WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From Pia Haas, Westchester Broadway Theatre. October 2, 2007: The WBT is bringing back an original WBT "hit" -- a revival of Arthur Kopit/ Maury Yeston's "PHANTOM" which made its New York Premiere here at WBT in 1992, makes a long-awaited return to the Elmsford stage opening Thursday October 4th, and runs through February 9th, 2008. During the 1992 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 (above) as the Phantom and Glory Crampton as Christine Daee. "PHANTOM" returned to our stage in 1996 directed and choreographed by Tom Polum, who had been in the original production. William Stutler, Robert Funking, and the entire staff of WBT are very excited that this extraordinary piece, once again directed and choreographed by Tom Polum, will grace our stage. Still from the original WBT production of "Phantom," (1992) Courtesy, Westchester Broadway Theatre
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"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 the WBT production of "PHANTOM"! And now, WBT's original PHANTOM is coming back with a new Christine for the ages.
Television Phenom Kate Rockwell plays The New Christine.
Photo, Courtesy Westchester Broadway Theatre.
Kate Rockwell, who appeared on the recent hit television reality show, GREASE, YOU"RE THE ONE THAT I WANT, will be wowing audiences at WBT as Christine, in Maury Yeston & Arthur Kopit's "PHANTOM". Rockwell , the finalist nicknamed "Serious Sandy" on the CBS show, was recognized for her extraordinary vocal prowess. Testing her comic chops, she will star as “young Samantha” in the highly anticipated movie version of “Sex and the City.” She hails from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Baldwin Wallace College. ”Recently, Kate appeared in the musical drama, Tully (In No Particular Order) at the New York Musical Theater Festival, and in the new Tammy Faye Bakker Musical, BIG TENT, at New World Stages. She was seen at North Shore Music Theater playing Sharpay, in one of the first professional productions of "High School Musical". Other recent roles include Philia in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Belle in "Beauty and the Beast", Hope in "Anything Goes" and April in "Company" at The Carousel Theatre.
The New Phantom..Aaron Ramey.
Photo, Courtesy, Westchester Broadway Theatre
Aaron Ramey will take his turn as Erik (the Phantom). Aaron is a native Clevelander who came to the nation's attention when he toured as the Beast in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast". He has appeared on Broadway in "Thoroughly Modern Millie ",The York Theatre Company’s Zorba, (2007 "Musicals in Mufti Series"), at the Paper Mill Playhouse in " Miss Saigon", Los Angeles' "Annie Get Your Gun", and as Billy in "Carousel" in Ohio.
Sandy Rosenberg will play the Opera diva,Carlotta. She has appeared on Broadway in "The Scarlet Pimpernel", and has toured nationally in "Jekyll & Hyde", and "Les Misérables". She has graced regional stages in productions of "Mame', 'Funny Girl", "Paper Moon"," Phantom", "Fiddler on the Roof", and "Cinderella".
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 music and the drama of this piece are extraordinary and should not be missed! From our show that was seen by many members of The Alliance for Musical Theatre Producers, came scores of productions around the country, some of which are on- going. Also, after seeing our production of "PHANTOM", RCA Victor produced a CD recording of the show. Many of our cast participated in the recording, including Glory Crampton who played Christine, Meg Bussert who played Carlotta, and most of our ensemble. For those of you who have already seen "PHANTOM" WBT promises a few surprises, and if you have only seen it once, it is definitely worth seeing a second time.
For box office information, contact 914-592-2222, or visit the WBT website at www.broadwaytheatre.com
Back From Beyond! The Phantom Rises Again Thursday evening. Robert Cuccioli and Glory Crampton in the original '92 WBT production of PHANTOM
Still from the original WBT production of "Phantom," (1992) Courtesy, Westchester Broadway Theatre
