholet), Stuart Marland (Inspector Ledoux) Ryan Alexander Jacobs (Joseph Buquet) andRoger Preston Smith (Jean Claude).
The multi-talented Ensemble: Christopher Brand, Julia Louise Hosack, , Alec James, Caroline Kane, Melissa Maricich, Corey Joseph Masklee, Alison Rose Munn, Andrew Norlen, Monica Owen, Jose Plaza, Don Rey, and Kelsey Self.
Directed & Choreographed by Tom Polum, The Musical Director is Bob Bray;
Associate Choreographer is Erica Mansfield. Set Design by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Mark Zuckerman. The Costume Designer is Keith Nielsen, Wig/Hair Design byGerard Kelly, the Production Stage Manager is Victor Lukas, and Properties are by Grumpy’s Props. Lisa Tiso is the Associate Producer.
Reservations: Call (914) 592-2222. Also at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com
Group Reservations: Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call (914) 592-2225.
Luxury Boxes: Call (914) 592-8730. For private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and
theatre in an elegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner
menu, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved
parking.
Show Times:
Wednesday & Thursday & some Friday Matinees: Lunch: 11:30 am & Show 1 pm.
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday Evenings: Dinner: 6:30 pm & Show: 8 pm.
Sunday Matinees: Lunch: 12 pm & Show: 1:30 pm
Sunday Evenings: Dinner: 5:30 pm & Show: 7 pm.
Ticket Prices: Dinner & Show range between $59.00 to $89.00 PLUS TAX depending on the performance chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price. Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances. Also check the website for on-going Special Offers!
Editor's Note:
The productions melodic tones will entrance you. Kayleen Seidl’s voice is stunning, crisp and clear in even the most complex musical moments. Matthew Billman brings vulnerability to The Phantom, showing both the musical genius, and the tortured soul of the ghostly figure.
The ballet flashback sequence of act 2, which sheds light on The Phantom’s past, is a highlight of the production.
The lighting design is breathtaking, beautifully shifting the mood of the stage from the excitement of Paris streets, to the cool stillness of the catacombs beneath the Opera House
The music direction by Bob Bray cannot be understated. The execution of the music is exquisite, with soaring harmonies that draw you into the story.
The finale of the show is spectacular, with the relationship between Carriere, played by James Van Treuren, and The Phantom, coming to the forefront.
- Antonia Carey, HamletHub Reviewer
Photos By John Vecchiolla