November 18, 2006
The Phantom Is With You!
A Theatre Review by Stan Dyer
Gothic elements in art and literature appear with some of the earliest known history. The darker side of life reveals human anxiety and fear over change, and how choosing a wrong path may make situations go awry. Since change is a constant of society, the theme remains popular, and the "The Phantom of the Opera" remains one of the most popular of the genre. In the manner of a specter, a variation is certain to appear just when the moon is right.
Inspired by George du Maurier's "Trilby", the novel "Le Fantome de l'Opera" by Gaston Leroux began in serialization from September 23, 1909 to January 8, 1910. By 1911, it was translated into English becoming "The Phantom of the Opera" and the legacy began.
Numerous adaptations from 1916 to the present appear in at least five languages, in movies, on stage, in comics, on television, and in literature. References to the Phantom in popular culture appear everywhere from the Simpsons, Lemony Snicket and Looney Tunes, to "Sex and the City" and a 1993 song by Meatloaf. There is little doubt "the Phantom of the Opera is with you". Now, with a war in Iraq and shift in political power, a period of uncertainty exists and the moon may be right. Cue the Phantom.
With exquisite timing, the theatrical production "Phantom" appears through January 17 at "The Country Dinner Playhouse", 6875 S. Clinton, 303-799-1410. The Playhouse version is from the 1991 adaptation by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit. After seeing a number of versions on the "big" stage, I was curious to see how this show would stand up to theatre in the "round". I was not disappointed.
One of the beauties of this show is that it has everything. There is song, dance, romance, jealousy, horror, mystery, tragedy, comedy, and adventure. Director Paul Dwyer stays true to the story, keeps all the contributing elements, and delivers a quality product. Randy St. Pierre as Erik and Tracy Venner-Warren as Christine are the stars. They perform wonderfully, but, for me, the elements that really stand out in this show are the costumes and the performance of Gregory Price as Alain Cholet.
I loved the many costume changes and how the wardrobe department handled the diversity. There is no doubt that Costume World, Inc., Patricia Hoffman, Joanne Kearns, Diana Ben-Kiki, Christine Campbell and their staffs all earn standing ovations for their work. Without their fine efforts, this play would simply be "good". The costume work raises the experience to another level. I applaud you all! Bravo!
Every actor in this play performs well, bringing talent, enthusiasm, and expertise to their performances. Yet, Gregory Price is one who stands out as perfectly cast and perfectly in tune with his character. Sometimes the smaller parts are just as important as the bigger ones.
The moon must be right. This is a wonderfully entertaining show with a bit of something for everyone. I rate it an "A-", with a positive recommendation. As always, I appreciate the value and convenience of the playhouse that make this venue stand out in the Denver area. See this show before the Phantom sneaks away into the catacombs.