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Phantom steps out of shadows for downtown show
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by Forest Taylor
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
It was the second longest running musical in Broadway history. The story of a deformed musical genius, forced to live a life of seclusion and madness under the Paris Opera House. January 5th, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award winning musical, “The Phantom of the Opera,” came to Madison for a 25 performance run at the new Overture Center. Those who went expecting grandness and spectacle were not disappointed.
The play is based on a 1911 book by French author Gaston Leroux, and, though it was not a huge success in print, it became famous when the role of the Phantom was brought to life by Lon Chaney in the 1925 film. In 1986, composer Andrew Lloyd Weber tackled the tale and the result is what we can see today.
In the story, we have the lovely young heroine, Christine, who sings and dances with the back-ups, but dreams of being in the spotlight. Her chance comes when the star female singer is nearly killed in a bizarre "accident." Christine's performance is greeted enthusiastically by the public and the new owners of the theater. This is not by chance, though. She has been receiving lessons from a mysterious teacher, her "Angel of Music." Enter the Phantom, our tortured protagonist who has taken special interest in Christine's career. When Christine is reacquainted with her old flame Raoul, they soon fall in love again. This does not sit well with the Phantom, who vows that Christine will be his.
The play is presented beautifully in Madison's new theater. Intricate props include grand stairways, carved accents to frame the stage, a giant and functional chandelier, a murky, underground lake and numerous other backdrops and props that put the viewer into the musical along with the actors. The underground lake, beneath the opera house floors, is truly the marquee piece of the set. Fog rises steadily and an old organ stands in the corner. The Phantom ferries Christine through this murky catacomb in his small boat and the audience may forget that there is not actually a body of water on the stage. The special effects are flawless.
The acting is wonderful and one gets the sense that the actors know their characters intimately and enjoy bringing them to life. Facial expressions are wonderful and mannerisms seem completely natural. Gary Mauer, Rebecca Pitcher and Tim Martin Gleason are amazing as the Phantom, Christine and Raoul, respectively. All of the actors and actresses shine, but these three especially act with a passion that is truly impressive.
The music and singing are not too bad either ... in fact, both are amazing. Even those who have never seen the play will recognize at least a few tunes and probably more. Nothing heard on a recording, though, can compare to hearing the real thing live. The range these performers have is amazing and to be able to perform every night for almost a month is mind-blowing. The main characters may have the juiciest parts and verses, but, every actor on the stage, who sings at any time, has a voice that is solid gold. This is the major league. There are no weak players here. a beautiful story with beautiful music and the people who have brought this production to Madison have done a beautiful job. All those in the audience will be fans for life after seeing this play. The spectacle, the characters and the voices are all unforgettable.
Anonymous (February 13, 2005 @ 10:50pm):
Thank you~ It does feel good to see compliments in print! Especially from the University where my parents met and attended!! Way back in 1952!! Thanks so much! Gary Mauer, the guy who played the Phantom!!
