Hennepin Arts
The Phantom has taken up residence at the Orpheum Theatre, playing through Dec. 7th. This touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” is, quite simply, a revelation. It looks better, sounds better, and sweeps you away more completely than any tour of the show seen in recent memory. The production achieves a truly masterful balancing act: It honors the spectacular, iconic romance and Gothic atmosphere that defines the original production while meticulously stripping away any elements that might feel dated to a contemporary eye, giving us big voices, big sets, and big heart.
Let’s face it, the audience is immediately divided into “Team Phantom” or “Team Raoul” for Christine’s affection from the moment this legendary love triangle takes shape. We witness the agonizing pull on Christine Daaé (Jordan Lee Gilbert) between the safety and light of her fiancé Raoul (Daniel Lopez) and the dark, dangerous artistic energy of her hidden music mentor, The Phantom (Isaiah Bailey). This trio all sing their roles with passion, allowing their powerful voices to soar across the Lloyd Webber score.
Lee Gilbert has mastered the duality of Christine’s demanding role. Her performance requires a crystal clear soprano voice capable of meeting the technical demands, but her acting matches this vocal strength as she navigates the transition from the naive girl to the woman making her own heart-wrenching choice. This is a Christine we root for, recognizing her strength amid emotional turmoil. Countering Christine’s purity is Midori Marsh in the role of Carlotta Giudicelli, dripping in furs and providing all the necessary camp and levity we need in this emotionally heavy evening. She grounds the chaos of the opera house with her delightful diva antics. In the title role, Bailey exhibits remarkable control, effortlessly transforming from fragile genius to formidable villain in a single song. His Phantom is complex, exhibiting a depth that makes him a Phantom we pity, root for, and ultimately despise. Critically, this Phantom’s obsessive control is not romanticized; it is presented as a tragic, destructive force. Bailey is the Phantom of a new generation, leaving others as distant memories.
Hennepin Arts
The production feels significantly more operatic in talent and staging. It truly feels as though you are inside the Paris Opera House from the moment the show begins. The North American Tour is directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn, based on the original direction by Harold Prince, with choreography by Gillian Lynne, recreated by Chrissie Cartwright. The entire creative team honors the original while ensuring the production feels vibrant and modern. This is achieved through clever updates to the visual language. As grand as the staging feels, the genuine, intimate moments between characters are never lost in their tenderness. There are just a few iconic set pieces that audiences have come to expect from modern musicals, and this one has several. This production delivers a beautiful boat ride across an underground lake, complete with rising candles. Still, it is the chandelier we all hold our breath for as it comes to life. In all its glory, the chandelier is there, and its effect has not lost its impact after all these years. In fact, due to the latest technology and its sheer speed, it is even more electric and impressive.
“The Phantom of the Opera” became the longest-running show in Broadway history on Jan. 9, 2006, a record it held until its final bow at the Majestic on April 16, 2023. This current touring production is a brilliant reimagining, reminding us exactly why this musical is a classic. It ensures the passionate themes of artistic genius, love, and protection shine through without distraction. If you want a visually spectacular, emotionally resonant night of classic theater, this is the ticket.
Hennepin Arts
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