Phantom of the Opera @ Grand Theatre (MBS)

The musical, Phantom of the Opera, is extremely enthralling for the un-initiated fans.   There are a couple of things which make this performance far more spectacular than others.

1.  Props
The garish prop designs from costumes to backdrops and enhancing prop displays totally ensnare you into each of the scene.  Some of the memorable ones include the infamous chandelier, the boat scene, the masquerade party and so froth.

2.  Stagework
Many a times, you will that one scene leads to the next in a seamless style much like watching a movie.   The dance work and choreography matching the sang chorus.   If you use a little imaginative, you can almost see the actual scene as depicted by Gaston Leroux, from the moment the chandelier rises, to the Phantom leading Christine down his catacomb dwelling, dramatic drop of the chandelier and a little pyrotechnic.  

3.  Music
Apart of hitting all the high notes which many ordinary folks should (seriously) never attempt, you can't help but noticed the depth when sound system is used effectively to give you the surround sound effect that O.G. (Opera Ghost) is present everywhere in the theatre.   The surreal feeling that you are like Christine, being caught in the palm of this Angel.

4.  Story
Whoever resisted a pathetic love story and unfulfilled emotions?   Many great literature survive on the primitive human desires - to be loved and to be accepted.  It is almost impossible to not feel for the Phantom, be it sympathy, love, sadness or anger.

Watching the Phantom for the 4th time on stage (more if you count the movie), is strangely a different experience.   I'm no longer excited by the magical sparks of the performance, but the in-depth portrayal of the characters by the different cast members. No doubt the cast is good and it is probably unfair to compete against my memory of the 1993 and 2007 performances.

1993 - Kallang Theatre offered the best in terms of the big stage.  The chandelier drop was a lot more magnificent.  So was the pyrotechnic used back then.  I was in awe by the songs and the well-choreographed ballet dancers... the uniformity was impeccable.

2007 - The closeness of the box seats at the Esplanade had allowed the cast to put in real actors there to give eminent traces of an opera house performance.  I vaguely recalled the Phantom running through the side door.   The Pyrotechnic used was too good. 

2013 - The 'new-ness' of Grand Theatre gives it a competitive edge in terms of sound system.   However, the stage is too small and "shallow" for the Phantom act.   In fact, too small for a Les Miserable act too.  Many of the special effects from the pyrotechnic to lighting effects were not well executed.

So, here's my proper review on the 2013 Phantom.

The prop and set designs are excellent as expected.  So, no complain there.   But the ballet girls were really a lamentable mess.   They were hardly synchronized in their movement, except in the opening act. 

The leading and supporting actors brought out their characters well, especially for Monsieur Firmin and André who were previously downplayed.   Well done in bringing out the liveliness of the opera managers.  Carlotta seemed meek as opposed to the prima donna whom she was supposed to be, and lacking in her little Italiano flair.   Piangi was also meek, especially when he is usually very supportive of Carlotta's diva acts.   Meg Giry's singing was a little more forceful than expected as she was always portrayed as this sweet gentle little girl.

Claire Lyon as Christine Daaé delivered well on her singing but superficial on the emotions.   You can sense her hate and anger for the Phantom in deceiving her, but there was no hint of that "in awe", fear and regret that she felt towards the Phantom as the story progressed.  I was a little disappointed.

Raoul is an easy character to play; young and full of love for Christine.   While Anthony Downing did everything right to pursue Christine, he lacked the grandiosity of a viscount and acted more like a garçon in love, yes puppy love.   Oh ya, the kissing scene was too strong and much too like a Hollywood style movie.   Subtly, oh where is the subtly?  

Brad Little, as the Phantom was too boisterous this time as compared to his 2007 act.   I can't detect that gentleness, sensitivity, despair and needy elements which are supposed to be evident in his character.  The swing from dejection to anger was hard to detect.  To me, the Phantom is a dark genius, not a shallow person.  He is willful and yet sensitive, as such greatly tormented by his own emotional turmoil.   

Overall the performance was still good with a slight disappointment due to the missing nuances of some characters.  My 2007 review can be viewed here, http://mabelchan.blogspot.sg/2007/05/phantom-of-opera-esplanade-theatre.html.    

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♫ Music of the Night ♫

Night time sharpens
Heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses
Abandon their defenses

Slowly, gently
Night unfurls it's splendor
Grasp it, sense it
Tremulous and tender
Turn your face away
From the garish light of day.
Turn your thoughts away
From cold, unfeeling light,
And listen to the music of the night.

Close your eyes
And surrender to your darkest dreams.
Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before.
Close your eyes,
Let your your spirit start to soar.
And you'll live as you've never lived before.

Softly, deftly
Music shall caress you
Hear it, feel it
Secretly possess you
Open up your mind
Let your fantasies unwind
In this darkness that you know you cannot fight
The darkness of the music of the night

Let your mind
Start a journey through a strange new world
Leave all thoughts of the life you knew before
Let your soul take you where you long to be.
Only then can you belong to me

Floating, falling
Sweet intoxication
Touch me, trust me
Savor each sensation
Let the dream begin
Let your darker side give in
To the power of the music that I write
The power of the music of the night

You alone can make my song take flight
Help me make the music of the night