Phantom of the Beach
Story and photos
by Jason Steinberg
The Musical Theatre West production of
"Phantom" opened Friday with a bang at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center
after meeting the Long Beach fire marshal's pyrotechnic safety demands.
"Our chief concern is the safety for all
our actors as well as our audience," said Paul Garmen, executive director
of Musical Theatre West.
The show started as scheduled despite preliminary
obstacles.
The fire marshal's request for fireproofing
the curtain and backdrops did not allow for a complete dress rehearsal
the day before the show.
"The show went smoothly," said Daniel Thomas,
operations manager of Musical Theatre West.
"We have met our budget expectations so
far and are looking forward to our sales escalating in the second week."
Thomas said he expects the strong word
of mouth throughout the Long Beach community to propel ticket sales.
The show ends this weekend with final performances
today, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., along with matinees Saturday and
Sunday at 2 p.m., and concluding Sunday night at 7.
The "Phantom" is based on the 1911 novel
"Le Fantome de l'Opera" by Gaston Leroux. It is different from Andrew Lloyd
Webber's musical version.
Caption
Comforting words are offered, above, by
Gerard Carriere, played by Jack Ritschel, revealing to The Phantom, played
by Perry Stephens, a secret of their shared past. Left, Karen Culliver,
as Christine Daee, opens the show.
Ensemble dancer Katie Williams, above,
tip toes during the production. Right, the diva Carlotta, played
by Lucy Daggett, shrieks "This Place Is Mine" during her solo performance
as she prepares to take control of the newly aquired Paris Opera
house. |
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