In a world of auditions, rehearsals, moving from performance to performance, and more, entertainers can sometimes face a world of uncertainty. Not the case for Constantine Pappas, who is currently in the Ensemble and Understudying Raoul in the National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera. His outlook is fantastically, just the opposite.
When asked what has added to his experience the most, his response: “Consistency.” He further detailed, “You know, while we do this show eight times a week, 32 times a month, you can add it up, nearly 400 times a year, you learn consistency because it gets repetitive. You could if you wanted to…go on autopilot… but it’s remembering that even though you have done it 100 times, the person sitting in the front row or the person sitting in the back row is seeing it for the first time. Their experience needs to be just as unique as the first time you went on…” Spoken with the wisdom of a true performer.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Fresno State University, Constantine has left no stone unturned when it comes to honing his craft and talents. He’s engaged in all arenas: opera, musical theatre, and of course, traditional Greek Folk Dancing. When looking back on some of his most valuable training and education, Edna Garabedian and Randy Stump come to mind from his formative years. Not to mention, guidance and soundtracks from his uncle, Evan Pappas, who has an extensive Broadway and theatrical career himself.
Prior to the National Tour of The Phantom of the Opera, Constantine was with Viking Ocean Cruises performing. Outside of Phantom, he has already played his “Dream Role” in the genre of opera. Constantine stated that “Hands Down,” his favorite role has been Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia. “I’ll never forget that applause. The beginning of the show is when he does that, huge number… all of a sudden you hear, ‘Figaro, Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!’ And it just runs through, he’s gotta sing five minutes of powerhouse, and he still has another two hours to go!” While he enthusiastically describes this experience, he of course, sang those lines in perfect pitch.
In the world of the Phantom National Tour, Constantine most recently performed in Seattle, WA and San Diego, CA. Next up, is San Francisco, CA at the Orpheum Theatre. Hailing from Fresno, CA, Constantine’s favorite tour memory thus far, is one to surely bring a smile to one’s face. Unbeknownst to him, his father, Father Jim Pappas of Fresno, orchestrated a group to go to Las Vegas and see him in the production. “I’m waiting for my dad, he has not told me a thing, like who is coming… Then I see a charter bus pull up next to the theatre, and there’s like 60 Greeks, and families and friends! Oh my goodness!” He further described seeing all the people who awaited him at the stage door, friends, family, and so forth. “You can’t trade that!” he lovingly exclaims, “That’s hard to replicate.”
With Constantine’s perfect blend of enthusiasm and humbleness, he eloquently expressed his love and gratitude for all he has learned, experienced, and looks forward to. It’s safe to say, he’s made it and is on his way to continued success on stage. Bravo!
For more information on Constantine, please visit www.constandpappas.com.
To purchase tickets, visit: ustour.thephantomoftheopera.com/tickets/
Email the author: Giuliana
