The Phantom Of The Opera [Review]

The world’s most popular musical, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA makes a long-awaited return to the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands for a limited season from 24 April to 08 June 2019.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the tale of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano – Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, the Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

It is one timeless story, an unforgettable score, and an undeniable obsession that could never die.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most famous musical is also one 
of the most successful in entertainment history, playing to over 145 million people in 150 cities across 30 countries. 
It is the longest-running show on Broadway, having celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2018, and has won more than 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, including one for Best Musical.

Photo credit: Base Entertainment

It has been around for decades, but was my first experience with this legendary musical last evening. One filled not only with familiar music, but with mystery, gothic horror and romance. The Phantom is a deformed man with ghost-like qualities in that no one can ever find him or his lair. People are frightened by him because of his deformities and the acts of violence he commits.

Weaving the dark emotions all together, the musical was elegantly portrayed, visually impressive with stunning stage set and dazzling costumes. And most memorably, the shimmering and crashing chandelier that was like the prop star of the evening. The crashing chandelier that almost scared the living daylights out of the audience. Must not be missed!

With the musical around for 30 years, this is not one modern musical you would match up to the current. We talk about opera in here, with entirely sung pieces from low base to high pitched soprano and with minimal dialogue. Which honestly, at moments I was not able to make up of the words sang. It may be best to enjoy the songs as a whole. The amazing thing about The Phantom of the Opera is that you hear its famous songs over the radio and elsewhere even before catching its musical. My most enjoyed scenes were definitely when "The Phantom of the Opera" and "The Music of the Night" were sang.

These titles remain irresistible as they serenaded the whole theatre!

Photo credit: Base Entertainment

The most beautiful scene that sent me to the edge of my seat was The 'Masquerade'. Came right after the interval, it gasped the audience with dazzling costumes dancing under the clever play of lighting.

And if your pocket leads you to a bigger budget, getting tickets in the front rows will be very well worth. A close up view of facial expressions, imperious gestures, stares, stage and costumes details will be very rewarding. But of course, it comprises on being able to take in the whole spectacular of the show.

Photo credit: Base Entertainment

The ending was very much linked up to its opening scene, the auction. Watch and you will know where the auction items were from. The musical flowed like a playback. Though, I thought the ending was a little abrupt, it left me open ended about the Phantom's fate. It was a twist from the novel and movie. In the musical, he disappeared through an escape hatch in the throne with only his mask left. In the novel, he died and in the movie, Christine grew old and died with both her love visiting her grave.

Whichever the ending was, it is always a clear pairing of Christine and Raoul. 

Photo credit: Base Entertainment

No spoiler here, I am sure it ran long and popular enough for anyone to know of.

If you have seen the show, you must be loving it so much to read this. If you have not seen the show, watch and decide if it deserves to be the most successful entertainment piece of the world! I say, it is truly a timeless classic. One that will be watched, re-watched and remembered in the many decades to come.

I was most Thankful to have spent this evening with the man, without kids tagging along. This musical may not keep our young children on seat as it appears as slow moving with inappropriate story happening of strange things and loud sounds. For the grown ups, The Phantom of the Opera undoubtedly makes a great evening date!

 

 Grateful and Thankful for having us, Base Entertainment! 

The show is about 2.5 hours long with 20 minutes interval. Get your tickets soon! We do not know when is the next return.


The Phantom Of The Opera

Wed, 24 Apr - Sat, 8 Jun 2019 Tue - Fri: 8pm
Sat: 2pm and 8pm
Sun: 1pm and 6pm

Venue

Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands

Ticket Pricing

(Excludes Booking Fee)

Tue - Thu
Phantom Reserve : S$205
VIP Reserve : S$175
A Reserve : S$155
B  Reserve : S$135
C Reserve : S$115
D Reserve : S$95
E Reserve : S$75
VIP Box (For 4 seats) : S$700
A Res Box (For 4 seats) : S$620
Restricted View : S$135

Fri - Sun
Phantom Reserve : S$225
VIP Reserve : S$195
A Reserve : S$175
B Reserve : S$155
C Reserve : S$125
D Reserve : S$95
E Reserve : S$75
VIP Box (For 4 seats) : S$780
A Res Box (For 4 seats) : S$700
Restricted View : S$155

Disclaimer: Tickets were given for the purpose of this review. All photos and opinions, unless otherwise credited are as usual, solely ours.