Reviews

The Vindicator
12/21/97
Local native wins part of Phantom
By: Deborah Shaulis – On the Scene

James Romick is The Phantom of the Opera. Finally. Romick, who left Lake Milton about 15 years ago for New York, is an eight year veteran of the Broadway production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” He’s been understudy to the current star, Thomas James O’Leary, since May.

Monday and Tuesday nights at the Majestic Theatre spotlights will shine on Romick as O’Leary takes a few days off.

Romick said he stayed with the show all these years not only for a steady paycheck, but because he is an understudy to virtually every male character in the show.

“That makes it interesting,” he said. “It makes me think and when I’m not thinking, I get a little nervous.”

Romick has had his eye on the lead role. Acting is a subjective business, however, and the show’s previous two production supervisors had different visions for the Phantom, he said. He didn’t let his dream wither. “When people tell me that I can’t do something, I make it happen. I don’t take no,” he said.

Romick graduated from Jackson-Milton High School in 1974 and Youngstown State University in 1979 with a degree in music education. He did some acting at the Youngstown Playhouse.

His career has been concentrated in regional theater – “I’ve been all up and down I-95,” he said, laughing – with some commercial and film work.

Asked whether the Phantom is someone to be loathed or pitied, Romick leans toward the latter. Although he kills twice in the story, “at the end, what you have to see is this devastated human being…. I want people to have some empathy for him,” he said.

“Phantom” will soon mark its 10 th anniversary. It’s expected to run on Broadway for at least five more years. Romick says he’s “in it for the long haul….I’m pretty happy here.”

Romick’s wife, a physical therapist, is from Philadelphia. His mother, Mary, is retired from teaching in Jackson-Milton schools. His brother, Mike, still lives in Lake Milton; brother Tom is in California.

James Romick, so of Mrs. Mary Palmer, has landed his first Broadway part in the chorus and as an understudy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Romick said he will make his “Phantom” debut Monday as one of the men in the Chorus. He also is the understudy for Raoul, the character who rescues the heroine Christine from the Phantom.

“I’ve been hired as a wing man for the chorus, where I have to be able to cover all nine male parts” the 1974 graduate of Jackson-Milton High School said.

Romick received a bachelor’s degree in music and education in 1979 at Youngstown State University. Once a Kenley Player in “Camelot” Romick has worked at the former Burt Reynolds Theatre in Florida and Indiana Repertory Theatre.

He said he has an open-ended contract to stay with “Phantom” as long as he wants. Romick said he first auditioned for the “Phantom” part last August. “I also auditioned for ‘Les Miserables,’ ‘Aspects of Love,’ ‘Miss Saigon,’ and the Chicago company of ‘Phantom.’” Called back twice, Romick said he was told on the spot at his third try he had the part. “Usually, you’re left hanging, waiting to hear.”

James Romick (Edward Rutledge) last appearances at the Alhambra have been as Curly in Oklahoma! as Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof and as Lt. Cable in South Pacific. Other Florida appearances have been at the Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre as Will Parker in Oklahoma! And as Sir Lionel in Camelot.

James has also spent a few seasons at the Indiana Repertory Theatre where he performed in South Pacific and 10 original musical shows, three of which he co-wrote.

A native Ohio, James now lives in New York City where he has worked on such television shows as One Life to Live, The Equalizer and Saturday Night Live and such films as Without a Trace, Falling in Love and Heartburn. Mr. Romick can be also be seen in a soon to be released Woody Allen Movie.

BMT’s strong “ Syracuse” faithful to original show
By: Barbara Bartels

Excerpt: Strong and well-matched lead performances are turned in by those who play the twins – James Romick as Antipholus of Ephesus and Mark McGrath as Antipholus of Syracuse.

Theatre triumphs with ‘Camelot’
By: Faunce Pendexter

Excerpt: James Romick made his initial appearance at Brunswick as Lancelot. He established himself immediately as he stepped on state in shinning armor to deliver the epitome of self –satisfaction in “C’est Moi,” a song proclaiming himself a hero possessed of all the virtues.

Audience response concluded this remarkable collection of self-praise was most enthusiastic.

In a more serious vein, Romick sang to Guinevere “If Ever I would Leave You,” with the depth of meaning required to be convincing.

Excerpt: When Sir Lancelot arrived at the stage right apron singing “C’est Moi,” he “took the stage” in the full meaning of that phrase and he didn’t give it back. James Romick, in true show biz tradition, came up from the ensemble at the last minute to play Lancelot and when he was given the part, we were given a gift. He was positively marvelous in the role - beautiful voice (“If Ever I Should Leave You” was gloriously done), good acting and in armor or tunic, he was delightful to see.

Excerpt: James Romick as “Curly” makes a brilliant entrance through the audience and his vibrant voice does justice to all the familiar songs of the musical.

Excerpt: The caliber of actors appearing in Booth’s productions is first class. (Vera Miles in “Painting Churches,” Lee Pelty in “Fiddler…,” and now James Romick and Elizabeth Cade in “ Oklahoma!”).

When Curly, played by James Romick, makes his acappella opening singing “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” it was apparent that this was going to be a quality production. Romick’s resounding, clear voice filled the theatre with pleasing vocal resonance. It was an amazing display of confidence by Romick. The handsome actor beamed with joy and charisma. The positive vision that this opening tune evoked, brought automatic smiles of delight to the faces of the audience.

‘Oklahoma!’ sparkles at Alhambra
By: Charlie Patton

Excerpt: Boot’s cast is splendid. James Romick, who played a supporting role in the Alhambra’s Fiddler on the Roof, makes a splendid Curly. His strong singing voice, athletic grace and charismatic good looks add interest to the role.