To fill the role of one of one of Broadway's most legendary characters is no small feat, but at 6 feet and 7 inches tall, Quentin Oliver Lee believes he has what it takes.
Phantom of the Opera: The Man Behind The Mask
With his height, Lee has a commanding stage presence before even revealing his baritone voice. Playing ‘The Phantom,’ in the thirtieth-anniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is more than Lee could have ever dreamed of.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, with a degree in Vocal Performance, Lee’s previous stage credits include Porgy in Porgy and Bess and Scar in Festival of the Lion King. Of all the numerous roles he’s played, none compare to the Phantom. “It’s the most iconic role in Broadway history. I don’t think there’s anybody who has never heard of the Phantom. It doesn’t get any better than having the chance to play him and I’m very honored,” he said.
Lee pours all of himself into every single performance, which leaves him drained yet also energized at the same time. “To play the Phantom is a full body experience, kind of like going to the gym, but all of you gets a work out. It’s not just physical, but also emotional as it pulls at your soul and spirit,” said Lee.
Beneath all the music, colorful costumes and state of the art special effects; including the chandelier, which weighs just over a ton, at its core The Phantom of the Opera is a love story that resonates with everyone. Lee believes that part of the appeal of the show is how well it correlates with the progression of life. “You might of have seen The Phantom… before, but have you seen it as who you are now? It will be seen differently,” he said.
For even the biggest fans, this production offers many new things for audiences to enjoy with a more modern telling and with technology that wasn’t available thirty years ago. Nobody will want to miss, The Phantom of the Opera at the Schuster Center through April 22. Tickets are still available at here.
