Opera of the ‘Phantom’

Cast members from "Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular" will step out from behind the mask for a benefit show Sunday at the Clark County Library Theater.

"Listen to Our Song: The Music of Waldrop and Williamson" features 10 actors from The Venetian musical -- including leads Kristen Hertzenberg and Tina Walsh -- singing show tunes written by assistant "Phantom" conductor William Waldrop and his lyricist, Robert Williamson. Performing the music will be eight musicians from the "Phantom" orchestra, led by Waldrop.

Waldrop describes the 90-minute production as "a fun, light-hearted show that may even veer to the edge of the outrageous." It features impersonations of Sarah Palin and Anderson Cooper, and the centerpiece 25-minute parody of the 2009 swine flu scare called "Pandemic: A Mini Flu-sical."

Waldrop, who has never professionally showcased his own work, initially envisioned a small cabaret performance.

"But we work with some of the most talented performers on the Strip," he says, "so we realized that we're able to put together a revue -- with projections and lighting design -- that takes the audience on a journey through our influences."

Waldrop, 29, grew up in rural Tupelo, Miss. -- home of Elvis Presley -- on the hymns in his Southern Baptist church and the cast albums in his CD player. He began writing his own music four years ago, after meeting Williamson, amerchandise manager, on a national "Cats" tour. Their collaborations began on long bus trips and continued, once Waldrop moved to Las Vegas in 2008, via Skype.

"We have similar backgrounds and really click well together," Waldrop says.

Waldrop promises a "small homage" to "Phantom" in the show's opening number, but he won't reveal what it is.

"It's pretty obvious," he says.

Proceeds benefit AIDS charity Golden Rainbow, and all cast and crew members are volunteering their time.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0456.