REACHING FOR BEAUTY AMID THE DARKNESS
Sir Wilfrid Laurier stages lush Phantom of the Opera
Show #6: Phantom of the Opera Where: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School
Director: Sonya Schrum and Student Olivia MacKeen
What lies beneath the mask of a tortured virtuoso? The Phantom’s infatuation with a young chorus girl will take his music — and his madness — to new heights. The stakes are high, and this twisted masquerade is about to reach its climax. With their captivating production, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School brought to life the macabre, romantic world of The Phantom of the Opera.
A timeless classic, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom is the longest-running show on Broadway. It is nineteenth-century Paris, and in the bowels of the bustling Opéra Populaire lives the Phantom.
He is a creative genius and the enigmatic puppet master of the opera house, but his facial deformities have confined him to a life in the shadows. Fascinated by the beautiful Christine Daaé, he assumes the guise of her “Angel of Music,” and she is quickly enthralled. Upon a romantic reunion with her childhood friend, the Vicomte Raoul de Chagny, the Phantom’s jealousy and rage are unleashed, and catastrophe is bound to ensue. How will this dark seduction play out?
Complete with well-polished music and exceptional vocals, the cast and pit band of The Phantom of the Opera never failed to impress.
The optical illusions and dramatic mood lighting added an extra layer of otherworldliness to the performance. The large ensemble number “Masquerade” stood out grandly, complete with sumptuous, jewel-toned costumes, expertly choreographed ballroom-style dancing and complex harmonies.
Phillip Lukic’s light-footed gait, eerie mannerisms and tortured expressions were perfectly suited to the role of the Phantom; they aptly modelled the physicality of a man who spends his days alone in the dark. Lukic’s resonant baritone voice slid easily into a plethora of low notes and his rich tone never wavered, despite the constraints of a facial prosthetic and a mask.
Rebecca White used her entire person to capture the extreme polarity of Christine’s emotions, gliding effortlessly between wide-eyed wonderment, trembling fear and tearful compassion.
Opposite White was Xavier Cadieux, who commanded attention as the gallant Raoul. Their palpable chemistry and well-matched voices made for a touching rendition of “All I Ask of You.”
Alyssa Rama shone as Carlotta, the ousted prima donna, strutting haughtily about the stage and gliding easily through challenging songs with her fluttering soprano.
Jordan Mason prompted much laughter with his bumbling portrayal of proprietor Richard Firmin, a businessman hilariously out of his depth, surrounded by clashing artists.
The special effects team, headed by Olivia MacKeen and Xavier Cadieux, employed several clever tricks of the eye.
A beetle-green mirror reflected Christine and displayed the Phantom on the other side. A chandelier made of plastic bottles was lined with lights that flickered spasmodically, giving it the impression of breaking into shards. The set contained many moving pieces, notably an attractive rolling elephant and the Phantom’s gondola.
With lush visuals and engaging performances, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School offered a thought-provoking performance that reminded one of the human propensity for beauty, even when surrounded by darkness.
Next review: Colonel By Secondary School’s production of Footloose.