|
Regional Reviews: San Francisco The Phantom of the Opera Also see Richard's review of The Mystery of Irma Vep and Patrick's review of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
The current refurbished revival of by director Laurence Connor has a new look and new technical aspects. Yes, there still are lush orchestrations, some nostalgia, adroit takeoff of opera of 1880, and the flourishing melodies all remain. That said, it certainly is different, but I am not sure it's better. Most of the changes have been made to the physical production and it certainly is more realistic with more pyrotechnic special effects. The chandelier is still there and it does close the first act. But this time (we were sitting in the fourth row of the orchestra) the elaborate chandelier started to descend with sparks and smoke pouring out, but it did not crash onto the stage. I thought, why is it even there if it is not part of the plot? The stage in most of the first and second acts is dominated by a large semi-circular piece that rotates, opens out, and splits to fashion such settings as the office of the managers of the Paris Opera House. There are precarious steps that appear as the Phantom, Christine, and Raoul go from high above the stage to a cut-down version of the Phantom's lair in the basement of the opera house. Not so many candles now. However, the new set actually produces a feeling of claustrophobia since every space feels restricted. Ever the famed staircase is gone from the second act opening, but the large cast still celebrates their masquerade party. I felt it was just too cramped. This Phantom is much darker and edgier and some of the romance has been drained from the story. Carlotta seems more important now and I feel that the Phantom's determination to make Christine a star at Carlotta's expense is not really upright anymore. It is more of a real madness of the character that he wants Christine to take the lead role. This is more in line with the Universal film starring Claude Raines and Susan Foster. It's more of a horror story now. Maybe it's good for the younger fans that now see the show, but I guess I am just a little old fashioned. Oh, and the cast. Chris Mann puts a different spin on the Phantom. He does a great job of playing an irrational character, but he is definitely not a romantic hero and you really don't feel sympathy for him. He is more intimidating when he sings "The Music of the Night." Katie Travis is splendid playing Christine; however, she is not as sincere and sparkling as priors Christine I have seen. She has a perky, pure soprano voice. Storm Lineberger gives a fervent performance as the youthful, enthusiastic Raoul. He has great vocal chops singing "All I Ask of You." Jacquelynne Fontaine as Carlotta displays an impressively opulent soprano voice which may make you wonder why the Phantom wants to replace her with Christine. Frank Viveros as Ubaldo Piangi, the opera company's chief baritone, with his powerful vocal chops is excellent in the small role. David Benoit as Monsieur Firmin and Edward Staudenmayer as Monsieur André are effective in the small roles of the owners of the opera house. I will say kudos to the late Maria Björnson and Christine Rowland for their beautiful costumes, and to Scott Ambler for robust choreography. The Phantom of the Opera plays through October 4, 2015, at the Orpheum Theatre, Market Street, San Francisco. For tickets call 888-746-1799 or online at www.shnsf.com. For more information on the touring production, visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com/ustour. Coming up next on the SHN schedule are Once playing only October 27-November 1 at the Orpheum Theatre; Riverdance playing November 4-8 at the Golden Gate; and Idina Menzel in If/Then November 10-December 6 at the Orpheum Theatre.
|
