photo credit: Meghan O'Shaughnessy[/caption]The Phantom of the Opera, the classic, long-running musical, has proven an unparalleled success at Durham’s popular performing arts center. Returning to the DPAC for the first time in five years with a newly-imagined set and staging, Phantom never seems to show its age--as Broadway’s current title-holder for longest running musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece shines just as it did at its beginning, 28 years ago.
The story of a deformed composer living underneath a Parisian opera house who falls in love with a beautiful young opera singer is well told--or rather, sung--by the exemplary cast. Starring Cooper Grodin as the titular Phantom and Julia Udine as Christine Daae, the young singer who catches the Phantom’s eye, the production soars with emotion and mystery. Ben Jacoby plays excellently off of the pair as Raoul, Christine’s harried but loyal love interest, and Jacquelynne Fontaine is pure entertainment as the delightfully detestable diva Carlotta. The whole cast together is a force to be reckoned with, as every member of the ensemble fills the stage with dynamic dancing and incredible vocals.
In another of many changes to the national tour of Phantom, new sets with significant differences from those of the original Broadway production are utilized--most notably, a drum-like piece that serves as the descending staircase into the Phantom’s lair, as well as opening up into the office of opera managers Andre (Edward Staudenmayer) and Firmin (David Benoit). Although this change does lead to an almost claustrophobic feeling as more and more characters pile into the scene, the overall effect of the piece is inventive and daring, allowing an audience to experience the backstage of the Phantom’s opera house like never before.
Perhaps the most significant contributor to Phantom’s enduring success is the timeless score, thrusting audiences into the mysterious world of the Phantom, Christine, and the Opéra Populaire with both dramatic flair and graceful subtlety. Conducted brilliantly by Jamie Johns, the orchestra soared with the classic melodies of Andrew Lloyd Webber, creating palpable tension and excitement with every note.
Overall, The Phantom of the Opera at the Durham Performing Arts Center is a must-see production that combines exciting spectacle with a moving story and a superbly talented cast and orchestra. A treat for new and old fans alike, the newly imagined Phantom has something for everyone to enjoy.
The Phantom of the Opera ran from October 8 to October 19, 2014.
0 comments