PHANTOM IN LOVE
Broadway's longest-running musical hits the Midwest
Katelin Meyer
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: point of view
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Operating for almost 20 years now, "The Phantom of the Opera" is the longest-running show in Broadway history. Based on the book written by Gaston Leroux in 1911, the story takes place in an opera house in the 19th century.
Dancer Christine Daae has been taking singing lessons from an unknown instructor who, we eventually discover, is the phantom of the opera and has fallen in love with her.
Christine believes her instructor is the angel of music that has been sent to her by her father. He sings into her ear and lives in her dreams.
The new managers of the opera house quickly make Christine the lead in that evening's opera. After the successful show Christine sees her old friend, Raoul shortly after falls in love.
As the phantom takes Christine through her dressing room mirror to his "world," darkness takes the place of the light. When the phantom learns of Christine and Raoul, jealousy consumes him. The phantom begins taking extreme measures to win over Christine.
Not only does the opera offer exquisite musical ability and storytelling, the scenery and special effects are impeccable. There is also a variety of effects to enhance the performance including pyro-techniques and intense fog.
"The lake scene was my favorite," Carol, audience member said. "It was amazing how real the water and the movement of the boat looked."
Incredible ideas are so cleverly executed that it appears you're watching a television show. From moment to moment, you are taken from the audience, to behind the curtain and backstage, all while hardly noticing the change of scenery.
With amazing effects and incredibly realistic scenery, "The Phantom of the Opera" is an intriguing story of a love triangle with a bit of a twist.
Both first-time viewers and opera lovers welcome.
For more information, visit www.thephantomoftheopera.com.
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