Cameron Mackintosh’s, production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera is currently playing at the Arts Centre in Melbourne. Even if you have seen the production before the new rendition shakes things up making for an electrifying version of the classic. With an ethereal new chandelier, pyrotechnics and exquisite voices, the production is hauntingly magical and will be sure to captivate your heart.

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius, played by Josh Piterman who haunts the Paris Opera House. Captivated by a young soprano, Christine Daae played by Amy Manford, the duo are mesmerizing. Manford’s voice is simply angelic and radiates throughout the theatre. I’ve seen several versions of The Phantom of the Opera over the years and Piterman is the finest Phantom by far. His incredible timber voice and the angst he musters up as the Phantom made for a highly emotional performance. I was hypnotised by the command he demonstrated and can see why he received critical acclaim for his execution of the Phantom on the West End. Blake Bowden was excellent as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny and the ensemble added to the magic of the evocative production. Soprano Giuseppina Grech, who performs as the opera star Carlotta Giudicelli until the Phantom steps in is enchanting.

An incredible cavalcade of hits powered through beautifully with highlights including, “Music of the Night”, “Think of Me”, “All I Ask of You”, “Masquerade” and “The Phantom of the Opera”. From start to end The Phantom of the Opera had me enthralled. The narrative moved along at a cracking pace and I was awed by the choreography by Scott Ambler. The movement and flow overall was impeccable and had me invested to the very end. With every turn there was something new to take in and the costumes by Maria Bjornson were stunning. Paul Brown’s set design was by far the best I have seen in my decades as a theatre goer, now reviewer. Each set complemented the beauty of the production and added another layer to the wonderment. By far one of the most memorable Opening Night’s in quite some time. The show closed to a well-deserved standing ovation. Bravo indeed!

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