The Phantom of the Opera: From Johannesburg to Manila

Photos by Pepper Teehankee on a Canon Digital Powershot

The Paris Opera House assembled onstage, a gondola ride, a crashing chandelier… these are what the audience can expect when they watch Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical The Phantom of the Opera in Manila on Aug. 25.

The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical on Broadway, and is on its 26th year in London’s West End. It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the Paris Opera House. The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 130 million people in more than 27 countries and has grossed more than $5.6 billion. The timeless musical has been honored with seven Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards and three Olivier Awards.

I first saw this musical over 20 years ago on Broadway and I even caught the late Steve Barton, who originally played Raoul, as the Phantom. I saw it again 10 years later and found it as impressive as when I first watched it.

Then the 25th anniversary of the Phantom was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This version, which was a live stage performance that was filmed, was shown in Philippine theaters last year (not to be confused with the movie version). After seeing it, I thought the people involved in the production changed many of the props and sets. They also made some scenes longer. I was very impressed with the production but disappointed that they had changed so many things from the original musical. 

Bambi Verzo of Concertus, one of the producers of Phantom in Manila, then invited me to Johannesburg, South Africa to see the musical. This South African production is the same company that will be coming to Manila. 

Johannesburg was as pleasant as I remembered it to be. The weather was nice, the traffic was horrendous and the place was as excitingly dangerous as it was when I was there six years ago. We had our fill of eating and shopping before doing interviews with the wonderful and immensely talented young cast of this production. (This column will be featuring the cast next month.)

My dreams of seeing the backstage and props of this spectacular production came true on our second day. I took loads of photos, stood onstage, wore the Phantom’s mask and carried several costumes — with each costume weighing more than 10 kilos. I got to see the Masquerade set, stand in front of the mirror and ride the Phantom’s gondola.

That same night, we watched the production that was going to be shown in Manila. I was immensely satisfied that they had not changed much from what I saw on Broadway. I found out later on that the 25th anniversary production at the Royal Albert Hall was indeed prepared solely for that purpose and had nothing to do, to my relief, with the existing production. 

Standouts of the show were Jonathan Roxmouth (the Phantom) and Anthony Downing (Raoul).

The 25-year-old Roxmouth sang with a voice whose power was beyond his age. In my interview with him, he was very familiar with most of those who had played the role of the Phantom and said he tried to come up with his own version of the Phantom and not just copy any of them. In the performance that I saw in South Africa, I thought he tried to sing in the style of Anthony Warlow with the matching angst of Ramin Karimloo. I felt it was a good performance.

Downing was downright impressive as he sang with such clarity, something very important for the role of Raoul. His crystal clear and strong voice, I dare say, made him even better than Steve Barton.

The Christine of this production will be replaced by an Australian thespian in the Manila run.

Joining the international cast and orchestra are some of country’s talented local musicians selected by musical director Guy Simpson during auditions conducted in Manila earlier this year. Alongside these Filipino musicians is Filipino tenor Dondi Ong, who will be the cover of Piangi.

With 130 cast members, crew and orchestra, lavish sets, special effects, and more than 230 costumes, The Phantom of the Opera guarantees to entertain.

Tim McFarlane, managing director of Really Useful Company Asia Pacific, says, “This touring production of The Phantom of the Opera is as fine as any version you might see on the West End or Broadway. It is the same superb design, and we invest a great deal to ensure it is of the highest standards.”

With the “work” part over in Johannesburg, our group — Star’s Tim Yap and Nathalie Tomada and Inquirer’s Pam Pastor and my favorite traveling and shopping partner Tessa Prieto Valdes — was treated to a tour of the city and a visit at a lion reserve, where we went on a game drive. Of course, our shopping continued with Tessa and me bringing home a lot of souvenirs. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this South African production of The Phantom of the Opera and when it comes to Manila, I am almost certain that I will see the show at least twice again.

Due to high demand for tickets, The Phantom of the Opera in Manila will have its season extended until Sept. 30 at the CCP Main Theater. In announcing the season extension, producer James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, says, “It is an enormous privilege to bring The Phantom of the Opera to the Philippines for its premiere. I have always believed that audiences here will embrace this unforgettable show and love it as much as I do. So I am delighted to see such a strong demand for tickets, and to be able to offer 16 more performances.”

Presented in Manila by Smart Infinity and Citibank in cooperation with Philippine Airlines as the official carrier, 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 and Monark Equipment. Media partners are Radio High 105.9, Crossover 105.1, Monster RX 93.1, 2nd Avenue, ETC, Jack TV, The Philippine STAR, BusinessWorld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Sunstar Cebu, ClickTheCity, PEP.ph, ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Regional Network Group. Other partners are Ayala Malls Cinemas, Ayala Malls, Rustan Commercial Corp. and Beringer, imported and distributed by Happy Living Fine Wine.

(For tickets, call 891-9999 or check out www.ticketworld.com.ph or www.facebook.com/TicketWorldManila. Call 403-8678 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].)