Phantom Review

Posted on Thu 9th May, 2019 @ 7:27pm by
Edited on on Thu 9th May, 2019 @ 7:36pm

712 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: A Diplomatic Affair
Location: FNS Feed
Timeline: MD 4, 0900

The Phantom is back and he's brought his famous, if slightly ominous, chandelier with him! Playing through Saturday, this Jillian Ricardo re-staging of the musical brings even more spectacle to the popular tale, though whether that's a good thing has been hotly debated by theater goers on Starbase 109 this week. Discussion swirls around whether there were too many changes, and whether some of the experiments in actors for the roles were successful or merely lowered the quality for those who came to see it for the first time, or for those who are well versed in all its ins and outs.

The Phantom, played adequately by Oliver Pinkerton, is a mysterious genius but, due to a frightening disfigurement, lives in a subterranean dwelling down the stairs, through the maze, and across the underground lake of the Paris Opera Populaire. His haunting of the theater is both figurative and literal as he causes mischief and some close calls to make his feelings clear to the theater management.

In love with, and a mysterious mentor to, the young soprano Christine Daaé, played and sung well by Elena Tovarisch, the Phantom quickly turns obsessive about convincing the new owners of the opera house to replace the older Carlotta, well sung by Hipolla Tensel, with Christine, while also gaining Christine's eternal love. Christine is in love with Raoul, played somewhat stiffly by Syrreil, a young and handsome aristocrat. Raoul finds Christine's "Angel of Music" mentor won't let her go easily.

This musical had some nice updates with sound design by Avery Basset, who helped the Phantom's pleas and whispers come from multiple areas in the Kirk Theater. The set design by Vance Belmont played with height using a rotating tower that opened to the underground canal and the Phantom's hidden lair almost convincingly. Like a jewel box with hidden compartments, the tower opened to reveal offices, backstage areas, and more. Holos were used, not entirely effectively, but the addition of some pyrotechnics added to the sense of drama.

Perhaps the highlights of the musical, for this viewer, were the gorgeous costumes by Victorina Dituri. They helped this cast of singers, ballerinas, producers, and aristocrats almost come to life.

Pinkerton, as the Phantom has a powerful voice, though his Phantom is not the softly hypnotic and seductive angel of music of the past, so some fans of the original musical dynamics were not pleased. With nothing to compare, other listeners argued it was well done.

Tovarisch has a lovely voice in the challenging part of Christine, and is rarely off stage for long. Syrreil has the mandatory voice, but not the charisma as Raoul that we would expect. A Vulcan is an unusual and risky choice to play a romantic part, and he wasn't as effective as Phantom experts might have preferred.

Tensel has a fantastic voice and hit all the high notes with ease, as well as having the comedic chops to make the diva Carlotta shine. She's put up with five years of these mysterious accidents, held on to her job and her voice in a demanding occupation, her popularity is still strong, and she's expected to just step aside for this chorus girl to become a star? How dare the Phantom be so presumptuous, this isn't 42nd STREET, this is the Paris Opera Populaire!

The new theater owners Monsieur Firmin, played by Andorian Thevishr ch'Vahi, and Monsieur André also played by an Andorian, Shakeng ch'Rasda, unexpectedly bring some great comedic timing to their roles, especially in their exasperation with all of the notes the Phantom mails with his criticisms and directions.

Fans of the music who don't care about the staging might have been better pleased than those who actually came to see the play. It isn't as bad as updating it to the 24th century, but it was missing some of the mystique of the classical performances, even with the wonderful sets. If you've never seen it, by all means head over to the Kirk Theater for one of the remaining performances. Having no expectations should make it still a pleasurable experience. Overall, I give the company a thumbs up for being brave enough to come to our far-flung shores, but only 3 of 5 stars for effective portrayal of the ancient and popular musical.

 

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