The first, last, and only time that I got to watch Phantom of the Opera was back in 2004 and in movie-form. Despite having Gerard Butler as The Phantom in it, I got bored to death and fell asleep for about 75% of the movie. You can probably conclude that while somehow memorable (I remembered falling asleep), my first experience with Phantom wasn’t that favorable. However, when I found out that they were bringing in the International Cast to Manila to perform in CCP, I was like, “What the heck. Let’s give Phantom of the Opera another shot. It’d better be worth it.”

And true enough, it did.

From the powerful performances by our International cast to the intricate details of costumes, lighting, and music…everything went seamlessly and beautifully.  It’s true when they say that nothing beats the magic of theatre. There is just something about theatrical productions that make a scene more emotional and intimate. I expected to fall asleep like what happened to me back in 2004, but I never did. Every scene, costume, lighting, performance, and music was delightfully digested by my senses.

I also did admire how quickly the production team changed from one set to another at such lightning speed, and how they utilized the entire theatre with light and sound. A feast for my senses, I’d say! Bravo to the production and design team!

Some random thoughts on the cast: 

• I admit that I was feeling a bit reserved when I found out that Claire Lyon wasn’t performing for the Saturday matinee show. I was really looking forward to her. I did feel all fangirl-y when she replied to my tweet and sorta kinda made my day.
  
• Emilie Lynn was the Christine Daae alternate. I was honestly not that familiar with her as a performer prior to this, but her performance as Christine did blow me away. Didn’t get to catch her at the stage door though.. damn the rain
  
• The entire company was BRILLIANT, but mad props really have to be given to Jonathan Roxmouth, who plays our beloved Phantom with such charisma and personality. His voice is simply heavenly–rich, full, powerful, and filled with so much emotion. Check out this footage taken from the press preview:
  How the hell he manages to perform 8 shows a week with perfect pitch is beyond my comprehension. I still have tingles all over from his performance earlier. I’m gonna say right off the bat that he’s even way better than the original Phantom, Michael Crawford. That standing ovation given by the crowd at the end? It was well-deserved. Anthony Downing who played Raoul was also amazing. Gahhhh I could honestly listen to both guys sing all day. <3

I’m really glad that Phantom of the Opera did not disappoint. If given the chance (and time), I’d definitely want to catch it again on its Manila run. To the Phantom of the Opera production team and company, thank you for making every peso spent worth it.

Best seats in CCP for the Phantom of the Opera Manila? Orchestra Center, Rows O until S. You can’t get any better view of the entire stage (at eye level) than that.

Today’s Matinee Show cast:

Some helpful tips from the production:

The Phantom of the Opera is produced in Manila by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi-Definition Radio Inc. and Concertus in association with The Really Useful Group, and is now showing at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater.

For booking or inquiries, contact Ticketworld at (+632) 891-9999 or log onto www.ticketworld.com.ph.