Photo Flash: PHANTOM Celebrates Opening Night at Manatee Performing Arts Center

The Manatee Performing Arts Center presents Manatee Players' production of PHANTOM, running now through May 8th in Stone Hall. Directed by Steve Dawson, choreographed by Vanessa Russo, and musically directed by Aaron Cassette, this musical is a must-see. Watch as the Phantom reveals himself only by the strength of his love through beautiful music. Below, BroadwayWorld has an inside look at last night's opening reception!

With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Arthur Kopit, PHANTOM tells the heart-rending tale of Eric - disfigured from birth, raised and hidden in the lagoons beneath the Paris Opera House. Eric's genius reflects the music that has always wafted down from the stage above and sustained him. When an untalented, egomaniacal Diva takes over the Opera, the musical world so dear to his life is shattered. He seeks a voice to restore the only beauty he's ever known and finds it in Christine Daee.

The lush Maury Yeston score of PHANTOM brings this classic Gaston Leroux novel to life. Witness Phantom and experience the true story of the man behind the mask.

Featuring: James Alexander Hyde as Erik, Sophia Masterson as Christine Daee, Tristan Martin as Count Philippe, Chris Caswell as Gerard Carriere, Cory Woomert as Cholet, Kris Sethi as Carlotta, James Olson as Jean-Claude, Mark Eichorn as Inspector LeDoux, Callaghan Mayer as Joseph Bouquet Young Carriere - Jan Sebastian Hyde as Young Erik, Diana Dizon as Belladova, Amy Woerner as Belladova Voice, Anna Progner as Fleure, Taylor Reister as Florence, Amy Woerner as Flora, Alice Byrne as Opera Diva, Carol Ciancia as Second Diva, Jalex Scott as Opera Tenor, Bill Cairo as Second Tenor, Peter O'Malley as Minister of Culture.

Ensemble includes: Dan Wuethrich, Craig Engle, Bradley Keville, Dan Wuethrich, Anna Grace Ribonnette, Emily Branton, Becky Evans, Sarah Van Keuren, Nicholette Huit, Nancy Brining, Alice Byrne, Kaity Cairo, Ana Moss, Sofia Johnson, Maddie Cashen and Tori Greenlaw.

Photos by Brian Craft