Hunt for Phantom presence and voice

Theatre director Stephen Robertson with the mask made famous by the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd...
Theatre director Stephen Robertson with the mask made famous by the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. Photo by Linda Robertson.
A search is under way for a particularly imposing and creepy phantom in South Dunedin and it could last for up to four days.

Mysteriously though, no paranormal investigators, ghost hunters or police are involved, just theatre director Stephen Robertson.

The Christchurch-based director began auditions for the Phantom yesterday, for Musical Theatre Dunedin's production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Regent Theatre from September 17-26 next year.

About 10 people will be auditioning for the role.

''We're looking for someone with a physical presence, because the character needs to be imposing - ideally, someone tall, someone who can portray a dark side and inspire fear.

''Physically, he has to be fit because he has a lot of physical business to do on stage - he doesn't stand on stage and sing. He's on the floor, he runs around, so to sustain all that, he has to be fit.''

But No1 priority is vocal ability.

''It is a very demanding role. Even though he is not on stage a lot, when he is on, his vocals are enormous, so he has to be very secure vocally.''

Mr Robertson said his idea of who or what the Phantom was like was fluid.

He had seen and directed The Phantom of the Opera many times, and different actors were continually changing his perception the character.

''There's not a book that says the Phantom has to be this, this and this. Often when you are casting, you will pull out what the individual has to offer and that's the phantom you'll run with.''

Mr Robertson will also test actors for other lead roles this weekend.

Musical Theatre Dunedin executive member Heidi Hayward said The Phantom of the Opera was one of the best-known musicals because it epitomised all that was great about musical theatre - the music, a moving love story and lavish costumes.

The Dunedin production would have spectacular sets, a local cast of 45, 50 backstage crew, a 22-person live orchestra, more than 200 costumes, 50 wigs, 22 scene changes and 250kg of dry ice.

''It will be as outstanding here as its West End or Broadway versions - and we'll have an all-local cast and orchestra to bring it to life.''

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement