The Phantom of the Opera

“Music of the Night” (From L) Chris Mann as The Phantom and Katie Travis as Chris tine Daaé. Photo: Matthew Murphy.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera opened in London's West End in 1986, and on Broadway in 1988. It won the 1986 Olivier Award and the 1988 Tony Award for Best Musical, and Michael Crawford (in the title role) won the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical. It is the longest running show in Broadway history, and it enjoyed a 10-year run at the Pantages Theatre (now the Ed Mirvish Theatre) in Toronto from 1989 to 1999. This season, a new production of the popular musical returns for a limited engagement at the Princess of Wales Theatre, featuring Chris Mann (a finalist on NBC's The Voice) as The Phantom.

Based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux, the central plot revolves around a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé (Katie Travis), who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius (Mann) who threatens to unleash disaster on the opera company if its new owners disobey his orders. The new production boasts revitalized staging and set design, contrasting the dark backstage world of the Phantom with that of the traditional opera world onstage. The result is a dazzling feast for the eyes, complete with ornate costumes, awe-inspiring pyrotechnics, and of course, a magnificent chandelier.

Mann is pitch-perfect as the tortured, demoniac Phantom, and Travis's portrayal of the fearful yet compassionate Christine is simply beautiful. Storm Lineberger also offers a strong performance as Christine's childhood friend and love interest, Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny.

Webber's score is as powerful as ever, with songs such as "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Masquerade/Why So Silent" and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" standing out as the highlights of Cameron Mackintosh's new production. 

Don't miss the chance to see this classic, thrilling and romantic theatrical treat. Phantom is musical theatre at its finest. The haunting melodies, lyrics and storyline will stay with you long after the final curtain.

The Phantom of the Opera runs until January 23, 2016 at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.