In Rehearsal: Touring the Original THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA For the Very First Time

By: Jory Rivera Feb. 01, 2019

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"...The beloved original production is being brought to many territories around the globe for the very first time." - Andrew Lloyd Webber

In Rehearsal: Touring the Original THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA For the Very First Time Manila, Philippines--When the new world tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's behemoth, "The Phantom of the Opera," kicks off in Manila, Philippines this February 20, 2019, the production will transport you back to the original London production (still playing!), which opened at Her Majesty's Theatre on October 9, 1986.

"...This will be the first-ever touring production to use [theater designer] Maria Bjornson's original designs and [theater director] Hal Prince's original staging, which means the beloved original production is being brought to many territories around the globe for the very first time," said Webber, the show's celebrated composer.

Interestingly, Cameron Mackintosh, who originally produced "The Phantom," has a revamped version of the show launched in 2012, which boasts a brand-new staging and scenic design by Paul Brown.

At a recent rehearsal visit, Arthur Masella, the new touring production's associate director, said, "I think every show would eventually take the opportunity to recreate the production. There has been another production of 'The Phantom of the Opera' in recent years and it's doing well on tour and liked by many audiences. What I feel to be like happening in the last year or two is that once again there's a demand for the original production of 'Phantom.' People have been wanting to see it again."

"The show has not aged. The show does not feel dated. It does not feel dated in the writing. It does not feel dated in the staging. It does not feel dated in its stagecraft. I think that's why primarily people still want to see this production. The original creative team [Webber, music; Charles Hart, lyrics; Webber and Richard Stilgoe, book, and Hal Prince, direction], which we represent very proudly all over the world, did a magnificent job," he added.

With 130 cast, crew, and orchestra players, this production of "The Phantom," the longest-running show on Broadway, has Jonathan Roxmouth (The Phantom), Meghan Picerno (Christine Daae), and Matt Leisy (Raoul) as the leads. Beverly Chiat (Carlotta Guidicelle), James Borthwick (Monsieur Firmin), Curt Olds (Monsieur Andre), Melina Kalomas (Madame Giry), Thabiso Masememe (Ubaldo Piangi), and Kiruna-Lind Devar are also part of the cast.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantome de L'Opera by Gaston Leroux, "The Phantom" tells the story of a musical genius known only as the Phantom who inhabits the depths of the magnificent Paris Opera House. Mesmerized by the beautiful and talented soprano, Christine Daae, the Phantom falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine's love for her childhood friend, the Phantom's obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where unrequited love, jealousy, and passion collide.

The world tour includes extended performances in Manila (Feb. 20-Mar. 31), Singapore (April 24-May 26), Kuala Lumpur (Jun 15-30), Tel Aviv (Aug. 12-31), and Dubai (Oct. 16-30). More engagements will be announced.

In Manila, "The Phantom of the Opera," presented by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, Concertus Manila, PLDT and Smart, plays at the Theatre at Solaire in Paranaque City. Check out tickets (P1,900-P7,250) at TicketWorld.com.ph. -with additional reporting by Oliver Oliveros, Chester Conde

Photos: Jory Rivera

In Rehearsal: Touring the Original THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA For the Very First Time Jonathan Roxmouth