by Catherine Pears
Editor-in-Chief &
Anna Raboin
Features Editor

Westford Academy’s production of Phantom of the Opera was literally unprecedented. Not only was the performance spectacular, but it set the bar for future renditions throughout New England. As the rights to produce Phantom of the Opera were recently released, Westford Academy is the first company to perform it in New England.

Because Westford Academy was the first educational theater program to present Phantom, the cast had to be monumental. And it was.

The infamous Phantom was played by senior, Caleb Cedrone. Cedrone embodied all of the Phantom’s many layers and transported the audience into his dark mind. Originally, Cedrone was not planning on being cast as the lead role.

“I never thought it was going to happen. I had my mind set on a different role altogether, as the reach role. I thought, maybe I could get this one. I never even thought about [Phantom] at all,” said Cedrone.

Sophomore Jillian Frankel played Christine Daae. The auditorium was silent while listening to Frankel’s beautiful voice during her first number, “Think of Me.” Frankel’s voice was both soft, and powerful, as she sang to prove that she was more than a chorus girl.

“I’m the first Christine of New England, it’s amazing,” Frankel reflected.

Perhaps the most impressive cast member was freshman Nick Nudler, playing the role of Raoul. Nudler held his own as one of the lead roles and sang in harmony with Frankel.

When asked about auditioning for Phantom, he humbly stated that every male was his competition, and that they all did a great job.

“Frankly, it’s a lot of pressure, but it’s an amazing experience just getting to dive right in to WATA,” said Nudler on playing a lead role.

There is no doubt that the premiere of Phantom of the Opera was impressive and the cast will continue to work hard for their final performances. If you haven’t already, make sure to go see Phantom of the Opera. The cast will perform five more shows, Wednesday, 11/10, and Thursday, 11/11, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, 11/12, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, 11/14, at 2 and 8 p.m.