Phantom to Haunt Newcastle Civic
Metropolitan Players Inc. have commenced rehearsals for the NSW Non-Professional Premiere of The Phantom of the Opera at the stunning Civic Theatre, Newcastle (August 29 – September 7, 2013).
The production will feature a cast of 46 and a 27-piece orchestra.
Phantom is Mets 42nd production, and the 36th Mets production directed by Julie Black, in her 30th year of directing.
The first rehearsal was held at the Broadmeadow Uniting Church, starting with a get-together BBQ, after which the cast were introduced to the production team and saw a full model of the set and some of the costumes which have already been made for the show.
Chris Maxfield (The Phantom) began acting with Hayes Gordon at the Ensemble Theatre. For Mets he has played Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music, Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady and last year won the CONDA Award for Best Actor in a Musical for Fagin in Oliver!
Opera Singer Whitey Erickson (Carlotta) was principal singer wit the Sydney Independent Opera Company. Director Julie Black says the cast are in awe of her wonderful voice.
Daniel Stoddart (Raoul) has been on the Newcastle theatre scene for many years, was a member of the Ultra Swing group and runs his own talent school. Last year he won the CONDA Award for Best Professional Director for Hunter Drama School’s Spring Awakening.
Caitlin Harris (Christine) only finished Year 12 in 2012, but Director Julie Black says she had that special X Factor which saw her win the coveted role of Christine ahead of several other talented candidates for the role.
Mets have now staged four shows at the Civic Theatre, three of which have won Best Musical at the CONDA Awards (City of Newcastle Drama Awards).
Images above - Set Model and costume for Carlotta.
Phantom - Chris Maxfield, Raoul - Daniel Stoddart and Christine - Caitlin Harris.
Carlotta - Whitney Erickson and Piangi - Elliott Walker.
Meg - Chloe Jeffery-Williams and Madame Giry - Ann Hartsuyker-Accardi.
Firmin - Malcolm Young and Andre - Ian Crouch.
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