‘The Phantom of the Opera’ is hauntingly captivating

Seven years after showing in Manila, "The Phantom of the Opera" returns for another hauntingly captivating season at The Theatre at Solaire.

The Broadway and West End hit musical is based on the 1910 novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux. Set in Paris in 1911, it tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known as the Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House.

Enthralled by Christine Daaé, a young soprano, Phantom uses his musical talents to lure her into becoming his protégé and falls madly in love with her in the process. Of course, Christine is in love with another man, her childhood flame Raoul.

Courtesy of Concertus Manila

This mesmerizing love triangle, with music by Andrew Lloyd Weber has enough drama for a night of intense passion.

But the stage production of this particular run adds another layer of awe. From the ornate chandelier to the costume design — more than 230 costumes were used in this production — no single detail was left to chance. Everything the spotlight hit on the stage of The Phantom of the Opera was a masterpiece, transporting the audience to 1911 France.

Evident especially during "Masquerade" was how this particular production kept it fresh and young. Instead of the usual stiff and the serious, there was an element of whimsy, perhaps borrowing the vibes of Dia del Muerto?

Courtesy of Concertus Manila

This season, Jonathan Roxmouth returns to play the titular role of the Phantom, giving this iconic role the justice it deserves. Roxmouth’s talent isn't just in the quality of his voice.

It is also, maybe more so, in his restraint and his control and his ability to gracefully command a crescendo, for instance, or to gently back down to communicate the longing of a desperate lover, or demonstrate the agony and despair of a betrayed mentor. And all of these things are summed up in one number: His rendition of “The Music of the Night”.

Meghan Picerno plays Christine Daaé, the object of the Phantom’s desires. Picerno is no stranger to this role, as she also starred as Christine in the 2017 U.S. premiere of Love Never Dies, Weber’s sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.

Her knowledge of and experience as the character is evident in her performance. Though past Christines have a more powerful voice (it is an opera, after all), Picerno’s take on the young soprano was still captivating and her voice has this clarity that pierces through the audience. Watching her transform as the shy ballet dancer to the star of the stage makes one wonder how this huge voice could come from such a tiny woman.

The third member of the World Tour principal cast is Matt Leisy, who captured our hearts as Raoul Vicomte de Chagny, the young boy who rescued Christine’s scarf from the sea.

Courtesy of Concertus Manila

In the number “Angel of Music”, Christine was reluctant to reciprocate his feelings at first, thinking that the Phantom will not take it well if he finds out that she’s being chummy with another man. But when Raoul — with his tender, soulful voice filled with longing — sang “All I Ask of You” with Christine at the opera’s rooftop, it’s easy to see the chemistry between the two.

The pivotal scene of the love triangle comes when Raoul goes after the Phantom after he's taken her into his dungeon. Leisy’s performance was equally powerful.

Having sung for musicals like Sweeney Todd and the Tony Award-winning A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Leisy communicated his role with a sense of vulnerability but intense determination in rescuing his true love from the Phantom.

Courtesy of Concertus Manila

The supporting cast made this World Tour of this 32-year-old award-winning production a complete success. Beverly Chiat excellently played the over-the-top soprano prima donna Carlotta Guidicelle; James Brothwick and Curt Olds played the roles of Monsieur Fermin and Monsieur Andre respectively, who served as the show’s comedic relief. — LA, GMA News

The Phantom of the Opera is brought to you by Concertus Manila, Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, and PLDT Smart. Until March 31, 2019 at the Theatre at Solaire, Paranaque City. Tickets. +632 8919999.