Phantom of the Opera The Phantom of the Opera is Andrew Lloyd Webber's dark romantic musical which has awed audiences throughout the world. It is considered one of the three best on Broadway, along with Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. A mysteriously seductive atmosphere, combined with a strong pulsed musical score manage to keep the audience paralyzed with a sense of fear. From the chandelier falling over the audience to the infamous unveiling of the mask, the audience is a part of the show, thus enhancing the fear, pity, and passion that is masterfully portrayed by a marvelous cast.The atmosphere is intriguing as it brings the audience back to a late 19th century op ...view middle of the document...
The lighting is also masterfully used to enhance the magical yet mystical setting of the show. A large portion of the lighting is actually more like shaping the darkness. Unlike many other Broadway shows, the Phantom is a show which needs to use less lighting in order to establish the full character of the Phantom. Lights are used in a way that creates a shadowy feeling which helps bring out the mystery of the Phantom.The cast is masterfully chosen for it's versatility. Although it is a musical with little dancing, the story is about a dance company. Christine Daae, the lead female, is the most versatile member of the cast. She was able to sing music covering a large range and often for long periods of time. She showed her many talents by being able to dance her role in the ballet scenes, as well as gracefully displaying the beauty that the phantom finds in her voice.The Phantom is a character who must display the most emotion throughout the play. A feeling of sympathy and compassion is unavoidable as the show progresses. The part is played with total commitment as the actor actually must become the Phantom in order for him to have any sense of believability. From the opening scene to the final scene, the full character is hidden until one is able to see the man behind the mask. The use of the mask is an intricate part as it adds to the mystery of who this Phantom really is. The question then arises, what kind of horrid creature lurks behind the mask?
