SHOW ME CENTER HOSTS LONDON PRODUCTION OF `PHANTOM OF THE OPERA'

The original London stage production of "The Phantom of the Opera" will be presented at the Show Me Center in October, it was announced Tuesday.

Ken Hill's touring adaptation of the famed musical-thriller will be in Cape Girardeau for two shows in the first major play ever presented at the Show Me Center.

It will be presented in conjunction with Family Weekend at Southeast Missouri State University.

"We're trying to bring diverse entertainment options to the people of the region," said Will Lofdahl, events coordinator for the Show Me Center. "This is definitely a departure from a lot of things we've done in the past."

Hill's "Phantom" tour began in Washington, D.C. in August 1991. It is the original musical adaptation of the classic Gaston Leroux novel about the hideously disfigured, mysterious and misunderstood Phantom and his romantic obsession with a gorgeous soprano, Christine.

It is a musical comedy, unlike Broadway's Andrew Lloyd Webber "Phantom," which is a serious musical with a more modern score.

Lofdahl said the departure is an attempt for the Show Me Center to be known as more than just a concert hall that hosts country music and rock music concerts.

"A lot of parents will be in town during that weekend," he said. "And this definitely is a `family' thing to do."

As many as 7,000 people can be seated during each performance, but Lofdahl said the auditorium likely will be set up for fewer, providing a more intimate atmosphere for the audience.

The music of Hill's "Phantom" is from various operas, composed prior to the period when the musical is set. Pieces include works from composers Giuseppe Verdi, Donizetti, Charles Francois Gounod, Mozart, Jacques Offenbach and Carl Maria Von Weber.

Hill adapted the music of these composers and added original lyrics.

The cast will be dressed in elaborate, turn-of-the-century costumes. Performances will be at 3 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 10. Ticket prices are $12.50, $20, $27.50 and $37.50.

Tickets go on sale Monday at 9 a.m. at the Show Me Center box office, Schnucks, Disc Jockey Records in Cape Girardeau, Carbondale and Paducah, or by phone at (314) 651-5000.