Bay Path prepares for farsical 'Phantom'

LONGMEADOW - Bay Path College received some unexpected help when planning its newest musical production of "The Phantom of the Country Opera."

Cheryl Coons, who penned the original lyrics for the show, has been in close contact with music director Scott A. Bailey since production began.

The "Phantom of the Country Opera,"is a farcical comedy which spoofs "The Phantom of the Opera." The musical will be directed by Li M. Ciaglo. It opens on Friday , with six performances scheduled. All shows will be staged at the Mills theater on Bay Path's Longmeadow Campus. Tickets can be purchased through Bay Path College's box office, by calling (413) 565-1307.

The musical focuses on Christina Joseph, a singer who returns to Nashville, Tennessee, to sing backup at the Country Palace. While at the Country Palace, Joseph is caught in a rivalry with another singer, and befriends a mysterious janitor. Many of the plot details are similar to original "Phantom of the Opera," with a country-western twist.

When he learned that Bay Path College would be performing in a production of "Phantom of the Country Opera," Bailey said that Cheryl Coons was the first person he contacted,

"She got back to me really quickly, and has sent recordings that we can listen too. There is no Broadway recording of the musical, so she sent us a recording of a performance she had been a part of," Bailey said.

The cast will feature six Bay Path students and two alumnae, as well as performers from local theater companies.

"There is a high energy, and it's unlike anything I've worked with before," Liberty A. Olsen said. Olsen is a freshman who is performing in her first Bay Path College production.

As the performance dates quickly approach, director Li Ciaglo and her cast have been working out the kinks.

"Some people call it a hell week, but I call it a hell two weeks," Ciaglo said. "It's been pretty bumpy, but if I'm doing it right, it's supposed to be," Ciaglo said.

"The Phantom of the Country Opera" has been performed all over the country, but is not a musical that many are familiar with. Ciaglo said that she has directed many of the classics, including "The Sound of Music" and "Annie,"but enjoys directing productions of lesser-known musicals.

"I am quite proud of having the opportunity to do off the radar stuff. When the audience doesn't know what to expect, it can be a big draw," said Ciaglo.