North Allegheny prepares for ‘Phantom of the Opera’

“The Phantom of the Opera” is such a renowned play that Bob Tozier, chair of the North Allegheny music department, knows audiences are likely to have high expectations.

“It’s an iconic musical. There are things people expect to see and hear and experience, so we have to make sure they are there,” Tozier said.

North Allegheny High School’s fall musical is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 6, 7 and 9, and 2 p.m. Nov. 10. Tickets cost $14, not including service fees.

Students try out for the fall show in the spring, even before the play is selected. After seeing the quality and range of voices auditioned, Tozier said that the operatic style of “The Phantom of the Opera” was a good fit.

Many students learned ballet, part of the musical’s choreography.

“We have a good group of kids this year. They’ve been excited since Day One,” Tozier said. “This is probably one of the largest and most complex of fall musicals we’ve done.”

More than 40 students are in the cast, and they have been practicing since the start of the school year.

Lead roles include NASH students Grace Durzo as Christine, Ryder Boles as the Phantom, Sam Coffman as Raoul, Madison Emekter as Carlotta and Dominic Pappalardo as Piangi.

“Phantom of the Opera” features a large orchestra for musical accompaniment. Usually, the orchestra pit may feature less than 10 musicians, but this production boasts around 30 members, Tozier said. There are probably close to 100 students involved, including the stage crew, he said.

The musical also offers an impressive set and special effects.

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s creation 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,” but also falling in love with a young soprano. He “devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command,” according to NA’s online description of the show.

The senior high school also features a spring musical, which has yet to be announced.

Tickets for “Phantom of the Opera” can be purchased at showclix.com or by visiting www.northallegheny.org.