From phantom to vampire

Audiences loved Michael Crawford in the lead of "Phantom Of The Opera," for
which he won the Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics' Circle Awards and, in
London, the Oliver Award. Now in rehearsals of "Dance Of The Vampires" to
open on Broadway's Minskoff Theatre on November 21, Mr. Crawford sat over
coffee with journalists and guests in a studio rehearsal room on West 42nd
Street. He spoke of his new vampire role - he plays Count von Krolock, a
19th century vampire whose passion is to win over beautiful Sarah, played by
Mandy Gonzalez.

After listening to Mr. Crawford sing his major song, "Invitation To The
Ball," a vocally demanding ballad, the Sun asked him how he planned to
sustain his voice for the run of the musical. "With plenty of rest!" he
replied, adding, "Oh, yes, and with many vitamins and by singing with proper
breath control."

Obie award-winning Ms. Gonzalez said, "I've learned so much from Michael.
Mainly how to stay focused." Ms. Gonzalez said she sang around the house
since she was two years old. In fact, so much so that her family made a rule,
"No singing at the dinner table." Her grandmother was concerned she would
ruin her voice with so much singing, so, as an 8 year-old she was sent to
voice classes in her home town of Valencia, California. This started her on
her journey to a musical career.