Ever since I was about fourteen years old, I have loved the Phantom of the Opera. I first listened to the soundtrack with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Then I watched the movie (Emmy Rossum, Gerard Butler and Patrick Wilson). I loved the movie so much that I promptly made it a part of my DVD collection. Then, about 3 years ago, I received The Phantom of the Opera music book for Christmas from my dad. I'm sure that I do not need to say how much joy this brought to my life. I can't count the number of times that I have sat down at the piano and just played my beloved Phantom of the Opera music. There was, however, always one thing missing from my Phantom experiences: I had never seen it live.
Well, all that changed tonight. When I discovered that The Phantom was to be performed in Cape Town, I immediately bought tickets... That was in about May. I waited for what seemed like forever to finally have my dream fulfilled and see this amazing musical live.
Tonight was finally the night. I waited with eager anticipation for the time to go and see it. Unfortunately, we arrived late, and so were unable to watch the introduction. And, as we walked in during the Overture, the chandelier dropped in the middle of it being raised to the ceiling, to meet its former majesty. After about forty five minutes of trying to fix the thing, we were able to go back in and continue watching. Within seconds, we had all forgotten the unfortunate beginning, and were so entranced with the music and special effects that we could think of nothing else. It was, in a word, sublime. (Anybody who knows where in the musical that's from is awesome!)
I didn't enjoy the actress playing Christine very much. She seemed too mature for the role and lacked all of the innocence that a sixteen year old should have. Her voice was too harsh, in my opinion, and often sounded detached and angry. This was the one downside to it. I wish with all my heart that we could have seen a younger, more innocent Christine. Unfortunately, we didn't. But it did not ruin the night.
Raoul was played by a guy who sang in the UCT Singers with me last year (then known as the SACM Choir). He was very good, and he managed to lift whatever scene he was playing in with his strong voice, and I might add, his attractive face. He suited the role very well, despite only being the understudy. His voice was full, and he held a look of adoration for Christine in his eyes. Very well done.
The prize must, however, go to Jonathan Roxmouth, for his stirring performance of the Phantom. The actor who has played roles such as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast, and one of the awesome cats in Cats, as well as having performed in things like A Handful of Keys, managed to successfully portray the character of a man who has been defeated by everything in life. From a young age, the Phantom has been despised and shut out from the world. The only person who ever showed any compassion towards him was Madame Giry. The pain of such a life as was led by the Phantom was felt by all as he sang the Reprise to All I Ask Of You. "I gave you your freedom; made your song take wing. And now, how you've repaid me: denied me and betrayed me." I was fighting to hold back sobs in this scene. He seemed to be taking on all the pains of the world, and it was impossible not to feel that as an audience. His portrayal of the phantom led to an immense compassion and empathy towards his character, despite the terrible things he has done. Rather than resenting his violent nature, the pain expressed so openly by Jonathan Roxmouth enables the audience to capture an understanding of why he is like that. A brilliant performance!
Unfortunately, because of the technical problems experienced at the beginning of the show with the chandelier, we did not get to see it falling after Don Juan Triumphant. Even with that knowledge, I could not wish for a better performance. The emotions I felt whilst watching it and listening to it were so real that I cried more than once. At the end of the Phantom's rendition of The Music of the Night, I could barely breathe. It was amazing. Phenomenal. Superb.
It was, in a word, sublime.
