The Phantom of the Opera is undoubtedly one of the most successful works and stage productions of all time. With its phenomenal popularity, it never fails to reap the audiences’ gargantuan admiration. I sometimes wonder if there was once a time that they had any difficulty selling tickets. The Phantom of the Opera is still a mystery, never ever fully explained yet it continues to make its audience gasp with anticipation and thrill. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brilliant weaving of a complex tale is like a potent potion; tough to beat. What makes it such a hit all this time then? Just like a scrumptious buffet, The Phantom of the Opera is lavishly executed; from its vivid costumes to the striking cast– it’s just made to perfection. One would get chills without the blood-scare but with more of the inner ghost of mediocrity that use to haunt a mysterious and dark individual; moral lesson? One need not be physically disfigured to be able to relate to The Phantom. When it comes to love, it’s having to risk oneself to the conjuring agony and pain. The Phantom of the Opera, an overall profound and poignant love story; for The Phantom and Christine? It’s just a love…..a love not meant to be.
If you find yourself unfamiliar with the storyline of The Phantom of the Opera, let me put it in a simpler way. The musical genius Phantom (also known as the Opera Ghost or OG) falls in love with young soprano, Christine Daaé . Sounds cheese-tastic but conflict occurs as The Phantom was born facially disfigured; decided to mask himself and has chosen to live in the dark since then. He was a total outcast but appeared to Christine Daaé as an Angel of Music. Christine was made to think that her voice tutor (The Phantom so to speak) was the spirit of her deceased father. The Phantom molded Christine’s extraordinary singing talent and paved the way for Daaé to fulfill her dreams of being an Opera star. But this has also made the way for Christine to find her childhood friend, Raoul de Chagny (patron of the Opera House).
As Christine and Raoul falls in love with each other, it wreaked havoc above everything else (cue the organ music please…) The Phantom wanted his own revenge while Raoul continues to fight for his love. The story evolved with the fury of hate and horror that in the end transcended into love. How? By setting your loved one free. So in this day and age, The Phantom of the Opera is now being challenged. Does this kind of storyline still works? Absolutely. The Phantom of the Opera is a classic; and a classic tale never dies.
Christine Daaé is being portrayed by the beautiful Claire Lyon. She looked so fragile on stage, yet she delivers the goods. Her opalescent skin and pristine polished voice makes her stage presence visibly distinct. Having to watch the musical for the second time around, I find the Phantom much more deeply involved with his character. Emotions are more intensified, like slashing the audiences’ heart with every note of his aching yet enchanting voice. As the music of The Phantom of The Opera swirls inside my mind, how else would The Phantom attack his character? Where else does he get that soulful passion that fuels his pain as the ill-fated Phantom?
