Paul Stanley, the frontman for the rock band KISS, known for his black and white star makeup around one eye, donned a new mask May 25 when started previews as The Phantom in Toronto's long-running production of The Phantom of the Opera.

Phantom producers, Livent Inc., have announced $30 rush seats available for select performances from June 3-Aug. 1. The rush tickets are offered for performances on that day only, with a maximum of four tickets per person.

Stanley has been known since the 1970s for the wild, menacing, face painted, leather and-tights-clad rock group KISS, which enjoyed a comeback in the 1990s. Stanley officially opened on June 2.

The rocker will continue wearing the Phantom mask -- and all the gory makeup underneath -- through Aug. 1.

KISS has released 31 recordings and sold 80 million albums. KISS recently completed the European, South American and Mexican stadium stands of its "Psycho-Circus" World Tour. *

Livent announced March 11 that its long-running Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera -- seen by 7 million people -- would fade into the mist Sept. 26, when it plays its final performance after 10 years.

The historic, restored Pantages Theatre, the first jewel in the Livent crown of properties, will next host the Livent North American tour of Fosse for a six week engagement beginning Jan. 5, 2000.

Before the Sept. 26 shuttering, guest stars in the role of the Phantom were Rene Simard, a Quebec singer who has recorded 47 albums and toured the world. April 2-May 23, Stanley May 25-Aug. 1, and Jeff Hyslop, the Canadian Phantom vet who has played the role for more than 800 performances, Aug. 3-Sept. 26.

Phantom of the Opera celebrated its 4000th performances in Toronto April 16. The production began previews Sept. 13, 1989 and opened Sept. 20, 1989. It became the longest-running musical in Canadian theatre history.

The Pantages Theatre is located at 244 Victoria Street in downtown Toronto. For tickets, call (416) 872-2222.

-- By Sean McGrath
and Kenneth Jones