‘Phantom’ opens at Lake City Playhouse

The Lake City Playhouse opens “Phantom” this weekend, but if you’re expecting to hear “Music of the Night,” forget about it.

This is the Arthur Kopit/Maury Yeston version of the “Phantom of the Opera” story, not the Andrew Lloyd Webber version. And in some ways, this one is superior.

It has more humor and better character development than the Lloyd Webber version. The audience finds out how the Phantom became the Phantom, and he “is more of a ‘deformed hero’ than a monster,” said director Brian Doig.

It is a musical, but not a giant “spectacle.” It was written before Lloyd Webber’s mega-hit, but it was not produced until afterward.

Kent Kimball, a well-known regional singer and actor, plays the title role. Andrea Lutchendorf plays Christine. The cast also includes Ronita Taylor, Noel Barbuto, Jim Durham and Chris LeBlanc. Rebecca Priano is the music director.

“Phantom” opens Friday and continues Saturday, Sunday and Oct. 22-24, 28-31 and Nov. 4-6. Curtain times are 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on Thursdays.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $8 for children and $10 for groups. Thursday nights are $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors, students and children. For tickets call (208) 667-1323.

The Lake City Playhouse is Coeur d’Alene’s community theater at 1320 E. Garden Ave.