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Phantom Of The Opera

The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera, the novel, written by Gaston Leroux was first published in 1910. Since then there have been numerous movie adaptations and one of the most successful stage musicals ever performed. When it was announced that the show would be returning to Melbourne at the Princess Theatre I decided I would take my mother who saw the film and felt that was enough for her. I informed her that it was not the same and she was coming to the theatre with me. I had seen the production before but I wanted to see it again because I feel that the general public had become a little jaded when it came to musical theatre. After seeing it again I am here to convince those that the theatre and more importantly this production has a few more revivals left in it.
The protagonist Erik, a composer, prowls underneath the opera house where he blackmails those in charge to keep his supposed ‘hold’ on the business, and when he doesn’t get his way suspicious accidents happen. He wears a mask over his disfigured face and those in the opera business fear his ghostly wrath. Christine, who is the object of his obsessive affection, is his talented protégé who goes on to sing for the opera house. This thrilling love triangle between the Phantom, Christine and her childhood friend Raoul has plenty of suspense for those who like their plots with a twist.
For those who believe, like my mother, that they have seen it all, that to witness this story in a theatrical production is simply not necessary, I beg you to reconsider. The two leads of Anthony Warlow and Ana Marina are absolutely flawless and present their characters with tremendous conviction. The supporting actors too are outstanding and they truly complement each other. The sets did their job to be decorative backdrops and the changes of scenes were seamless. Without giving too much away a certain decorative chandelier required in this production sent shivers down my spine.
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