The Phantom ... Accountant, Personal Trainer and Singing Teacher ... of the Opera

Windmill Theatre Company (Vic) will present Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong from June 21, one of the first companies in the world to be given the rights to perform this musical theatre classic outside of a professional setting.

With over 4 tonnes of lights, 5 tonnes of sets, hundreds of costumes, wigs and special effects, The Phantom of the Opera is the largest production to ever be staged at the Drum Theatre and is one of the biggest shows ever to be staged outside of inner Melbourne. Literally thousands of hours have been poured into creating this spectacle.

Richard Thomas, a 38-year-old accountant, is set to star as the Phantom, a role which he has longed to play for many years. "To be able perform the character made so famous by Michael Crawford and Anthony Warlow is an absolute dream come true. I hope to be able to draw on each of their performances for inspiration whilst still making the role my own."

Rehearsing three times a week since February has meant making a few sacrifices for Richard but he is happy he has made them. "The time commitment involved in playing such a huge role is certainly a challenge, but the opportunity to put my own spin on such an iconic role was far to good to miss."

Kate Amos, a 23-year-old singing teacher, will be playing Christine, the central character who is the focus of the affection of both Phantom and the dashing Raoul.

" It has always been a secret dream of mine to play Christine. My first memory of Phantom was when I discovered at home a double disc CD of the original cast recording, when I was about 12. I’m pretty sure Mum bought it in London when she went to see it on the West End. I knew nothing about the show at all, but would listen to that CD over and over again for years, there was something that I just loved about it. For years I aimed to be able to sing those high notes and so when I heard that Windmill were staging this epic production I just knew I had to be a part of it."

Chris Buchanan is a 29 year old Personal Trainer and is playing Raoul, the handsome love interest of Christine who finds himself battling the Phantom for her attention.

"Phantom was one of the first big scale musicals I ever saw as a child and it left an indelible imprint on me. I’ve performed in other shows that are comparable such as Les Misérables, but since Phantom has never been done by an amateur company before, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it."

They are supported by a cast made up from all walks of life: police, teachers, salesmen, retail managers, university students and more. Each has one thing in common: they are incredibly talented singers, dancers and actors who have a hobby which enables them to moonlight as stars of the stage.

The show's director, Chris Hughes has been working tirelessly with his production team to bring this epic production to the stage and has been delighted to work with such a talented cast. "I think audiences will be blown away by the incredible standard of talent in this production. Many of our leading cast are professionals or ex professionals who have taken to this production because they believe it’s going to be something truly magical and a once in a lifetime experience."

The Phantom of the Opera features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Charles Hart with additions from Richard Stilgoe. Lloyd Webber and Stilgoe also wrote the musical's book together. Based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, its central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomesthe obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius.

Windmill's Production of The Phantom of the Opera opens Friday June 21 and runs until July 14 2013 at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong. Bookings: www.phantomoftheopera.net.au or (03) 9771 6666.

Photos: Chris Parker Photography

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