MOMS NIGHT OUT: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Show Review by Robin Gorman Newman
- Photo by Joan Marcus
On January 26, 2013, the New York production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA reached a historic, unprecedented milestone: becoming the first and only Broadway show ever to celebrate 25 Years. In February 2012, it became the first and only Broadway show ever to reach milestone performance #10,000.
The winner of 7 Tony Awards including Best Musical, the New York production has played more than 10,700 performances, been seen by more than 15½ million people and grossed over $935 million.
Worldwide, over 65,000 performances have been seen by 130 million people in 29 countries and 150 cities in 13 languages. It was won more than 70 major awards. The original cast recording, with over 40 million copies sold worldwide, is the best-selling cast recording of all time.
Based on the classic novel by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure (Hugh Panaro) who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine (Mary Michael Patterson; Marni Raab plays the role at certain performances), and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.
I saw the original production on Broadway, and it left a lasting impression. But, it’s been years, so I decided to see it again, and I’m thrilled that I did. It is a stunning production on every level. The story is riveting. Panaro as the Phantom is stellar. You can’t take your eyes off him, and his voice is stirring, sweet, powerful…..all that and more. Patterson as Christine has a beautiful voice and presence, and it’s easy to see why the Phantom is so smitten. Jeremy Hays is affecting as Raoul…and there is so much talent rounding out the very large ensemble, that when they sing songs like Masquerade, you are completely captivated.
With haunting, romantic music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Charles Hart, the score soars with passion, depth of emotion and intrigue. The performance is riveting from beginning to end (though the opening auction scene is a bit dull), but the pace and staging quickly pick up. Special effects, like a huge falling chandelier, create a “wow” factor, and the colorful costumes and artistic backdrops are pure eye candy.
If you’re a theatre lover, this is a must see production.
CURRENT PRINCIPAL CAST
The Phantom of the Opera………………………………………………………………………………..Hugh Panaro
Christine ……………………….………..…………………………………………………….Mary Michael Patterson
Christine Daaé (at certain performances)…….………………..……………………………………….…..Marni Raab
Raoul………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Jeremy Hays
Carlotta Guidicelli……………………………………………………………….…………………Michele McConnell
Monsieur Andre……………………………..…………………………………………………….…..Laird Mackintosh
Monsieur Firmin……………………………………………………………………………..…..….………Tim Jerome
Madame Giry…………………………………………………………………………….………………..Ellen Harvey
Ubaldo Piangi…..………………………………………………………………………………………..Christian Šebek
Meg Giry…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…Kara Klein
THE MAJESTIC THEATRE, 247 WEST 44th STREET, NYC
www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com & www.PhantomBroadway.com
