The Phantom of the Opera

The stage is set; the lights are dimmed, while the delicate chandelier awaits the unsuspecting audience. "The Phantom of the Opera" returns to Denver with all its glorious music of the night.

Captivating audiences for nearly 20 years, Andrew Lloyd Webbers, "The Phantom of the Opera" is the third longest running show on Broadway. While the play is indeed a magnificent sight to behold, the music is what makes it truly spectacular. It is through the music that audiences are able to appreciate the beauty of this theatrical production.

The stunning voices and the accompanying instruments proves to be the backbone of the play as the music paves the way for one astounding show that continues to bring back people, year after year. "The music enhances every aspect of the play," said Michael Strocky of Westminster. This is his fist time seeing the Phantom.

The musicals melodic structure takes on a story line all its own. The majority of the music does not require an acted scene to portray the meaning. At times the Phantom's wild and reckless abandonment is felt in the rapid crescendos in the song titled, "The Phantom of the Opera". Sudden key changes and massive fortissimos allow the audience a brief glimpse into the genius, but deadly mind of the man behind the mask. Occasionally a somber and subdued Phantom is heard, while leaving the audience enthralled. The Phantom manages to entrance not only the audience, but the lovely soprano Christine as well.

Tutored by her "Angel of Music," the blossoming singer, Christine is fast on her way to stardom. Audiences adore her charming personality not to mention the songs she manages to belt out. Her solo, "Think of Me" proves just how talented she is. Although young and a little na‹ve, her duet with the Phantom is clearly a remarkable feat, as it is remembered as one of the most notorious songs of the musical. Sadness can be seen within, when Christine allows her true feelings to be shown over the loss of her father.

"Wishing you Were Somehow Here Again" is a hurdle that she manages to slowly overcome. Although the slow tempo and a melodramatic feel presents itself in the song, many will find themselves at a loss for words. While the combined voices of the Phantom and Christine are enough to win over an audience, it just wouldn't be the same without the tragic love triangle that grips the hearts of those who have become ensnared in the Phantom's grasp.

The turning point in the musical would be the love ballet that Christine and her new beaux Raoul share together. Christine seems to forget all that her "Angel of Music" has taught her as Raoul's romantic showering of affection sweeps her off her feet. "All I ask of you" is another marvelous duet captured on stage and charming all. Although the atmosphere seems lighthearted by the music's display of fresh love, the Phantom is not to be forgotten as his melancholy solo breaks the heart and leaves a spine tingling sensation.

The sheer exhilaration of "Masquerade" is very much a spectacle to behold. Everyone is included in this fancy party and towards the end the orchestration becomes almost deafening. The party doesn't last long as the Phantom makes his triumphant return and presents the onlookers with his own play, "Don Juan. " The story line builds and builds from this point in the theatrical music that follows.

The Phantom and Christine pair up once again in "The Point of no Return," a somewhat erotic but completely passionate display of musical affection. The song grabs everyone and envelops him or her into the warm cocoon off the moment. No sooner then the listener becomes wrapped up in the music do they find themselves down in the Hell, the Phantom calls home.

As the dramatic climax continues to build, the love triangle reaches its final challenge as the Phantom faces off with Raoul in the battle to win Christine's love. The entire scene portrayed through musical format, is a heart breaking, yet spellbinding rendition of a beautiful love story. The three voices come together to complete one another most exquisitely as audiences are astounded by the display of power they all seem to exert together. It is truly one of the most well developed pieces of music in the play. Marilyn Indermill of Boulder, who has been in the theater business for 25 years considers "The Phantom of the Opera" to be a real "heart healer."

By this point audience members would have to take a moment to collect themselves, as "The Phantom of the Opera" ends so peacefully with only the Phantom left alone by himself. "The music of the Phantom leaves longing, sorrow, heartache and everlasting love resonating through your soul long after the curtain has closed," said Sheryl Paxton of Thornton. Not a dry eye can be found in the theater and the last seen of the Phantom is the mask he leaves behind. A true symbol of the play, the mask portrays all that the Phantom is but it's clearly the music, stunningly well done that allows audiences to truly learn what "The Music of the Night" is all about.