The smash hit “The Phantom of the Opera” returns to Indiana May 25 at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in beautiful Carmel, for two shows.
Indiana Ballet Conservatory, ranked as the number-three ballet school in the nation, is cultivating the next generation of professional dance artists right here in our own backyard. Students have moved to Carmel from as far away as Japan, Korea, Sweden and elsewhere to train with the world-renowned faculty. Their next gift to the community is the buzz-worthy “The Phantom of the Opera” show!
This electric, full-length story ballet, an original masterpiece by Indiana Ballet Conservatory Founder and Artistic Director Alyona Yakovleva, debuted in 2008 and was named one of the “Top Events to See” by the Indianapolis Star. Later, After sitting in the vault for the past 13 years, it’s with palpable anticipation that arts lovers await the reigniting of this smash hit!
In this contemporary version of the 1912 novel, Yakovleva transcends clichés with original and electrifying choreography, ranging in style from classical ballet through contemporary and character. A seamless blending of diverse musical genres sweeps the narrative to cohesively bring music and movement to life, in a way that will have you on the edge of your seat.
More than just a simple love story, “Phantom” probes the deepest, darkest regions of the heart, where lurks the most tender vulnerabilities, exquisite desires, and searing scars that love drives each player to confront. The love triangle between Christine (Morgan Rust), Raoul (Luke Derksen) and the Phantom (Justin Hamilton) begins in Act I, with only Christine aware of the masked one’s presence. Unable to resist his charm, a spell is cast upon her, causing confusion for Raoul, who cannot understand the power of the Phantom. In a moment of weakness, the Phantom allows Christine to remove his mask, horrifying her by the sight of his disfigurement, and she runs. In Act II, the three principals dance through a Spanish masquerade ball, and the Phantom declares his love for Christine. Making her decision to stay with the Phantom, the ballerina is left alone as the Phantom vanishes, unable to face his fear of love, leaving behind only his mask and cape.
As if this mesmerizing story that unfolds on the stage isn’t dramatic enough, the real-life, behind-the-scenes story of the making of this masterpiece is additionally layered with history and meaning. Indiana Ballet Conservatory has come full-circle as the lead, Morgan Rust, comes home as a guest artist in the role of Christine. Thirteen years ago she handed the traditional flowers at bow to the original creator of the role, Tuesday Mayhew. As one of the many successful professional ballet dancers that have been cultivated by the incredible faculty of Indiana Ballet Conservatory, Rust is thrilled to be returning to Indiana to dance this coveted role.
In addition, one of the original dancers in this production now has a child in the school who will be dancing in “Phantom” as well. This truly is a testament to the mark Indiana Ballet Conservatory has made on the world of ballet – and especially on the legacy of ballet that is being passed down to each new generation in the epicenter of arts in Indiana here in Carmel.
Come see how this dedication to elevating the arts is paying off on May 25 at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre at the 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. show. Tickets are available at indianaballetconservatory.org.
