Alhambra Theatre Presents PHANTOM, 10/10

Since Lon Chaney first wore the mask for silent film audiences in 1925, filmmakers and stage producers have been drawn to Gaston Leroux's novel, "The Phantom of the Opera."  The Alhambra Theatre & Dining will open Phantom on October 10 with what director Todd Booth calls the theater's biggest, most lavish production ever.  Phantom is presented by The Brumos Companies. 

There are many versions of the storied classic.  The Alhambra's version is the one many musical theater performers consider to be their favorite version, Yeston & Kopit's', Phantom.  In 1983, playwright Arthur Kopit (INDIANS and WINGS) collaborated with composer-lyricist Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel) on their own version of the iconic romantic mystery. They were preparing their show when British musical mogul Andrew Lloyd-Webber announced he would reunite with his Evita director, Harold Prince, and producer Cameron Macintosh for a new musical based on the Leroux story. Fearing they couldn't compete the writers behind CATS and Evita, Yeston and Kopit shelved their project until they could find a fresher way to tell the story. In 1991, twenty-one years after Lloyd-Webber's production thrilled audiences worldwide, and without even a Broadway production, Phantom opened in the United States.   It has shown since in more than a 1,000 theaters worldwide.

The basic story is familiar to theatre-goers:  In the era before World War I, the Paris Opera House is haunted by stories of a ghost who has roamed The Shadows of the theatre for years. In Kopit's version, the story goes deeper into the origins of the Phantom, while retaining the atmosphere of mystery.  Egotistical diva Carlotta and her husband Cholet take over the opera as a vanity company for her own ambition, if not talent. Carlotta and Cholet dismiss the long-time manager Gerard Carriere and immediately make changes that bring the wrath of the Erik, the Phantom. 

Parisian street-singer Christine Daaé is hired as a costume girl for Carlotta and is immediately noticed by the masked and reclusive Erik, who slowly reveals himself to her. She becomes his secret star pupil as he prepares Christine for a singing contest that could launch her career. She also catches the eye of the wealthy opera patron Count Phillipe.  Christine becomes torn by loyalty to her masked teacher and her feelings for the count. Kopit's book is a nice balance between the tense love triangle and the Phantom's vengeful actions towards Carlotta.

Returning to the Alhambra where he began his career as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Xander Chauncey brings a multitude of credits to the Alhambra for his run as the Phantom.  Chauncey's credits range from off-Broadway productions such as The Magdalene (Peter, original cast), Eleanor Rigby is Waiting and Fountain of Youth to regional productions of Cats, West Side Story and Footloose, as well as appearances on Spike TV, The Food Network and CW.   Also starring in Phantom are Actors Equity Guild members Lindsay Sutton as Christine Daee, Gary Maracheck as Cholet, Jason Nettle as Jean Claude, Lisa Valdini as Carlotta and Tony Dietterick as Inspector Ledoux. 

Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creates a menu specific to the themes of each new show at the Alhambra.  For Phantom, Roy has created a four-course dinner served tableside.  The first course includes a choice of Citrus Chili Shrimp with Whipped Avocado and Fried Plantains or Sweet Italian Sausage & Herb Cheese with Squash Blossoms and Smoked Tomatoes Fondue.  The second course includes a choice of She Crab Bisque with a Brie Crostini or an Arugula Salad with Mixed Fruits, Candied Walnuts and a Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing.  The main course includes a choice of three entrees, including Deconstructed Seafood Newburg served in a Puff Pastry with Mashed Potatoes; Slow Roasted Prime Rib with Potatoes Au Gratin and French Green Beans or Crispy Duck Confit with a Mango Glaze served with French Green Beans and House-made French Fries Drizzled with an Herb Mayonnaise.  The vegetarian option is Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera with Marinara served with Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese.

Earlier this year, the Alhambra began featuring local artists, adding a gallery feel to its open spaces and hallways.  During the run of Phantom the featured artist is Ponte Vedra sculptor, Lurah Patrick.  Ms. Patrick was born in Germany and spent her childhood living and traveling throughout Europe developing her love and appreciation for art and history. Traditional methods of stone carving are her inspiration as she seeks to combine old world craftsmanship with more contemporary themes in her work.   Patrick has studied with several stone-carving masters but has been particularly influenced by the Argentinean sculptor Chiche Scaglia-Davis. Patrick's work has been displayed locally at Jacksonville's Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ponte Vedra Cultural Center. 

Yeston & Kopit's "Phantom" runs October 10 through November 25. Times are 8:00 PM for evening shows Tuesday through Sunday.  Doors open at 6:00 PM and dinner starts at 6:30 PM. Matinees on Saturday are at 1:15 PM.  Doors open at 11:00 AM and brunch starts at 11:15 AM.  Sunday matinee is at 2:00.  Doors open at noon and the meal starts at 12:15 PM.  Group sales are available.  Tickets range in price from $38 to $53 for adults and only $35 for children.   Ticket price includes dinner, show and parking.  Call the box office at 904.641.1212 or at www.alhambrajax.com.