The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera
National Tour
Buell Theater
Denver, CO
August 25 - September 11, 2016

It’s difficult for me to believe that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is 30 years old. I saw it on Broadway in 1990 and several times on tour. The production on tour now is called a “restaging” of the original. It is puzzling why a show with the unprecedented popularity of Phantom would be compelled to change anything, but it was worth seeing to find out.

As the show began, it was clear to see it was the sets which received the greatest “update.” At the beginning of the show, the chandelier is already positioned above the audience, unlike the previous version where it started on the stage and was raised into position during the overture.  It was a much more realistic looking chandelier than its predecessor, but less impressive.

The song "Music of the Night" has been blocked differently. Gone is the strange Christine doll in a wedding dress. (Although Christine did appear in the finale wearing the wedding dress, although there is no explanation for the dress.) The Phantom's lair is now more of a luxury suite than a crude habitat.

The sets appear to be one round piece that turns throughout to change the setting. While they are sumptuously decorated, they are not as spectacular as the original. The new sets make the opera house feel small, less imposing. The underground lake in particular wasn't as impressive than in the past.

Fans of the first production will be happy to note that most of the original costumes are featured in this restaged production. Each one of Maria Bjornson’s designs are still stunning. One notable exception was the Masque of the Red Death costume worn by the Phantom at the end of “Masquerade.” The newer costumes were far less elaborate and frightening as the original. I found myself wondering how the characters knew it was the Phantom in this less dramatic costume.

Regardless of the staging, the music was the star of the show. After 30 years every song stands the test of time. The cast of the show was strong and the music still soared.

The tone of the show also seems to have changed. With the premiere of the ill-received sequel, Love Never Dies, the productions seems to take a more positive view of the Phantom – even during his murderous rampage at the end. Such changes are necessary to make the sequel believable, but it left theater goers with a different experience than before.

For those who never saw the previous staging, this show will likely delight them. But fans of the original may be disappointed in parts. Despite these changes, it’s clear Phantom still has the power to mesmerize an audience.