I just got back home from an incredibly hectic day. I had work, then had to rush to buy dinner for my brothers, drop it off, got stuck in traffic, picked up my mom from work, then drove off to see my cousin before he left San Francisco for his flight home, followed by dinner with my mom in a bistro in Potrero Hill and then off towards the Orpheum to watch Phantom of the Opera. At this point I was sick of driving around, my feet hurt and was incredibly full from dinner, so I really wanted to be blown away by this show. It watched it a few years ago and was my first introduction to musical theatre. I don't remember who was in it, but I loved it. I then saw RENT's OBC (original broadway cast) just a few weeks after opening, thus cementing my love for musical theatre, but that's another blog...
So an understudy went on as the Phantom (Andrew Varela) this evening, but the rest of the leads were the same (Kyle Barisich and Trista Moldovan.) Act 1, scene 1 was okay for me, I really wanted Christine to shine in her "Think of Me" solo, but I have to say I was a little underwhelmed. Scene 2 seemed choppy, but mostly because I could vaguely make out what Meg was singing. Scene 3 was better, but I wasn't impressed by Raoul at all. Scene 4/5 was much better, and I actually like the way Christine sustained her notes at the end of "The Phantom of the Opera," but the scene before walking down the stairs seemed very fake, with a prerecorded quality to it. This was a scene I was looking forward to because I knew I would either like or hate the Phantom afterwards. I did like the Phantom and the quiet desperation in his voice. Considering he was an understudy, he did really well. "Music of the night" was nice and the scene that followed. Although at this point the show was really starting to show it's age. I was actually beginning to like the show and then scene 8 happened. The whole bit with the notes really annoyed because I couldn't hear everyone evenly, I don't know if it was their projection or sound mixing, but it was really bad. It sound so choppy and not cohesive at all. Scene 10 was much better, although I was really underwhelmed by Raoul and was beginning to strongly dislike the way the character was portrayed. I have to say that Christine hit the high "soar" note with just enough softness and strength in her voice. The best part though was the "All I ask of you reprise." I really felt for the Phantom.
Act 2, scene 1 was staged beautifully, the costumes were beautiful except for Christine's, I thought she looked ridiculous. Again, showing the shows age, since I can imagine that the dress was cute/attractive at some point. Scene 3 "Twisted Every Way" is one of my favorite bits in the show and I was happy with it. Scene 5, graveyard scene was acted and sung very beautifully. Christine and Raoul had great chemistry and I was just as frustrated as the Phantom when Raoul came in and ruined their moment. Scene 7/8 was beautiful and the Phantom's desperation and his love for Christine really moved me. I even had tears in my eyes at the end.
So all in all, I liked the Second Act and was underwhelmed by the First Act. I liked Christine, except for "Think of Me." Raoul, really did not enjoy, I zoned out at times, his voice and acting choices didn't endear the character to me at all. Maybe he just wasn't my cup of tea. The Phantom was consistently great, but was truly wonderful the 2nd act.
So quite a night. When I got home, I still had an online class quiz to take and the dogs to attend to. Which brings me to this blog, that I need to just submit what I have so far and end it here so that I may finally take that stupid online quiz......
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