Opps, long overdue...
Rewind- Tue 8/5/2007
Just came back from Phantom. =)
Thought I should blog it so that I'll remember it 10 years down the road. ( Watched it about 10 years ago at Indoor Stadium...or was it Kallang Theatre. But I couldn't remember very much, either because i was too young or because it happened too long ago =p )
So much details, shall attempt to offer my 2-cents worth thematically:
-SETS-
-The First scene-
started off with boring auction with dingy settings... Was honestly not captivated until the chandelier appeared, lighted up and ascended. And those majestic pillars at the sides, the huge colourful backdrop... 3 letters: WOW. haha! Instantly won over and am convinced that i did not see that 10 years ago =p
-Phantom's Den-
Who can forget the river, clever use of depth, lighting and dry ice?
-Masquerade-
I absolutely love that scene! Fantastic slivery costumes with cast on the staircase, great lighting which accentuates the mood of the party. Flashed out in true blue masquerade style. It is EXACTLY how i imagined this scene to be. Fabulous!
-The Point Of No Return-
Somehow loved the depth and colors of backdrop. Sorry I dunno how to describe. haha!
Overall:
Lotsa drapery used in the making of this musical. I adore those lush curtains, suit the era so well.
To end off, use of sets: Clever, clever!
-CAST-
-Phantom- (Brad Little?)
Initially I found his voice a tad too savage. But his voice is so elastic- one moment, its harsh and sneering. In a blink of an eye, (or should i say b4 earwax could tremble haha!) it turned light and gentle. His falsetto is so steady! The very last line "...music of the night" Mesmerising!
And when he sang "All i asked of you" Its just a few lines, but won Raoul (who sang the whole song) hands down. Quality over quantity any day =p
Btw, the physique of Phantom for this show don't quite fit my imagination. He is too tall in my opinion. My impression of Phantom is this average-height, stout, broad-faced man. This guy not only has voice that stretches on, but also has long legs and stretches on... well! Not my cup of Phantom physically.
-Christine- (Rebecca Pitcher?)
Voice. Not too bad. Not as sweet as the Christine I had in my mind. But still provided a stellar performance, especially during "The Point of No Return", she proved to be a versatile actress and not only some whiny vulnerable teeny lady in distress. (when i said teeny, i mean it. She's very petite. Made Phantom and Raoul look so macho haha)
-Raoul- ( John Bowles?)
He's every bit Raoul in the looks department. While he has a clear voice, its a bit lacking in emotion. As mentioned earlier, his biggest part, singing "All I Ask of You" was not that romantic... And when Christine was captured by Phantom and he was kept outside the gate, he couldn't pull off his worry and desperation or whatever... Its as if he's just following the script... walking-singing marble statue. haha
-Carlotta- (Pauline du Presis?)
Pretty much the noisy diva with soprano voice. However, her voice was overshadowed by the rest during "Prima Donna"! (disappointed... one of my favourite songs... more about it later)
-MUSIC/SONGS-
-Music of the Night-
I was looking forward to the Music of the Night. In my opinion, its THE SONG Phantom absolutely must nail. If it flops, the entire show is over for me =p ( I used to say when i was young (and stupid) that I'd marry the guy who could sing that song for me. Nicely, of course hahah) Anyway, 3 thumbs-up! He has such precise control over his voice. A perfect-pitch instrument played so well by the man himself =)
-Tear-worthy scenes-
When Phantom changed from his nasty, snarling voice to this gentle, loving one "Very well child you shall know me, See why in shadows i hide" I felt tears in my eyes... haha! Its not romantic or sad right?! But the sheer beauty of his voice and intensity of emotion were SO heart-wrenching (to me at least =p).
"Say you'll share with me each night each morning" Phantom was propped high up on this thing ( I really dunno what it is...) peeping at the young lovers... My heart literally broke with his haha
For the very last scene, Christine returned just to return the locket he sang "All i ask of you" in such a beseeching, pleading voice... and his "Christine, I love you..."
Then his anguished voice choking "I love you" ... Gosh, just the thought of it makes me wanna cry *bawl*
-DISAPPOINTING MOMENTS-
-Den/Hideout/Whatever-
No tears induced upon hearing Phanton's ashamed, painful cries when his mask was removed (Clearly remembered that 10 years ago, that scene did create dents on my heart haha... Maybe because I nearly cried previously during that non-relevant scene made me expect more here)
-Prima Donna-
A bit messy... feel as if the cast has some problems putting it together. Carlotta's voice was so soft that i thought there was something wrong with her mic... (and i blame Raoul! His crystal clear voice abit too stark) Sigh. I really liked this song, hence less than delighted to feel no sparks or excitement...
-All I asked of you-
A little lack-lustre in the romance department. Do you really love her Raoul?!
-Not-so-special effects-
I THINK the Phantom said "Watch the chandelier" Huh? (You know the scene when the chandelier is supposed to drop and crash because the cast defied Phantom's orders?) By the time i processed what the Phantom said...looked up, watched the chandelier shiver and blink... that's it
(Of course it is far to costly to REALLY crash that huge thing... still, that scene was VERY pathetic)
The fire/wham and bam... just kinda odd. Phantom was shooting fireballs (or whatever they are) at Raoul during the grave scene. Erm... they just went "Phiew... and boooom", and did not inflict even a blister on Raoul. So I have no idea what they are for... Diminished Phantom's cool mysterious factor. Why is the dark, dangerous neverending-legs master shooting fireworks at his rival in love?!! Golly.
-FINAL WORDS-
Anyway...
Really did enjoy the performance, especially the Phantom's voice which grew on me as the show proceeds... The sets and costumes also made the 147 bucks worthwhile.
Rewind- Tue 8/5/2007
Just came back from Phantom. =)
Thought I should blog it so that I'll remember it 10 years down the road. ( Watched it about 10 years ago at Indoor Stadium...or was it Kallang Theatre. But I couldn't remember very much, either because i was too young or because it happened too long ago =p )
So much details, shall attempt to offer my 2-cents worth thematically:
-SETS-
-The First scene-
started off with boring auction with dingy settings... Was honestly not captivated until the chandelier appeared, lighted up and ascended. And those majestic pillars at the sides, the huge colourful backdrop... 3 letters: WOW. haha! Instantly won over and am convinced that i did not see that 10 years ago =p
-Phantom's Den-
Who can forget the river, clever use of depth, lighting and dry ice?
-Masquerade-
I absolutely love that scene! Fantastic slivery costumes with cast on the staircase, great lighting which accentuates the mood of the party. Flashed out in true blue masquerade style. It is EXACTLY how i imagined this scene to be. Fabulous!
-The Point Of No Return-
Somehow loved the depth and colors of backdrop. Sorry I dunno how to describe. haha!
Overall:
Lotsa drapery used in the making of this musical. I adore those lush curtains, suit the era so well.
To end off, use of sets: Clever, clever!
-CAST-
-Phantom- (Brad Little?)
Initially I found his voice a tad too savage. But his voice is so elastic- one moment, its harsh and sneering. In a blink of an eye, (or should i say b4 earwax could tremble haha!) it turned light and gentle. His falsetto is so steady! The very last line "...music of the night" Mesmerising!
And when he sang "All i asked of you" Its just a few lines, but won Raoul (who sang the whole song) hands down. Quality over quantity any day =p
Btw, the physique of Phantom for this show don't quite fit my imagination. He is too tall in my opinion. My impression of Phantom is this average-height, stout, broad-faced man. This guy not only has voice that stretches on, but also has long legs and stretches on... well! Not my cup of Phantom physically.
-Christine- (Rebecca Pitcher?)
Voice. Not too bad. Not as sweet as the Christine I had in my mind. But still provided a stellar performance, especially during "The Point of No Return", she proved to be a versatile actress and not only some whiny vulnerable teeny lady in distress. (when i said teeny, i mean it. She's very petite. Made Phantom and Raoul look so macho haha)
-Raoul- ( John Bowles?)
He's every bit Raoul in the looks department. While he has a clear voice, its a bit lacking in emotion. As mentioned earlier, his biggest part, singing "All I Ask of You" was not that romantic... And when Christine was captured by Phantom and he was kept outside the gate, he couldn't pull off his worry and desperation or whatever... Its as if he's just following the script... walking-singing marble statue. haha
-Carlotta- (Pauline du Presis?)
Pretty much the noisy diva with soprano voice. However, her voice was overshadowed by the rest during "Prima Donna"! (disappointed... one of my favourite songs... more about it later)
-MUSIC/SONGS-
-Music of the Night-
I was looking forward to the Music of the Night. In my opinion, its THE SONG Phantom absolutely must nail. If it flops, the entire show is over for me =p ( I used to say when i was young (and stupid) that I'd marry the guy who could sing that song for me. Nicely, of course hahah) Anyway, 3 thumbs-up! He has such precise control over his voice. A perfect-pitch instrument played so well by the man himself =)
-Tear-worthy scenes-
When Phantom changed from his nasty, snarling voice to this gentle, loving one "Very well child you shall know me, See why in shadows i hide" I felt tears in my eyes... haha! Its not romantic or sad right?! But the sheer beauty of his voice and intensity of emotion were SO heart-wrenching (to me at least =p).
"Say you'll share with me each night each morning" Phantom was propped high up on this thing ( I really dunno what it is...) peeping at the young lovers... My heart literally broke with his haha
For the very last scene, Christine returned just to return the locket he sang "All i ask of you" in such a beseeching, pleading voice... and his "Christine, I love you..."
Then his anguished voice choking "I love you" ... Gosh, just the thought of it makes me wanna cry *bawl*
-DISAPPOINTING MOMENTS-
-Den/Hideout/Whatever-
No tears induced upon hearing Phanton's ashamed, painful cries when his mask was removed (Clearly remembered that 10 years ago, that scene did create dents on my heart haha... Maybe because I nearly cried previously during that non-relevant scene made me expect more here)
-Prima Donna-
A bit messy... feel as if the cast has some problems putting it together. Carlotta's voice was so soft that i thought there was something wrong with her mic... (and i blame Raoul! His crystal clear voice abit too stark) Sigh. I really liked this song, hence less than delighted to feel no sparks or excitement...
-All I asked of you-
A little lack-lustre in the romance department. Do you really love her Raoul?!
-Not-so-special effects-
I THINK the Phantom said "Watch the chandelier" Huh? (You know the scene when the chandelier is supposed to drop and crash because the cast defied Phantom's orders?) By the time i processed what the Phantom said...looked up, watched the chandelier shiver and blink... that's it
(Of course it is far to costly to REALLY crash that huge thing... still, that scene was VERY pathetic)
The fire/wham and bam... just kinda odd. Phantom was shooting fireballs (or whatever they are) at Raoul during the grave scene. Erm... they just went "Phiew... and boooom", and did not inflict even a blister on Raoul. So I have no idea what they are for... Diminished Phantom's cool mysterious factor. Why is the dark, dangerous neverending-legs master shooting fireworks at his rival in love?!! Golly.
-FINAL WORDS-
Anyway...
Really did enjoy the performance, especially the Phantom's voice which grew on me as the show proceeds... The sets and costumes also made the 147 bucks worthwhile.
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