What it takes to star in ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
Dubbed the world’s most popular musical, “The Phantom of the Opera” has made its UAE debut at the Dubai Opera, but not before the cast and crew shared their take on the worldrenowned play.
Brought to the region for the very first time by Broadway Entertainment Group, in partnership with Dubai Opera, the Andrew Lloyd Webber production will run until Nov. 9 and promises a spectacular experience for musical theater fans. Based on French author
Gaston Leroux’s classic novel, British composer Webber’s romantic musical is now in its 33rd year and is the longestrunning show on Broadway. Worldwide, more than 140 million people have seen “The Phantom of the Opera” in 37 countries, 172 cities and in 16 languages.
“For an evening out, for people that see musicals every day or for the first person that’s ever come to see a musical, ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ has everything that you would want in a production,” Liz Koops, the chief executive officer of Broadway
Entertainment Group, told
Arab News.
The tour, which started in Manila, is expected to be on the road for at least 10 years. The orchestra has 10 UAE-based musicians who are part of the Dubai performance.
Claire Lyon, who portrays the female protagonist Christine Daaé, said stamina is the toughest part of her role. “It is very vocally demanding (and) physically demanding for all three of us. Having to pace yourself throughout the whole week and knowing when to rest, when to push yourself back and training yourself like an athlete (is a challenge),” she said.
Despite having performed as the Phantom dozens of times, Jonathan Roxmouth still discovers new aspects of his character.
“I still prepare for (this character). I don’t think you ever fully prepare for a role like ‘The Phantom of the Opera’… I am still finding things,” Roxmouth explained.
It takes the team more than an hour to get Roxmouth’s makeup ready for the musical. “There is no other show I would do this for … it is my dream role,” he said.