The Phantom of the Opera

Posted on | February 27, 2008 | 1 Comment

Last night I went to see The Phantom of the Opera in Brisbane with my daughter. It is the first big show she can remember (she went to see The Lion King in Sydney but all she remembers is that Jai from Play School was in the show!). It was such a wonderful night. To see my daughter spellbound for the entire show, she was mesmerised by the costumes, the set, the spectacular singing and the whole event. She was impressed that "almost everyone was really dressed up" – not something you see every day in the suburbs of Brisbane! The most exciting thing was "the singing was SO good". Yes, the singing was SO good! And the acting. And the lighting. And the sound. It was wonderful. My students often ask me "what do you think of ….(insert name here of singer)?" Well, I thought all the singing in Phantom was terrific, although in some of the larger  scenes with lots of people singing the smaller voices were overwhelmed in the mix.

I heard Anthony Warlow sing this role 17 years ago in Melbourne, and he was performing the role of the Phantom last night. Was there a difference? Yes. I remember coming away form the original production thinking that it was so perfect it was like listening to a recording. I loved it. I couldn't believe how gorgeous his voice was. This time around, I felt that his singing was different but just as good, in fact, it was for my taste more believable. Why? Because the acting was SO strong – his voice was more intense and emotional, both lighter and darker. The years of singing, maturity and acting have given his voice depth. Now, I am commenting based on my impressions and memories from years ago, but I knew the show inside out then.

I loved Ana Marina in the role of Christine – her voice has warmth and beauty. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again gave me goosebumps, it was so beautiful.  And the chemistry and great vocal match between her and Alexander Lewis in the role of Raoul was terrific. I think we all swoon at "All I Ask Of You". The whole cast was terrific. My daughter and I laughed at "those Italian opera singers" and she loved Meg Giry (Nadia Komazec).

As my last post attests, I love music theatre, and I love to see it done so well. Thanks to the cast of Phantom, and the producers for bringing such a big show to Brisbane. We have had Miss Saigon (also terrific – I loved the singer who played Chris!). There are also some wonderful smaller shows – have you heard any of Jason Robert Brown's music? The Last Five Years is a very clever production. … Now, if only Les Miserables was on again – now THAT is my favourite! The reason I started singing lessons was because I heard the album (on record – I still have it although it is a little warped now)  and wanted to be able to sing, well, everything in the show!

If you love good singing, and you have the opportunity, go and see Phantom. It is only by patronising live shows that we get more of them to come to Brisbane! Fill your ears with lovely singing and inspire yourself to continue with your scales, your songs!

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