Mr Rea (63) is playing the phantom in the West Otago Theatrical Society’s production of Phantom of the Opera.
The dairy farmer has seen versions of the production both on screen and live, including seeing Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performing the show in London.
Now he gets to play a role known worldwide.
It would be his first role on stage with the society since 2009 and something he was really looking forward to.
It was a great role and one he wanted to be involved with.
The key to the role was getting to know the character.
"Just probably trying to get inside the man’s head. Put yourself in his position on how he grew up ... just who he was, how he felt and how that reflected in his relationships around the world," he said.
Mr Rea had been the musical director for the society’s shows for the past few years with his wife Margie directing but when the Phantom show came along he decided to get back on the stage
"It’s good music, got a lot of good songs which I enjoy singing. Some of them are ugly music but there is a lot of ones with beautiful melodies," he said.
"I’ve put a lot into it. I’ve been trying to get a bit fitter. I’ve got a treadmill and trying to work on that. It just helps and makes it easier to perform."
Mr Rea, who spent 10 years in Nashville following his first love of country music, had played various roles over the years but he never takes anything for granted.
"You’re always nervous.
"A little bit of nerves and edge is healthy. If you think you are always going to do it and it will come together then it won’t. As long as you are not debilitated by the nerves then they help."
It is the 40th anniversary year for the society, with the first show on July 1 and eight shows in total ending on July 9. The production is in the community centre in Tapanui.
The phantom character wears a mask in the show and Mr Rea said he has had a few fitted, after having a mould made.
It was tricky as it had to be clear of his mouth and fit like a glove. He had now found one he believed fitted his face.
"I’ve got one now that I’m comfortable with in the role," he said.
Mr Rea has not caught Covid-19 and has been doing his best to avoid it.
" ... I can’t afford to get sick."
