PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - SEARINGLY INTENSE

December 3,2008

PICTURED: John Cudia and Trista Moldovan in
Phantom. Photo by: Cyllavon Tiedeman


PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – “A surefire thriller!’

By Buzzin’ Lee Hartgrave

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most intriguing stories of all time. Set in Paris in the 1900’s, a Phantom takes refuge in the underbelly of a Majestic Opera House. His story is sad. As a young man he was beaten, abused and is disfigured. He hides in the dark caverns where water runs under the Opera House to keep prying eyes away from him. But, he is not just a homeless man. He is a brilliant musician and composer and seems to make a decent living by scaring the Hell out of the owners of the Opera House with threats of violence if they don’t pay a tribute to him. He only comes out at night to make music and to tutor his protégée, Christine Diaa.

Problems arise when a long-time boyfriend (Raoul) of Christine’s shows up at one of the Opera’s that Christine is in. The Phantom goes berserk. His jealousy makes his threats on the Opera House and everyone in it come true. From then on, the musical is nail-bitingly tense.

Every aspect of the musical is unbelievably breathtaking. There are the magnificent colorful costumes and the surprising special effects. Blasts of fire hit the stage at one point. It was so vivid. You could actually feel the heat from the flames. Scary stuff. Then there is the Chandelier that is hoisted up to the top of the Theatre and hangs precariously over the audience. I noticed several uneasy theatergoers glance up every once in a while to make sure that it wasn’t moving. They really got scared -- when it does come crashing down within inches of their heads.

The singers were absolutely fabulous. They took this amazingly beautiful score and made it even more sensual and exciting. Their voices were very strong. This is a musical that WILL have you humming the tunes. Especially outstanding is when Christine, who is alone in a graveyard sings “Wishing You Were Here Again.” What a fabulous voice. It was so good, that the Phantom peeks around from a Tomb. There is a struggle between the Phantom and Raul who were both lurking around. See the thing is Christine – you know what they say – ‘be careful, you might get what you wish for.’

There are many humorous moments in the show, especially the repartee between the owners of the Opera House. Also very funny, is the overweight Opera Singer (Carlotta), who is the star – but doesn’t have the greatest voice in the world. She is a joy to watch and listen to – and at the end of the show, she got rousing applause. I would say it was even with the Applause the Phantom got.

The show is Gothic bliss. The fog machines are doing double duty as the smoky stuff wisps around candelabra. Every scene is an atmospheric vision as the Phantom pursues Christine in the underground cavern. Even creepier is when he rows a boat through the canal as she sits (all in white) like a virgin being rowed to the unflowering. He really is in love with his protégée, and she seems to be falling under his spell. But, she wants to know what is behind the mask, so she pulls it off as he plays the piano. Bad idea. He goes into a violent rage, and basically descends into madness. Can Raoul save Christine? Can Christine sing her way out of the darkness? Well, I don’t want to give away the ending. You’ll just have to see it for yourself. I guarantee you – it will bring you to your feet. This Phantom of the Opera is Elegant and chilling. And here is an astonishing sound achievement. The Theatre has speakers hidden everywhere that give the feeling that the Phantom is talking from the Caverns, next to you or in the back of the Theater. It is a stunning exploration of the shadowy.

Here’s the deal: “You can’t tear yourself away from these characters. It’s electrifying!”

PLEASE MEET THE TERRIFIC CAST: JOHN CUDIA IS THE PHANTOM. His ‘The Music of the Night; came dangerously close to causing mass fainting. TRISTA MOLDOVAN IS CHRISTINE. When she sings ‘Think of me’ – “you are definitely hooked and can think of nothing else!” KYLE BARISH IS RAOUL: “His duet (All I Ask of You) with Christine is fantastic!” KIM STENGEL IS CARLOTTA (The Diva). She gives the role “new freshness and is uproariously funny!” ANNE KANENGEISER IS MADAME GIRY, the stern Dance Madame and Christine’s friend. She is mysterious. One minute you trust her and the next? “The acting is unique and engaging! -- in this complex character.” Also in Star performances are D.C. Anderson, Bruce Winant, John Whitney, Jimmy Smagula, Jessi Ehrlich and Kelly Jeanne Grant. “Without their huge, powerful talents, this show could not make it.” Add the rest of the company – and you’ll see one of the best productions of the Phantom of the Opera in the world.

AT THE ORPHEUM THEATRE

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and produced a long-running Arts Segment of PBS KQED)))

MORE REVIEWS AND EVENTS: www.beyondchron.org

AND THAT’S A WRAP!