But when I heard that Andrew did come out with a sequel, I decided that I wanted to see it. I downloaded the songs onto my ipod the day I got back from Israel and have been listening to it. I read up on the synopsis and became familiar with the story. On Sunday when I got back from PF Weekend Away, we booked tickets and we headed into London Tuesday afternoon after my shift at work to see the show. We got there early since we had to stop by the Burberry Store so from Paddington, we walked to Hyde Park and then down Oxford Circus and Regent's Street, window-shopping at all the stores I'd be able to afford with Michael Owen and I got married. We eventually made our way down to Shaftsbury and then the Strand and went to Gourmet Burger Kitchen for dinner. Yummy yummy burgers- and not too expensive for London either!
We headed back to the Adelphi and found our seats for the show. Below the pictures, I'm going to give my thoughts song-by-song, if you don't care, just look at the pictures and enjoy your day. If you're interesting, feel free to continue reading.
Prologue (Love Never Dies)- the show starts out with a very dark stage and a head-covered Madame Giry dressed all in black. Incredible sound effects relate the sounds of the seaside- seagulls calling and waves crashing on the shore. There's an incredibly effective backdrop with amazing perspective that makes you feel like the boardwalk goes back and back and back- very similar to Pageant of the Masters effects. Madame Giry recounts the acts at Coney Island and stumbles over Fleck, one of the "freaks" from Coney Island who reminds her that the Coney Island she knew is no more and she ruined it for everyone. There was added smoke and fog effects which made you feel like it was freezing on stage.Coney Island Waltz- basically the overture to the show. Madame Giry eventually leaves the stage as the special effects man gets to go nuts. Projected images, wisps of smoke looking like horses on a carousel, eventually acrobats and trapeze artists and men on stils walking across the stage and being circled around on the rotating stage that I haven't seen since Les Miserables. I felt like I was in a 3-D movie with images coming right up to my face, the dark scenery of the boardwalk giving way to the lights and sounds and images of a carnival-Ferris wheels, stage backdrops, carnival booths, etc. Every time the theme of the music change, the colors, lights, scenes and special effects on stage changed. Absolutely mesmerizing- about 1000 times more incredible than seeing Pageant or really any other show. The special effects guy certainly outdid himself and exceeded my expectations. I know that I'm describing it horribly, but honestly, it's so hard to describe!
That's the Place That You Ruined, You Fool!- not in the show but on the CD- Coney Island Waltz went right into people waiting at the door to Coney Island and singing "Heaven By the Sea". New Yorkers dressed in bright colors and 1900s dress discuss the wonders and acts of Coney Island, including the "Ooo-La-La Girl", Meg Giry, who Phantom fans know as the ballet dancer and friend of Christine in the original show. She's now a burlesque dancer at Coney Island, performing 5 times a day. They also mention that "Mester Y" (Mystery.... get it...?) owns the Island and he wears a mask.... hm....
Only For Him/ONly For You- Meg and her two friends appear on the side of the stage and Meg worries about how she looks. It's clear that she's only performing for one person- the "boss", again this person who we don't know (or at least we're not sure if we know). The actress playing Meg had a great voice and was an incredible dancer... although it was interesting that she had such an American accent coming from France. Details, I guess. After her first performance, Meg consults with her mother, hoping that the boss was there. The boss wasn't but another man, a Mr. Thompson, a man with lots of money, was there and Meg goes off with him. Don't like the sound of that.
The Ayrie- The stage goes dark and we're clearly in another location on the island. There is an absolutely huge, to the top of the stage, golden statue with a larger base, and through the door in the base, comes a woman with long dark hair, followed by our beloved (or not) Phantom. The stage was very dark and you can't really tell what this woman is- in the original, he had an auto icon of her. There's a cool bit where she puts her arms up and her outer wrap is just blown off of her (she has a dress on underneath her....) and then she's put back into her glass box.
Till I Hear You Sing- The Phantom then sings about how it's been Ten Long Years since he's heard "her" (Christine) sing. He contemplates killing himself but also thinks about composing. It's a very compelling song- it's been stuck in my head for about four days now.
Giry Confronts the Phantom- Meg runs into the Phantom's lair all a bubbly, asking if he watched her perform, asking for ways to improve and he clearly does not care. Madme Giry also arrives and notices the auto-icon. She realizes that the Phantom is still clearly obsessed with Christine and Meg is shocked by the very creepy auto-icon. Madame Giry reminds the Phantom that Christine is in the past. It was her and Meg that got the Phantom out of Paris when the mobs were hunting him. They got him to New York, they helped get the finances for Coney Island, etc. The Phantom ignores her and comes up with a plan to get Christine back and send her an anonymous letter during the reprise of ".
A few thoughts on the Phantom. First of all, as always, I love the mask. I love the way that the mask fits on the actors face and I love the shape of it- it's not the shape of all the masks in the posters, it's a vertical half-face mask. Love it. The actor who sings the Phantom is good but he doesn't have the same menacing undertones of Michael Crawford in the original. And he certainly doesn't sound aged- ten years, on the run, several in a freak show, it's got to age you and he sounds just as young, if not younger. So that's slightly irksome.
Christine Disembarks- In the dark you hear the sound of a ship's horn and the stage opens up to the backdrop of a huge ocean liner and a door to leave customs. The stage is full of reporters and photographers and after several famous people of the time, Mrs. Astor, Colonel Vanderbilt, Oscar Hammerstein, disembark, Christine, Raoul and their ten year old son arrive. Christine is silent, Raoul is VERY angry (reporters reveal that he is an alcoholic and he has left all of his money on the roulette table) and Gustave just wants to learn how to swim. There are many questions about why Christine is singing at Coney Island and Raoul is pissed that there isn't anyone to meet them. Almost immediately a large transparent mechanical horse pulling a Cinderella like carriage arrives. Fleck, Squelch and Gangle, three of the freaks alight and explain about Coney Island in a very creepy but addicting song and they all leave in the carriage.
What A Dreadful Town- Raoul, angry about their welcome to Coney Island, starts to drink and rant around the apartment they are given. He refuses to play with Gustave who has found a big music box that plays music (hm.... doesn't that sound familiar? I was waiting for the song to be like in the original). Christine tries to appease him and say that they need the money, and that's all. He gets angry when she tries to rehearse the aria she's meant to sing. He tries to turn everything that she says around onto her, trying to get rid of all the blame. Raoul does not like the music box and he gives it a little kick to make it stop. However, at the same time, you can see in his eyes that he knows something isn't right- you can't tell on the CD but at the show, there's clearly something wrong and he starts to get a slight whiff of it.
Look With Your Heart- Raoul leaves to get some air and Gustave asks Christine why Father doesn't play with him or love him. She sings a beautiful song called "Look With Your Heart" which turns into a duet later. Current thoughts of Christine and Raoul. Christine: it's really not fair because in my mind, nobody ever ever ever can match up to Sarah, who I think rocks no matter what shes sings. Technically, the role of Christine is not as difficult as the original but I enjoyed this Christine. She really didn't have as big of a role at the original either. Unfortunately, I didn't love Christine's acting (voice was fine though)- she pretty much spent 95% of the show deciding whether or not to cry, sighing a lot, looking concerned and worried, etc. It got a little old after awhile. Raoul is hard to discuss too- I loved the character of Raoul in the original. I felt that his love for Christine was really pure- two childhood friends who were able to fall back in love and he would protect her for anything. I felt that this Raoul's character was really torn apart- all of a sudden he's now an alcoholic and gambler? Character massacre and I wasn't really happy about it. Great voice, though, as I'll discuss later.
Beneath a Moonless Sky- ahhh, the big reveal! Out goes Gustave to bed and in comes the Phantom. Big shock all around for Christine who freak,s smacks him, runs from him, attempts to smack him again and tells her that she knew it must have been him all along. They sing about the one time they were together after the events of the original show where they spent a nght together and before morning, the Phantom left. Christine says she was ready to spend the rest of her life with him but he was gone.
Here is where I am torn. I love this song- it's beautiful and compelling and powerful. However, it seems so unlike the character of Chrstine. She specifically says in the original "The tears I might have shed for your dark face/grow cold and turn to tears of hate." What happened? She suddenly, one night, doesn't hate him and falls into a night of passion with him? Seems to out of character. And then she goes off on lives a merry little life with Raoul (or not so merry since clearly he's now an alcy....). I just am confused.
At the end of the song, though, Christine clearly these, there is no us now. You threw it all away when you ran out before dawn that time, ten years ago.
Once Upon Another Time- echoing the above sentiments- you made the choice to leave, I made a choice to stay with my husband and have a kid with him. Even though I don't really like this song- it seems kind of pointless- it does have my favorite line: We love, we live, we give what we can give and take what we deserve. OK, let's move along.
Mother PLease I'm Scare- Gustave runs in, interrupting Christine and the Phantom's meeting saying that he's scared. Oooh, foreshadowing "someone strange and mad, seizing me and drowing me..." Christine introduces Gustave to "Mester Y" and Gustave is a little nervous but fascinated by the man who owns this freak show. The Phantom promises to show him all the mysteries of the island.
Dear Old Friend- a new day, Meg and her girls are rehearsing and Christine and Gustave (and Raoul) arrive at the stage door. Christine asks Meg to point to in the direction of the stage manager and they suddenly recognize each other. Meanwhile, Raoul and Madame Giry run into each other and what proceeds is a great quartet- this is the first song that reminds me of my favorite songs from the original "Notes". Lots of revealed subtely in this song- maybe Christine knew it was the Phantom; Raoul finds out that the Phantom owns the show and wrote Christine; Meg Giry is not happy that Christine is singing; etc. It's hard to tell from teh CD but the song is made great by the facial expressions. All four put on this false facade of being so happy that they've met up with their old friends, but clearly everyone is not happy about the circumstances.
Beautiful- The three freaks, Fleck, Squelch and Gangle, take Gustave up to the Ayrie where the Phantom's lair is. They sing a really creepy song but their voices are amazing- really chilling, especially with the accompaniment of just a little xylophone. Gustave is entranced by the Ayrie, everything is like it was in the previous scene except for the autoicon of Christine. Gustave plays a melody on the piano and sings and the Phantom is interested in the child's musical talent. Wheels start to turn in the Phantom's head and he starts to wonder if maybe, just possibly, the child is his.... another conflict!
After the song about the mysteries of Coney is sung, there is an image on the stage of a spiraling staircase, like they are walking up to the Ayrie. The melody in the background was from the original show and I'm so frustrated that it took me so long to write this post that I can't remember! Argh!!!! If anyone out there goes to see the show, please let me know! It's driving me crazy!
The Beauty Underneath- insanity- just like in the Coney Island Waltz at the beginning- special effects are incredible. A creature with human legs and a skeleton top, which looks so life like crosses the stage. The drum and guitar beats are banged out by this large ape-like creature with several arms ontop of a large structure. With each verse, another crazy creature/prop is lit-up until the stage is still eery but at the same time bright. The only creepy part is that when the PHantom asks a question, Gustave answers "Yes" and the way he responds sounds kinda inappropriate.... it's a little uncomfortable. Especially because he keeps asking if he wants to see the beauty underneath. It could be taken in many ways.... At the end of the song though, the Phantom pulls off his mask and wig (creepy!), thinking that Gustave can handle it and Gustave freaks (clearly he's not ready for this). Despit the awkward "yeses", the special effects and props and machinery was incredible and mesmerizing.
The Phantom Confronts Christine- Christine arrives and sends Gustave back downstairs with Madame Giry (just interestingly... the Phantom's lair in the original was underneath the opera house and in this one, its clearly upstairs). The Phantom confronts Christine and she finally admits that yes, the child is his. The PHantom is ecstatic and says that they will always be taken care of and that everything he has will go to Gustave. Christine leave and Madame Giry arrives and is pissed off that all that they worked for is going to go to the kid now. Lots of threats ensure.
Entr'acte (Love Never Dies)- welcome to Act II.
Why Does She Love Me?- Entr'acte ends up at the dark bar with Raoul drinking. He asks for another the barkeep wants to cut him off but he doesn't. Raoul wonders why Christine still loves him despite the ways that he's treated her. His voice is amazing and his emotion really comes through. He's clearly torn up about how things have gone over the last ten years and it's heartbreaking to see this man who so purely loved CHristine and wanted to protect her in the original fall to far. I suppose that it's so you get behind the Phantom but i don't want to! He's a crazed obsessed looney and I love Raoul!
Meg shows up at the end of the song and tells Raoul that they should just leave and gives him a letter from her mother with some tickets. Raoul is loath to just give up because he's bested the Phantom before.
Devil Takes the Hindmost- FAVORITE song of the show. The bartender turns around and it's guess who. "Not afraid of me you say?" He asks. The two go head to head in a battle of wills and love and make a bet while singing two winding melodies, also very much like "Notes". They make a bet- Raoul is convinced that Christine will stay loyal to him and the Phantom puts little gems of doubt in his head, including if he's sure that Gustave is his. The final bet: if Christine sings, Raoul leaves alone. If she doesn't sing, they can leave, pockets full, debts paid, never to hear from the Phantom again. The plot thickens.
Heaven By the Sea (reprise)/Ladies...Getns!/Coney Island Waltz- everyone's ready for the last day of the seaon. Best part of this song is the huge hot air balloon that ccomes down from the cieling, carrying the freaks introducing the acts to come and then reveals Meg ready for her big grand finale.
Bathing Beauty- we finally get to see the song that Meg has been reheasing this whole time. It's a very early 1900s dance, a lot like dances from the Moulin Rouge, but Meg is great. Exudes personality, great voice and at one point is topless- that was a little unexpected (her back was to us though so I'm sure she was really covered with stage covers or whatever they use.
Mother, Did You Watch?' Meg is so excited about how well she did but Madame Giry has to break the news that all they've worked for these last ten years is for nough. The Phantom wasn't there, he was with Christine and Meg's spirit is officially broken. Very sad to see her transition from this bright little ballet dancer to a jilted singer.
Before the Performance- we're getting to the climax here. It was interesting that after all the glamour and detail of the other sets, this scene was very plain. Just a dressing table with a mirror made to look like we were behind the mirror and Christine was looking at us. Gustave helps Christine get ready for the performance and Raoul arrives, asking to speak to Christine. He apologizes for everything he's done, knows that he has no right to ask her for anything but then begs her to not sing. They both know that this is incredibly dangerous, they know what the Phantom is capable with but Christine tells him that she promised. You can practically see a tear in Raoul's eyes as he leaves, knowing that he's done all that he can do. So so sad too because you can be pretty sure that he knows he's already lost. Poor Raoul.
As soon as Raoul leaves, the Phantom arrives (classic Phantom- smoke and fog as he enters the room). He keeps belabouring the point that he, Christine and Gustave can make a lovely little family. Clearly Christine has no idea what to do. Best part those is the reprise of "Twisted Every Way" (my favorite little bit in the original). Loved it.
Devil Takes the Hindmost (Quartet)- REALLY cool scene. Backstage, Christine stands onstage, Raoul is on the left side wing, Phantom on the right, they sing a reprise of Devil Takes the Hindmost. Meanwhile, Gustave is on a ladder singing his theme from "Beautiful" and then Madae Giry shows up and adds her hope that Christine won't sing and will leave. Christine doesn't say a word as they all stand on the moving stage which slowly spins them around.
Love Never Dies- Christine sings. Raoul sadly leaves, knowing he's lost. This song should be the key moment of the show but I wasn't a huge fan. It was nice but the song isn't stuck in my head like the climax of Phantom (Point of No Return) us whenever I think of the show. So let's get onto the good stuff.
Ah, Christine- Phantom is gloaty that he's won. They're back in CHristine's dressing room and she finds a single rose and a note. Sung to the theme of "Little Lotte", Raoul apologizes for everything ."Little Lotte, I beg you forgive me. Little Lotte, what fools we once were in our youth in Paris at the Opera. Those two people are gone. Now I must go, our choices are made. The opera is done, last notes have been played. May your Angel of Music watch over you now and give you what I wish I gave you somehow. Yours, in regret, Raoul." So sad! I had such hopes for them at the end of the original!
Gustave! Gustave!- all of a sudden, we realize that Gustave is nowhere to be seen. First they think it's Raoul but Sqelch says that Raoul left alone. Next they think it's Madame Giry who denies it. Fleck arrives to mention that Meg's dressing room had a smashed mirror and she was seen with a little figure. Incredible scene with a night image of Coney- lots of red hues like there's a lot of fire, tons of eople, lots of rushing about hoping to find Gustave. Then Madame Giry, again, comes to the rescue, knowing where they are.
Please Miss Giry- We find ourselves back at the pier with a clearly gone round the bend Meg about the throw Gustave over into the ocean. Just in the nick of time, everyone shows up. There's a "take Meg off the ledge" moment where the Phantom apologizes for everything, mostly to get back the gun from her. Meg breaks down, asking how he could never love her, despite all the did, including sleeping with powerful men to get the money for Coney Island. In a moment of panic, the gun goes off and Christine collapses. Meg freaks, Madame Giry runs to get a doctor, Gustave stands and stares, the Phantom grabs Christine. Gustave asks for his father and it's revealed that the Phantom is the father. Christine and the Phantom have a moment, they kiss, she dies and the show ends with Gustave taking off the Phantom's mask in a sign of his acceptance of his father.
So there you have it, my recap and thoughts about Phantom. Go see it, even if just for the special effects. And when you do, seriously, tell me what that dang song is!
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