![]() ![]() Blake Bowden’s Raoul is not as strong a hero figure as he once was. It feels like many of the new choices subtly reference where the characters progress to in the sequel Love Never Dies. ![]() It’s a lovely new interpretation, and perhaps the core strength of this new version. She’s more than happy to slap Raoul when he’s being unsupportive, or challenge the memory of her dead father in her big Act 2 solo.Īmy Manford balances the new acting requirements of the role with ease, and her pure vocal tone lends an exquisite clarity to the vocals, translucent as fine crystal when in her upper register. Less the ‘heroine-victim’ and more sure of herself as she finds her way through the expectations of the controlling men around her. The character of Christine is stronger and more confident. This version is less romantic than the original – but perhaps more real. But how many lives will he sacrifice to make the music of the night?’ And in Christine Daaé, he’s found his angel of music: the young woman he would make a star. It is unlikely many readers will be unfamiliar with this story, but for the benefit of those newcomers, ‘the Phantom haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House. Phantom of the Opera has been around for over 30 years, and it is certainly time for another take on one of the most popular and enduring works of modern music theatre. The publicity tells us it’s ‘bigger and better than before’, and while it may not actually appear bigger on the Joan Sutherland stage, there are some choices that have infinitely improved upon the original direction for this new century. Yes, some elements of the epic spectacle have been abandoned, but there are visual treats aplenty with some wonderful details and character interpretations that bring their own reward – once you stop mourning the loss of all those floating candles. So, it is important for audiences to leave any past experiences at the door and open their minds to a new interpretation. If they do, there are some rare and wonderful treats to be discovered. ![]() The reimagined production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera currently playing at the Sydney Opera House is still spectacular – but it does depart from the original staging quite dramatically.
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