Parkland High School Theater students will be presenting the Broadway musical "Phantom of the Opera."

This two-act musical, set in a Paris opera house, portrays the love triangle of a young beautiful Swedish soprano Christine Daae, an old childhood friend named Raoul, and a mysterious disfigured musical genius "The Phantom."

This musical is based on the 1910 French novel "Le Fantome de l'Opera" written by Gaston Leroux.

Music is by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics are by Charles Hart with additions from Richard Stilgoe.

Seniors Adam Groff and Elizabeth Stirba portray Raoul and Christine Daae, respectively.

"Raoul is a wealthy individual who comes into the opera scene as a patron," Groff said. "From there, he becomes re-acquainted with childhood friend Christine Daae.

"Throughout the opera there are twist and turns, and Raoul and the Phantom battle for the love of Christine."

Groff said he enjoys playing Raoul because he is the guy in charge.

"So, whenever I step onto the stage I feel like I have authority," Groff said. "Being in the play is an enjoyable past time of mine."

Groff said singing in the musical has pushed him in terms of his vocal abilities but he likes it when all the hard work comes together in a beautiful production.

Stirba also discussed her role.

"Christine was a chorus girl and ballet dancer," Stirba said. "When the lead storms out, her friend Meg Giry pushes her and she has to sing in front of the chorus, becomes one of the leads in the opera house, then ends up in a love triangle between Raoul and the Phantom."

Stirba loves that her character is not mean but very sweet.

She cares about people and does not have a big head and is humble, Stirba said.

"Christine is my dream role," she said. "I have seen it [Phantom of the Opera] on Broadway, so it [playing Christine] wasn't too difficult to pick up.

"I really enjoy all the singing, being in the play and on stage, it is one big community where we all come together to do something we enjoy."

Senior William Marshall comments on playing The Phantom.

"The Phantom was disfigured at birth and denied from the rest of the world," Marshall said. "He digs under the opera house and lives his life."

"It is great playing the Phantom because he has a mean and angry side that is fun to play on stage," Marshall said. "He also has a sweet side and it is fun to go back and forth between the two."

Being in the play is very rewarding, a lot of hard work but in the end it is always worth it, Marshall said.

The musical is being directed by Frank Anonia.

"This is the most challenging production I have produced yet," Anonia said. "This is not a student version. This is the actual version of "The Phantom of the Opera" from Broadway.

"There are floating candles and crashing chandeliers."

Anonia was asked why he chose to present "The Phantom of the Opera."

"I am always looking to challenge our students and I think we needed a challenge," he explained

There are 52 cast members and 23 crew members, Anonia said.

"Our orchestra is the largest this year with 38 students and six adults for a total of 44 members," he said.

"Phantom of the Opera" will be presented 7:30 p.m. April 10, 11, 12, 13 and 3 p.m. April 14 in the Parkland High School auditorium.

Tickets for the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are sold out.

There are a very limited number of tickets available for the April 10 performance.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

For more information or tickets, go to parklandsd.org/arts.