(Robin Botha as Christine and Jonathan Roxmouth as the Phantom)At the end of the performance of The Phantom of the Opera currently running at the Teatro in Montecasino, I did something I’ve never done before. After the uproarious standing ovation, I sank back into my seat to collect myself. In those last ten minutes when the Phantom unleashes every ounce of anger, frustration and despair, I was so riveted by Jonathan Roxmouth’s performance, I truly believe I stopped breathing.
This role is Roxmouth’s triumph and one he has studied since he was a teenager. Luck came his way with the unfortunate illness that put the original Phantom, Andre Swartz out of the show. Durban theatre audiences have followed Roxmouth’s career since we first saw him in Northcliff High's production of The Mikado and more recently in his one-man show Topsy Turvey at the Rhumbelow Theatre.
Tall and imposing, Roxmouth puts in a performance of steeled focus, vigour and passion. He’s a mere 25 and had already done one performance earlier in the day. I believe he could hold his own on the West End or Broadway and no doubt we will lose him to those bright lights in the near future.
Presented by Pieter Toerien and The Really Useful Group Limited, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera follows the exact process set by director Harold Prince and his creative and design team for the original London production. The musical appears to better benefit on the Teatro stage than it did at the State Theatre some years back. The venue lends itself to the Edwardian style extravagant sets, costumes and props. The proscenium arch is imposingly decorated in massive baroque style, embellished with cherubs and satyrs.
It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House and controls its activities by haunting the company and causing damage if his demands are not met. He falls in love with a young soprano, Christine, and lures her to his lair which is only approachable by boat on the river that runs underneath the Opera House. She falls completely under his spell, mistaking him for the Angel of Music her father promised to send her to make her a beautiful singer.
However, into Christine’s life comes Raoul (Anthony Downing) and she falls in love with him. This infuriates the Phantom and he continues to unleash his anger of the activities of the Opera House. The musical mixes the jealousy and madness of the Phantom with much humour and glorious music.
In the role of Christine I saw Robin Botha who alternates with Magdalene Minnaar. Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote phrases for the original lead soprano, Sarah Brightman, to showcase her capacity to soar. Robyn Botha does the role full justice and her voice flies effortlessly ever upward.
The youthfulness of Roxmouth, Botha and Downing go a long way towards making sense of the story which can get lost in the massive impact of the production – spectacular effects, memorable songs, a luscious orchestral score (there’s a 19 piece orchestra), superb lighting and stunning costumes.
Supporting them are strong experienced performers. James Borthwick and Jason Ralph as the sycophantic theatre managers; Angela Kilian as the rigid and mysterious ballet mistress, Madame Giry; and Pauline du Plessis who is a splendid Carlotta (alternating with Hanlee Louw). Other notable performances come from Thabiso Masemene as Piangi and Cat Lane as Meg Giry as well as Mike Huff as Lefevre and Rouel Beukes as Joseph Buquet.
All the numbers are memorable but standouts are Roxmouth’s Music of the Night, Downing and Botha’s All I Ask of You and the septet’s Prima Donna.
The Phantom of the Opera runs at the Teatro in Montecasino until May 6. Performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at 20h00 with a matinee on Saturdays at 15h00. Sunday performances are at 13h30 and 18h30: Booking at www.computicket.com or 011 340 8000.
Even if you have seen The Phantom of the Opera before, I would strongly urge you not to miss this one. Blow the budget and get there – you won’t be sorry! – Caroline Smart
I took advantage of the Show & Stay Package, and stayed overnight at the SunSquare Hotel. Review at http://news.artsmart.co.za/2012/03/sunsquare-show-stay.html
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