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PANTAGES' PHANTOM IS PHENOMENAL
By Tony Reverditto
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the longest running musical in Broadway history. It is based on the novel, "LeFantome de l'Opera" by Gaston Leroux, with musical composition adapted by Andrew Lloyd Weber. As worldwide grosses are estimated to be over five billion dollars, PHANTOM has surpassed any and all blockbuster films such as "Titanic", "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars", holding the title of the most successful entertainment venture of the twentieth century. After over a decade, the long anticipated return to the Pantages Theatre continues to live up to its legacy, and as expected is a must-see elaborate and spectacular production.
Christine, (played with enchanting perfection by Trista Moldovan) is a beautiful and gifted young woman who longs to perform with the company of a Paris Opera House. During a rehearsal for one of the opera's grand productions, a freak accident occurs as a backdrop falls and crashes to the ground, nearly crushing leading lady Carlotta (adorable Kim Stengel). Several members of the company suggest to the theatre's eager new managers (portrayed with humor by D.C. Anderson & Bruce Winant who bring some enjoyable comedy relief) that this could be the work of the "Phantom of the Opera," a spectral presence said to haunt the building. After the freak "accident", Carlotta decides to walk out on the show out for fear of her life. By a twist of fate, fueled by the Phantom's manipulation, Christine steps in as her replacement. Naturally her performance is triumphant, and on the opening night performance, she becomes reacquainted with Raoul (solidly played by Kyle Barisich), a former childhood friend who is now a handsome, wealthy and well-known nobleman.
The mysterious voice continues to speak to her, nurturing her success and extraordinary talent in bizarre ways from the shadows of the opera house. Only the stalwart ballet mistress, Madame Giry (Anne Kanen-geiser) knows that Christine's mysterious "Angel of Music" is very real and actually the Phantom (played brilliantly by John Cudia). Cudia nails every aspect the complex configuration of the disfigured musical genius. Though Christine is enthralled by her charismatic mystifying mentor, she is extremely drawn to the dashing Raoul. If you have not seen the show, I don't want to give it away, but this is not a good thing, as it enrages the Phantom. He takes things to a dramatic crescendo of soaring passions, fierce jealousies and obsessive love, threatening to drive the ill-fated lovers past "the point of no return".
Hands-down, the bright shining stars of the opening night performance were Trista Molovan and John Cudia. They captivated the audience with their talent and total commitment to their roles, taking the audience on a memorable journey of true high art. My favorite song selections from the amazing musical score were, "The Phantom of the Opera", "The Music of the Night", "I Remember /Stranger Than You Dreamt It", and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again".
None of this could have come together on this caliber, if it weren't for the extraordinary direction of the legendary, Harold Prince. Prince is on top of his game, having been the recipient of twenty-one Tony Awards and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Honorable mention must be given to the production crew, because it took each and everyone one of them to make the magic that the production requires.
Scenic and Costume Designer Maria Bjornson is a Goddess. Her Lavish Set and Costuming are a feast to the eyes. The moody Lighting Design by Andrew Bridge completely set the tone. Probably my least favorite aspect of the production was the choreography by Gillian Lynne. The movement was a bit basic, contrived, and repetitive for my taste. On the flip-side, the skilled orchestra under the musical direction of Jonathan Gorst, did a flawless job breathing passion into the score, thanks in part to the musical team, Charles Hart, Richard Stilgoe and Martin Levan.
Rounding out the talented company of performers are Kelly Jeanne Grant, , Bruce Winant, Kim Stengel, Anne Kanengeiser, Jimmy Smagula, Jessi Ehrlich, Emily Adonna, Lawrence Asher, Dallyn Vail Bayles, Triana Cristobal, William Patrick Dunne, David Gaschen, Joelle Gates, Michael Scott Harris, Jessy Hendrickson, Sarah Anne Lewis, Sean Mac Lauglin, Elaine Matthews, Michael McCoy, Carli Millen, Julliette Audra Miller, Tonna Miller, Kristi Patricia, Lily Rose Peck, Greagory Emanuel Rahming, Thomas Schumacher, Pamela Shan-drow, Sally Ann Swarm, Stephen Trafton, Laureen Vigil, Elizabeth Welch, Joseph Woelfel, Melissa Wood, and James Zander.
Pantages Theatre - 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, 90028
Runs through February 21, 2009 with show times Tuesdays through Fridays at 8:00 p.m. Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., with Special Performances Monday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now with great seats available for weekday performances and may be purchased online at www.BroadwayLA.org or by calling Ticketmaster at 213.365.3500 or 714.740.7878. Tickets may also be purchased at the Pantages Theatre Box Office from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. or a half an hour before final curtain on performance nights. Groups of 15 or more may be purchased by visiting www.NedGroups.com or by calling 866.755.3075. Don't miss this one!