“The Phantom of the Opera” is here, inside Woodrow Wilson High School. The annual spring musical opened last night and has continued the tradition of works that make generations of graduates proud.
Ashley Watson stars as Christine in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ (Photo by Rasy Ran)
This is the historic auditorium’s first use after it was put out of commission by a January fire.
This year’s iteration of the musical is full of romance, impressive costume work and powerful vocals. Ashley Watson is radiant and powerful as Christine, Henry Craft is conflicted and mysterious as the Phantom, and Andrew Derouen is passionate and romantic as Raoul.
With another stellar direction job from John Beaird, and harmonious musical guidance from Katie Anderson, a Woodrow musical alumni herself, over 100 students have united for another memorable performance.
One would think turning a theater into a theater for the musical would be simple task, but great detail and effort created this set. The auditorium features two golden box seats in the apron, a life-size elephant and a crashing chandelier. The musical’s array of scenes within scenes provide ample opportunity for diverse sets and costumes, from a secret underground layer to Hannibal’s battlefields.
See this storied tradition come alive on Saturday, April 23, at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, April 24, at 2:30 p.m. in the Woodrow Wilson High School Auditorium.
