James Romick is one of the few actors who doesn't have to worry about job security. A Lake Milton, Ohio, native, Romick has been performing in the Broadway production of "The Phantom of the Opera" for the past 16 years.

"Phantom" will become the longest running show in Broadway history Monday.

The show, which has been on Broadway for almost 18 years, is the most successful entertainment venture of all time, surpassing not only stage productions in box office gross but also the highest-grossing films of all time, "Titanic," "The Lord of the Rings" and "Jurassic Park."

Romick is one of the two male "swings" in "Phantom." Swings fill in for regular actors who cannot perform due to illness, vacation or other reasons.

"I cover all of the men except Piangi, the fat tenor," Romick explained during a phone interview from his New Jersey home. "When you look on stage I could be just about anybody."

Romick has played the role of the Phantom 253 times, making him one of the top 10 actors who have most frequently performed the role on Broadway.

(Read the full article at http://www.vindy.com/content/entertainment/285146948358613.php)

Tribute To Scottish Poet Robert Burns Held In Kearney
Observer, February 7, 2001

Actor/Singer James Romick, currently appearing in the cast of "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Majestic Theatre in New York City, made a special appearance on Sun., Jan. 21 at the Argyle Fish 'n Chips Restaurant in Kearney as part of the Robert Burns' Birthday celebration. Mr. Romick, in Scottish dress, sang some of Scotland's most beloved songs.

Mr. Romick appears as a swing/understudy in the current production of "The Phantom..." His appearance as the Phantom are posted at the Argyle, 212 Kearney Ave. and at the Royal Market, 576 Kearney Ave. You may phone the store for dates at (201) 991- 0408.

Local Native Wins Part Of Phantom
The Vindicator, December 21, 1997, Debora Shaulis

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, 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 the 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 it's 10th 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. A brother, Mike, still lives in Lake Milton; brother Tom is in California.

Excerpt from
'Phantom is a haunting success'
Yale Daily News, October 27, 1995, Leesa Keppler

After a press performance of "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway last week, I was able to sip champagne with the cast and ask the actors what they believe makes "Phantom" so special and so popular.

"I think it is the romantic storyline and the spectacle," said James Romick, the understudy who filled in for Brad Little as Raoul. "It is a show that no one ever tires of."

With an engaging, passionate story line and spectacular technical effects, the show attracts an audience of all ages and evokes timeless ideas and images about outcasts, love, and the power of music.

(Read the full article at yaledailynews.com.)

Theatre Triumphs With Camelot
Lewiston Journal, July 1987, Faunce Pendexter

...James Romick made his initial appearance at [The] Brunswick [Musical Theatre] as Lancelot. He established himself immediately as he stepped on stage in shining armor to deliver the epitome of self-satisfaction in "C'est Moi," a song proclaiming himself a hero possessed of all virtues. Audience response when he concluded this remarkable collection of self-praise was most enthusiastic. In a more serious vein, Romick sang to Guenevere "If Ever I Would Leave You" with all the depth of meaning required to be convincing.

Camelot: Brunswick Music Theatre's Crowning Glory
The Lincoln County News, July 2, 1987, Suzanne Rankin

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.