Theater preview: BYU to stage epic musical 'The Phantom of the Opera'

By Blair Howell, For the Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Jan. 12 2013 12:30 p.m. MST

Photos

View 2 photos »

Summary

BYU is one of the first universities to stage "The Phantom of the Opera," the longest-running show in Broadway history. “The students are excited and they recognize that it is quite an undertaking," says director Tim Threlfall.

“There will be 40 pieces in the pit, and I tell my students, ‘Hey, enjoy that. You’ll never find that many orchestra members again.’ On Broadway, there are 11 to 14, maybe, and they are always trying to reduce that, and 11 to 14 is a big ensemble,” he explains.

Threlfall called upon BYU alumni who have performed in professional productions to mentor students, and he was able to speak directly to the legendary director of “The Phantom of the Opera” following a New York City theater conference at which Prince was the keynote speaker.

“We’re always looking for productions that will challenge the students,” Threlfall says. “This has been the most cohesive group within the College of Fine Arts and Communication that I’ve ever been able to work with.”

If you go

What: “The Phantom of the Opera”

Where: Harris Fine Arts Center’s de Jong Concert Hall

When: Jan. 16-Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. with 2 p.m. Saturday matinee performances

How much: $15-$25

Tickets: 801-422-4322 or byuarts.com/tickets

«Prev
Page:
1
2

Featured Comments

See all 3 comments »

Danny Chipman

Lehi, UT

Curious...are they going to "edit" the song "The Point of No Return"? And someone will be throwing a stink about this in three...two...one...

4:04 p.m. Jan. 12, 2013
Top comment

Brave Sir Robin

San Diego, CA

@Danny Chipman

At BYU I think you can pretty much count on it.

8:56 a.m. Jan. 14, 2013
Top comment

Bric

Aurora, IL

Unless the Rogers and Hammerstein Organization has made an exception for Phantom, changes and editing are not allowed.

11:59 p.m. Jan. 15, 2013
Top comment

Comments