The Phantom of the Opera
From the moment I walked into the Pantages Theater in Toronto Canada, and looked up at the giant chandelier hanging in the middle of the room, I knew that this would be something different. I have never been to a play that I enjoyed, but something about the atmosphere of this theater made me forget of all my past experiences. From the moment the music started, the wonderfully eerie theme song of the Phantom, I was captivated.
The Phantom of the Opera is set in the late 1800's in Paris France, in the Paris Opera House. The curtains opened and I felt like I was really there, in that time. I immediately fell in love with the characters as they were introduced. As Christine and Raoul's romance blossomed, I felt real excitement. I had never before felt anything for a fictional character, but this time I couldn't help it. Their story was beautiful, in every definition of the word. Yet at the same time, I couldn't help but feel bad for the Phantom. He truly loved Christine.
The Phantom is an unusual character. I know that he's supposed to be evil and hideous, but I couldn't help but feel bad for him. In the first act when Christine ripped off his mask and screamed, I felt horrible for him. I think the mask he wears is a way to hide the kind, loving person he really is. When he wears his mask he can be evil and vicious, but inside the mask he's a beautiful person. This is evident in the wonderful music he produces, and the way that he sings to Christine.
I think what really made this play so special is the way that it involved the audience. At various times in the play, it feels like we are in the audience of that opera house, especially at the end of the first act when the chandelier fell. That really scared me since I was sitting directly underneath it. Later in the second act, when they're looking for the Phantom, he seems appears all over the thearter, and his voice coming in every direction. The music was also incredible.