The Kentlake Drama Club is preparing to be one of the first high school productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera,” which opens at 7 p.m., Thursday April 14.
License rights to the show were released for the first time in June 2010. The production will be directed by drama teacher Pam Cressey, who following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the fall of 2009 put ‘Phantom’ on her bucket list of shows she wanted to direct, having a focus of directing only shows she loves.
“I live each show for about a year, so, it has to make me happy and the kids have to support,” Cressey said. “You have to do what you love and be with people you love to really live. I had an epiphany, that this is what I am supposed to be doing, I’m here, so, I’m not done.”
The Phantom of the Opera is the story of the Angel of Music (also known as the Phantom) played by Jacob Axelson and Dylan Holt. The masked Phantom falls in love with a young singer Christine Daae, played by Monica Rodriguez. While he strives to debut Christine as a new opera star the Phantom maintains a reign of terror over the opera house.
Anna McLeod is working on vocals while Dave Harris will lead a full orchestra. Costuming is being led by Tammari LaSharr and a committee of parents. Students are actively involved in their costuming, designing and producing much of their own wardrobe. In addition there is the scenic design and technical side, led by Grant and Mike Hayden and Tammy Hagreen.
The Maple Valley School of Ballet, directed by Jessica Hamblen-Klepper, is partnering with the Kentlake for the show providing both advanced dance support and choreography.
The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through April 30. Tickets are available now on brownpapertickets.com (search Kentlake).Tickets remaining from the presale will be available at the door. Due to the popularity of this show we are encouraging the audience to purchase their tickets early.
For more information and a production photo album please visit www.kentlakedrama.com.
