I'm a huge Phantom fan and I'm always open to different interpretations of this story be it stage, book, or film. I always look at each interpretation with an open mind. David Staller did a great job with the part of the Phantom and he has a beautiful voice. His solo perfect music was a great song that he carried well and whoever did the make up for him did an admirable job. It is clear Mr. Staller is on a professional performing level. However, those are almost the only positive aspects associated with this production. Everything else from the script, to the cardboard sets, to the appalling acting,to the lame "special effects," to the especially horrible directing is on such an amateur level I really do think most high school drama departments could have done a better job.
I did say "almost." There is one aspect of the script that stood out as most satisfying and caused me to up my review a star. In this production when Christine chooses Raoul over Erik, Erik has no intention of spending the rest of his life mourning over the girl he didn't get. He simply sets his sites on another love interest and tries again. Bravo! Why should Erik pine the rest of his life away in a dark, dank cellar because one girl turned him down? If Christine doesn't want him then why shouldn't he bloody well find someone who does? So good for you, Erik,-good for you!
If you are a die-hard Phantom fan who wants to see anything and everything Phantom related you may want to give this a try. Other than that, please take my advise and don't waste your time.
I did say "almost." There is one aspect of the script that stood out as most satisfying and caused me to up my review a star. In this production when Christine chooses Raoul over Erik, Erik has no intention of spending the rest of his life mourning over the girl he didn't get. He simply sets his sites on another love interest and tries again. Bravo! Why should Erik pine the rest of his life away in a dark, dank cellar because one girl turned him down? If Christine doesn't want him then why shouldn't he bloody well find someone who does? So good for you, Erik,-good for you!
If you are a die-hard Phantom fan who wants to see anything and everything Phantom related you may want to give this a try. Other than that, please take my advise and don't waste your time.