Interview: Jordan Craig of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
By: Justin Cole Adams Feb. 20, 2017
JCA: Tell me about the first time you saw PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.
JC: The first time I saw it was in Miami. I had never seen it, even when I auditioned I hadn't seen it. I think this was a good thing because they could mold me into the part the way they needed me to. When I did see the show, I was like 'oh my God, I can't believe I am going to be in this.'
JCA: This show has been on Broadway for almost 30 years. This is also the 25th-anniversary tour and, of course, the 2004 film directed by Joel Schumacher. What do you think is so appealing to audiences after all of these years?
JC: We talk about great works of art and what makes a great work of art. Great geniuses don't necessarily have a special message when they create a piece that has real staying power. They are just trying to hold a light up to the human experience. I think that is why the show has had such a great response from audiences year after year.
JCA: You play a pivotal part in the show. Can you tell our readers a little bit about Raoul without giving too much away?
JC: In the political landscape of the piece Raoul is a vice-count, they call him the Vicomte de Chagny. He is the patron of the Paris Opera House which means he pays everyone's salaries. He shows up at the opening night of an opera called 'Hannibal' and his childhood best friend is playing the lead! That is where their story starts. He, of course, falls for her and becomes a part of the love triangle that so much of the drama is centered around.
JCA: You have clearly dominated the Atlanta theatre scene through your work with the Alliance, Actor's Express, and Atlanta Lyric. How did you go from that to playing a lead on a national tour? What did that transition look like?
JC: The years I spent in Atlanta were some of the most formative years for me as an artist. I learned so much about the business, hard work and what it means to live in a community of artists who care about one another and lift each other up. There is a mutual respect among artists here who often compete for the same roles. It is as if we are actually rooting for each other to succeed. What a concept! It's quite different from other places in that respect. My work in Atlanta prepared me for life on this tour and I couldn't be more grateful for the chance to get my feet wet in a community like that. When I initially moved to New York, there were lots of adjustments that needed to be made like dealing with the higher cost of living and getting an agent for theatre. I put my nose to the grindstone and worked. I took classes, worked in bars and gyms, and auditioned. Finally, my hard work paid off and now I'm here! I couldn't be happier!
JCA: We are going to do a bit of a lightning round so just answer these as quick as you can. Ready?
JC: Yes!
JCA: Favorite song from PHANTOM?
JC: Music of the night.
JCA: Favorite musical of all time?
JC: Miss Saigon.
JCA: Dream role on Broadway?
JC: Chris in Miss Saigon.
JCA: Team Eric or Team Raoul?
JC: Team Raoul.
JCA: Should our readers go see the show?
JC: YES.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is running in Atlanta at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from February 22 through March 5. You may purchase tickets here for the two-week run, or visit foxtheatre.org for more information.
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