I remember when I was a kid growing up in the Bronx and saving empty soda bottles so I could put…read moretogether 25 cents and go to our local movie to see a double feature. For another 10 cents you got a big bowl of popcorn and a drink! Ah yes, those were the days! I saw all kinds of movie musicals in those days, but when I saw West Side Story I knew that I loved musicals and so my longtime passion with live theater began. Over the years I have seen dozens and dozens of Broadway musicals, and so when I moved permanently to Greensboro in 1989, I was thrilled to discover the incredible theater scene in our area. Between community theaters, colleges and universities and grassroots and professional offerings, Greensboro has it all, or should I say did and will have it all again once this crazy pandemic is over. So when I heard that New York had decided to try out Phantom of the Opera in a university setting and they handpicked Elon University's theater department to present this pilot project, I knew I had to be in the audience. So in 2008 for the first time I traveled 70 East to Elon's campus and was blown away by the beauty of it all. Gorgeously landscaped, great dining options, outstanding buildings and amazing facilities. I eventually ended up at the Center for Performing Arts and The McCrary Theatre to see this production of Phantom. For over two and a half hours I sat there with my jaw dropped to the floor. These were college students? How could that be? They were all triple threats; with professional acting dancing and singing skills. The costumes were out of this world. It was beautifully directed and choreographed. The scenery and lighting were lush and innovative. The orchestra and music was outstanding, and I could go on and on and on. After that I was hooked! One of my favorite things to do is to get two tickets and turn one of my friends in Greensboro on to this amazing jewel right down the road . I love to watch their jaw drop as well!! LOL Some of the more outstanding productions that stick out in my mind are rent Ragtime, We Will Rock You and Sweeney Todd. But I also loved In the Heights and Crazy For You. See what I mean? Before the pandemic you could not attend a Broadway production without noticing several Elon students in the cast. Several times I have seen students in an Elon production to joyfully see them playing the lead in shows like Cinderella and Newsies on Broadway just months after their graduation. Parking is easy, the price is very modest and you're going to see performers and future stars at Elon on and back stage right before the professional world gobbles them up. My heart breaks for all these talented Elon musical theater students waiting for the stage to reopen, but when it does, I will be heading over to campus to get my ticket and hope to see you sitting next to me in the audience! Intermission candy is on me!!

What a great package! Grounds and buildings are emaculet. The students presented the school well…read moreand the statistics are very impressive. The cost is what you would expect from a private University.