Happy to wear this particular mask

• Published date: 23 June 2022

Mr Rea is playing the phantom in the West Otago Theatrical Society’s production of Phantom of the Opera

The dairy farmer has seen versions of the production both on screen and live, including seeing Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman perform the show in London.

Now he gets to play a role known worldwide.

It would be his first role on stage with the society since 2009 and something he was really looking forward to, he said.

It was a great role and one he wanted to be involved with.

The key was getting to know the character.

‘‘Just probably trying to get inside the man’s head. Put yourself in his position on how he grew up ... just who he was, how he felt and how that reflected in his relationships around the world,’’ Mr Rea said.

He had been the musical director for the society’s shows for the past few years with his wife Margie directing, but when the Phantom show came along he decided to get back on the stage.

‘‘It’s good music, got a lot of good songs which I...