An interview with Phantom’s Kate Rockwell
By Jon Chattman

Kate Rockwell is arguably best known as one of the finalists on NBC’s “”Grease: You’re the One that I Want,” but she’s quickly changing that. The actress/singer is currently earning raves for her role as Christine Daee in Westchester Broadway Theatre’s (WBT) “Phantom,” the acclaimed Yeston/Kopit production, and has snagged a role in the upcoming “Sex in the City” movie. We recently spoke to the Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory grad and asked her how it feels to be on the verge of stardom, and star in what many consider to be the superior “Phantom of the Opera” production at WBT.
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I saw “Phantom” ten years ago when I refused to pay for and wait a year to see the other Phantom production on Broadway. Then last year, our children gave us gift tickets for that other “Phantom.”

Half way through the Broadway [production], I turned to my wife and said, “I know it has been nine years and my memory of “Phantom” may have faded a bit, but “Phantom” was better. I am not a theater critic but I researched others who are and they agreed with me. So, when I saw “Phantom” was coming back to WBT, I got a group together for the show. my memory did not fail me! I was right. “Phantom” is the better Phantom. If this production was this good on a small stage, I can only imagine what a broadway production would be like. If “Phantom” returns again in ten years to WBT, “I’ll be back” again for the real Phantom.

- Raymond Ciccolilli

JOURNAL AMERICA (Don Collester)

“For those who have seen both productions, it is far superior to the Phantom on Broadway”

“The Westchester Broadway cast simply could not be better.” Aaron Ramey is excellent. He captures the essence of this wounded yet dangerous man, and his voice is simply superb.”

” Yeston’s score is by far superior to Lloyd Webbers’ sing-through  Phantom. The songs are not only melodic, but they also develop characters within the story.”

“There are plenty of fireworks in this Phantom and great stage effects. It is a pleasure to welcome back this Phantom”

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“The audiences seem to love the show, which is fantastic. We love it too, and put so much of ourselves into it, and it is so nice to see them responding the way they do at the end of the show. I have had women and men come up to me after the show and say “thank you so much, it was great-I cried,” and that is just the perfect thing to hear. I usually tell them, “I cried too” because I cry every show still!”

Stay tuned for our full interview with Phantom’s Kate Rockwell!

Coming soon to WBT’s blog… PHANTOM star Kate Rockwell! As requested, here’s some footage of Kate on You’re the One That I Want.

$199.99 - HP R937 Photosmart 8 Megapixel Digital Camera

On November 4, 2007 we went to see The Phantom of the Opera as part of our 25th wedding anniversity. We were not to convinced that this show would be of our liking, but we went to see it anyway despite our table number was 113 (front stage). This was the best thing we had convinced ourselves of. This is a unforgettable and one-of-a-kind theatre experience for us.

The Phantom of the Opera’s costumes were eye-catching, and the special effects are truly thrilling. The moment that Aaron Ramey (The Phantom) started to sign “Where in the World” it was jaw opening and all I could say was; “Wow, Wow, Wow…” My husband and I had never heard a voice like Mr. Ramey’s it is really a maestro and not just in character. Oh, yes; Kate Rockwell (Christine) was amazing also, but we had never heard such a voice coming from a male. I sat at the edge of my seat the rest of the show. We find irresistible the charater of Mr. Gary Marchek’s (Cholet), he was hilarious to view, especially when he was in the scene with Sandy Rosenberg (Carlotta).”Wow.” The show’s eerie gondola ride to the Phantom’s cave, when the giant chandelier drops on the Paris Opera House stage; and of course the teary eye scene with Mr. James Van Treuren (Gerard Carriere) singing “You Are My Own” with Mr. Ramey. “Wow, wow, wow. BRAVO!, BRAVO! BRAVO!”

Sincerely Amazed,

Carmen and Richard Vason

Mount Vernon, NY

Phantom’s Rosenberg chats with broadwaytheatreblog.com
By Jon Chattman

Growing up, Sandy Rosenberg always loved to perform. “My earliest memories was at about five years old sitting on a piano at a hotel in the Catskills singing ‘When the red, red robin comes bob bob bobbin; along,;” she said in a recent interview with the Westchester Broadway Theatre blog. While she didn’t perform in grade school talent shows, Rosenberg performed in musicals and plays throughout camp, junior high, high school, college, and eventually, summer stock. The rest is history.

Throughout her career, Rosenberg has performed in a variety of shows regionally and on Broadway. Her credits on the Great White Way include Mama Mia!, which she starred in for over five years, and the original cast of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Her regional credits include Fiddler on the Roof, Funny Girl, and yes, Yeston/Kopit’s Phantom. Rosenberg can currently be seen in WBT’s production of the show, playing that lovable off-key diva Carlotta. It’s not the first time the actress has played the character. Some 13 years ago, she played the part at La Miranda CLO. What made her return to the role, read on! (more…)

Continued WHUD coverage of PHANTOM!