There is just something so captivating about The Phantom of the Opera which continues to draw audiences, 35 years on. Transporting audiences back in time in the story of grandeur, gothic elements and thundering and thrilling music that brings the audiences to tears and absolute exhilaration.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera has finally made its highly anticipated premiere at the Sydney Opera House in Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production. This is also the first time in the show’s history that it will play in the iconic Joan Sutherland Theatre, Australia’s home of opera.
Opening night was filled with the glitz and glamour that comes with the iconic musical which fans from all around the world flock to time and time again. This production includes all of the iconic original costumes alongside breathtaking special effects, such as fire, sparklers, and magic with a show stopping new realisation of the show’s chandelier. This show is performed by a cast and orchestra of 65, making it one of the largest musical productions ever in Australia and you can feel the electricity in the room, don’t be fooled by the small stage, this production is massive!
I had the privilege of witnessing the phenomenal five-star production of The Phantom of the Opera at Handa Opera on the Harbour production from earlier this year and the show was equally as stunning in it own unique way. However, do not get the two productions confused for the same thing. With completely different locations, separate stage sets, effects, cast and crews each production is it’s own though run by Opera Australia.
The Phantom of the Opera holds a special place in my heart, having first fallen in love with The Music of the Night and hit songs like Think of Me, Masquerade, and of course the booming and electrifying Phantom of the Opera when I was just 10 years old. The film introduced me to the magical world of The Phantom and seeing the show live in person is a feeling hard to describe but it lives up to every expectation and more.
The opening curtain of the show instantaneously pulls the audience into the world of Phantom. With the opening of the auctioneer in the old Paris Opera House famously auctioning off Lot: 666 as the chandelier lowers high above the audience and the thundering score of The Phantom of the Opera roars through Joan Sutherland Theatre as the chandelier is uncovered and spectacularly lit up transporting the audience back in time. Instantaneous goosebumps and joy as the audience whistles applauded and gasps with the joy that the production brings to so many.
Audiences come for the music and opulence of the show but stay for the classic love story, romantic tension and dazzling storytelling. This production has never been before seen in Australia and should not be missed. Hurry to get your tickets to a truly stunning show with thickets flying off the box office shelves.
The season runs from Friday 19 August to Sunday 16 October 2022 and tickets start from $99 to $379. There isn’t a bad seat in the house with everyone able to celebrate the momentous opera that soars through the crowd.
Make sure to purchase your tickets here while the Phantom is here to haunt the halls of the iconic Sydney Opera House.
Images provided.
