​Phantom of the Paradise: In Concert

Produced by Weasel War Dance at Secret Loft
March 12, 19, 26th, April 30th, May 14th 2018

Adapted for the stage by: Sean Pollock
Directed by: Elann Danziger
Music Direction by: Emily Croome
Production Stage Manager: Nat Kelley DiMario
Lighting Design by: Alex Neuhausen
​Projection Design by: Barry Stelboum
Sound Design by: Will Watt
Costume Design by: Dmitri Barcomi
Hair & Makeup Design by: Ariel ​Iasevoli

Adapted from Brian De Palma's 1974 film of the same name, Phantom of the Paradise is described as a semi-improvised story and musical journey. The original is an adapted amalgamation of Phantom of the Opera, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Faust, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It tells the story of songwriter Winslow Leech, tricked into selling his music - as well as his soul, voice, and life - to the devilish Swan, owner of the elusive club known as the Paradise.

We performed POTP as a staged concert in a DIY venue in downtown NYC, which was often a challenge since it required a daily load in and load out. Secret Loft also shares a building with other businesses, so we also had to navigate the use of space with a large cast. I came onto this show only two rehearsals before tech and was able to quickly pull everyone together, making the brief process easy and seamless. I had to act as the liaison between the producers and the technical staff at Secret Loft, which meant learning the show incredibly fast. But despite the challenges, POTP was a joyous collaboration and artistic endeavor from a group of people from all different theatrical backgrounds. We added not one but two encore performances due to demand, and the love the company had for the show. As my first professional theatrical experience in NYC, POTP​ set a precedent for the kind of art I love to make and how great it is to share it with others.