<p>When the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre was granted the performance rights to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera one of its first tasks was to find the iconic chandelier that crashes down at the end of act one. Stage Director and Set Designer Richard Kagey along with Production Manager Marc Schlackman looked across the nation and even in other countries to find a chandelier that not only had the right look, but could work in the historic Lexington Opera House After extensive search Schlackman, who worked with Phantom on Broadway, found a company very close to UK – in Louisville. ZFX (Zealous Flying Effects) – a company known for its use of fly systems seen in productions like Peter Pan, Willy Wonka or The Wizard of Oz – is also used by companies globally to bring the chandelier to life in The Phantom of the Opera. ZFX has offices in Louisville and in The Netherlands, a staff of over 30 make flying possible in over 300 productions a year internationally. UK Opera Theatre brings The Phantom of the Opera to Lexington for the first time ever and is also one of the first universities to produce the show. 10 performances at the Lexington Opera House, October 5-14. Tickets can be purchased at the Lexington Center Box Office or by calling 859.233.3535</p>