THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - A CLASSIC AND A MUST-SEE. - AmNews Curtain Raiser

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Tuesday, November 30, 2021

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - A CLASSIC AND A MUST-SEE.

Julia Undine, in the role of Christine Daaé


In sleep he sang to me

In dreams he came

That voice which calls to me and speaks my name

And do I dream again? For now I find

The Phantom of the Opera is there

Inside my mind

Sing once again with me

Our strange duet

My power over you grows stronger yet

And though you turn from me to glance behind

The Phantom of the Opera is there

Andrew Lloyd Webbers score, (who co-wrote the libretto alongside Richard Stilgoe) and lyrics by Charles Hart



THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - A CLASSIC AND A MUST-SEE.


By Suraji Sansi, Contributing Writer 


In India, when arriving in New York the Broadway musical that tantalizes the mind is the longest-running show in Broadway history, Andrew Lloyd Webbers The Phantom of the Opera. Its been capturing the imagination since it's debuted in 1988, and its the same for generations of my fellow countrywomen and men that visit New York City. In short, the seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, based on Gaston Lerouxs horror novel, is the first (and sometimes, only) musical of choice. 


I have to question whats enticing about a story of the Phantom, the unnatural figure that haunts the stage of the Paris Opera and subsequently falls in love with a beautiful young soprano and the night that my fiancé and I attended, stepping into the role of Christine Daaé was actress Julia Undine who returned to Phantom, where she made her Broadway debut as Christine. The gifted thespian previously toured the country as Christine with the original cast of the restaged North American National Tour, and was fortunate to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Maestro Yannick Nezet-Seguin, celebrating Leonard Bernstein, and has also performed with Josh Groban in the opening of his Stagestour in Atlanta. Her other theater credits include City Center's Pirates of Penzance (Mabel), Jack's Back (Jenny), Tell Me on a Sunday, Shrek (Fiona). TV includes Law & Order: SVU,” “All My Children.” Love and thanks to her family and friends!


My fiancé and I had grown up watching fairy tales and horrors with twists and turns on the television in Dharamshala and Mumbai, India. We had an amazing experience watching The Phantom of the Opera because the show provided us with an incredible opportunity to experience an extravagant spectacle in the theatre directly in front of our eyes. What can I say? The Phantom of the Opera is an experience, a whole vibe ensuring a spectacular experience night after night. The show's vibrant and beautiful setting — originally designed by Maria Björnson (1949-2002) brings you into the mysterious and exciting world of Paris. Originally directed by the great Harold Prince (1928-2019) the plot sprigs to life and had me on my toes throughout the night. 



Andrew Lloyd Webbers score, (who co-wrote the libretto alongside Richard Stilgoe) and lyrics by Charles Hart with its beloved signature song Music of the Night,” set the mood, and I found myself humming the gorgeous music. 


Incredibly excellent artists that dominated the stage, coupled with the overall ambiance created a perfect combination of romantic and scary drama.


Act one was beyond enticing, followed by the unmasking and rising of the chandelier on the stage, the live gunshot, a sound that bounced off my expectations, the stunningly beautiful lake setup the ballet rehearsal, and the staircase scene — all moved my me.  


On the business side, The Phantom of the Opera is a success story and according to data contained in Wikipedia, the musical has estimated worldwide gross receipts of over $6 billion+ and total Broadway gross of over $1 billion, and Phantom was the most financially successful entertainment event until The Lion King surpassed it in 2014.


The Phantom of the Opera is undoubtedly a Broadway production that you must see.






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