This production stars Brad Little in the role of The Phantom. Little previously had played the role of Raoul in the Broadway production of the musical. Little brings his own interpretation to the role made famous on Broadway for so long by Michael Crawford. He succeeds very well in bringing forth the complex character of The Phantom, who is at the same time both a character to be feared and hated, yet one so tragic that he cannot help but gain sympathy from even the most crusty member of the audience. While the role of The Phantom will always be the role that most folks think of when they speak of this musical, it is significant that the character of The Phantom is actually on stage for just about 20 minutes of the performance.
In many ways, therefore, the success of the play depends on the actress playing the female lead of Christine Daaé. The role demands of an actress the ability to carry the play when The Phantom is not on stage, and to provide a dramatic equal to him when he is. In this production the role of Christine is played by newcomer Amy Jo Arrington, who is making her professional debut in this production. Ms. Arrington's performance gives no signs that she is a newcomer to the professional stage. Her extensive amateur background at Arizona State University has provided her with superb training for this role. Her voice is clear and pure. On occasion her voice seems somewhat overpowered by the often loud orchestra which is more a comment on what may be a weakness in the audio mixing of the production than on Ms. Arrington's talent, which is indisputable. Her ability to play the role at the age that the character is written to be brings a wonderful excitement to the performance.. That youthful vigor is clearly seen.
The rest of the <a href="http://www.reallyuseful.com/Phantom/curcast3.html]cast[/link] is also without any visible sign of weakness. Jason Penworth, who formerly performed in the second national company, plays the role of Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. David Cryer as Monsieur Firmin and Richard Reardon as Monsieur André are excellent in the roles of the opera managers. Julie Schmidt and Steven Stein-Grainger play the roles of Carlotta Giudicelli and Ubaldo Piangi, the established stars of the opera. Jennine Jones and Betina Hershey round out the principal players in the roles of Madame Giry and Meg Giry.
It is always evident, however, in viewing the performance, that there are really only three true stars of The Phantom of the Opera - The Phantom, Christine and the production itself. I have already addressed the excellence of Brad Little and Amy Jo Arrington in the lead roles. The production itself is also a visual masterpiece. From the moment that the old chandelier is re-lighted and raised to the ceiling of the theater we are witness to an amazing technical extravaganza. Watching the set metamorphosize before one's eyes from the old, dilapidated Paris Opera House, where Raoul is an old man bidding on a piece of history, back to the time of Raoul's youth, when the opera was vibrant and performing to sold out houses, is a sheer wonder for the eyes. The sets, special effects, and costuming throughout the rest of the play are no less amazing. The only negative comment that I can make about the performance is one I previously mentioned. In several scenes the orchestra tended to overpower the singers with its volume.
Additional Net Links
Gaston
Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera
Story summary of the novel on which the musical is based.
The
Phantom of the Opera - Libretto
From Tower Lyrics archives the complete libretto of the play.
The
Phantom of the Opera - Sound Bites
AU and WAV sound clips from various productions of the musical.
The
Phantom of the Opera - Tickets and Tours
Information on the current companies of the play now performing in the United
States.
Phantom
Photo Gallery
Nice photos from the current national production of The Phantom of the Opera.
The Really Useful Company
Homepage of the company, the Producers of The Phantom of the Opera.
