The Friday 5: Valley Regional Theatre's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

As the national touring company of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera continues its run at TPAC, a brand new theater company debuts in White House this weekend, with another much-anticipated production of The Phantom of the Opera, based upon the novel by Gaston Leroux and featuring music by Donizetti, Mozart, Puccini and Gounod. Adapted by Tracy Wells, Ron Lee directs a cast that includes Deron Ryan Martel, Rebecca Nelson and Jonathan Hunter.

Today, Martel, Nelson and Hunter move into the light to take on our Friday 5 questions (yes, we know it's Thursday!) and to tell you why you should make the trek to White House to see this version of The Phantom of the Opera:

Deron Ryan Martel (The Phantom)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? My first taste of live onstage theatre was in 1998 during a production of Beckett in Hendersonville.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? My favorite pre-show ritual is to find a quiet corner to not only prepare myself for the performance but to pray as well.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? My favorite "show must go on" moment happened in 2009's Fiddler on the Roof at Vol State Community College. The actor portraying Perchik and myself (Tevye) had to ad-lib for an entire scene due to an actress forgetting to come onstage. It was the scariest five minutes of my life.

What's your dream role? I have several dream roles. Two of which I've had the blessing of achieving. The Phantom (2016), and Jean Valjean (2015). My other two are Jekyll/Hyde, and Sweeney Todd!

Who's your theatrical crush? The most talented actor/director/dancer/theatrical person I know... My wife Brendan!

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see The Phantom of the Opera? People should see this show because not only is it full of A+ talent from the entire cast, it is the closest rendering of Leroux's classic tale that you will ever see. It is an emotional roller coaster that is accentuated with gorgeous music, sets, and costumes. If you are looking for suspense, horror, love, and a bit of comedy then you don't want to miss this!

Rebecca Nelson (Christine Daae)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? My first taste of live onstage theater was going to see Fiddler on the Roof at TPAC when I was a child. I thought the costumes were interesting and the set was incredible. I had never seen anything like it. I didn't know at the time that live theater was something for me. Even then, I didn't do my first show until 2009.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? Just being silly with my cast mates. It helps me relax.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? When I did Sweet Charity there was a moment when the track jumped. I wasn't on stage at the time, but the girls that were quickly improvised until they found their place back in the music. All of us backstage were on the edge of our seats.

What's your dream role? I would have to say my dream roles would be Kate Monster from Avenue Q and Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd.

Who's your theatrical crush? Honestly, I don't have one.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see The Phantom of the Opera? People should come see our Phantom because it's not the typical Andrew Lloyd Webber version that I think people are expecting. It's certainly different. Different script, different music, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be afraid, but you'll be glad you saw it.

Jonathan Hunter (Raoul)

What was your first taste of "live, onstage" theater? I was 12 when I did my first production of Grease where I played the role of Eugene. It was in a small dinner theater in Gallatin, right off the square. It was also directed by Ron Cushman, and it was then that I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

What's your favorite pre-show ritual? I would have to say the traditional circle up where we all pray for a good show and get last minute notes. It's the time right before you go out on stage, and for me that's the moment the rush of performing begins. When it's time for circle up, there's no going back, and I think that's exciting.

What's your favorite, most memorable, example of "the show must go on"? Well, I had one recently when Misty Embry and I were directing August Osage County at Encore Theatre, where we had an actor drop out a week before opening. Luckily our talented cast had talented friends and the show went on wonderfully.

What's your dream role? There are so many that it's hard to narrow down, but if I had to pick one on the spot under pressure, I would probably have to go with Seymour from Little Shop of Horrors. It's been a character I've wanted to play since I first saw it as a child

Who's your theatrical crush? Idina Menzel - a voice and talent as pure as her beauty.

EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see The Phantom of the Opera? People should come see The Phantom of the Opera because it's a version of the show many people haven't seen. Everyone has seen Webber's version, and some know it by heart. With this production of The Phantom of the Opera being different, I think it'll be refreshing for people who love the story, but would like to see something new or different. Although this is an older version of the show, I think it will have the same effect on people who come to see it.

About the show: Valley Regional Theater, at Billy S. Hobbs Community Center, White House: The Phantom of the Opera, running through March 19. www.valleyregionaltheater.com The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, adapted for stage by Tracy Wells, with music by Donizetti, Mozart, Puccini and Gounod. Performance dates are Friday March 18 at 7 p.m. and Saturday March 19 at 2 and 7 p.m. Matinee tickets are $10 and evening performances are $15.00 Reservations can be made by calling (615) 334-6127. Due to loud unexpected noises and scenes of violence, this show is not recommended for small children.

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