Phantom of the Opera Star Releases Book

PR Log (Press Release) – Feb 16, 2009 – Byron Nease of Broadway fame and star of The Phantom of the Opera has written a book about his life experiences, on stage and off.  BEHINDTHE MASK … No More is a revealing and riveting account which chronicles the life of Nease through a myriad of trials and triumphs.  From growing up with family dysfunction and physical abuse to performing the role of Raoul in over 1700 performances of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s blockbuster The Phantom of the Opera, Nease’s BEHIND THE MASK … No More is an inspiring story of survival, hope, life lessons, and re-invention.

Long before Byron Nease donned the mask to play the Phantom, he learned to show the world one face while concealing another.  A musical theater star expected to bare his soul on stage, but keep his private life cloaked, he learned this lesson while still a small boy. A native Californian and son of a third generation Nazarene preacher, this Broadway star compels the reader with his inspirational story.   Moving through a storied career and passionately lived life, donning and shedding one mask after another, Nease arrived at last where he is today, content in his own skin.

“There comes a time in life when you have to come to terms with you are who you are,” offers Byron Nease.  “My life has been very public as well as very private – both by necessity.  I’ve worn numerous masks, on stage and off.  I reached a point in my life where BEHIND THE MASK … No More needed to be written. This story begged to be told.  I know that I have enjoyed an amazing career. I’ve also had low points along my journey that have been life altering. It is my hope that BEHIND THE MASK … No More will touch readers and offer inspiration. It’s never too late for any of us to re-invent ourselves. Our lives are embedded in each other.  No one gets out unscathed, and no one is alone.”

BEHIND THE MASK … No More offers touching insights into the life Nease has lead on stage and the tumultuous upbringing that shuttled him between parents and grandparents in search of a tranquil and safe environment.  It is a compelling and heart rendering account of lives within a life, layers of persona, one hiding behind the mask of another. It is also a story of triumph and perseverance, a narrative that offers hope and encouragement when facing insurmountable obstacles.  BEHND THE MASK … No More is revealing about the person and performer that is Byron Nease, shining a light on a rare courage, a rare talent, and an indomitable human spirit.

Seemingly born to be a leading man, Byron Nease has enjoyed tremendous success as a performer.  He made his Broadway debut with the legendary Angela Lansbury in Mame, playing the role of Patrick. Nease co-stared in the stage production of Annie Get Your Gun with veteran actress Bonnie Franklin.   Audiences across the U.S. have thrilled to his portrayals in Camelot, A Little Night Music, West Side Story, Carousel, and South Pacific,  to name a few.  His portrayal of Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s The Phantom of the Opera contrasted sharply to his role as the Phantom in the beautiful Kopit/Yeston Phantom.  

Nease made his debut in the role of Raoul with the national Canadian production of The Phantom of the Opera.  He played the role and toured with the production for over 5 years.  Nease lends his vocal talents to the multi-platinum selling Canadian Cast Recording of The Phantom of the Opera.

The Phantom of the Opera is the longest running production in the history of Broadway and it has been deemed the most successful world-wide entertainment venture of all time.

Byron Nease has performed in concerts from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl with dozens of symphonies under such illustrious conductors as Skitch Henderson and Peter Nero.  Honored to have sung at The White House and spoken in the Senate Chambers, he has also performed high atop New York City at the world renowned Rainbow Room.  Nease has sung in over 100 countries around the world.

To compliment his new book, Nease will also release a new  CD entitled Byron Nease – TODAY!  “I believe we have nothing stronger to offer than the truth of our own stories,” says Nease.  Much of mine has been told and celebrated through music.  So the release of Byron Nease – TODAY! is  a musical reflection of my life’s journey, and the journey of us all.”   Selections from this new CD include Both Sides Now, Somewhere / Someday, and It Ain’t Necessarily So.  Samples of all songs on the CD can be heard at Byron Nease’s website: www.ByronNease.com  

All CDs by Byron Nease are available at www.CDbaby.com   All proceeds from Byron Nease’s cd ‘The Parsonage  to Broadway’ are donated to Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.
 
Published by BookSurge Press, BEHIND THE MASK … No More is a 5-star hit at Amazon.com. It may be purchased at www.amazon.com .   Please visit www.ByronNease.com for more information and a complete bio and discography.