I trained as a singer and actor, and currently teach singing as a specialist teacher at primary scho...
I trained as a singer and actor, and currently teach singing as a specialist teacher at primary school level, as well as for Stagecoach Theatre Arts. I'm also doing up a flat that I bought with my Fiancee in March and pontificating at my leisure...
Member since:17.02.2003
Reviews:35
Members who trust:11
"Lot 665 Ladies and Gentlemen, a Papier Mache music box in the shape of a monkey in persian robes playing the organ..."
Phantom of the Opera is one of the 3 remainig megalith musicals. The dinosaur shows that have been running and running and running. Most have died out since the asteroid of pop musical hit the town, but Phantom, Blood Brothers and Les Miserable rumble inexorably onwards.
This gothic extravangaza still has the power to captivate an audience, and whether or not you like Lord Lloyd-Webbers music, it is a show that any fan of musical theatre should see at least once.
Considering its age (16 years), it is still surprisingly good. The staging is still capable of raising gasps and many of the sets are breathtakingly beautiful.
However, it is beginning to show its age. A number of the musical sequences are pre-recorded, and they are starting to sound like an old 78. The direction seems tired, and a number of the characters are almost parodies of themselves - a distinct waft of ham came from various parts of the stage.
The Phantom himself was excellent,
and the show virtually rested on his shoulders. Christine was also good, and it was really these two characters that brought everything to life. Raoul was very non-descript, and vocally was quite inadequate. He failed to engage any interest when singing, and the only person he seemed to be in love with was himself. The supporting cast were reasonably strong, with the exception of Carlotta and Piangi who were most certainly not the high class Opera singers that they should have been.
-------------- Summary --------------
This show is still good to watch, and a must see for musical theatre buffs, but it could desperately do with an overhaul.
-------------- Seats -------------- A word to the wise - make sure you get good seats. Rows A - K in the Stalls or A to E in the Circle. The show is long, and the Haymarket is not the best ventilated in the world. A cheap seat at the top or back of the stalls will not be condusive to engaging with the show, and will be both warm an airless.
A good seat can make the world of difference to your viewing pleasure. Tickets are readily available on weekdays, it tends only to be Saturday night and matinees that are extremely busy
----------------- The Story
The Opera House has long closed and fixtures and fittings are being auctioned off. The Crystal Chandelier (lot 666!) which famously fell, is fitted up with electric lights and illumined. We are then shown the dramatic events which led to the closure of the opera house.
Carlotta Guidicelli, the Prima Donna is rehearsing with the young ballet dancers and singers. The phantom taunts them, Caroltta stoms off and the young Christine Daae is persuaded by Meg Giry to sing her part. She has been taking singing lessens from the "Angel of Music". Her childhood friend, Raoul Vicomte de Chagny returns to the theatre to see her, and discovers her strange behaviour.
We are introduced through Christine's singing to the "Angel" - the Phantom of the Opera who takes her to his lair in the bowels of the theatre. A vast subterranean space of lakes and hidden passages. During the scenes there she takes off the Phantom's mask. Eventually he returns her to the theatre.
He demands that Christine is given the lead part in the next opera, Il Muto and that Carlotta is given a silent part. The managers refuse and of course, disaster strikes as a stagehand (Joseph Buquet) is killed. Christine and Raoul flee to the roof of the theatre and pledge their love to each other. The Phantom hears them and in his rage at Christine's betrayal, he sabotages the great chandelier which crashes onto the stage floor.
Act II occurs six months later. The Phantom has not been seen, and a grand masquerade ball is being held at the Paris Opera House. Christine and Raoul are engaged but decide to keep this a secret. The Phantom gatecrashes the party and delivers his new Opera - which he has been working on for 6 months. He orders it to be performed and specifies who should sing each role. At first the managers refuse, but then, with the help of Raoul, they hatch a plan to catch the phantom. The Phantom orders Box 5 to be left empty for him to watch the show. One of the managers however takes this seat, and the police surround the theatre.
As the Opera comes to an end, the Phantom has not been seen. He reveals himself on stage where he has taken the place of the singer Piangi (whom he has killed). He takes CHristine down to his lair. Raoul follows and is captured. Christine is given a choice. Stay with the Phantom or leave and lose Raoul. Her decision brings about the end of the show.
For more info:-
Http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com
For tickets:-
Http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Or visit TKTS in Leicester Square at about 18.00 on the day you want to see the show.
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Advantages: A night of theatrical magic - immerse yourself. Disadvantages: None I can think of - the experience is worth the face value of the top priced seats.
Mar 3rd, 2003
very helpful by (100%):
