VALLEY COLLEGE : Instructor Stars in New ‘Phantom’

A new version of “The Phantom of the Opera” is being staged at Valley College, with an English instructor in the title role.

William Wallis, who has a professional music background, said he “initially auditioned with the intention of offering my services as a comic actor in a minor role. They decided I would be the phantom.

“My philosophy as a professional performer is that you accept an assignment, make a commitment and do what the writer and director think is best--especially in an original production.”

Music for the original production was composed by fellow Valley instructor Rob Chauls of the music department. The text and lyrics were written by Joseph Robinette, a friend of Wallis’ from summer stock.

Wallis said he hopes the production will give Valley College the recognition it deserves.

“You can think of this as ‘the other Phantom’ ” but on a smaller scale, he said. “There’s a lot of beautiful music, the story is intact. I think it’s going to be a good show.”

The story is shorter than the Broadway musical.

“It’s not on as grand a scale musically or in terms of the number of characters involved,” Wallis said.

He said that funding cutbacks have allowed for only a partial orchestra, which Chauls will conduct.

The role of Christine will be played by Valley student Laura Diaz. Diaz is a student of Dianne Wintraub, the show’s musical director and Valley voice instructor.

The phantom is Wallis’ first starring role since his last European production several years ago.

From 1978 to 1983, Wallis studied voice and began a singing career in Hanover, Germany. He supported himself by working as a director in the Hanover Opera House. He has worked as a stage director and actor and an opera singer--mostly in Europe.

He also has written several opera librettos, including “Hanblecheya, A Vision,” which was set by composer Richard Moore and performed at the U. S. Bicentennial.

Wallis said he’s happy to be returning to the stage, especially in a production that’s new and created by people he knows and cares about, he said.

Remaining performances are tonight, Friday and Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.