Phantom conquers Manila

Magnificent. That is the best word I can think of to describe The Phantom of the Opera. Maybe the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, is indeed “God’s gift to music.” Otherwise, He would never have allowed everything about its creation to come together at the right time and with the right people. As astrologers are wont to say about similar circumstances, the stars were all shining brightly in their proper places when the masterpiece that is the Phantom came to be.

And it is such a joy to find out that all those stars continue to shine brighter than ever. Just like they did so during the awesome London opening on Sept. 27, 1986. Just like they were up there throughout the past 26 years with over 10,000 performances in Broadway alone, plus many more in London and other parts of the world. In fact, the Phantom has by now, been seen on stage by over 130 million people.

Why, the stars were also there last Saturday at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines when the Phantom played one of its performances. This is the Phantom’s first visit to the Philippines and there is no question that Manila is all caught up in the enchantment. You could hear a pin drop in the packed theater and the standing ovation that came at the end was truly much deserved.

You know how it is with famous brands. They maintain the same high level of quality wherever they are in the world. You buy a Coke in Timbuktu and it will taste the same like the one you get at the corner sari-sari store. The Phantom of the Opera is now a famous brand worldwide. And there is no need anymore to go abroad to experience the Phantom. You watch it at the CCP and you will get the same show running in London or Broadway. This is so from the ornate proscenium to the height of the little ballerinas to the capabilities of the actors.

Now this is where differences can happen. The actors were chosen because they meet the standards set by the original production. They look the parts and adhere to all the requirements of the roles. This is all that they have to do to keep the show going and the audience happy anywhere. But they are also humans and they are artists. So while they act and sing the same way, their individuality also comes to the surface.

Given Webber’s reputation as a perfectionist, I was sure that the Manila Phantom would have an excellent cast. Claire Lyon as Christine sang like an angel. Anthony Downing as Raoul was every bit the dashing lover. Even James Borthwick and Jason Ralph as Firmin and Andre, plus Andrea Creighton as Carlota brought on the laughs. Cat Lane as Meg also had her moments. They were very good. But I was surprised to find more.

The first sign that this show was special was in the way that Phantom Jonathan Roxmouth sang that last note of Music of the Night. It was tender but anguished. That made for a strong but vulnerable Phantom and I knew he would run away with the show. His moving performance made it easy to believe in Christine’s dilemma or even in Madame Giry’s sympathies. With Roxmouth as anchor, everything else in the story fell into place. The cast turned brilliant. The make-believe turned real and the evening was truly magical.

But of course, The Phantom of the Opera is not only about gorgeous music and great acting. It is also a spectacle with beautiful sets and costumes for every scene. I would have enjoyed a crashing chandeIier. It only fell a few inches from the floor. But everything else was as expected. The elephant was a majestic figure in the opening scene, the gondola sailed smoothly on the underground river, the candelabras glowed and that Masquerade which opened the Second Act was stunning.

I went home with sore palms from clapping too much and thinking of how fortunate were the ushers at the CCP. They get to watch Phantom’s every performance. The show has now been extended to Sept. 30 and might even extend to more dates in October. Those words in the blurb from the London Daily Mirror in the souvenir program now ring so true, “If you see only one show, make sure it is this one.” The Phantom is not like anything else.

So now I wonder, what would Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and Concertus bring next to Manila? Chicago would be nice but after a Phantom such as this one, only Les Miserables ould fill the bill.