Billed as the new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera opened Wednesday at the Ohio Theatre. Friday evening’s performance played to a full house.
In a statement, producer Cameron Mackintosh said, “With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, I am confident North American audiences will fall in love with the PHANTOM in his new guise – for the first time or all over again.”
The sets do not disappoint. They are spectacular. The transformation of the theatre during The Labyrinth Underground is a sight to see. Steps magically appear along the side of the building as The Phantom (Cooper Grodin) and Christine Daaé (Julia Udine) descend into the night. Pools of blue smoke mimic a river as the pair sail along in a gondola to The Phantom’s lair.
Cooper Grodin and Julia Udine in The Phantom of The Opera. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
As Christine, Udine feels a bit green in the role, and more like Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Udine’s singing is wonderful, she has all of the notes perfect, it just felt like the tumultuous emotion of the character wasn’t there. This is noted as her touring debut with this production, so perhaps with more time she will nail it. (Performances during March 11th through 14th will have Celia Hottenstein in the role, and Grace Morgan the 15th and 16th).
Ben Jacoby, however, was very strong in the role of Christine’s lover Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. So strong, that in scenes with The Phantom, Jacoby overpowered Grodin. Grodin’s Phantom felt weaker, not as commanding and demanding as you expect him to be.
Much of darkness of the play was lightened. In this regard, this version of Phantom felt like it was holding back, which was a bit of a disappointment.
However, nothing was held back with the spectacular set and costumes for the production. Masquerade was over the top in the Grand Ballroom at the Opera House. The mirrors, gorgeous dresses, and flashy dancing was every bit the New Year’s Eve dance of your dreams. Pyrotechnics light up the stage throughout the show.
Comedy is sprinkled throughout, the best during Notes, a scene in the Manager’s Office, where several characters are reading off notes of demands The Phantom has sent them. “Far too many notes for my taste!” declares Monsieur André (Edward Staudenmayer).
Richard Carsey directs a fabulous orchestra which will keep the music dancing in your mind.
Photos by Matthew Murphy, courtesy Broadway in Columbus.
The New Production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera plays through March 16th at the Ohio Theatre, as part of PNC’s Broadway in Columbus’ 25th Anniversary Season. Tickets begin at $38. For more information, visit Columbus.Broadway.com.