This weekend treat yourself to some culture. The Winspear Opera House launched
its latest show from the Broadway series, and for once I can wholeheartedly say
the musical is worth the steep price tag attached. On Wednesday, August 6 the
revamped touring version of “The
Phantom of the Opera” premiered and it is just short of
wonderful.
“The Phantom of the Opera” story is well known by many, but in
case here is a quick refresher before we dive into whether or not paying $70 for
just the cheap seats is worth it. The show essentially revolves around three
people: ballerina and aspiring opera singer Christine Daaé, her childhood friend
Raoul, and the mysterious masked man, known as the Phantom, who lives in a cave
in the bowels of the French opera house.
The Phantom fancies Christine as
his muse and has taken the young woman under his cape (get it) to transform her
into the perfect singer for his haunting music. She is torn between her
reignited relationship with Raoul and her forbidden love for the Phantom. Lots
of songs about the crappy hands we are dealt in life and how one cannot simply
fill a gaping hole in another person’s heart are sung. Tears are shed. There is
a shiny chandelier. You get the picture.
The musical is one of Broadway’s
most beloved, and although it has come to Dallas many times in the past, this
freshly produced and dressed up offering is a delight. It is the perfect evening
for fans and newcomers alike. The touring show is bigger than I’ve ever seen it
and the talent on stage is topnotch.
Dallas audiences are treated to the voice of
Julia
Udine as the ingénue Christine Daaé, who only performs opening night
through the end of the first weekend, and then the last week of the tour. The
rest of the time two understudies fill in for Udine. Her voice is enchanting and
pairs beautifully with Ben Jacoby, who plays her childhood
friend, and potential lover, Raoul.
Although early reviews of the touring
show claimed Jacoby and Udine lacked chemistry, I found their shared moments
sensual when they were not bordering on intense. A delicate combination that
audiences expect to see between the Phantom (Cooper Grodin) and
Christine, but surprisingly refreshing to see with Raoul instead. Raoul may
always be the safe choice, but in this performance he came into the ring
swinging and won the match easily.
Dallas can see “The Phantom of the
Opera” at the AT&T Performing Arts Center through Sunday, August
24th. Tickets start at $70 and go up to $200. Just get a ticket,
otherwise the Phantom might drop a chandelier on your head.
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