By Holly Gould
Desert Star Theater has once again struck comedy gold with their current production of Phantom of the Opera (A Parody) in Murray, Utah. The theater’s western theme brings you right in to the fun filled, saloon style atmosphere where you are greeted by friendly wait staff. This over-the-top musical theater parody continues a long-standing tradition of family-friendly entertainment at the theater with dinner options delivered right to your table, and audiences are sure to leave with a smile on their face and full bellies.
Written by Peter Van Slyke and Anthony Buck and directed by Beth Bruner, the story follows a young opera understudy Christine Daee (Meg Johnson) as she naively follows the mysterious Phantom (Kyle Larson) in hopes of becoming a famous opera star. When she disappears, the opera house crew, stars, and her handsome suitor Raoul (Marc Reading) set out to solve the mystery of the spooky opera ghost.
Johnson plays the young opera singer very well with her sweetly melodic soprano voice that hits all the notes with perfection without being overdone. Her youthful innocence is echoed in her repeated line of “This is totally normal, right?” Her damsel in distress is well played when she is with the Phantom, and an air of cluelessness prevails when being pursued by the handsome Raoul.
Larson’s Phantom is just as creepy and spooky as the audience expects, with additional stalker vibes thrown in for good measure. His physicality demands attention while onstage and the audience feels of his dark intentions while he ever skillfully evades detection.
As Raoul, Reading brings an overdramatic pursuit of his childhood friend that is very effective comically. His over-the-top attitude is delivered clearly and is easy to be understood so that the audience never misses a joke. The joy that he shows as Christine finally remembers his name is quite memorable.
Music always plays a huge part at the Desert Star, and this show is no exception. Maren Hansen (music director) is skillful and creative with a mix of the rewritten lyrics, classical and popular music interspersed throughout the show, as well as creating the Broadway -themed program for the traditional Olio at the end of the performance. Veteran accompanist Jill Flanagan is amazingly talented on the piano and invites the audience to fully participate in song and action as you cheer the heroes on to victory or boo the villain offstage. Choreography by Kerstin Hallows is simple and highlights the comedic purposes of the songs.
No show is complete without an amazing technical crew. I really enjoyed the set for this show. Ken Lineberry and team created some stunning pieces for this show. My personal favorites of the night were the opera house basement with tunnels that truly gave the illusion of the characters getting lost onstage, and the underground lake scene. Lights and sound (Maeson Busk and Brytan Todd) perfectly compliment each scene, and costumes (Daily, Mary Atkinson, and Todd) are as big, flashy, and colorful as any opera house deserves.
This hilarious production of Phantom of the Opera (A parody) is truly a great example of harmonious ensemble work. While the characters are all fun and unique by themselves, a fantastic energy happens as the cast works and interacts with each other. With puns a plenty and many jokes that reflect both local and pop culture, audiences are sure to be pleased and entertained. Everything about this show is family friendly but is recommended for ages five and up. If you are looking for a fun night out, the Desert Star Theater in Murray, Utah will definitely hit the mark.
Desert Star Theater presents Phantom of the Opera (A Parody)
Written by Peter Van Slyke and Anthony Buck
Desert Star Theater 4861 S State Street, Murray, UT 84107
January 6- February 26,2022 Check website for show times
Tickets – Adults: $29.95, Children: $16.95 (11 & under)
801-266-2600
www.desertstar.biz
Desert Star Playhouse Facebook Page
I watched a production at Desert Star Playhouse a couple of times in the 90’s and enjoyed it. Lots of fun. Now as a high school theater director in Oregon, I am trying to get information to possibly produce this on our stage. Can someone please forward information so that I can seek out scripts, rights and so forth. Thank you.
I’ll contact them. But here’s their contact info: (801) 266-2600 jae@thestarstage.com