NYC Theater: The Phantom of the Opera Review - Dazzling, Mesmerizing, Captivating

The Phantom of the Opera, after 35 years will play its last Broadway show on April 16, 2023, is a captivating musical, filled with riveting performances and unforgettable songs and music that resonate in the senses.

As the curtain rises the audience is transported to the Paris Opera House, 1905, at a theater auction. The scene is dark, dusty, and we have the impression, the sale is a last ditch effort to raise a few dollars from the memories of the days when the theater was vibrant.


NYC Theater: MJ Review – Spectacular, Electrifying, A Must See


Slowly, the props are auctioned off. As the auctioneer announces each piece, we gain a little knowledge of the theater's early days. A bidding war erupts over a music box, with the prize going to a man in a wheelchair, it is obvious the two have a connection to the relics of yesteryear. Each of the items draws closer to the main piece, Lot 666, the famed Chandelier, which as we are told plays prominently in the famous demise of the theater.

Photo courtesy of Janet Walker.

As the Chandelier is exposed, the music dramatically returns us to the time when the theater was in full splendor, magnificent theatrical performances, the new owners, walking through the dressing rooms, and we are transported to the past. It is Act 1, we are in Paris in the late 19th century.


NYC Theatre: Broadway is Back and Chicago is Superb


Suddenly we are backstage of a production, scurrying about, the financiers dressed in finery are walking through the half-dressed showgirls, as the prop masters position the pieces which will carry our audience into the world of theater.

The Phantom of the Opera, a two act musical, with 20 different scenes, tells the story of the energetic days of the Paris Opera House, when the ghosts of musicals past inhabited the rafters and someone, known only as the Phantom, continued to reside alone, making financial demands on the owners in exchange for allowing them to house their production numbers without the possibility of disaster.

By scene three we are introduced to the Phantom, and the play moves through his story, and the angelic sound of Christine's voice, that pulls him out of his shadowy existence and for a moment allow him to believe in the possibility of love, even with his deformity which is covered by a mysterious mask.


London/NY/LA Theatre: The Play That Goes Wrong Review – Uproarious, Laugh Out Loud Funny


Act Two opens on "The Staircase of the Opera House - New Years Eve," an energetic full cast number, filled with the flamboyant masquerade costumes, as we celebrate the new year, full of hope and promise.

The theater owners hope for a prosperous new year and Raoul, newly engaged to Christine hopes she will make their relationship public and she torn between the mysterious Phantom, who threatens the success of the theater, and Raoul, who can provide a new future for her.

Photo courtesy of Janet Walker.

It goes without saying The Phantom of the Opera, is more than simply entertainment. It is a thrilling, alluring, magical event that will be remembered.

Captivating from the moment the curtain rises, The Phantom of The Opera, by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the longest running show in Broadway history ends its 35-year historical run, April 16, 2023. See it before it closes.


Music: Carly Simon Unveils "We Have No Secrets" From Forthcoming Live at Grand Central Release


Tickets for shows at New York's Majestic Theater are currently on sale for performances through April 15th, 2023.

While The Phantom of the Opera may be closing on Broadway, the mesmerizing splendor is continuing to thrill audiences around the world with daily performances in London, Greece, Prague, China, Italy, Sweden, Korea, and Spain.

Ticket for performances around the world can be purchased here.

All images courtesy of Janet Walker.

Haute Tease

  • World News: Parisian Politician Benjamin Griveaux and The Broken Hubris

    The sexual revelations that prompted Benjamin Griveaux to withdraw his candidacy for municipal elections in Paris next March also offers the President of the Republic the opportunity to dismiss a man convinced of his destiny at no cost. Explanations.

     
  • World News: In The Shadow Of Doha

    The recent Doha World Athletics Championships, held in the Persian Gulf, revealed an impossible climate to organize sports competitions and also the moral weakness of participating countries aware of multiple terror attacks sponsored by the host country on Qatar.

     
  • Autos, Yachts, Jets: Tips to Consider for Aspiring Car Collectors

    Automobiles, like postage stamps and coins, are a common collector's item. However, unlike the other two, not everyone can start a car collection. It takes someone with passion, time, and luxury to start this hobby.

     
  • L'hôpital, Entre Coût et Prix

    La dette accusée par l'ensemble des hôpitaux français sera en partie reprise par l'Etat. Mais sile financement de l'institution n'est pas remis en cause, les raisons du déficits restent entières et sans réponse viables. Explications.  

  • DE PALMA Review - A Masterclass Triumph

    DE PALMA, from A24 and Scott Rudin, presents the story of Director Brian DePalma, tracing his lineage from his middle class suburban beginnings through his highest achievements, lowest disappointments and the fun loving early days of modern moviemaking.

     
  • Philae Spacecraft Makes Historic Comet Landing

    The European Space Agency, with the assistance from the space docking launching station Rosetta, has robotically landed, which was live-streamed, the unmanned Philae Spacecraft on a comet recording and the first ever such landing by any space agency.