'Phantom' haunts Seagrass every weekend

Paul Stevio traded in the sounds of a big band for a one-man show, performing songs from Phantom of the Opera as a featured performer at The Seagrass Pub & Grill.

By JORGE SANCHEZ

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 22, 2001

Fans of Phantom of the Opera can hear the show's best tunes as part of singer Paul Stevio's act.

Stevio is a featured weekend performer at The Seagrass Pub & Grill on Halls River Road. A high point of his show comes when he puts on the black robe and white mask of the tragic lead character in Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical.

While singing The Music of the Night, he thrills audience members by presenting one of them with a rose during the song.

Stevio has a lengthy career as a lead singer. Before moving to Citrus County about seven months ago, he was the lead singer for Johnathan's Big Band, a 50-piece orchestra. The gig lasted for 12 years. Stevio also worked full time as a police officer in New Jersey while singing at hotels and casinos on nights and weekends.

For his performances at The Seagrass Pub, Stevio traded the big band for a one-man show that uses compact discs for music; he supplies the vocals.

The gig at The Seagrass just happened on a whim.

"I had just left Easter services and went driving around. Then I saw this place and on a spur of the moment thing, asked the owners if I could audition," he said.

He impressed the owners so much they hired him as their featured weekend entertainer.

In addition to the Phantom tribute, Stevio sings hits from his favorite artists.

"I do a lot of Elvis, Sinatra, Neil Diamond, and I'm learning country," he said.

Stevio has adopted a workhorse performance schedule. He sings for four hours each night, without the customary 15-minute break at the top of the hour.

"This way I can interact with the audience better," he said.

The Seagrass Pub and Grill, 10386 Halls River Road, Homosassa, has live entertainment Thursday through Sunday, both inside and on the outdoor deck.

Johnny Lobo plays piano and sings beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday. Stevio performs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Dave Adams performs from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday on the deck. No cover. Call 628-3595.

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