The Phantom Of The Opera of course is not all about 'The Chandelier' yet that is indeed a fine place to start.
"I remember one potential director said to Cameron [Mackintosh] and me that the opening 'chandelier moment' could never work. I believe that is the most theatrical moment that I ever conceived, a moment that can only be achieved in live theatre" explains Andrew Lloyd Webber.
And yes, the famous chandelier has been made even more spectacular for the Australian premiere.
The new Cameron Mackintosh staging for the Australian premiere of this new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's 1986 musical, reclaims the 1910 French novel heritage transforming the Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre into the Paris Opera Garnier. This new dramatic The Phantom Of The Opera set creates a deep emotional response as the backdrop for sensational performances from the love triangle of Phantom stars, Josh Piterman, Amy Manford and Blake Bowden.
I was captivated by the brilliance of all three, individually and together in their different formations. We're introduced to all three in Christine's dressing room with Little Lotte/The Mirror/(Angel of Music) however the innocent splendour of Christine (Amy Manford) first fully resonates in the show namesake song Phantom Of The Opera. It's here too that we understand the magnificence that Josh Piterman will bring to his Phantom. Soon his majesty and pathos is emphasised with the song I woke up singing the next morning, The Music of the Night. As the longest running show on Broadway and the most famous and successful of the Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, no doubt you already know these songs too.
Can you name a better duet than I Remember/Stranger Than You Dreamt It? And here this live duet from Amy Manford and Josh Piterman was heart piercing and perfect. I've not witnessed better!
Later I was transfixed when all three melded in song in Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again in the graveyard.
The musical picture was completed, deepening our emotions, touching our hearts, with an absolutely brilliant performance from the orchestra.
The other most noteworthy performances are from the 'new' opera house managers, Andrew Morton as Monsieur André and David Whitney as Monsieur Firmin, who each radiated confidence that commanded our attention, and yet flowed together in perfect business partnership. And I was particularly taken with the stoic portrayal of Madame Giry by Jayde Westaby who achieved the unachievable in posture and icy glance. Did she have a steel rod up her back?
As a footnote, it has been a long time since I have held such a generous old-style program which not only provides you with all the information that you need to enhance your enjoyment of the show, but also captures the luscious generosity of this production, its set and costumes. Make sure to get yours when you see this unmissable show. If you can get a ticket that is!
The Phantom Of The Opera is now playing at the Sydney Opera House until 16 October 2022.
