The first time I became acquainted with PHANTOM OF THE OPERA was when I purchased the two-CD complete version of the Original London Cast. Although I enjoyed a lot of the music (sorry, a guilty pleasure), I found that I didn't listen to the CDs very often because there was so much filler on the two CD set, that I often found my mind wandering while listening. Then I discovered the one CD, OLC recording of PHANTOM. What a difference! The one CD version became one of my favorite listening pleasures; and it still remains so today.
I have previously seen the stage version of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA three times. I saw two National touring productions in Seattle; as well as the Broadway production. (Again, a guilty pleasure.) However, even seeing the show live on stage, there have always been moments of tedium for me.
Last Friday night, I attended a performance of PAHNTOM: THE LAS VEGAS SPECTACULAR at The Phantom Theatre in The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. The performance I saw starred Brent Barrett as The Phantom, Elizabeth Loyacano as Christine, and Tim Martin Gleason as Raoul. The difference between PHANTOM and POTO is very similar to the difference between the two-CD and the one-CD version of the cast recordings. The show is the same, but all of the filler has been removed.
This is not to say that this is in any way a Greatest Hits version of POTO. This is PHANTOM minus the extra baggage. The result is a tighter, more focused; and in many ways. a far more powerful production than any of the three versions of POTO that I have seen on stage.
Brent Barrett, as The Phantom, is, as the title suggests, spectacular. This is a Phantom portrayed by a true singer and actor. Even before his first appearance, Barrett's voice, drifting hauntingly through the theater; brings the focus of the show to where it belongs, on the Phantom. PHANTOM is now truly the story of The Phantom, not Christine and Raoul's story or of the famous chandelier's story. Barrett is romantic, powerful, mysterious, threatening, and in the end, heartbreaking. The final scene in The Labyrinth is a stunning tour de force for Mr. Barrett. Stripped of his mask, exposed to his beloved Christine, as well as the world as the creature that he is; Barrett strikes at the heart and the emotion of every member of the audience. Although, I have always felt sorry for The Phantom in the final scene; Mr. Barrett's stunning performance brought me to tears.
Tim Martin Gleason is everything a Raoul should be; handsome, dashing, with a glorious singing voice. Elizabeth Loyacano is a stunningly beautiful and convincing Christine. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Miss Loyacano seemed to talk-sing many of her songs, particularly the more operatic songs. It might not have been as important in another musical, but since Christine supposedly possesses this angelic voice; the lack of a true singing voice distracted from the overall effect.
The remainder of the cast is uniformly talented. From the wonderfully hysterical Monsieurs, Andre and Firmin, to the spooky Madame Giry; this cast is first rate. Special mention must be given to Elena Jeanne Batman as Carlotta. Ms. Batman managed to make Carlotta, not only a properly vain prima donna, but a hysterical foil for The Phantom, as well.
So, does the Vegas PHANTOM live up to the title, spectacular? Absolutely! From the breath-taking special effects (thank you chandelier for living up to the hype) to the jaw-dropping theater itself this is a total spectacle. At 94 minutes, without stopping for an Intermission; PHANTOM is a magnificent roller-coaster ride of a musical, that should be seen by everyone.