Phantom Swept Me Off My Feet!
A Review by Sharon Richmond
Mother Lode music fans shouldn’t miss this chance. The Phantom of
the Opera is back in town and tickets are going fast. Take your
kids, spouse, friends - and your tissues. This fabulous performance
left me sobbing so hard I soaked the neckline of my blouse and
earned me hugs from other red-eyed, smiling audience members. The
instant ovation given to the cast at curtain close left no doubt
that opinion of the packed house was unanimous.
The Phantom of the Opera is the pinnacle of the live theater and
music experience. The set is the most elaborate and sophisticated
I’ve ever seen, possibly ever made for live theater. The special
effects, lights, and sound mesh perfectly with the singers and
musicians. The magic of the show snares the audience in the
prologue when we see the tragic remains of a once-majestic theater
being auctioned off. The gilt edifice and tattered curtains
gradually come alive with light and mystery as the tragic tale
unfolds.
The auctioneer’s cold and unfeeling voice is haltingly replaced by
lyrical memories of one of the bidders. Then the music soars. The
Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Gorst, provided a perfect
framework for the singers to hang their own outstanding
performances.
From the Phantom’s first dramatic entrance to his mysterious and
tragic rejection and disappearance at final curtain, Stephen
Tewksbury grabs our emotions and plays them with unparalleled
mastery. Just – WOW! Tewksbury takes us through the gamut of
longing, desire, exultation and triumph, through the final despair
and loss. Audience members of all ages willingly followed this
emotional pied piper to his underground lair, and most would have
stayed there with him.
The lead role of Christine Daae’ and person of the phantom’s
desires, was performed by Sarah Jean Ford. Her voice is remarkably
rich. Sopranos of such slight build frequently have a thinner
quality to the music they produce – this is NOT true of this
remarkable singer. This woman’s range of acting is as profound as
her voice. She is excellently cast. Ford’s vocal competitor in the
role of Carlotta was Kim Stengel. This stunning singer is
tremendously comfortable with her long-standing performance in this
role. She throws herself playfully into this caricature of an opera
singer and twines the audience around her little finger. Her 4,500
performances in this role give her an unmatched authority.
Our hero, the handsome and debonair Raoul, was convincingly
performed by Greg Mills. John Whitney had fun opposite "Carlotta"
with the role of Piangi. Monsieurs Andre’ and Fermin were
wonderfully portrayed by D.C. Anderson and Bruce Winant. Nancy Hess
has a beautiful voice and was the epitome of a strict dance mistress.
All the supporting cast were highly accomplished singers and
actors. One expects top quality from Broadway shows, and we were
not disappointed. Live performances are only as strong as their
weakest performers. No one on stage, working tech or playing music,
was remotely weak. Their consistency was an audience members' and
per-formers' dream. A show of this nature can be a real investment
for a family to see. This one is worth it.
Broadway Sacramento’s production of Phantom of the Opera runs
through June 14, and this is the last of this season. Tickets may
be purchased at the Community Center box office at 916-808-5181 or
at Wells Fargo Pavilion at 916-557-1999.
For more information on Broadway Sacramento shows for the 2008-2009
season, visit online at
www.BroadwaySacramento.com.
The Music Circus summer season opens July 5 with the family
oriented Sound of Music, followed by Gypsy, July
15-20. For bloody-minded viewers, the Music Circus premier of
Sweeny Todd: the Demon of Fleet Street runs from July 22-27 (I
won’t miss this!). Watch for Swing, My Fair Lady,
Evita, and Hairspray later this summer, to be announced
in this publication.
There are shows for all types of viewers and performances are
always great. Tickets for these shows can also be purchased at The
Wells Fargo Pavilion at 916-557-1999. Tickets are available at the
Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, Sac-ramento Community Center, 1301
L Street.
www.californiamusicaltheatre.com
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