"Phantom" Opens at The Minnetonka Theatre

The Drama Department is putting on its biggest show ever—Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. It is the musical’s first-ever Minnesota production and opened on Friday night. 

“It will be the biggest undertaking, the biggest production we’ve ever taken on,” said Krista Hoitomt, marketing coordinator for the .

To create excitement about auditions, Minnetonka Theatre launched the “Who will wear the mask?” campaign— hanging bright red posters all over Minnetonka High School. And according to the Minnetonka Theatre, word quickly spread across campus.

“Everyone was talking about it,” Hoitomt said.

The result— MHS’s largest audition turn out to date, with more than 100 students trying out for parts in the production. For at least the last month, the cast has spent up to twenty hours every week rehearsing for the show.

“Phantom is the definition of Broadway. To be able to do this show in high school is going to be awesome but also challenging,” said Minnetonka High School senior , who is playing the role of The Phantom. “Don’t take for granted that this is The Phantom of the Opera by a high school, it is so much bigger than people are going to expect. The whole cast is really excited!”

“This has been my dream role since I saw the movie in 7th grade—I listen to the recording all of the time!’ said , the MHS senior who is in the lead role of Christine Daeé. “The role is very demanding, and I am so excited to be pushed as an actress. Minnetonka’s productions rival many professional theatres, and this show will be one of our biggest and best ever!”

Minnetonka Theatre’s Artistic Director, Kent Knutson is directing the production.

The Phantom of the Opera Cast List

• The Phantom, Ryan McCartan
• Christine Daeé, Kelsey Peterjohn
• Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, David Knoblauc 
• Carlotta Giudicelli, Katherine Fried
• Ublado Piangi, Ryan Fargo
• Monsieur Firmin, Shawn Gaebel
• Monsieur André, Luke Johnson
• Madame Giry, Savanna Naini
• Meg Giry, Taylor Kelly-Murray
• Monsieur Armond, Eric Sargent
• Monsieur Renald, Kurt Wallgren
• Joseph Buquet, Tipper Langseth
• Auctioneer, Jacob Fossing
• Madame Firmin, Audrey Thayer
• Monsieur Reyer, Kyle Siefering
• Monsieur Lefèvre, Nick Churchill
• Porter/Marksman/Fop (in “Il Muto”), David Frankenfield
• Don Attilo (in “Il Muto”)/Passarino, Jacob Lahammer
• Slave Master (in “Hannibal”), Jake Hammond
• Stage Manager, Zach Churchill
• Stagehand, Tom Guyn
• Policeman, Jeremy Scott
• Page 1& 2 (in “Don Juan Triumphant”), James Wiersum & Jack Morton
• Porter/Chief Fire Officer, Jacob Fazzio
• Wardrobe Mistresses/Confidants (in “Il Muto), Ellen Schwartz Maggie Weiss
• Princess (in “Hannibal”), Jesse Landa
• Innkeeper’s Wife (in “Don Juan Triumphant”), Ellie Andersen
• Two Fire Marshals, John Cushing Adam Brausen
• Two Epicene Men (a hairdresser and jeweler), Will Hoverman Grant Ruckheim
• Corps de Ballet, Isabella Barberena Mallory Dubois Jessica Haugen Marissa Kuhnly Madison McDaniel Hannah Roth Maddie Scott Clare Seeman
• Ensemble: Stagehands, Policemen, Attendants, Rachel Amerhein, Portia Bartley, Mantha Carr, Julia Christensen, Katelin Delorenzo, Maddie Garces, Madeline Hirschuber, Olivia Hultgren, Noelani Kallerig, Nikki Kallman, Chandra Kethi- Reddy, Sarah Knoblauch, Hailey Kragness, Ethan Lauer, Emily LeCrone, Matt Lindholm, Shelby Nyman, Gabe Sell, Laura Shellum, Allison Spencer, Matt Sumners, Elza Thayer, Brooke Wahlstrom, Lily Wilson

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IF YOU GO:

Show: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera

Director: Kent Knutson

Dates: April 29, 30, and May 5, 6, 7, 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Matinee performances: May 1, 8, 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Now on sale: $20 Adult, $15 Senior (62+), $10 Youth (under 21), $10 when you bring non-perishable food items on Saturday, April 30, for ICA Food Shelf

Presented by: Minnetonka High School and Minnetonka Theatre

Location: ,  Main Stage on the Campus

Box Office Info: 952.401.5898 or online at www.minnetonkatheatre.com