JSU and OPAC to present The Phantom of the Opera
May 24, 2017The Oxford Performing Arts Center, in collaboration with Jacksonville Opera Theatre, is thrilled to present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera! Jacksonville State University student vocalists are teaming up with the areas finest musicians and theatre technicians to mount this massive production. Directed by Dr. Nathan Wight, with music direction by Jeremy Benson and Michael Greenwood, this is sure to be the most stunning theatrical production ever produced by Jacksonville Opera Theatre.
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 (LaRue Bowman), a musical genius who dwells beneath the majestic Opera Populaire, in 19th century Paris. He takes promising young soprano, Christine Daae (Madison Baldwin), 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 it’s opening in London over thirty years ago, The Phantom of the Opera remains one of the most successful box office hits in theatre history. The Broadway production, now in it’s 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 viewed by more than 140 million people worldwide.
The Phantom of the Opera runs June 9th - 18th at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Evening performances are at 7:30, matinee performances are at 2:30. Call 256-241-3322 or visit www.opacphantom.com for tickets and more information.
“The Phantom of the Opera is already shaping up to be one of the best shows we have ever produced. This is a once in a lifetime experience for us all. The cast and crew are phenomenal! You don’t want to miss it.”
-Nathan Wight, Director - Jacksonville Opera Theatre
“It has been a dream of mine to produce this iconic show on a local stage for a number of years. 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!”
-John Longshore, Executive Director - Oxford Performing Arts Center