Box Office Terror (Phantom of the Opera)

Member Name: zaksas

Product:	Phantom of the Opera
Date:	19/08/01 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Production, Music

Disadvantages: Cost

Phantom is definitely one of my favorite productions for several reasons. The music is powerful, the love story is simple and dark, and so is the amazing production.

I saw Phantom in Toronto at the Pantages Theater, and I was highly impressed to say the least. The music by Webber is dark, haunting, and beautiful, which makes it the absolute perfect fit for the show.

If you get to see Michael Crawford still playing the Phantom, consider yourself very lucky, he is the original Phantom and by all means the best there is.

The actual decorations and overall production are kept fairly simple, but reserve a few breathtaking scenes with special effects that make you gasp. In one scene, the grand chandelier that has become a symbol of the entire show zooms down and across into the audience. In another scene, a gondola appears to be sailing across the stage in a lake of think smoke. There are other effects that reminded me of a David Copperfield show, with Christine and the Phantom appearing to be climbing stairs or standing behind the stage a split moment after disappearing from stage.

Phantom was supposed to go out of the theaters years ago, but they keep extending the performances for one reason, full demand at the box office. But that doesn't mean it will be around forever, so if you haven't seen it yet, don't delay too long.

The price is often steep, with tickets costing upwards of 70-80 dollars a seat. If you plan to see it in Toronto, check the exchange rate before you go, you may get a good deal just on that. Also, the matinees and some special performances are heavily discounted, so make sure you ask the box office for every option they have available.

In either case, even if you can only afford one Broadway show a year, I would certainly recommend that Phantom be the one, you won't regret it.

Summary: