Greg Mills remembers attending Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” as a youngster. Little did he imagine that one day he would be Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny, in the production playing in The Kennedy Center Opera House through mid-August.
“Raoul is a fascinating character because of the growth he goes through,” Mills says. “He is charming at first and focused on having fun, but as the story progresses, he becomes more mature and supportive toward Christine.”
A veteran of Webber musicals, Mills has performed the role of Jesus in “Jesus Christ Superstar” and Ché in “Evita” and was most recently a member of the New York cast of “The Woman in White.”
“That was so exciting because it was my first Broadway show,” he says. “Working with Trevor Nunn and being part of a major new musical direct from London was an overwhelming experience. Along with performing, I also had the responsibilities of dance captain and fight captain.
“Webber’s music suits my voice well, and his shows have been keeping me employed. Raoul is definitely my favorite role to date, although I enjoyed playing Ché, Jesus and Chris in ‘Miss Saigon.’ There are so many roles I’d love to do, including the Phantom at some point. It’s such a great part and always the dream.”
A native of Cocoa Beach, Fla., Mills credits his high school drama teacher with luring him out of his shell. After entering Florida State University as a voice major leaning toward opera, he began taking theater and dance classes and soon decided on a career in musical theater.
Some of his regional roles are Anthony in “Sweeney Todd,” Freddie in “Chess,” Radames in “Aida,” Mr. Hopper in “After the Ball” and Jack Chesney in “Where’s Charley?” the latter two directed by Tony Walton. Prior to “The Woman in White,” he toured nationally as Jack Baskin in “Big.”
As the second-longest-running show in Broadway history, “The Phantom of the Opera” pulls crowds wherever it plays and earns extended runs in each city. Given nearly two months to explore Washington, Mills looks forward to visiting and photographing major sites and perhaps attending a baseball game, if his schedule allows.
“People come back to this show again and again because it’s magical,” he says. “It has darkness, creepiness, romance, beautiful sets and amazing technical effects. So far, we haven’t had any mechanical glitches other than a large gate that got stuck instead of coming down.
“Many in our audiences got to know the show through the film. They love hearing the music and want to experience the songs and story on a closer, personal basis.”
IF YOU GO
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony-winning “The Phantom of the Opera” returns tonight, through Aug. 12.
» Venue: Kennedy Center Opera House
» Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays; 1:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Thursday, July 5, July 11
» Tickets: $37 to $95
» Tickets: 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org
