Review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Bass Performance Hall

By: Oct. 25, 2016
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Katie Travis and the cast of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

After a record-breaking twenty-eight years on Broadway (and nearly the same timespan on the road), THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is an international sensation that's been seen by virtually everyone. In fact, nearly 150 million people have sat in the audience for a performance and listened to the Andrew Lloyd Webber score in more than 15 languages! Up until the 2004 feature film, each of these performances followed the blueprint created by director Harold Prince and CATS choreographer Gillian Lynn, first staging it in London where it currently celebrates its 30th year of success. But, in 2012, producer Cameron Mackintosh recruited West End director Laurence Connor to helm a sparkling new production, later inspiring a new US tour that has just returned to Bass Hall in its second DFW-area appearance. And while "Phans" of the original production might miss a few iconic elements, the new tour offers an exciting opportunity to experience the show through a new pair of opera glasses.

With an fresh approach to all of the technical elements, the new Phantom scenery does forgo a dash of the original magic: mystical candelabras have vanished; the grand "Masquerade" staircase is cut, and a series of towering bridges (which formerly required body doubles for the principals) no longer descends from the ceiling. But the famous chandelier and floating gondola still arrive on cue...and with a fresh coat of paint. The celebrated characters, music, and lyrics also remain appropriately intact. Having seen (and once slept) through the original "POTO" on no less than a handful of occasions, I see little value in comparing the current tour to it's older, fraternal sister. In it's newest incarnation, it seems everything old is new again.

Fresh off the stage from Dallas Theater Center's DREAMGIRLS, Derrick Davis makes his debut in the tour in the masked, titular role here in Fort Worth. Davis brings The Phantom to life with his haunting and smoky tenor voice, expertly delivering the preeminent "Music of the Night" like a haunting hymn, and carrying the audience straight through the evening to the chilling climax, "The Point of No Return." He admirably finds a perfect balance between the antihero's inner torment and external power. Although Davis is not the first Black actor to don the Phantom mask, the color-blind casting of Mr. Davis and another supporting role are warmly welcomed.

Davis shares the spotlight with Katie Travis as Christine. Travis, who created the character in the reimagined tour's 2014 opening, is a shining soprano who looks and sounds every bit as pure the innocent ingénue. Although Miss Travis expertly sings Lloyd Webber's challenging score, effortlessly hitting those astounding high notes, her acting training is evident, delivering greater depth than former Christines whose opera experience often overacted the dramatic moments. The actress also deserves kudos for her ability to match the talents of the toe-dancing ensemble at the start of the show.

Jordan Craig (Raoul), Emily Ramirez (Meg Giry), and Trista Moldovan (Carlotta Giudicelli) also assumed their roles for the first time on opening night at Bass Hall, each taking the stage with poise and confidence. As Carlotta, it was an extra thrill to watch Ms. Moldovan sing "Think of Me" as the opera diva, knowing that it's a song she's probably sung hundreds of times having previously played the role of Christine on Broadway (and, of note, during the Broadway run's 10,000th performance).

The current cast and recently redesigned elements of the show offer an excellent excuse to catch THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, whether you've seen it one or one dozen times. With performances running through October 30th at Forth Worth's Bass Performance Hall, this is the perfect family-friendly Halloween treat. For tickets and more information, visit www.BassHall.com


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