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Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess Breathe New Life into THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA on Broadway
I remember seeing The Phantom of the Opera for the first time in the early 1990s, and I loved it. It was magical, and I was fascinated by the whole show. Mark Jacoby was the actor who played the role of the Phantom when I first saw the show, and I remember being mesmerized by his performance. In the early 90s the show was still new and fresh, and it was very popular at the time. Since then I have seen the show a few times – touring companies and regional performances – but nothing recaptured the magic of the first time I saw The Phantom of the Opera. Do not get me wrong, every cast was talented, for me it just lacked the magic of seeing The Phantom of the Opera for the very first time. However, last week I went to see the new cast of The Phantom of the Opera, starring Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess at the Majestic and it was magical, energetic and captured every bit of essence that I loved about the show the first time I saw the production.
The current cast of The Phantom of the Opera is one that should not be missed. This company breathes a new life into the production, and brings a dynamic energy to the stage in each of their performances. First, Norm Lewis's portrayal of the Phantom is brilliant. He mixes a bit of humor, heart and passion, which make his performance exquisite. Lewis's energy and fervor for this role is evident throughout his performance. When Lewis sings "Music of the Night," he gives the audience chills with his magnificent vocals. Lewis's zeal for playing this role is evident throughout the show, and I am grateful I had a chance to witness his portrayal of the Phantom. Sierra Boggess plays Christine with elegance and grace, and she exudes a passion and innocence that is felt by the audience. Like Lewis, Boggess's enthusiasm to be part of the show, and playing the role of Christine, is apparent in her stage presence; this energy and passion come through to the audience and it is a joy to witness. Lewis and Boggess breathe new life into The Phantom of the Opera, and for me, it has rekindled my original love of this show.
When I left the Majestic Theatre after the performance, I was in awe of the show. I experienced chills during many of the vocals, and I felt tears well up during a number of scenes; In general, I was emotionally moved by this production of The Phantom of the Opera. This current cast has given The Phantom of the Opera a new energy and life, and I would recommend that anyone who has the chance should see this production. My admiration of the cast has grown, and I am grateful to have seen a production of The Phantom of the Opera that made me fall in love with the show all over again.
For more information about The Phantom of the Opera and for tickets visit The Phantom of the Opera's website at: www.thephantomoftheopera.com/new-york.
Photo credit: www.thephantomoftheopera.com
Kelli Curtin is editor and writer for theatresensation.com. In addition, she is a contributor for the online sites broadwayworld.com and figlancaster.com and is a freelance writer. Kelli is excited to share her passion about theatre and the arts with her readers. Kelli can be found on twitter @theatrescribe and on Facebook/theatresensation.
Broadway Musical
Phantom was my first Broadway show, and you never forget your first. Now I feel like I need to see it anew!!!
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