USM School of Music Announces 2017 Production of Phantom of the Opera

Prior to the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company's production of Showbiz Harmony earlier this week, The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music announced plans for another epic production from the team that produced the much-acclaimed Mary Poppins. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera will take to the stage of the Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium in Fall 2017.

Directed by Dr. Mike Lopinto with music direction by Dr. Jay Dean and Dr. Michael Miles, anticipation is already at fever-pitch within the school.

“The ability to produce a musical of this caliber and scale is a testament to the incredible combination of a wonderful creative team in cooperation with a talented faculty and staff that is gifted with some of the most versatile and dynamic performers,” said Dr. Richard Kravchak, director of The School of Music.

The production will feature student performers and the venerable Symphony Orchestra in an elaborate production that showcases both. Tickets, available in April 2017, will be initially part of the 2017-18 Symphony season, with individual tickets on sale shortly thereafter.

Auditions for the production will be held in April 2017. Licensing restrictions allow only Southern Miss students to be a part of the show, however, the auditions are campus-wide and will be publicized at a later date.

“We have set up a website for all information as it becomes available” said Lopinto. “We encourage people to visit it often for the latest on auditions, tickets and special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the project.”

“Phantom of the Opera is the most iconic and longest running show on Broadway” said Miles. “I am thrilled to be working with an exceptional creative team in bringing this legendary musical to our community.”

Produced through special arrangement with Rodger and Hammerstein Theatricals, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command. Its sensational score includes “Think of Me,” “Angel of Music,” “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You,” “Masquerade” and the title song.

For more information, please visit www.usm.edu/music/phantom or call 601.266.5620.