Phantom of the Opera - 15th May 2008

Much to the delight of fans new and old The Phantom of the Opera has opened in Sydney, commencing this week a marathon season of five months.

Last night’s performance played to a packed house of Phantom fans and patrons who, lucky enough to grab tickets to this opening night show, certainly had their efforts rewarded. Without question one of the greatest shows to ever hit the stage this latest production does well at maintaining the lofty standards set in previous efforts.

Headed by the stately and beautiful Ana Marina playing Christina and Anthony Warlow in the title role, the casting in these examples is notable for combining an established star and all his gravity with the special energy that comes from a performer new to her role. The supporting cast shone, very notably in the case of theatre managers Firmin (John O’May) & Andre (Derek Taylor) who are a delight together.

Personally, I was distracted by the imbalance between Marina and Warlow which coloured many of their encounters. Warlow, an unequivocal veteran to the role, was well at home and commanded each scene in which he was placed. Marina on the other hand, while certainly being beautiful onstage and having an undeniable talent, was visibly newer and, I feel, her young voice was less developed. In my opinion it’s going to take some time for Marina to rise from being Warlow’s co-star to truly become the production’s leading lady.  

The sets are of course superb and a demonstration of the very finest work in modern theatre. Moving constantly from brooding caverns to grandiose ballrooms, lighting and sound are masterfully executed. The technical intricacies of the production compete for your attention on the same level as the cast or anthemic music. There is some ‘theatre’ lost when so much of the story is told through multi-million dollar sets rather than acting and performance, but Phantom is classically about spectacle, so there’s much to love.

Last night’s performance of Phantom of the Opera was a marvellous night of entertainment in all and certainly would be enjoyed by anyone. With such an astonishing lush aesthetic and talented cast, not forgetting the timeless story and music, its easy to be overwhelmed at many points, I’m sure this will please established fans of the Phantom as well as earning a great many new ones.