Arts & Entertainment

Chris Marsala: Full of Life

BHS junior harnesses energy and enthusiasm to bring his first lead role in Phantom of the Opera to life.

junior Chris Marsala may be taking his first lead role but he’s no greenhorn on the stage. As a freshman he had two roles in Pirates of Penzance and as a sophomore he had five different ensemble roles in On the Town. He recalls a lot of quick costume changes for On the Town and shares, “Good thing I learned to tie a tie.”

One thing that has been consistent in Marsala’s musical journey since childhood, has been his energy, passion and enthusiasm. As a student at he recalls overhearing the Cantare singing group for the first time. He said they were singing in Swahili and English: “I was overwhelmed and inspired.” Marsala started singing and recalls, “It was wonderful being with other people who are creative and musically gifted.”

Marsala will portray Monsieur Andre in ; make sure you get to know this guy.

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Q: So this is your first lead role…
A: I am very excited. It’s going to be entrancing. It’s kind of a surreal experience. I knew I had the talent but it’s defiantly a shock that I have grown so much and I didn’t even realize it. And… it’s nice to have a character with a name.

Q: What was the firs Broadway show you ever saw?
A: The Lion King. My grandma bought me tickets. I didn’t realize it at that point, but there might have been something subconscious in me that drew me into it.

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Q: Tell us about your character Andre…
A: I am the creative, artistic owner [of the opera house]. I enjoy the cast and value the singers. It’s a dream come true to have all these singers and to own the Opera Popular. But… when the Phantom starts sending notes… we [opera house owner Monsieur Firmin, played by Will Heibler] both want the Phantom out because we want control of our theater.

Q: How do you relate to Andre?
A: I am very much like Andre because we’re both very creative. It is a trying, emotional and fun process. It helps that I am Italain because the creative passion we’re known for and I certainly experience on a daily basis.

Q: What are your future aspirations?
A: My current aspiration after Phantom is to learn how to drive. As for performing: I’d love to minor in music performance. I might end up being a major. I’ve always thought about Broadway but that’s pie in the sky. But my grandpa always said, “It’s better to have dreams than nightmares, so dream big.” I think that’s a good creed to live by.

Meet Will Heibler in the next installment of Behind the Mask.


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