[NEohioPAL] Berko review: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (BW)

[Roy Berko]

‘PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ GETS FINE PRODUCTION AT BW

Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association)

--THE TIMES NEWSPAPERS--
Lorain County Times--Westlaker Times--Lakewood News
Times--Olmsted-Fairview Times	

--COOLCLEVELAND.COM--

Baldwin Wallace’s Music Theatre Program is
consistently recognized as one of the finest
educational experiences for students interested in
musical performing arts.  Under the sage leadership of
Victoria Bussert, graduates have gone on to successful
careers in various phases of the theatre including
starring on and off-Broadway.  

It is no wonder, with the reputation of the program,
when there was an investigation to designate several
schools to do the first amateur productions of Andrew
Lloyd Webber’s ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA,’ that BW was
chosen.

The show deservedly ran from November 6 to 18, to sold
out houses.   Performed by two different casts,  this
dual approach  gave more students a chance to perform
major roles.  In addition, due to the vocal difficulty
of the score, it allowed for conservation of the
voices in training.

‘ THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’ is based on the novel by
Gaston Leroux. The music was composed by Webber, with
lyrics by Charles Hart and additional lyrics by
Richard Stilgoe.  

The story focuses on Christine Daaé, a beautiful young
performer who becomes the obsession of a mysterious,
disfigured musical genius known as "The Phantom of the
Opera," who terrorizes the Paris Opera.  It was a
smash hit in London and New York.

Normally, I do not review college performances, but
since the BW production was a world amateur debut, I
am breaking the pattern.

Phantom is a difficult show.  It has a very complex
score.  It requires massive sets, numerous special
effects, many period costumes and a large and very
talented cast.  It is a challenge for professionals,
let alone the limits of a college budget and on and
off stage talent.

Bussert wisely altered the script so that some of the
special effects could be eliminated.  The famous
crashing to the stage floor of the chandelier was
modified and the boat floating on water was
eliminated.  It mattered little.   The overall effect
was positive.  This was a very, very good production.

Emily Leonard, who played Christine ,was enchanting. 
Pretty and petite, her voice was radiant.  Her acting
was believable, even when saying Webber’s
over-stylized lines.  This young lady is Broadway
ready!  

Handsome Paul Rawlings portrayed Raoul, Christine’s
lover.  He has a fine voice and a dashing air that fit
the role well.  

Erin Childs belted out the role of Carlotta, the opera
diva who Christine has replaced.  She properly overdid
the role.   Why Bussert had Childs and several other
members of the cast present their lines to the
audience, rather than directing them at the person to
whom they were speaking, is a mystery.   Kate Merrick
was excellent as the ballet mistress who has a special
relationship with the Phantom.  

Unfortunately, Javar Parker, who played the role of
the Phantom the night I saw the show, was not as
strong as needed.  He has a pleasant voice, but the
role requires more vocal abilities than he displayed. 
His acting stayed on the surface and he was often
difficult to hear, in spite of being miked.   

The singing and dancing choruses were excellent. The
choreography by Janiece Kelley-Kiteley and Associate
Choreographer Martin Cespedes was excellent.  

The orchestra, under the direction of Stuart Raleigh,
was superb.  There was a full sound, and the
complicated musical arrangements were easily handled.

Jeff Herrmann’s scenic and lighting designs were
outstanding.  Charlotte Yetman’s costumes, which were
era correct, were amazing in their detail.
 
CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:   BW’s ‘THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA,
though not of professional level, was much more than
anyone would expect from a college production. 
Bravo!!!


Roy Berko's blog, which contains theatre and dance reviews from 2001 through 2007, as well as his consulting and publications information, can be found at http://royberko.info
      
Roy's theatre and dance reviews appear regularly on NeOHIOpal, an on-line source.   To subscribe to this free service via the World Wide Web, visit http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/neohiopal.  His reviews also appear on www.coolcleveland.com


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