A “phantom” appeared at the Russell O. Brackman Middle School in Barnegat Township on June 6, but he was more of the Broadway musical variety.

From 2008 to 2010, John Cudia played the title role at Broadway’s Majestic Theater. Hisgood friend Patty Clark Brescia, whom he acted with in the Ocean County College theater group, invited him to speak to her drama students at Brackman. The young thespians, whom Brescia calls her “Dramallamas,” won various honors at last month’s N.J. Jr.