Jonathan Roxmouth and Claire Lyon lead the cast of 'Phantom'

Manila, Philippines -  Filipino audiences will be able to enjoy outstanding performances from some of the leading actors in the international theater industry when the world’s greatest musical, The Phantom of the Opera, comes to the CCP Main Theater in Manila.

The role of The Phantom — arguably the most sought-after role in musical theater — will be played by Jonathan Roxmouth.

For his outstanding performance as The Phantom for the show’s South African season, Roxmouth was awarded Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical in the 2012 Fleur Du Cap Awards. Jonathan also won the Fleur Du Cap Award, as well as the highly respected Naledi Award, for Best Performance in a Musical for the lead role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He also received a Naledi Award Nomination for Best Performance in a Musical for the lead role of Danny Zuko in Grease, and nominations for both a Naledi Award and Fleur Du Cap Award for his performance in A Handful of Keys.

Jonathan has performed lead and principal roles in numerous award-winning musicals such as Cats, Beauty and the Beast, The King and I, Grease, The Buddy Holly Story and Jesus Christ Superstar in USA, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Claire Lyon (Christine)

In addition to his credits as a leading musical theater performer, Jonathan Roxmouth is an accomplished concert pianist, performing at concerts and corporate events in South Africa.

Producer Tim McFarlane, managing director of The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific, said, “When I first saw Jonathan’s performance as The Phantom I recognized an exceptional talent, and his interpretation of this iconic role is exciting, fresh and immensely powerful. This kind of talent is just what we are looking for, and Jonathan will be performing the role of The Phantom for the full Asian tour of The Phantom of the Opera. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him perform the role elsewhere in the world in the future.”

Joining Jonathan is Claire Lyon playing the equally sought-after role of Christine, the beautiful and talented soprano.

Classically-trained, Claire graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne in Australia, with a Bachelor of Music Performance. Most recently Claire has performed the role of Christine numerous times in the new and highly acclaimed Australian production or Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.

Prior to joining the cast of Love Never Dies, Claire was a renowned member of Australia’s national opera company, Opera Australia, performing in numerous classic operas such as The Merry Widow, Madame Butterly, Aida, La Traviata, Peter Grimes, Tosca and Carmen. She also performed the roles of Ida in Die Fledermaus and Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro, and performed in the world premiere of Opera Australia’s Bliss, which went on to enjoy success at The Edinburgh Festival.

Anthony Downing (Raoul)

As a soprano soloist, Claire has performed in oratorio works such as Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle and Bach’s B Minor Mass and Cantata Number 149 with the Victorian College of the Arts Orchestra.

“Claire is the perfect Christine,” said Mr. McFarlane. “She has the most exquisite voice which imbues the role with just the right blend of vulnerability, passion and tragedy. She is a beautiful performer.”

Presented in Manila by Smart Infinity and Citibank in cooperation with Philippine Airlines as the official carrier, The Phantom of the Opera, tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as The Phantom who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. 

With nearly 100 tons of scenery, breathtaking special effects, over 700 lights and more than 230 impeccably designed costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, The Phantom of the Opera, is an unforgettable musical experience.

The Phantom of the Opera in Manila is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi-Definition Radio, Inc. and Concertus in association with The Really Useful Group. Major sponsors are Shell V-Power Nitro +, PLDT Telpad, Diamond Hotel, OOCL, Monark Equipment and media partners Radio High 105.9, Crossover105.1, Monster RX93.1, 99.5RT, 2nd Avenue, ETC, Jack TV, ClickTheCity, PEP.ph, ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Ayala Malls, Rustan Commercial Corporation and Beringer-Napa’s Finest, exclusively imported and distributed by Happy Living Fine Wine. Tickets are available at TicketWorld 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.