Canfield native gives a peek behind the mask ‘Phantom of the Opera’

By JOHN BENSON

entertainment@vindy.com

A native of Canfield, Amy Marsico, 39, remembers being a teenager in the late ’80s and singing along to “The Phantom of the Opera” soundtrack in her friend’s bedroom.

Today, the 1989 Villa Maria Academy High School graduate is immersed in all things “Phantom.” She is the production stage manager for the Music Box Company troupe, which has been on the road non-stop since 1992.

Ranked by gross revenues, “Phantom” — in its various forms and tours — is the most successful entertainment property of all time.

But the touring production will finally call it quits when it ends its current US tour this fall in Los Angeles.

Along the way, it has returned to the Allen Theatre in Cleveland, where it will be through Aug. 22. Then it moves on to Benedum Center in Pittsburgh Aug. 25 to Sept. 19.

As for Marsico, if you think your job is stressful, consider her average day.

“My job is to make sure the show looks beautiful and runs as smoothly as possible,” said Marsico, calling from Atlanta. “So what that means is I have to be responsible for making sure I have actors ready to go on at a moment’s notice. If I’m in the middle of the show and my principal is ill or has to call out in the middle of the show, that I’m able to replace that person. We have a production supervisor who comes out and gives notes and also maintains the show, but I do the groundwork.

“I teach the understudies. I make sure they’re confident and understand the technical ramifications because the set can be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. I also communicate information on a nightly basis of who is in, who is out to wardrobe, hair, sound, electronics. So it’s a lot of managing, a lot of communication with different people, and making sure all of the departments are working toward the same goal.”

Marsico’s journey to Broadway began after she graduated from Ohio University in 1993. Her behind-the-scenes credits include numerous New York City-based shows (“Cats,” “Titanic” and “The Full Monty”) and national touring productions (“Titanic,” “The Full Monty” and “The Wizard of Oz”).

Still, it is “The Phantom of the Opera” which she says has been the most rewarding experience.

“This is the same show that went out in 1992 but with different performers,” Marsico said. “This cast is really spectacular, and they bring so much. They’re fantastic.”

The tour includes Tim Martin Gleason in the title role.

So what is it about the Andrew Lloyd Webber-composed musical that continues to attract audiences young and old?

“It’s the story that appeals to a wide range of people,” Marsico said. “The Phantom is a character who is disfigured, he’s lived his whole life in isolation and he’s fallen in love with this beautiful young girl. I think it’s clear, especially in the beginning of the story, when she’s taken into his lair and there is a deep connection between the two of them. So it’s a story line that people can respond to, this beautiful young girl falling in love with the Phantom who is her mentor, teacher and father figure.

“It’s a great love story because he’s unable to return his love. She falls in love with someone else, so you have your sort of love triangle going on. And that’s why people respond. I also think it has to do with the incredible sets. The show looks magnificent, the costumes and lighting. As an audience member, you feel like you’re transported into another world, a world that is the Paris Opera House. It’s definitely a wonderful escape.”