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Theater review: ‘Phantom of the Opera’ as stirring as it’s spectacular

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Miguel Dumaual, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/tvpatrol/03/01/20190302-the-phantom-of-the-opera2.jpg"/><figcaption>The cast of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ receive a standing ovation on its gala night at The Theatre at Solaire on Thursday. Facebook: Concertus Manila</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA — After seven years, “The Phantom of the Opera” has returned, and it’s packed with spectacle after spectacle and stirring performances not to be outdone by the grand sets.Running until March 31 at The Theatre at Solaire, the international touring production of “Phantom” is certain to captivate Filipino theater fans with its stage design and costumes that are brimming with details.Set in 1911 Paris, the passion-filled story of a masked musical genius and his protégé is brought to life by the elaborate and convincing depictions of the opera house, a vine-covered mausoleum, and a starry night on a rooftop, among others.The Phantom’s subterranean lair stands out, as expected. Its first unveiling cements the impression that this production went all-out to match expectations that come with the long-running musical’s iconic status.A highlight, of course, is the theater magic of the worn-out chandelier regaining its shimmer as time rewinds, and later appearing to freefall from the audience-side ceiling onto the stage at a climactic turn.Similarly striking is the use of lights and perspective, such as when the Phantom’s muse, Christine, takes a bow before the Paris Opera House audience (not the actual theater audience) after her “Hannibal” debut. With clever blocking on the sprawling stage, and the lighting behind a second curtain, one is suddenly transported “backstage” with a view of Christine’s back just as she finishes her triumphant performance.<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2019/tvpatrol/03/01/20190302-the-phantom-of-the-opera.jpg"/><figcaption>(From right) ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ cast members Meghan Picerno (Christine), Jonathan Roxmouth (The Phantom), Matt Leisy (Raoul), and Beverley Chiat (Carlotta) appear on stage for the curtain call. Facebook: Concertus Manila</figcaption></figure></div>Christine is oft-said to be the “Angel of Music,” and actress Meghan Picerno certainly lives up to the title with her unfaltering notes even in the notoriously soaring portions meant to show exactly why her character is special.Picerno has strong chemistry with Jonathan Roxmouth as the Phantom, and that’s especially palpable in “The Music of the Night.” It’s in this number when Roxmouth first impresses with undeniable charisma (despite his character’s questionable intentions) and that’s thanks to a voice that’s emotive as it is calculated for the right impact.Roxmouth sustains a performance that is so satisfying and moving (look out for those beads of tears in the final scene) that by the end of the three-hour show on gala night, the entire audience was on its feet as he took his turn at curtain call.This marks the second time Roxmouth is playing the Phantom in Manila; he also wore the white mask for the 2012 staging at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.The return took seven years, and it might take just as long before the third chance comes along. With its spectacular sets and breathtaking performances, “The Phantom of the Opera” at The Theatre is definitely an opportunity not to pass up for long-time fans, or those still seeking to hear the music of the night.

After seven years, “The Phantom of the Opera” has returned, and it’s packed with spectacle after spectacle — and stirring performances not to be outdone by the grand sets.

After seven years, “The Phantom of the Opera” has returned, and it’s packed with spectacle after spectacle — and stirring performances not to be outdone by the grand sets.

Theater review: ‘Phantom of the Opera’ as stirring as it’s spectacular

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Theater review: ‘Phantom of the Opera’ as stirring as it’s spectacular

Miguel Dumaual,

ABS-CBN News

Published Mar 02, 2019 06:30 PM PHT

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The Phantom of the Opera

The Theatre

Solaire

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