♫ He’s here… the Phantom of the Opera… ♫
The Phantom of the Opera, one of the most famous musicals of all time (fun fact: it is the most successful and longest-running show on broadway) is back in Singapore. I just barely missed it when it was here last, in 2008, as I moved here after its last show, but I was not about to miss it this time around. So we (with Gelle and Joey) booked category A tickets to a showing on its first night, which was last night. Our seats were 5 rows from the front, so we had a really great view. Addict much? 😛
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| Pictures on our seats. See how close to the stage we are? |
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| A pic with the famous chandelier |
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| Monopod selfie time! |
As most of my close friends know, I am a huge PHAN (that’s what Phantom fans call themselves, I didn’t come up with it on my own, okay?) but I only saw the 2004 movie version (how amazing is it that Gerard Butler, he of 300 fame, knows how to sing, by the way?). I saw it some ten times or more because I own a CD and I also have the songs on my ipod which I have listened to far too many times than I want to admit. In fact I once found the play’s entire script on the internet and printed it out, and it saved us from boredom that time Typhoon Milenyo blew out the electricity so Zenie and I sang it (yes, the entire script) to entertain ourselves. I did mention I was a phan, right?
It was even more magical to watch the story unfold live. The actors all had such beautiful vocals, especially Christine! As she sang “Think of Me,” her first solo, I found my tears streaming down my face. It always does that when I’m moved by beauty. I guess I was also crying partly because I couldn’t believe I was actually here watching this, when years ago this was only on my bucket list. How lucky am I?
The story of the Phantom as summarized in the official website:
The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano – Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.
I love the music! Andrew Lloyd Webb is a pure genius. I find it hard to choose which song is my favorite because I love them all! The music is hauntingly mesmerizing, and I love how the lyrics play with the theme of light and darkness, with the dark referring to the Phantom and light referring to Raoul.
For example, the phantom tries to woo Christine with these words:
♫ Turn your face away from the garish light of day
Turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light
And listen to the music of the night ♫
Then Raoul’s love song goes:
♫ No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I’m here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you
Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears
I’m here, with you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you ♫
And that just made me realize what my favorite song is… that last one, the famous “All I Ask of You.” Yet despite that, I think I love the phantom over Raoul, despite the former’s evilness. I just can’t help but feel sad for his plight, doomed to a life of no love because of his disfigured face. As always, my heart broke for him in the end as he picks up the music box monkey and sings softly,
♫ Masquerade, paper faces on parade
Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you… ♫
Ouch, right?
Then he turns and sees Christine, and tells her he loves her. When she flees, he then sings,
♫ You alone can make my song take flight
It’s over now the music of the night ♫
I was so very glad I had wisely chosen to wear waterproof mascara that night.
We gave a standing ovation when the cast took their bows.
In the midst of clapping, Gelle said, “Guys, we need to make a run for it after this.” As soon as the curtain dropped and the doors opened, we took off as fast as our high heeled feet could carry us. Why? We wanted to have pictures with the cast! And Joey and Gelle just so happened to know the way to the backstage door. We made it so that we were able to have pictures with the entire main cast! Woohoo!
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| The Phantom (Brad Little) |
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| Christine (Kristi Holden) and Madame Giry (Tina Walsh) |
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| Raoul (Anthony Downing) |
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| Carlotta (Andrea Creighton) |
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| Ballet girls |
There were few people backstage – just us and three others. It was so funny because we were scared we wouldn’t recognize the actors without their makeup on. Every time someone went out the door, we’d say to each other, “Who is that? Do we know that?” Luckily we did manage to recognize the important ones LOL. Joey even asked a few people if the phantom was still inside, and someone explained that it took a long time to get his makeup off, so he was the last one to emerge.
They were all very nice, smiling and saying, “yes, of course!” when we asked for their picture. Madame Giry even asked me what my name was and shook my hand as she said, “I’m Tina.” She and Christine chitchatted with us. Gelle was so amazed at how to down to earth they were and said she had such high respect for them because what they did was very hard, performing live every night and not getting as much recognition for their work as movie actors. I have to agree! It must be so hard not to be able to commit a mistake on stage! Gosh.
Anyway, in conclusion, I really enjoyed myself last night. So if you haven’t yet, book your tickets to the show on Sistic now!
EVENT DATE
16 Jul – 25 Aug 2013
Tuesday – Friday: 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2pm & 8pm
DURATION
Approx 2 hours and 30 minutes (including 15 minutes interval)
INTERVAL
Approx 15 minutes
VENUE
Grand Theatre
MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
TICKET PRICE (EXCLUDE BOOKING FEE)
VIP (includes drink + programme) – S$230
A Reserve – S$165
B Reserve – S$145
C Reserve – S$125
D Reserve – S$95
E Reserve – S$55
VIP Box (4 Seats) – S$920
(includes drink + programme)
Box Seats (2 Seats) – $250
Restricted Views
F Reserve – S$165
G Reserve – S$145
this is such a beautiful musical. so glad you enjoyed your night.
Phantom is beautiful- glad you enjoyed it! (Again!) xx
You would hit it off with my son and best buddy, they love this musical. I can't tell you how many times my girlfriend has seen it in New York City and in our hometown. And,like you my son loves the movie.<br />Oh, you looked gorgeous, all dressed up for the theater :)<br /><br />Lucy from <a href="http://www.lucysreality.com/" rel="nofollow">Lucy's Reality</a>
I've always wanted to see this show! I actually have not seen the movie because I don't want to spoil seeing it on stage 🙂