Muskego Teen Will Play Lead in 'Phantom' at the Pabst

Muskego teens have been making their mark on the stage and local teen Sarah Backstrom, who attends Pius XI High School, will get the opportunity to perform on one of Milwaukee's most historic stages in the high school's production of "Phantom of the Opera" at the Pabst Theater, April 19 – 22.

She took time out from a hectic rehearsal schedule along with New Berlin  residents Melissa Theisen to give their perspective on what it means to act outside of the familiar confines of their high school.

"It's been really a great experience to be on such a historical stage," Backstrom said. "It's also been challenging, as the venue is so different from what we're used to, but it opens you up to the greater world of theatre."

“It is rare for high school students to perform at the historic Pabst Theater,” agreed Bonnie Scholz, Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Pius XI High School. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students. The residents should be very proud of their accomplishments.”

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Phantom of the Opera brings Gaston Leroux’s classic novel to life.  The Tony Award winning show is set in the late 1800s, and tells the story of a masked figure who lives beneath the Paris Opera House, claiming it as his own through a reign of terror for all who work there.  After falling in love with a young soprano (Christine), the Phantom devotes himself to her and attempts to make the woman a star.  The dark yet beautiful love story is the longest running show on Broadway and continues to be enjoyed throughout the world.

“We couldn’t be happier to bring this beloved show to such an amazing venue,” said Scholz.  “The Pabst Theater is the fourth oldest continually operated theater in the United States.  The theater was built in 1895, which is when the story of Phantom of the Opera takes place.  The rich history of the space will surely heighten the experience of an already thrilling musical.”

The students said the experience will likely last beyond their high school years, whether they go on to careers in the theatre or not.

"I don't plan on theatre in college, but I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in such a production with the professionals we have around us," said Theisen.  She is a senior, and will attend Winona State in Minnesota in fall in their nursing program.

Backstrom however said she's enjoyed performance "ever since I was a little girl. I've loved singing and performing and I hope to continue to do it beyond high school."

While the opportunity is golden, the cost to perform is also a concern for high schools. There are costs to rent the Pabst theatre for the week on top of costs for the costumes required for the production. Tickets for Phantom of the Opera range between $12 and $35 and can be purchased by calling the Pius XI bookstore at (414) 290-8151. 

For more information about Phantom of the Opera, as well as Pius XI’s 2011-2012 performing arts season, visit www.PiusXI.org/PerformingArts.