For the first time in two years, a Broadway musical is coming to Houghton. In two performances over March 11th and 12th, members of the Houghton Lyric Theatre will present Andrew Lloyd’ Weber’s classic The Phantom of the Opera on the chapel stage. The production features Tim McGowan ’16 in the titular role. Katie Kriedler ’17 and Andrea Crickard ’17 will portray Christine Daaé on Friday and Saturday respectively, while Ian Patrick ‘17 and James Johnson ’18 will likewise share the role of Raoul de Chagny.
Traditionally, the Houghton Lyric Theatre presents a musical or opera every spring. Shows are selected based on current students’ skill sets, and Phantom was chosen as this year’s production both because of its legendary popularity and the current ensemble’s potential. “We have an award-winning ensemble,” said professor Mitchell Hutchings, who is helming the show. “I knew we had a student body that could fill the main roles in Phantom this year.”
The Phantom of the Opera first opened on Broadway in 1988. Featuring a now-iconic score from Andrew Lloyd Weber, the show was an immediate smash hit. Lauded by critics and eagerly devoured by audiences, the show collected an impressive seven awards—including Best Musical—at the 1988 Tonys. Phantom is still running strong after over eleven thousand performances, making it the longest-running show ever to hit Broadway.
Over the years, the saga of the outcast composer who haunts a Parisian opera house and his infatuation with the precocious soprano Christine Daaé has enchanted audiences all over the globe. Phantom’s ubiquity in the theatre world comes with a unique set of challenges for adaptation for the college stage, but matches those challenges with plenty of opportunities for growth. “It’s challenged me vocally and required me to perform at a very high standard,” Johnson shared of his role. “The entire cast is extremely talented and I’ve been inspired by them to work hard.”
Such a large and intricate production provides diverse opportunities for student collaboration. According to Hutchings, about thirty students are registered for the associated course and involved at every level of production, from the principal cast and the technical crew to the chorus and pit orchestra. Hannah Jager ’18, a member of the chorus, said that the experience has been a uniquely rewarding one: “While the number of people who we’re trying to coordinate is intense, it’s been amazing getting to know some many different, talented individuals.”
Starring in a show that has had such an undeniable impact on generations of theatre-goers can be intimidating—but it is a challenge that the current Houghton cast is excited to take on. “I first saw The Phantom of the Opera when I was about twelve,” Crickard shared. “I started listening to the CD and singing the music all the time.” McGowan recounted a similar experience: “When I was a kid I went as the Phantom for Halloween…[the experience] has been very intimidating, but even more exciting!”
Can audiences expect to see the famous opera house set? “Think of it as an elaborately staged concert,” Hutchings explained. Although the show will not feature a full Broadway-style set, it will incorporate the show’s trademark elegant costumes, thrilling staged combat and choreography, and the titular character’s iconic masks. “Musicals encompass so many forms of art in one” said Kriedler. “I believe there really is something for everyone to grab on to and cherish.”
Hutchings is enthused by the high amount of tickets sold so far, and hopes for an even larger turnout. “The energy between a cast and audience is vital to a successful run,” he shared. “A large and energetic audience changes the entire presentation.” For this reason, Houghton Lyric Theater is encouraging students to invite friends and show up to support the cast and crew’s hard work. “People love The Phantom of the Opera,” Hutchings acknowledged, “and we are ready to give it our all.”
The Phantom of the Opera will run on the Wesley Chapel stage on March 11th at 7:30 p.m. and March 12th at 2 p.m. Admission is $15, or $5 for Houghton students. Tickets are available at the door or at houghton.edu/opera.