Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom of the Opera)

Member Name: KMello

Product:	The Phantom of the Opera
Date:	17/05/07 (1170 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great story, beautiful music

Disadvantages: Might not be your thing if you don't like musicals

Five years ago I had the chance to see one of the most renowned shows in the legacy of musical theatre known as “The Phantom of the Opera”. I went in reserved, and came out amazed.

PHANTOM EVOLUTION

Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber based on the novel by Gaston Leroux, the show began on October 9, 1986 in Her Majesty’s Theatre. The leading roles were played by Sarah Brightman (Christine) and Michael Crawford (the Phantom). The show proved to be very successful, with over 53 million people seeing it to date. The actors and actresses may have changed, but the magic of it remains the same. This can be concluded from the ongoing interest in the musical along with its many awards, such as Best Musical, Best Actor and Featured Actress in the New York Tony Awards. In addition to its success in theatre, “The Phantom of the Opera” was also a semi-successful motion picture. It made a modest worldwide gross of $154,648,887.

PLOT

The story follows a masked and disfigured musical genius who is looking to make a beautiful young girl his protégé. Throughout the musical he acts as a sort of apparition and taunts the opera company of the Paris Opera House. All this leads to a dangerous and haunting love triangle you will never forget.

Though the love triangle is a common plot in many stories, “The Phantom of the Opera” gives one that is unique. In addition, many story lines have used this as a jump start for their own.

PERFORMANCE

This is a theatrical show, the cast is constantly changing. For this reason it is hard to say just how phenomenal the acting is in a specific sense. In general, however, the show is full of talent. The acting is believable and emotional, and the singing is amazing. Christine’s role is particularly hard to fill since a few of her songs contain some extremely high notes.

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Andrew Lloyd Webber showed off his musical talents in “The Phantom of the Opera” as the composer. Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe also lent their musical talents by writing the lyrics to the musical numbers. The following is a set list of the songs they created:

Prologue
Overture

ACT ONE

Think of Me
Angel of Music
Little Lotte/The Mirror (Angel of Music)
The Phantom of the Opera
The Music of the Night
I Remember/Stranger Than You Dreamt It
Magical Lasso
Notes/Prima Donna
Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh
Why Have You Brought Me Here?/Raoul, I've Been There
All I Ask of You
All I Ask of You (Reprise)


ACT TWO

Masquerade/Why So Silent
Notes/Twisted Every Way
Wishing you Were Somehow Here Again Christine Wandering Child/Bravo, Bravo
Carlotta, Piangi, Passarino and Company The Point of No Return
Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer

SET DESIGN AND SPECIAL EFFECTS

The set and special effects are simple, yet extraordinary. The falling of the chandelier in the beginning might look staged, but you still get a sense of forebodingness. This scene sets the stage for a very interesting story, and is the trademark for the show.

In my opinion, the boat scene is the most remarkable. The Phantom is paddling across the stage which seems to be dimly lit by candles. It is so beautiful!

CONCLUSION

If you have not seen the theatrical version of “The Phantom of the Opera”, I suggest you do so. Even if you are not a fan of opera, musicals or theater, this just might change your mind. Before this show, I was not a fan either. Since then, however, I have a new appreciation for the theatrical arts and am involved with various productions in my old college. This musical opened up a whole new world for me, and I’m very thankful that I put my opinion aside to see this remarkable piece of art.

Summary: A wonderful musical experience that holds no comparison to another.