By Peter Kemp
The Phantom of the Opera
Melbourne, the home of Australia’s theatre, welcomed Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The new Production of The Phantom of the Opera.
Back in the ‘90s the original The Phantom of the Opera opened in the Princess theatre. An apt theatre because what many people don’t realise is that The Phantom is set in Paris’s Opera House which was built at the same time as Melbourne’s Princess Theatre which also has its own ghost.
The latest version is playing at the State Theatre Victorian Arts Centre which is possibly the only theatre in Melbourne to handle the Melbourne theatre goers. Opening night saw the house packed.
A lavish production with amazing sets ranging from the far east to the caverns under the opera house of Paris. Sets flowed smoothly and is a credit to the behind stage staff who handled all the changes with promptness which showed in the production.
Starring as the Phantom was Josh Peterman, a brilliant performance added to by a wonderful singing voice not to mention great acting.
Christine Daaė, the heroine, was given an excellent performance by Amy Woodford. Not only is she a wonderful actor, she has the soprano voice to match. An amazing performance which was loved by the opening night audience.
Christine Daaė’s undeclared fiancé, Raoul, the Vicomte de Chagny was given a magnificent portrayal by Blake Bowden. Bowden lived up to the aforementioned in his acting and voice. This role was increased in this newer version of The Phantom of the Opera which made the story far more satisfactory.
The two new owners of the Opera House were Monsieur André, played excellently by Andy Morton and Monsieur Firmin, also well played by David Whitney.
The Ballet Mistress, Carlotta Giudicelli, was given a wonderful interpretation by Jayde Westbury.
Two other leads were Ubaldo Piangi, performed by Paul Tabone who handled the role with expertise. The company’s diva, Madame Giry, was played by Giuseppina Grech. A great interpretation,
her daughter, Meg Giry, handled her role with ease and gave a stunning performance.
The ensemble lived up to the Melbourne audience’s expectations and your correspondent highly recommends, DO NOT MISS IT.
