When “The Phantom Of The Opera” premiered on Broadway in 1988, it became an instant hit and subsequently won seven Tony awards including Best Musical. It is now the longest running Broadway show ever. The international mega- hit helmed by Harold Prince is back at the Kennedy Center Opera House.
Adapted from Gaston Leroux’s 1911 novel, this
haunting love story is about the Phantom(John Cudia), a disfigured and
mad genius who lurks about in the underground lair of the opera house and
secretly nurtures the career of the soprano Christine( Marni Raab) whom
he falls madly in love with. What’s not to love about the “Phantom?” From
the lavish sets, eye-popping special effects especially the notable crashing
chandelier,the timeless love story, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stunning
score, it is no surprise that it is still going strong in its nineteenth
year. And it currently is casting a magical spell at the Kennedy Center
Opera House where it will play till August 12.
Act 1 opens with a touring company is
rehearsing at the Opera Populaire. The soprano Christine who is star of the
show meets and falls in love with the nobleman, Raoul, at the same time
she is intrigued by the mysterious masked man who is nurturing her career. When
Christine spurns the the Phantom’s affections, he sets his plans of
revenge in motion. The famous chandelier crashing onto the stage at the end of
Act 1 emanated oohs and ahhs from the audience.
Act 2 opens with “Masquerade,” a
spectacular New Year’s Eve ball and the Phantom threatening to disrupt
the touring company’s production and kidnapping Christine to his lair
beneath the theatre. The battle between the Phantom and Raoul brings the
story to its powerful climax, the riveting Act 2 number, “Point Of No
Return.”
John Cudia is excellent as the Phantom.
His deft interpretation of “The Music Of The Night” and the title
song is simply hypnotic and also heartbreaking. Besides having a commanding presence,
he infuses his role with a vulnerability that makes you somehow
understand and feel for him especially in the Act 2 number, “Point Of No
Return.” It is interesting to note that in John Cudia’s bio in the
program, that he began with “Phantom” as the Raoul understudy then later
took over the role. He played Raoul with both the touring and Broadway
companies while understudying and performing the role of the Phantom.
Marni Raab lends her lovely coloratura as
the sweet and naive Christine. She sings “Think Of Me, ”Angel Of
Music," All I Ask Of You," and “Wishing You Were Here Somehow Again”
quite beautifully.
Greg Mills is superb as Raoul, Vicomte De
Chagny. His splendid vocals have a mesmerizing effect when belting out
“Notes/Prima Donna,” Little Lotte/ The Mirror," Wandering
Child/ Bravo, Bravo." And his duet with Ms. Raab on “All I Ask Of You” is
swoon-inducing.
The strong supporting cast includes D.C.
Anderson and Bruce Winant as Monsieur Andre and Monsiuer Firmin,
respectively are both an absolute
delight, both infusing humor in their roles.
They play well off each other and they
get to shine in the number “Note/ Prima Donna.” Kim Stengel is fine
as the imperious diva, Carlotta and John Whitney makes for a cheeky
Italian tenor, Ubaldo Piangi.
The overall magnificence of this
production is worth the trip to the Kennnedy Center. This is the kind of
show that makes you feeling bouyed Once you leave the theatre and you
might find yourself humming some of the show’s memorable songs.
“The Phantom Of The Opera” Directed
by Harold Prince, Music by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Charles Hart.
Running time: 2 hours & 30 minutes
With Anne Kannengeiser, Polly Baird,
David DeWitt Musical Staging & Choreography by Gillian Lynne,
Production Design by Maria Bjornson
For tickets, call 202- 467-4600
The Mail RSS Feed.
