Newman Catholic Students Participate in 'Phantom'

By Erin Gassner

Central Wisconsin Educational Theatre Alliance has done it again! This biyearly theatre project, which incorporates students and staff from Wausau West, Northland Lutheran, Wausau East, D.C. Everest, Merrill, and Newman Catholic, is putting on Andrew Lloyd Weber's most famous musical, The Phantom of the Opera. This musical tells the story of a deformed musical genius, who lives in the cellars below the Paris Opera House, and who falls in love with a beautiful young soprano, Christine. He devotes himself to creating a new star for the Paris Opera, and meanwhile terrorizes all those who disagree or attempt to stop him. This show has been a smash musical hit since its London premiere in 1986.

In CWETA’s production, there are 57 members in the cast, 20 orchestra members, and countless others who work on set, props, costumes, lighting, and other elements.  The show includes five students from Newman Catholic: Maggie Ward plays Christine, the young soprano who is the subject of the Phantom's obsession, as well as Juta Pranulyte, Brogan Resch, Paige Gelling, and Erin Gassner, who all participate in the Opera Corp ensemble.

So what is it about The Phantom of the Opera that makes it so much more special than any other musical? Senior Maggie Ward says, "The Phantom of the Opera is such a beautiful and truly exceptional musical. Several different styles of music, from contemporary to opera, all intertwine to make a blend of sound that is delightful for the audience and challenging for the performer. The plot of this musical is incredibly suspenseful and the complexity of characters goes beyond what is found in many musicals. This is why The Phantom of the Opera has been performed for years in more than 20 countries and in 14 different languages. It is a true treasure."

The Phantom of the Opera will be performed at Wausau West High School from February 17 through February 20. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets, go to www.showtix4u.com or call 715-261-0899. Don't miss this incredible performance of the most popular musical of all time!