'Phantom of the Opera' debuts tonight

In the theater world, "Phantom of the Opera" is one of the most difficult shows to produce.

That didn't stop Chaffey High School Theater Director Dave Masterson from bringing the well-known musical to Ontario.

"So many people know this show," he said.

And when it opens tonight at Gardiner Spring Auditorium, Chaffey will be the first high school in the Inland Empire to get the rights of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Phantom," Masterson said.

Typically, Masterson said he casts age-appropriate actors for his production. But limitations from Webber meant Masterson had to select an all-student cast.

And yet Masterson said he is pleased with the performances of lead actors Gabriel Navarro and Jade White, who is making her debut.

"She's absolutely flawless. She's just devouring the role," he said. "These are probably the two best students I've had in 35 years."

But Masterson, who is spending $62,000 on the show, said the public will not be treated to a typical high school production.

"Even though this is a high school production emulating the professionals, it's at a much higher level," he said of the 61 student actors and 45 technicians in the show.

To ensure the Ontario show is as close to the London production as possible, Masterson has spent $21,000 on a computerized chandelier that travels six feet per second. At one point during the show, the chandelier will fly across the audience, he said.

He also hired Theater Company of Upland to custom create the costumes for the show. Masterson said the theater company plans on renting the costumes throughout the nation following the Ontario show.

To add to the authenticity of the show, Masterson has asked several professional actors who were part of the Los Angeles production of "Phantom of the Opera" to assist with the rehearsals.

Other performances will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday and continue the following week on Dec. 8, 9, 10 and 11.

There will be a special reduced show for families on Monday in which all seats are $10.

Regular tickets are sold at the door for $13, first-come, first-seated.

Tickets may be reserved and guaranteed by purchasing at www.chsthespians.com. Children under 6 will not be admitted.

Chaffey High School is at 1245 N. Euclid Ave.

For more information, call 909-988-5560 ext. 2314.