Past, present and future unite as BRHS Drama stages Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” (Hart, Stilgoe, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux) and licensed through Concord Theatricals.

“Phantom,” as it’s called in show biz, turns 40 this year and to mark four decades of the global musical phenomenon, special events are planned, including a special edition book release (Penguin Random House) and a highly-anticipated return to the stage at the Sydney Opera House. But you don’t have to leave Boothbay to celebrate the milestone. BRHS Drama will stage three shows: May 1 at 6 p.m., May 2 at noon and 5 p.m. 

Director Dr. Mary Miller welcomes the return of class of 2016’s power soprano Annielyn MacKusick in the role of Carlotta, the show’s spoiled, egotistical prima donna who provides a dramatic supporting lead that requires operatic-style singing and strong character acting. MacKusick was the recipient of the Sheepscot Valley Choral Arts Scholarship, the BRSAF Linda Sibley Clark Memorial Scholarship and the Lincoln Arts Malama Robbins Award, each awarded for excellence in the dramatic arts.

Jayden Coulombe, the club’s darkly poetic leading villain plays Phantom. John Cooper is a much-anticipated Raoul, Adaline Barter is the tragic Christine, and Matthew Little, Kora McKenney, Samantha Colby, Hailey Babineau, and Elijah Smith star as Monsieur Firmin, Monsieur Andre, Madame Giri, Ubaldo Piangi and Chief, respectively. Chloe Joneth plays ballet dancer, Mary.

Ushering in the future, the club welcomes BRES students Emma Scott (Meg), Bryson Hersom, and Isabel Fanslau to the stage. Themes address the painfulness of isolation, destructive patterns and ultimately the transformative power of compassion.

Tickets are $12 adults, $6 students, children 5 and under free. Tickets go on sale an hour before showtime at the auditorium box office (236 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor), or can be reserved in advance by emailing cjoneth@gmail.com.