Stage Door Chicago: Phantom

In January 1991, Houston's Theatre under the Stars presented the world premiere of the Kopit/Yeston musical. It was later presented in Seattle and in San Bernardino. But the production that really launched the show was here in Chicago, staged by Bill Pullinsi at the now defunct Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, receiving rave reviews in publications including Variety and the Wall Street Journal which led to interest from theaters around the country.

With more than one thousand independent productions worldwide, Yeston still refers to PHANTOM as "the most popular hit never to star on Broadway." This show has grossed over 71 million dollars to date, becoming one of the most popular musicals of all time. Theater devotees refer to this version as the "smarter" PHANTOM. 

Kopit and Yeston did not like the monstrous Phantom as portrayed in the movies.  They instead created a more human character who lives in the catacombs of the Paris Opera and falls in love with the voice and beauty of Christine. Drama ensues when a scheming diva, Carlotta, attempts to sabotage Christine's opera debut.  A passionate tale of murder, intrigue and love, PHANTOM is an exhilarating musical with a lush and compelling score that captures audiences.

Porchlight's PHANTOM stars Lara Filip as Christine, Naomi Landman as Carlotta, Jim Sherman as Gerrard Carriere and 2007 Jeff Citation winner Peter Oyloe as The Phantom.  Several actors from Porchlight's recent Ragtime will be joining the PHANTOM cast including:  David Jiles Jr., Renardo Johnson, Drew Mikuska , Leah Rose Orleans , Gerald Richardson  and Daniel Waters.  Rounding out the cast of PHANTOM are Virginia Brazier, Dennis Folwarczny, Jillian Jocson, Kenneth Kendall, Jack Mulopulos, and Jennifer Tjepkema.  The artistic team for PHANTOM is led by director, L. Walter Stearns, with musical director Eugene Dizon, choreographer Annie Hackett, scenic designer Robert Martin, and costume designer John Nasca.  Jennifer A. Kincaid serves as the stage manager.

Ticket Information

Porchlight Music Theatre will present PHANTOM at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont (at Racine), from September 14 through November 11, 2007.  The performance schedule is: Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $34 on Friday and $35 on Saturday and Sunday shows.  For tickets or more information, call the Theatre Building Chicago's box office at 773.327.5252 or visit www.theatrebuildingchicago.org.  Tickets are also available through TicketMaster at 312. 902-1500 or www.ticketmaster.com.  For group discounts, call 312.423.6612 or visit grouptheatretix.com.

 About Porchlight Music Theatre

Porchlight Music Theatre, originally founded in 1995 as Porchlight Theatre, has made a name for itself by producing engaging musicals with a focus on new works and inventive adaptations.  A professional, not-for-profit organization, the company has staged 35 shows including five World Premieres and seven Chicago Premieres.  The rapidly growing mid-sized theatre company has received 5 Jeff Awards as well as 13 Jeff Award nominations, 31 Joseph Jefferson Citation nominations, 11 Jeff Citations, and 20 After Dark Awards.