“Phantom of the Opera” MILWAUKEE reviewed by Amy Menzel

★★★★★ There’s a reason The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running production on Broadway, and there is a reason so many are eager to see Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic now playing at Milwaukee’s Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Actually, there are many reasons. From the phenomenal cast and orchestra to spectacular sets and special effects, theatre-goers will be both entertained and amazed.

The new and eager managers of the Paris Opera House, Monsieur Firmin (David Benoit) and Monsieur André (Rob Lindley), unwittingly find themselves at the mercy of a mysterious masked man who lurks in the depths of the theater and makes demands and threats to control production. It seems the Phantom’s ultimate goal is to help propel the company’s young, talented Christine to stardom. Christine (played by Kaitlyn Davis through March 10*, who impressively portrays the innocence and conveys the strength of the character) is initially enchanted by her “Angel of Music,” but soon comes to fear him. The audience, too, is captivated yet frightened by the Phantom (played brilliantly by Quintin Oliver Lee whose presence and voice truly command the stage).

This push and pull of emotion is driven by the ebb and flow of the iconic score, played under the orchestral direction of Jamie Johns. Each crescendo builds with passion and is impressively layered with the strong voices of a very talented cast, including Christine’s love, Raoul (Jordan Craig) and Paris Opera House principals Carlotta (Trista Moldovan) and Ubaldo Piangi (Phumzile Sojola). The chemistry of this troupe is showcased best in the collaborative and complex “Notes/Prima Dona” in the first act, and “Notes/Twisted Every Way” in the second. The full company, too, joins talented forces for a powerful and entertaining version of “Masquerade” to open act two. In this number, we also get to appreciate the choreography of Scott Ambler and the impressive costume design of the late Maria Björnson, coordinated by Christine Rowland.

I was moved by what I heard, and amazed by what I saw. The ornate and layered sets designed by Paul Brown create depth that pulls you into each scene, whether it be the stage of the Paris Opera House or a graveyard on an eerie evening. All of this is enhanced by lighting by Paule Constable and video and projection design by Nina Dunn. The set design also allows for smooth transitions from one scene to another, seamlessly transporting the audience from a backstage dressing room through an underground labyrinth and into the Phantom’s lair.

Production quality like this, coupled with an immensely gifted cast, makes for a definite “must-see.” Those familiar with the show, like me, and those who have never seen it, like my husband–all will watch in awe, rise to their feet with applause, and leave raving about a fantastic evening of theatre.

The Phantom of the Opera runs until March 17 as follows:

Saturdays 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Fridays 8 p.m.

The show runs 2 hours 30 minutes, with an intermission.

Ticket prices start at $41 and vary based on availability and demand.

Tickets can be purchased at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com or by calling 414-273-7206 or visiting the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, Milwaukee.

Saz’s Hospitality Group offers a Dinner and a Show package for the March 14 production. Tickets are $115 and available through Eventbright. More information can be found at Saz’s Dinner and a Show page.

*The role of Christine will be played by Eva Tavares March 12-17.