While the 2017 spring musical, “Les Misérables,” has come to a close, the excitement it instilled continues as the theater program prepares to take on the gaudy costumes, haunting organ music, and intricate set associated with “Phantom of the Opera.”

Chad Feeser, theater director, announced next year’s show at the 2017 musical banquet on April 25.

Next year’s show will be a little different than shows in the past. Due to it’s popularity, the cast will be performing not 4 shows, but 6, over 2 weekends instead of 1. “If any show is going to draw out 2 weekends worth of crowds, it’s going to be “Phantom of the Opera,” vocal director Edward Wilson said.

Before the reveal, freshman Kaylee Enck, who played Cosette in “Les Miserable” said, “Of course I’ll be participating [in next year’s show]! There’s nothing I like better than singing and acting!”

Sophomore Adam McKeehan, who played Pirelli in “Sweeney Todd” and Thenardier in “Les Misérables,” agreed. “I will most definitely be in next year’s musical.” he said. “Joining the theater program is such a fantastic experience and it’s always tons of fun!”

Both Enck and McKeehan added that they couldn’t wait to find out what the show would be.

After the reveal, Enck’s excitement was even more evident. “I love [Mr. Feeser’s show choice],” she said. “I’m so happy and excited! It’s been my favorite show since I was three years old!”

“I’m very excited that Mr. Feeser chose “Phantom of the Opera” as next year’s musical because it’s my favorite musical of all time and it’s a great show. It is difficult, but I believe we can pull it off with hard work and dedication,” McKeehan said.

Sophomore Faith Swarner said, “I think it’s a wonderful musical to choose. It will take a lot of practice but I can’t wait to see it!”

The choice of this show has prompted has sparked interest in joining the theater program for students who haven’t participated in it before.

Freshman Emilee Fulkroad plans to join the theater program next year. “I wanted to do [theater] ever since the beginning of [my] freshman year, but I was too shy. I just really like to sing so I thought it would be a good idea to join.” she said.

“I love Phantom!” Fulkroad said. “I’m excited to see how this goes. I’m sure it will be very difficult, but I think we can do it.”

“It’s gonna be awesome!” Wilson said. “It’s going to be a challenge because it’s a big show, especially some of the vocal parts. If people are willing to work, I think we could see some surprises. I think some people are going to break through and really gravitate towards that challenge.”

Enck said she would like to audition for a lead again next year. “It’s always been a dream of mine to play Christine, although I’d truly be happy with whatever part I get because I’m just that excited about the fact that we’re doing “Phantom of the Opera!”

McKeehan also expressed interest in auditioning for a lead. “I either want to audition for the phantom or one of the managers, because those are my 2 favorite parts and phantom is my dream role,” he said.

Feeser said he worked with other musical staff, including Adam Nobile (pit director), Edward Wilson (vocal director), and Elise Manning (vocal director) to select the show.

“I chose it because it’s the greatest musical of all time, and this is Big Spring’s year to do it! After building our way up with two other great, dramatic shows (“Les Misérables” and “Sweeney Todd”) this is the natural finale! You choose difficult shows when you have the talent to perform them. Big Spring students need to be challenged, and our area gets to see that we are equal to those challenges.” Feeser said.

Feeser wouldn’t give away any information about other shows that had been considered. “That’s a secret.” he said. “There’s always the possibility that we might explore those shows in 2019.” He also said it was too soon to tell if the shows would be double-cast.

Feeser explained that pyrotechnics will be used for special effects during the production of “Phantom of the Opera.”

“People are pumped up for this show in a way that I’ve never ever seen with any other musical. I’m psyched about getting as many people involved as possible.” Feeser said.

Excitement peaks as students and staff alike prepare to whisk the audience away to the lair of the phantom.