Photo Flash: 'Phantom' Returns to Westchester

Arthur Kopit/ Maury Yeston's Phantom, which made its New York Premiere at Westchester Broadway Theatre in 1992, has made a long-awaited return to the stage on October 4, and runs through February 9, 2008. 

Aaron Ramey stars as Erik (the Phantom) opposite Kate Rockwell ("Grease: You're the One That I Want") as Christine Daae.  Sandy Rosenberg plays the Opera diva, Carlotta.

Phantom was written by Arthur Kopit, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston who were the Tony Award winning collaborators for the Broadway Musical Nine.  "Phantom is not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, which is currently running on Broadway. Both shows are based on the same Gaston LeRoux novel. The Yeston/Kopit Phantom is more of a traditional Broadway musical with dialogue and songs throughout," explain press notes, "The story revolves around the central character of a man named Erik, (also known as the Phantom) who was born and raised in the cata­combs under the Paris Opera House. Through a series of circumstances, he takes on as a pupil a young woman named Christine, who has been a street singer. She has a natural talent and a beautiful voice, but she lacks the special training to perform in an Opera company. He agrees to take her on as a student with certain condit­ions, the main one being that she will never see his face. After a lot of hard work she eventually auditions for the company and is not only accepted but is given the opportunity to play a principal part in an Opera. Without realizing it, they fall in love with each other. The relationship becomes obsessive and impossible, leading to a stunning conclusion."

For tickets call 914-592-2222. Dinner & Show range between $55 and $73 plus tax. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays.  Wednesday & Thursday matinees are Lunch at 11:30AM and Show 1PM.  Thursday through Saturday evenings are Dinner 6PM and Show at 8Pm.  Sunday matinees are Lunch at 12noon and Show at 1:30PM.  Sunday evenings are Dinner 5PM and Show at 7PM.  Wednesday evenings some select dates.

Photos by John Vecchiolla