TERRE HAUTE —
One of the best-known and most-beloved musicals of our time, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” tells the haunting story of the deformed and outcast Phantom who lives within the bowels of the Paris Opera. Shunned by the world because of his appearance, the Phantom lives a secluded life in the opera house, where his occasional appearances frighten its occupants.
The orphaned chorus girl, Christine, becomes the object of the Phantom’s affection, and the musically gifted recluse begins to appear to her, training her to sing. The naïve Christine believes him to be the “angel of music” of which her late father had spoken.
Junior chemical engineering major Kendra Moore, of Seattle, Wash., plays the role of Christine in Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Drama Club adaptation of the classic musical.
“Christine is a hard character to understand because on the surface she seems kind of shallow. It took me a little while to get into her. She’s 16 and she lost her father, and in some ways she’s really mature while in some ways she’s quite naïve,” Moore adds.
As a vocalist, Moore says she appreciates the opportunity to tackle a musical with a rigorous score. “It’s really nice to have challenging music. In [a] lot of musicals, the music is campy and not very challenging.” She and the other dancers in the production also studied ballet with the Academy of Dance’s Patti Willey, “just to make it believable that we’re all ballerinas.”
Playing Moore’s “angel of music” is Jordan Gameon, a senior electrical engineering student from Huntingburg.
Gameon pities his character, the Phantom, who goes into a jealous rage when Christine reunites with a childhood sweetheart. “This guy is deformed from birth and nobody has ever been nice to him,” Gameon observes. “He hears a young Christine’s voice and he pursues it” falling in love with the young singer in the process.
“Deep down she knows she’s in love with him through their music,” Gameon adds, but Christine cannot get past the Phantom’s appearance.
David Eddy, a junior biomedical engineering major from Amherst, Mass., plays Christine’s childhood sweetheart, Raoul.
Eddy, in his first performance at Rose-Hulman, is a long-time fan of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
“There are three shows I want to do before I die: ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘West Side Story,’ and ‘Don Quixote/Man of La Mancha.’ I thought I can knock one off my bucket list if I get a part,” he said as he chuckled.
Eddy describes his character as a romantic, but not terribly bright, would-be rescuer who “tries, to no avail, to save his star-crossed lover.”
Bunny Nash, director of student performing groups at Rose-Hulman, explains that the college is privileged to have the opportunity to perform the musical, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
“There are very few schools in the Midwest that have been granted the rights to Phantom.
“Only high schools and colleges that don’t have a music or theater department are granted rights to perform this show,” she adds. Nash says that the stipulations are very stringent, and only students from the approved school may perform. “You can’t bring in any ringers from outside.”
The production has been challenging for everyone involved. Nash states that the show is technically speaking, “the biggest thing we’ve ever done” with set and prop design which began last August.
Special effects are where the engineering college has an advantage over other schools when it comes to staging the elaborate musical. Student technicians have helped design and build elaborate props, such as a robotic boat. Pyrotechnics, a falling chandelier, and trap doors add to the authenticity of the performance.
“A lot of people have seen ‘Phantom of the Opera’ but we’re doing some things to make it our own,” Nash enthuses. “I think folks will enjoy it.”
Entertainment
Related Photos
-
Rose-Hulman's production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical runs May 2-6 in Hatfield Hall Theater. (Submitted logo)
Discussion
Taste the Music of the Night Rose-Hulman presents ‘Phantom of the Opera’
- Entertainment
-
-
Vigo County Fair announces search for the next Vocalist
The Wabash Valley Fair Association, FTC Productions Inc. and the Conservatory of Music have teamed up for the second year to bring an exciting Grandstand event to the 2013 Vigo County Fair. The Vocalist, a solo vocalist talent competition, is open to ages 14 and older.
-
Aerosmith, Jimmy Buffet and more to perform at Boston benefit concert
BOSTON — Aerosmith, James Taylor and Jimmy Buffett are joining other artists for a benefit concert for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
- Live Events listing: May 30, 2013
-
‘Garden Walk and Art Faire in the Park’ in Paris
A “Garden Walk and Art Faire in the Park” will be staged on June 15 in Paris, Ill.
The fair will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Methodist Park, 300 W. Court St. -
Kid Rock, Rolling Stones on scalping, summer tours
NEW YORK — Kid Rock is a scalper.
-
Banks of the Wabash Festival kicks off
The 2013 Banks of the Wabash Festival, scheduled May 23 through June 1 in Fairbanks Park, celebrates 40 years along the banks of the Wabash River, 30 under the sponsorship of the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department.
-
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
LAS VEGAS — Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
-
Rapper Drake leads BET Awards with 12 nominations
NEW YORK — He started from the bottom, but now he’s on top at the BET Awards: Drake has 12 nominations. BET announced the nominees Tuesday. Rappers Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz are up for eight awards each.
-
IHS announces lineup for Concerts on the Canal, reprise of 'Museum Nights on the Canal'
INDIANAPOLIS —There are plenty of ways to enjoy downtown Indianapolis in the summer, and the Indiana Historical Society is offering two — both time-honored favorite Concerts on the Canal and its Museum Nights on the Canal program.
-
Work stalls on rebuilding Little Nashville Opry
NASHVILLE, Ind. — No construction has started at a southern Indiana concert hall destroyed in a 2009 fire even though a sign there suggests a 2013 reopening.
-
George Jones, 81, dies today in Nashville
Nashville, Tenn. – Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died today, April 26, 2013, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.
-
Scenes from Robin Hood adaptation, “The Untold Story of Little John” April 21 at Children’s Museum
We all know the story of Robin Hood, the man who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor and defeated the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, freeing his people from the tyrannical reign of Prince John. We also know how this could not have been accomplished without Little John, Robin Hood’s loyal side-kick who stayed by him through thick and thin. But do we know what happened next?
-
REVIEW: ‘42’ movie hits home run
Unlike Jackie Robinson’s daring base-running style, the new film “42” takes few risks with the storyline of his life’s pivotal moment.
-
Terre Haute native Corenflos wins ACM Guitarist of the Year
The resume speaks for itself.
J.T. Corenflos’ guitar virtuosity has put the sparkle in hit songs and albums by legendary singers, from Alan Jackson to Bob Seger, Brooks and Dunn, Don Henley and George Jones, as well as country music chart-toppers such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. When the greats are ready to record a single or a CD in Nashville, Corenflos’ phone usually rings first. He’s one of Music City’s most well-regarded session guitarists. -
Annette Funicello, Mouseketeer and film star, dies
NEW YORK — Annette Funicello, who became a child star as a perky, cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer on “The Mickey Mouse Club” in the 1950s, then teamed up with Frankie Avalon in a string of ‘60s fun-in-the-sun movies with titles like “Beach Blanket Bingo” and “Bikini Beach,” died today. She was 70.
-
Terre Haute's J.T. Corenflos named ACM Guitarist of the Year
The resume speaks for itself.
J.T. Corenflos’ guitar virtuosity has put the sparkle in hit songs and albums by legendary singers, from Alan Jackson to Bob Seger, Brooks and Dunn, Don Henley and George Jones, as well as country music chart-toppers such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. -
Tickets to ISU’s presentation of Spoon River Anthology go on sale April 8
The Indiana State University theater department will present “Spoon River Anthology” April 10-13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. each day in the Dreiser Hall Theater.
-
Laser and light to accompany Pink Floyd music at April 20 show
Paramount’s LaserSpectacular, the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd, will come to the Effingham Performance Center at 8 p.m. on April 20.
-
Comic bringing 26 pets to Effingham for show
Gregory Popovich and his Comedy Pet Theater is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on April 12 at the Effingham Performance Center in Effingham, Ill.
-
Willie Nelson & Family to play IU Auditorium on April 6
New Covenant Productions will present “An Evening with Willie Nelson and Family” live in concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington.
-
Cellist to perform March 29 at Coffee Grounds
Shannon Hayden, a Yale School of Music graduate, will perform her own compositions for amplified cello at 8 p.m. March 29 in the Coffee Grounds at 423 Wabash Ave.
-
Weather forces postponement of Maya Angelou lecture
Due to the weather, Dr. Maya Angelou’s lecture scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, in Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, has been postponed.
-
'Quartet' at Honey Creek West 8 March 1
The comedy/drama “Quartet” opens March 1 in Honey Creek West 8 behind Honey Creek Mall in Terre Haute. Shows are at 7:40 and 10:05 p.m.
-
Affleck’s ‘Argo’ wins best-picture Oscar
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ben Affleck’s “Argo,” a film about a fake movie, has earned a very real prize: best picture at the Academy Awards.
From the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Jack Nicholson to help present the final prize. -
Singer-songwriter, Hutsonville native to perform in home county
After the January release of her new single, “I’m Not Gonna Let You,” Nashville singer-songwriter Roxie Randle will perform Feb. 7 in the Illinois county where she grew up.
-
At Home on Stage: Upcoming concert brings Grammy-nominated band and singer-guitarist back to Terre Haute
A club in New York City or the front room of the Eldredges’ house near West Terre Haute. The setting never fazed Terry Eldredge, even as a teenager. He could play music anywhere, bold and confident.
-
Mid-West Archery, Whitetail Deer Expo Jan. 12
Wintertime blues getting you down? Hunting season over, lose that cabin fever and come visit us at the Mid-West Archery and Whitetail Deer Expo. Vendors will have on display quality hand made crafts, ATVs, new trucks, log cabin, taxidermy and many other must see vendors.
-
Children’s Choir auditions begin Jan. 9
The Terre Haute Children’s Choir will stage auditions from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Jan. 12 in Room 161 of the Landini Center for the Performing and Fine Arts on the Indiana State University campus.
-
‘The Wabash’ varies in style, pace, heritage and feeling
In 13 cuts, an album simply titled “The Wabash” varies in style, pace, heritage and feeling as much as does the river itself.
-
Rapper Common to deliver lecture at Butler in January
Rapper/actor Common will speak about “Lessons of Life: One Day It’ll All Make Sense” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in Clowes Memorial Hall, part of the 25th anniversary of Butler University’s Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series.
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
Vigo County Fair announces search for the next Vocalist
Tiger on Sergio: 'It's Time to Move On'
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: NASCAR Driver Jason Leffler Dies in Wreck
Ex-NFL Star Chad Johnson Out of Jail
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Rain Damages Brazil Soccer Stadium
Raw: Marines Land Osprey on Japanese Ship
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Pa. Girl Who Took on Donor Rules Gets Lungs
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
Failed Cuba-to-Florida Swimmer Won't Try Again
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Prosecutors Push for Smartphone "Kill Switch"
Raw: 100K Protesters Flood Brazilian Streets
Google Launches Internet-beaming Balloons
Falling Cable Hurts 10 NASCAR Fans
NYC 911 Call Lasts for 8 Hours
Spurs' Popovich has no problem with Spurs' intensity
Inside Kim Kardashian's Premature Labor
Three Charged for Enslaving Mother and Daughter
Paige Butcher Scorches on Hawaii Beach
Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
Obama: NSA Secret Data Gathering 'Transparent'
WATCH IT: Lil Wayne tramples American flag
Mariah Carey Looks Beautiful in a Tiny Cut-Out Swimsuit
Out of Control Boat Throws Passengers Overboard
See Lindsay Lohan in Rehab
Sofia Vergara Posts Perky Backside Pic in Thong
Gaga Ditches Her Crazy Couture
Caught on Tape: Teacher Accused of Beating Autistic Child
"Stay Classy" Campaign Aims to Curb Binge Drinking
Sesame Street Tackling Tough Topic Parents in Jail
Miss Utah Fumbles Interview Question
Deranged man claims Newark-bound flight was poisoned
