The phantom is about to haunt the stage at Vernon’s Powerhouse Theatre.
Best known for his starring role as the lovelorn masked avenger in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famed musical Phantom of the Opera, Peter Karrie is returning from the U.K. to B.C. this September to perform four theatrical concerts in the Okanagan.
He performs at Powerhouse Sept. 17.
Karrie’s performance as “The Phantom” has long been acclaimed the world over. He played the role in London, Toronto, Singapore and Hong Kong, and his Vancouver performances received rave reviews.
He was twice voted the favourite Phantom by members of The Phantom of the Opera Appreciation Society, in 1994 and 1995.
In addition to the Phantom, Karrie’s voice has been featured in musical theatre productions such as Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess and Evita.
On his tour through the valley, Karrie will perform a different type of role to that of The Phantom, acting as an ambassador for youth in theatre, a cause he feels passionate about.
“They are our stars of tomorrow, but to be successful they need to be performing today,” he said.
Karrie is inviting a young local artist to join him on stage for each performance, and will sing from his most famous theatrical roles, while also featuring many local performers in such triumphs such as Lion King, Les Miserables, Man of La Mancha, Miss Saigon, and, of course, a whole lot of music from his favourite musical, Phantom of the Opera.
For the latter he will be joined in Vernon by local soprano Melina Moore in the role of Christine. Also slated to join him are students from Moore’s Valley Vocal Arts studio.
A percentage of proceeds will go to benefit Valley Vocal Arts’ spring production as well as the Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre in Wales for children with cerebral palsy, for which Karrie serves as a lifetime ambassador.
The Powerhouse performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $19 for seniors and $10 for youth 12 and under, at the Ticket Seller in the Performing Arts Centre. Call 250-549-7469 or order at www.ticketseller.ca.
