A week or so ago, I went with my Mom to a production of Phantom of the Opera. A show I've seen 4 other times in the past, but this was the first time since the show closed on Broadway that I've seen an amateur version. If that wasn't interesting enough, it was a theater I'd never been to before, which was the reason I was shocked to find out it was a semi-outdoor theater. (It's a very high-tech, raked seated theater, with a roof and movable walls, but it was great...and surprisingly cool for a 90 degree day!)
It was beautiful, but I quickly discovered (and from the director's pre-show speech, he knew it too), that certain shows aren't meant to be enjoyed outside at 2 in the afternoon. ...Like a rock-opera based on a gothic novel. The darkness of the story is a bit lost and some special FXs have to be imagined. (Note to all tech directors out there: 2-way mirrors don't work well if the sun is shinning!) But I could sort of tell what they were trying to do, so it was alright...and I'm sure the chandelier was amazing - at night.
Getting beyond the natural lighting issues, I was astonished at the talent I saw...and heard. And kudos to the director for casting based on talent. I was a little paused when Raul (the hansom male lead) was introduced. A short, slightly dumpy guy looked nothing like any other actor I've seen playing the role – then opened his mouth.
There were other examples of 'unusual' casting...M. Giry was a much older veteran of the group, Carlotta wasn't a very good actress but had the chops for the opera-diva and it worked for the character, and not last or least, the Phantom himself was a bit older for the part and it was a little disturbing with a very young-looking Christine and the makeup was very distracting (looking more like a severe burn than a deformed face), but even I was entranced by the guy's voice [well until ½ way through 'Music of the Night'....dang you, Capt. Tiki!!! ;p ]
Whether this group was inspired by The Voice or just always casts shows like this, I loved it! I wish other groups (and movies) would take note. (No more weird Dumbledores who only look the part...sorry, 1st one that comes to mind.)
Wouldn't the entertainment world be so much more interesting if we could watch truly talented people not just popular looking ones? (Though Johnny Depp is still alright. :D)
We already have tickets to see Hairspray at the same theater in a couple of months! And I can't wait...and I don't think that show has any two-way mirrors.
