In a widely anticipated announcement, Oakton Drama revealed the spring musical on Oct. 30. Though many thought this year’s show couldn’t possibly top last year’s Mary Poppins, The Phantom of the Opera seems to have done just that. The challenge Phantom presents is greater than any show Oakton has undertaken not only for the actors, but for the tech and stage crew as well.

Based off a French novel by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera follows a young chorus girl named Christine Daae as she rises through the ranks of a French Opera house and attracts the attention of the mysterious Opera-Ghost. Believing him to be an Angel of Music sent by her recently deceased father, Christine allows him to visit her and teach her to sing. The Opera-Ghost begins employing blackmail and physical force to deliver Christine to the stardom she deserves, causing much distress for the Opera’s owners. Meanwhile, Christine is reunited with a childhood friend, and their rekindled romance enrages the Opera-Ghost. As the incidents and body count escalate, Christine begins to wonder if she will live to see her next performance.

Auditions this past week went by without a hitch, and everyone who tried out is eagerly awaiting callbacks, which will be announced after Thanksgiving break and take place after winter break. Dance ensemble and pit auditions will take place sometime in January, and the show is set for May 12, 13, and 14.