Phantom of the Opera: Still a Philly Phavorite

The Phantom of the Opera returns for a 6 week engagement. Since its last appearance in Philadelphia in 2003, this popular musical acquired yet another prestigious standing as the "longest running show on Broadway" on January 9, 2006. Time has proven no contest for durability as this recent Broadway tour still remains fresh and in top shape. Leading the love triangle are John Cudia as the Phantom of the Opera, Marni Raab as Christine Daae and Michael Gillis as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantome de l'Opera by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with the innocent soprano, Christine Daae, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her talents and by employing devious methods at his command. However, he does not anticipate an opponent to steal away his love, as they both fight for the heart of Christine Daae.                

Cudia has no problem commanding the role of phantom. He is both vocally and artistically impressive as the tormented soul fighting to win his battle. He brings an enormous amount of angst and passion to the character.  

Marni Rabb, a seasoned veteran with Phantom, still manages to keep the innocence fresh with her portrayal of the frightened young soprano, but seems to lack power with her songs. Gillis, though not as commanding in demeanor, brings a sense of fresh young love to the role of the young suitor and also soars with a beautiful tenor voice that is well-matched that of with Raab.

Supporting leading roles include Kim Stengel, playing Carlotta and holding the record for this role in over 4,000 performances. Stengel's ability to capture the overbearing opera diva is remarkably charismatic; not so in the case of her counterpart and muse, male opera tenor Ubaldo Piangi, played by John Whitney. Whitney's uninspired manner lacks enthusiasm and essence, as does Ms. Daae's ballerina/confident Meg Giry played by Kate Wray, who could be on the Phantom's list of chorus members who need to find their note.

However, as in many a good Phantom of the Opera production, the opera managers always seem to add much levity and charm, to this drama-heavy show and longtime cast member D.C. Anderson playing Monsieur Andre and Bruce Winant, Monsieur Firmin do just that. Both equally shine, entertain, and step out of line delightfully throughout the production.

As the Phantom declares, "The chorus is enchanting but the dancing is indeed far from a lamentable mess". The entire company keep Gillian Lynne's movement and characters fresh and enjoyable to see and hear. Add to this Webber's hauntingly lush score, Maria Bjornson's production designs and this long runner will continue to enchant audiences for many more years.

And now for some Phantom "phacts and phigures"* to impress your theater friends: 

There are 36 performers onstage with a crew of 60. 16 actors have been cast as The Phantom. There are 230 costumes with Carlotta's dress weighing 35 pounds; 160 wigs and 25 hairpieces are worn. 550 pounds of dry ice are used in each performance with 141 candles rising from the deck to form the underground lake. The chandelier weighs 1,000 pounds with 35,000 beads. There are 11 life-sized mannequins on the staircase, one elephant and one monkey musical box.

Over 80 million people have seen The Phantom of the Opera perform over 65,000 performances in 124 cities in 25 countries. Weekly running cost (in dollars) $610,000. There are 8 Phantom films from 1925,1943,1962,1974,1983,1989,1990 and 2004.

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart . Additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, Original Direction by Harold Prince.

* phacts and phigures presented by AWA touring/booking/marketing, NY as of 10/05

The Phantom of the Opera plays at the Forrest Theater through December 31^st.

For tickets and information: visit www.telecharge.com or www.forrest-theatre.com or call 215.923.1515

Photos: courtesy of PR Forrest Theater, Joan Marcus and RUG website