One of the most profitable entertainment projects in history is coming to St. Louis.
“The Phantom of the Opera,” the longest running Broadway musical in history and adaptation of a French novel from 1910, will be performed at The Fabulous Fox Theatre starting next week. Featuring orchestration and book from Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, the show has been playing consistently around the globe since its premiere in London in 1986.
“It’s one of the only shows around that you can think [of working] long term,” Laureen Vigil, a cast member of the show for more than 13 years, said. “I love to go to the theater every day to make my living.”
Vigil, who has played a number of roles in the production, is currently a swing member of the ensemble, stepping in to play a number of roles when an actress is unavailable due to sickness or vacation.
“I’m on about 50 percent of the time,” she said. “We do eight shows a week, 52 weeks a year . There’s times that can seem redundant. My job is great because I get to go out and do something new every time. It keeps everything interesting and alive for me . It’s just fun.”
Being with the show for so long offers Vigil an advantage in her current role.
“I’ve been with this show for so long . By the time they made me the swing, I had so much experience on the ‘Phantom’ stage that it wasn’t that difficult for me,” she said. “I’ve learned what’s the most important thing happening in [every] scene.”
Vigil auditioned for the show after she realized it was one of the only Broadway shows that would support her musical background.
“I did it the old fashioned way . I went to the audition and stood in line with everyone else,” she said. “It’s a great show for a voice like mine. I sang opera for many, many years before auditioning for Broadway . It’s an honor to make your career, make your living in what you wanted your career to be.”
Vigil said that living most of your life on the road is a tough job, but it’s not one without its advantages.
“It’s an honor for us to have this job,” she said. “This is my fourth trip to St. Louis . The coolest part about being on tour is getting to know the country . We even know where to go grocery shopping in upstate New York.”
Life on the road creates a strong dynamic between the cast members, even as it is constantly changing.
“We’re a family out there. We’re all we’ve got . It’s a great family,” Vigil said. “I couldn’t even begin to list all the changes we’ve had . The cast changes. We’re constantly in flux . I think it would be impossible for a new cast member not to change the dynamics of the show.”
Vigil feels, ultimately, that it is the combination of music and set design that has kept the show running for so many years.
“It’s a gorgeous show to look at . It’s a combination of [Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s] lush music and a story that’s so heart aching,” she said. “He did a wonderful job of setting this story to music . If I go out front and watch it, it still stirs me.”
“Phantom of the Opera” will run from Sept. 30 to Oct. 25. For more information about the show itself, visit its official website at www.thephantomoftheopera.com.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre is located at 527 N. Grand Blvd. For more information about the venue, including ticketing and its upcoming season, visit www.fabulousfox.com.
