For the first time ever in Malaysia, The Phantom Of The Opera welcomed us backstage for some insights into what it takes to stage the most popular musical in the world.
BY AQALILI AZIZAN
There’s 188 cast, crew and orchestra members directly involved in each performance. The crew working hard behind the scenes with overnight shifts, took three days to build the new set. Around 16 to 17 trucks Came from Singapore, carting all the props including a 400kg chandelier! Along with powerful music scores and costumes, the beautiful new set has been prepared for audiences to enjoy the most famous musical of all time, The Phantom of the Opera, staged for the first time at Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur.
It was astounding to see the backstage with my own eyes – the arrangement from props to the dressing room and the safety standards adhered to, without a doubt, were all part of a meticulous process and it made us more appreciative of the hard work that goes into a theatre production.
“Three hours before performances, everything needs to be checked, including automation systems, every single microphone, speaker and lights. Here in Malaysia, it’s 8.30pm performances and the crew needs to be here at 5 or 5.30pm to start checking through everything. Then, the cast will come a bit later, they do their physical and vocal warm-ups, get into make-up, put the wigs on and do several soundchecks to check back the performances,” explained the Stage Manager, Sandie Bekavac.
Playing the Phantom is 32-year-old Jonathan Roxmouth; and his make-up takes one hour to put on – his face is moisturised, then carefully shaved and the prosthetics are fitted, setting immediately before two wigs, radio microphones and contact lenses (one white and one clouded) are placed.
With that process repeated daily, we wondered how he kept himself motivated for the big role.
“I play the Phantom. I don’t need the motivation to do my job – it’s the best job I ever had! I’m satisfied, anybody that plays who the Phantom will say it’s the best role you have ever played and there is a reason. You have the most incredible music to sing, role to play, a wonderful story to tell and wear some of the best costumes in your life. If you are lucky to be where I am now – there is a team around you who will support you every step of the way, no matter what happens and you don’t want ever to leave. You are healing with the richness of what you are a part. of.
“Especially when you go to a new country, which the show has never been to before. You get to see the audiences look at the Phantom for the first time the way I did and I know that feeling. The fact that the role is reversed, it doesn’t get any better than that,” said the South African stage actor.
It’s exciting enough to have Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece in town, local audiences are in for a treat this time.
“This production is different – in that, it is brand spanking new. What you see here is the same as in London or New York show, but the way it fits together is different. The technology we use is the most current, up to date state of the art technology, that means the show is slicker, the transitions are like a movie sometimes. You look at somebody here as they are finishing the song, suddenly the rest of the scene is on, they didn’t even notice that came on – it’s magic!,” expressed Roxmouth.
MELODRAMATIC AND MEMORABLE
BY WILLIAM KEE
This is my second time watching The Phantom Of The Opera, and ghoul oh ghoul, I was just as swept away by it as my first viewing (at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, in 2013). After all, there are Broadway shows – and then there is this incomparable British phenomenon: spectacular in scale, luscious in music and memorable in its madness.
The premise is a tale as old as time: the 19th century story of a deformed madman who terrorises the Paris Opera House. He falls in love with songbird Christine and helps to elevate her career. But their bond is threat-ened by the appearance of Christine’s childhood sweetheart Raoul.
Accompanying such melodramatic actions is the high-octane music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. After all these years, songs such as All I Ask Of You (my personal favourite), Think Of Me and The Music Of The Night remain an intoxicating draw.
The scenery and costumes are as magnificent as ever. There are candles that eerily light the Phantom’s underground lair, and the imposing staircase and glittering costumes that grace the Masquerade sequence are spectacular. Let’s not forget the crashing chandelier mid-show. Subtlety has never been Phantom’s strong suit. In terms of the cast, Jonathan Roxmouth cuts a commanding yet tragic figure as the “opera ghost”. As Christine, Meghan Picerno may be petite in size but makes up for it with her soaring vocals. They are ably supported by Matt Leisy as the heroic Raoul.
So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t yet made a date with the Phantom, you definitely should. He’s not terribly dashing, but he is definitely unforgettable.
Phantom Of The Opera is staged at Istana Budaya in Kuala Lumpur until July 7. It is presented by Lunchbox Productions, Base Entertainment Asia and TEG Dainty. For reservations, visit www.ticketcharge.com.my.
PHOTOS BY: AQALILI AZIZAN
