BWW Preview: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA At The Denver Center For The Performing Arts

"These Things Do Happen."

Just...not very often.

In a "Could this timing be any better?" event, The Phantom of The Opera -- which was the Temple Buell Theater's first theatrical production in 1991-- returns in an all-new rendition, just in time for the Buell's 25th Anniversary.

You may think you know Phantom, but the upcoming production at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts has been called "bigger and better than ever before." It's based on Director Laurence Connor's innovative staging in London at the famed Royal Albert Hall. It received superlative reviews, particularly for its spectacle and special effects. Connor brings his depth of experience to this new Phantom, having also directed productions of Les Miserables and Jesus Christ Superstar.

This production's Phantom is Chris Mann, who was Christina Aguilera's finalist from Season Two of television's The Voice. You may remember him as the classically trained singer who covered Aguilera's "The Voice Within" on the finale. Kaitlyn Davis and Storm Lineberger also star in this touring production.

Phantom defines the genre of epic musical theater and remains the longest running show in Broadway history (by far), with over 130 million audience members estimated worldwide. The show irresistibly combines a poignant story with a lush musical score and spectacular visual effects, choreography and costumes.

In case you haven't seen the show, The Phantom (the character) is a musical genius who haunts a famed opera house, where he lives hidden in solitude because of a tragic disfigurement. When he overhears the extraordinary singing voice of the beautiful, talented but naive star-to-be Christine, he is bewitched by her and offers to secretly tutor her. His vocal expertise becomes the currency of their deepening but eerie relationship, as he falls in love with her and she falls under his spell. But made mad by his ghastly appearance, the Phantom steers the two of them to their dramatic climax.

Phantom runs at the Buell from August 25 to September 11. For tickets, go to denvercenter.org or call 800-641-1222.

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