– By Cate Marquis –
“The Phantom of the Opera,” Andrew Lloyd Weber’s legendary hit musical, returns to the Fox Theater May 9-20. This version is a bit different than the classic fans know, a newly burnished production from Cameron Mackintosh. The effects were buffed up, along with the chandelier and the characters have a bit psychological depth, particularly Christine. But not to worry – it is still the crowd-pleasing Gothic tale with the same thrilling tunes.
Actually this “new” version of “Phantom” may not be so new to some local theatergoers. This version has played the Fox before, in 2015. It mixed a little of the new and the old but it is still “Phantom.”
The musical opens in 1911 as the contents of the long-closed Paris opera house are being auctioned off, sparking the telling of the mysterious events that closed it and the flashback to the legend of the Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom is played by Quentin Oliver Lee and the part of his protege singer Christine Daae is played by Eva Tavares. The opera is being. sold to new owners Monsieur Firmin (David Benoit) and Monsieur Andre (Edward Staudenmayer), laughingly dismissing rumors the theater is haunted. The theater comes with its cast, reigning diva Carlotta (Trista Moldovan), her lead tenor Ubaldo Piangi (Phumzile Sojola) and long-time costume mistress Madame Giry (Kristie Dale Sanders) who knows the theater’s secrets and forgotten history. Among the singers and dancers is Carlotta’s young understudy, the beautiful Danish singer Christine Daae. Christine draws the romantic attention of the opera’s wealthy patron, the handsome young Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny (Jordan Craig) but also the mysterious, masked Phantom, a composer determined to mold the young singer into a great opera star.
Staging is part of the appeal of “Phantom” and this production fully delivered. It comes with all the glittering costumes and eye-popping dramatic sets and props needed to convey the story’s Gothic romantic thrills. The large glittering chandelier hovered over the audience, producing the requisite gasps as it drops at the end of the first act. The showpiece that opens the second act for the number “Masquerade” was a feast of colorful, sparkly costumes on a mirror-filled set.
Quentin Oliver Lee has the thrilling big booming voice needed to the pull off the Phantom. His voice dazzled the audience, soaring through songs like the signature “The Phantom of the Opera.” Lee is exceptionally tall, towering over exceptionally petite Tavares, the height difference adding to his menace and the power dynamic between the characters. Tavares’ clear strong soprano was also delightful, perfect for the role of Christine.
Tweaks to the characters add a touch of “Beauty and the Beast” to the familiar story, In this version, Christine is not a innocent beguiled by the Phantom and taken against her will to his subterranean lair. Instead she is an ambitious young singer who goes willingly with him, enticed by the promise of stardom. It adds dimension and dramatic depth to the tale.
The story’s little opera scenes show off the lavish set, and the dancers and choreography with is impressive. The scenes also showcase the voices and comic skills of Moldovan and Sojola as diva Carlotta and Ubaldo, who both lampoon opera conventions and delighted.
It was a successful evening and a wonderful, crowd-pleasing return of “The Phantom of the Opera” to the Fabulous Fox stage.
© Cate Marquis
