For their recent fall musical, Phantom of the Opera, Kingwood Theatre packed the high school auditorium for two weeks’ worth of shows. The famous production, originally written by Gaston Leroux, was first performed on stage in 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. Since then, the play has evolved into Broadway productions and movie films. Kingwood’s adaptation is the narrative of a young singer, Christine Daaé, who is both guided and haunted by a musical genius, the Phantom of the Opera. Despite the Phantom’s passionate love for Christine, he wreaks havoc upon the Paris Opera House and its people. Kingwood’s production showed from October 24th-26th and again through November 1-2nd and 4th, spanning a total of eight performances.
KHS Theatre began preparations for the show months in advance, holding work days and rehearsals. “Auditions began the first week of school and rehearsals started the week after, followed by three weeks of music rehearsals,” says cast member and sophomore Leah Inman. Additionally, tech theatre helped bring the performance to life by building sets, designing costumes and working lights. Various props such as the famous chandelier, theatre boxes and staircases are just a few of their stunning creations.
Furthermore, Phantom of the Opera would not be complete without its famous soundtrack. Kingwood’s orchestra, for their second time since the Theatre department’s production of Chicago, performed live during each show.
Anna Kovacik played Christine Daaé, one of the lead roles. Anna is a senior in Kingwood Varsity Theatre and Choir, and said she was grateful to be apart of such a production,”One thing I’ve learned through my role as a Christine is to love with your heart, not with your eyes and to not take anything for granted. I’ve dreamed of playing Christine for so long, and now that I’ve been able to do so in my senior Fall musical is such a blessing!”
The iconic role of Phantom of the Opera was played by senior Lucius Watt. Though having been casted in previous performances at Kingwood, he holds this one to close to his heart.
“Through this role I have learned the best way to cope with the horrors of the past is making the conscious decision to mature past it, rather than let it turn you into something you’re not.” – Lucius Watt
Though relieved from the pressures of performing, the cast feels downhearted to see the curtain come down. Sophomore, Sarah Smith says, “On closing night, all I could think about was how much I would miss the excitement backstage when we opened each show.” In addition to the cast, Mrs. Faulk, the Theatre director adds, “Every day I just pinch myself, not believing that this is real life. Working with these talented actors, technicians, musicians and production team has been an absolute dream.”
Don’t miss Kingwood Varsity Theatre’s spring performances, Metamorphoses, showing January 16th-18th and Musical Revue on May 8th-10th.
Sources:
Booster Club, K. (n.d.). Kingwood HS Theatre. Kingwood HS Theatre Arts Booster Club – Home. https://www.kingwoodtheatre.com/
