Review: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Enamors at VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is the longest running musical on Broadway. For the rest of this week, you have the opportunity to see PHANTOM here in Dayton at the Schuster Center.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe and book by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe and based on the French novel by Gaston Leroux, tells the story of beautiful young opera singer, Christine Daae, and the Phantom, a shadowy figure that lurks in the opera house who has become obsessed with Christine and her voice. Anyone who has seen this production before, needs to see this new production currently on tour. New sets, lights, choreography and staging make it an all new experience.

In the role of the Phantom, Quentin Oliver Lee, was mesmerizing. He commanded your attention, not only with his towering physical presence and extraordinary vocals, but emotionally as well. At times frightening and other times vulnerable, he made the Phantom a well rounded character and not just a one-note villain. His rendition of "Music of the Night", the Phantom's signature number, was perfection.

Smaller in stature, but no less powerful in voice, Eva Tavares was the perfect counter balance to Lee's Phantom. Her lovely soprano voice seemed tailor made for the part of Christine. Tavares had excellent chemistry with Lee as well as with love interest Jordan Craig as Raoul in all of their numbers, but her finest number was the solo "Wishing You were Somehow Here Again".

Other points of note with this production, the large ensemble and orchestra hit every note with precision. Jordan Craig's handsome Raoul is both splendid love interest and annoying third wheel in this odd love triangle. The costumes, with original designs by Maria Bjornsen, were simply stunning. Anyone interested in the technical elements of a production will be floored by the phenomenal set by Paul Brown and all of its capabilities, including its star, the chandelier. This new production doesn't skimp on the special effects and technological advancements since the original production. As an FYI, there are a few points throughout the musical with some louder noises so be prepared for that.

While I was familiar with the music but had never before seen a production of the show, I loved it. You should get out and see one of the six remaining performances. Get your tickets today online at www.ticketcenterstage.com, in person at the box office located in the lobby of the Schuster Center or on the phone at 937-228-3630. As always, please be aware that Ticket Center Stage is the only authorized outlet for not only PHANTOM OF THE OPERA but all Victoria Theatre Association events.

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

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