For release: September 16, 2011
For press information, contact Alice Berry, 901-678-3184

The University of Memphis Department of Theatre & Dance has selected the cast for The Phantom of the Opera, which will be presented in February 2012. The production is a collaboration between the Department of Theatre & Dance and the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music; the cast includes 31 students from the two departments.

The title role will be performed by Copeland Woodruff, a faculty member in the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and director of last spring’s Ostrander Award-winning musical Bat Boy. He has been on the faculties of the Oberlin Conservatory, Academy of Vocal Arts, Yale Opera, Universität Bamberg, the Harrower Opera Workshop, and Temple University. He has also been a visiting faculty member of The Juilliard School.

The role of Christine Daaéwill be played by theatre student Christina Hernandez and by music student Amanda Boyd. The two gifted actresses willalternate performances.

The popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is part of the University’s Centennial celebration and will be its most ambitious theatrical production to date.

Phantom performance dates are Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 22-25. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 30. Prices are $35 for the general public and $30 for faculty, staff, students and senior citizens. U of M students will receive one free ticket with a valid ID.

Advance tickets sales will be offered Nov. 14-18.

The Phantom of the Opera Cast