Monongahela resident stars in Lincoln Park’s ‘Phantom’
MIDLAND – Zachary Mendola of Monongahela will star as the man behind the mask in Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center’s production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 15 and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 16.
“The Phantom of the Opera” tells the story of a masked figure that lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine Daae, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talent.
It’s a show that tugs at your emotions, said Mendola, who is a senior majoring in musical theater at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School
“The show is highly romantic, and people always feel for characters in romantic stories,” he said. “It just sticks with you. You root for people in it.”
Mendola has studied piano and musical theater at LPPACS. His previous roles at the Performing Arts Center include Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables,” Tony in “West Side Story” and Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid.”
The production includes 54 cast members, with Julia Cooper, another senior majoring in musical theater, starring as Daae. Cooper also has appeared as Fantine in “Les Misérables,” Rosalia in “West Side Story,” Paula Abagnale in “Catch Me If You Can” and Erma in “Anything Goes.”
“It’s wonderful to have a new production of ‘Phantom’ with such a talented, young cast,” director Ken Gargaro said. “After 28 phenomenal years on Broadway, this ‘Phantom’ is for a new generation. Plus, it has some of the best Andrew Lloyd Webber melodies.”
Tickets are $20, $18 and $15 and are available by calling 724-576-4644, option 2, or online at www.LincolnParkArts.org.
“The Phantom of the Opera” marks the 10th anniversary season at Lincoln Park and includes a gala event Oct. 15. The evening will include a gourmet dinner in the BlackBox Theater at 5 p.m., VIP Gold Circle seating in the Main Stage Theater for the performance at 7:30 p.m. and a behind-the-scenes back-stage tour. Ticket packages are $150 per person and include dinner, show, tour and private dessert/coffee bar reception. For more information, visit www.LincolnParkArts.org/event/10thAnniversaryGala/.