Emmaus HS Produces “Phantom of the Opera”

 Each week from now until opening night March 23, Emmaus Patch will follow the progress of the cast and crew of "Phantom of the Opera."

Step behind the heavy black curtains of the Emmaus High School stage and anyone unfamiliar finds another whole world exists.

For the first time ever, Emmaus High School will  perform the classic musical, “Phantom of the Opera.” Opening night is March 23, and performances run through March 26. Ticket sales have been at an all-time high and are close to selling out with three weeks left until the opening night.

“Phantom," originally titled “Le Fantome de L’Opera," is a classic novel written by French author Gaston Leroux. The famous movie with Lon Chaney as the Phantom was released in 1925, and it's fame was only enhanced in 1986 when renowned composer Andrew Lloyd Webber turned it into the longest running Broadway show in history.

Only last year were high schools and colleges across the nation given the first licensed rights to perform their own versions of this famous and much loved musical.

Jill Kuebler, theater director at Emmaus High School, jumped at the chance to produce it.

“We were trying to figure out what we wanted to do after Sweeney (Sweeney Todd was performed in spring 2010). We wanted to do something small and simple, and we just couldn’t find anything that warranted five months of work and all that time and energy. Then I got an email that said “Phantom” was being released for high schools,” she said.

After discussing the challenges of “Phantom” with Rita Cortez, EHS's director of choral activities, both agreed that it was feasible to move forward with the choice.

Much recognition is given to the cast of such musicals. However, other elements are critical to the overall success. The backstage crews consist of the following:

1.     Build Crew: 11 students

2.     Run Crew: 30 students

3.     Props Crew: 10 students

4.     Costumes Crew: 15 students

5.     Lighting/Technical Crew: 5 students

In addition to the backstage support, the “pit orchestra” is essential to any musical as it is the source of the music. In this case, 27 select EHS musicians will perform the haunting music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Of course, the acting cast is the element of any musical that literally takes center stage. The cast of "Phantom" comprises 48 student actors including 13 dancers who will perform this month.

Tim Farabaugh, a sophomore from Alburtis and part of the “Phantom” cast, emphasized Kuebler’s motto that “cast and crew are equal." He said that just because a student makes the cast doesn’t mean he or she is better than the crew, and vice versa.

“It’s really like we all mesh. We’re all part of the drama department, and we know each other. When you’re not on stage, just as much is going on. We vibe really well! We play card games and other stuff. You spend three months, three hours a day with each other. I trust these people with everything,” Farabaugh added.

Members of the Build Crew started work in November, immediately after the conclusion of the fall play.

Technical director and set designer Chris Kollar, a seventh grade math teacher at Lower Macungie Middle School, contributes his time every day to work with the students. Kollar began the set design on paper last summer. His assistant technical director, Mike Harm of South Whitehall Township, is a seventh grade science teacher at LMMS.

Cast members began rehearsals in early January, whereas members of the Run Team just started their work at the end of February.

“So often reporters come in at the end and it’s all about the production,” Kuebler noted. “I just think the fact that kids get this opportunity is awesome. The process is definitely the most important thing. Anytime you’re a part of something so big, it’s a life-changing experience or certainly a memorable experience.”

Next week: an in-depth look at the responsibilties of each crew.