Haunting romance takes the stage in BrightSide Theatre’s ‘Phantom in Concert’

Brightside’s first production of 2026 will be a concert performance of the musical “Phantom in Concert,” with a score by Maury Yeston (composer of the musicals “Titanic” and “Nine”) and a book adapted by Arthur Kopit (author of the plays “Wings” and “Indians”).

The musical is based on the Gaston Laroux novel “The Phantom of the Opera” and has enjoyed over 1000 productions around the world. A hauntingly beautiful take on the tale, this musical offers a deeply emotional and romantic reimagining of the novel, offering a deeper exploration of the phantom's past, set to Yeston’s mesmerizing score.

“Phantom in Concert” will be performed by a cast of 16 and a nine-piece orchestra, from Jan. 9-18 in the Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave. in Naperville. It is directed by BrightSide Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Phil Videckis as music director.

Leading the 16-member cast as Erik the Phantom, will be Caden Cole of Frankfort. Christine, the singer the Phantom coaches and loves, will be played by Emily Lewis of Chicago.

Count Philippe de Chandon, who helps Christine get a job with the Paris Opera, will be performed by Joe Moerschel of Vernon Hills. Julie Ann Kornak of Naperville will be Carlotta, the company diva who is threatened by Christine’s talent. Gerard Carrière, the former head of the Opera who is secretly Erik’s father, will be played by Michael Rivera of Westmont, while Carrière’s successor as Opera head, Cholet, will be performed by Stan Austin of Winfield. Austin will also understudy Carrière.

Cast in other principal roles are Michael John Lynch of Chicago as Jean-Claude, Myles Mattsey of New Lenox as Inspector LeDoux, and Dana Vetter of Lombard as Belladova. Vetter will also understudy Christine.

The ensemble, some of whom will additionally understudy principal roles, includes Matthew Andresen of Greenfield, Wisconsin; Amy Arbizzani of Naperville (understudy Carlotta), Michelle Bolliger of Roselle (understudy Belladova), Jack Keilman of Chicago (understudy LeDoux and Philippe), Juan Sedonio of Port Barrington, Shaina Summerville of Rolling Meadows and SarahAnn Sutter of Northbrook.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, with a Saturday matinee on Jan. 17 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $37 or $32 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale at BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).

BrightSide Theatre with artistic director Jeffrey Cass and executive director Julie Ann Kornak, is committed to enlighten, educate, and entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. A blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide’s stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, visit BrightSidetheatre.com.