Actress Kimilee Bryant will revive her Broadway role of Christine in a new musical production of “Phantom of the Opera” – based on the gothic novel by Gaston Leroux – for a one-night-only performance at the historic Byrd Theatre to benefit a children’s theater group based in Chester.
The music adaption being presented by the Phantom Players stars Bryant, who played the role of Christine in the Andrew Lloyd Webber version on Broadway. She won national acclaim in the touring production and is the only actress who has played all three roles of Christine, Madame Giry, and Carlotta. Also starring in the role of Raoul is teen heartthrob Aaron Jackson from the 90s TV show “California Dreams,” which was a spin-off of “Saved by the Bell.” Chester resident Jesse Taylor, better known for his portrayal of Erik (also known as the Phantom) at Atlantic Comic Cons, and he is also set to star in the upcoming TV series “Coney Island,” will be starring in that role on stage. Sheri Austin Lahris will perform as Madame Giry. She has been in various period movies and TV shows, including “Legends and Lies” as Jesse James’ mother.
The production will feature characters that have often been eliminated from other versions such as the Persian and Sorelli the Prima Ballerina. It also showcases arias and ballet numbers from that time period that would have been performed in the opera house. You will also see a lot more dialogue and interaction between Erik and Christine as well as between Christine and Raoul. More of their back story will be mentioned to give the audience a better understanding of why the characters act like they do.
“Phantom of the Opera” will be almost a theater in the round.
“It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you will not find in a normal auditorium,” said Tracey Lynn Frame, producer and director of the production. “The theater it is being presented in is a replica of an opera house in Paris, and the audience will be immersed in the daily happenings of these characters. From the moment you walk through the lobby doors you will feel like you are actually in the opera house.” The Byrd Theatre is on the National Registry of Historic Places and is also said to be haunted by its own ghost.
“All profits from this production are going to help fund programming at the Chesterfield Children’s Theatre, a very rare theater and film organization that provides free training to anyone…and allows everyone who auditions the chance to participate,” Frame said. “When you order your tickets, consider making an extra donation towards this group that serves the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond.”
Frame has been a resident of Chester since she was five. She recently filmed her first SAG-Aftra Demo of a new TV show she has been working on, “Coney Island,” which she hopes a network will pick up soon. She also recently received six major awards at the Richmond 48-Hour Film Competition as executive producer for a short film entitled “Fighting a War of My Own.” Frame is also the artistic director for the Phantom Players and for the Chesterfield Children’s Theatre, and she welcomes any future stars on and off stage to participate in their upcoming season, which includes “Anne of Green Gables,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Once Upon a Time,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Titanic,” and a mystery spring musical to be arranged.
“Phantom of the Opera,” a one-night performance, will be held Monday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Byrd Theatre, located at 2908 W Cary St, Richmond. For more info e-mail [email protected] or visit the Phantom Players’ Facebook page. For tickets, visit www.showtix4u.com keyword: PhantomRVA or call the box office at (866) 967-8167.
