Published: November 14, 2008 09:52 am            

The Phantom on stage this weekend

WEATHERFORD — The Phantom of the Opera continues at Theatre Off the Square in Weatherford Nov. 14-16 and 21-23. The playwright for this particular rendition of Phantom is Gene Traylor and is produced with special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company. G. Mike West makes his directorial debut for Theatre Off the Square with assistant director Pat Dohoney. Debby Herbel is stage/costume manager with Amy Youngblood assisting with costume design. Extensive time and research went into the costuming for this particular cast with close attention to detail from the Phantom’s mask to the directors’ top hats to the French guards uniforms. The set takes the audience from behind stage at the opera house to the Phantom’s hiding place deep beneath the stage complete with organ with special effects with lighting and fog. Nik Braswell is the light/sound technician for this production.

The story is a familiar one of the Paris Opera House and its ephemeral Phantom who causes fear and panic with his mysterious presence. The Opera House has a debut of an ambitious new opera scheduled but opening night brings tragedy for the house diva. Asked to step in at the last minute is Christine, played by Erin Yount, who knows the part and fills in beautifully. But always present but not seen is the Phantom, played by John Sempeles, causing problems for the house directors, Monsieur Poligny and Monsieur Richard, played by Pat Dohoney and Duncan Alexander. As the police inspector, played by Wally Jones, tries to solve the murder and mystery the directors try to keep the opera going with the help of their office assistant Mlle. Favart, played by Laurie Jones. Trying to keep a watchful eye on Christine is Nannette played by Karen Dohoney, Sophie played by Turah Shaver and Christine’s fiancé, Andre played by Jake Shanahan.

The cast of 20 also includes G. Mike West, Chris Reaves, Joe Herbel, Yesenia Gallardo, Asa Brown, Rodger Johnson, Kaleigh Parker, Emily Teague, Victoria Teague, Jessica Rooks and Candace Brooks.

Theatre Off the Square is located at 114 N. Denton in Weatherford. The Phantom of the Opera runs Friday through Sunday, Nov. 14-16 and 21-23. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees are 2 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce and Weatherford Senior Center for $10 or by calling (817) 341-8687 (TOTS). Prices at the door are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. Matinee tickets are $9. For information, call (817) 341-8687 (TOTS) or visit www.weatherfordtots.org.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.