Displaying items by tag: Phantom of the Opera

As a lifelong Phantom of the Opera devotee in every form it takes, I was genuinely delighted to see BrightSide Theatre tackling Phantom in Concert. As the title promises, this version reimagines Gaston Leroux’s classic novel as a sweeping musical experience.

With actors reading from scripts accompanied by a full orchestra, Maury Yeston & Arthur Kopit’s Phantom in Concert reframes the tale as a lush, emotional melodrama centered on Eric, a brilliant but disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House. In contrast to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s darker, gothic interpretation, this musical leans into Eric’s tragic origins, his yearning for genuine affection, and the profound musical bond he shares with Christine - the voice that has captured his heart completely.

Despite living in the shadow of Lloyd Webber’s megahit, the Yeston–Kopit Phantom has enjoyed more than a thousand productions worldwide and earned a devoted following for its sweeping score and heartfelt storytelling. Signature numbers such as “Without Your Music,” “Home,” “My True Love,” and “This Place Is Mine” are often cited among Yeston’s finest compositions.

In this telling, Eric - the Phantom - haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, a reclusive genius consumed by music and beauty. When he discovers Christine, a gifted young soprano, he becomes her unseen mentor, shaping her talent from the shadows. Turmoil erupts when longtime manager Gerard is dismissed and replaced by the imperious diva Carlotta and her husband, Cholet – the new owners of the theater. Driven by jealousy, Carlotta deliberately ruins Christine’s voice, Eric retaliates, sending the Opera into panic and prompting a relentless police pursuit. Eric’s fury ripples through the opera house like a living thing. What begins as confusion quickly curdles into fear, the company realizing that someone with both brilliance and rage is pulling the strings. All of it builds toward that moment when the truth about Gerard comes crashing in, reframing the chaos not just as vengeance, but as the desperate thrashing of a man who has been wounded far deeper than anyone understood. Gerard’s secret casts a long, quiet shadow over those final moments, turning them into something more intimate - a reckoning shaped as much by vulnerability as by the haunting beauty of Eric’s music.

Under the finely tuned direction of Artistic Director Jeffery Cass, Phantom unfolds with a sense of fluidity and imagination. Cass uses the entire venue as his canvas, sending cast members weaving through the seating area so the story seems to breathe around the audience rather than simply play out in front of them. It’s an approach that keeps the energy alive and the tension palpable.

Leading the production is Caden Cole, ideally cast as The Phantom/Eric, the enigmatic and tormented musical prodigy. He brings a striking blend of vulnerability and command to the role, and his vocal power is undeniable - soaring in the big moments, simmering in the quieter ones, and always grounded in emotional truth. Cole doesn’t just sing the Phantom; he inhabits him, giving the production its beating heart. Emily Lewis meets Cole’s fire with equal force, matching his intensity note for note in the role of Christine. She brings a luminous clarity to the character - wide‑eyed innocence layered with a growing emotional strength - and her voice carries both the sweetness and steel the role demands. Lewis’s chemistry with Cole heightens every duet, creating a dynamic that feels electric from the moment they share the stage.

Julie Ann Kornak commands the stage with a lavish, full-throttle diva presence that renders her Carlotta utterly unmissable. Each line and note - and every sly, well‑placed comic nuance - lands with the assurance of a performer who knows the spotlight belongs to her the moment she steps into it. She balances grandeur with just the right touch of comedic sparkle, turning Carlotta into a character who is not only vocally formidable but irresistibly fun to watch. Phillipe - Christine’s steadfast admirer and emotional counterweight to the Phantom - is brought to life with admirable warmth by Joe Moerschel. He plays the role with an earnest sincerity that grounds the love triangle, offering a gentler, more human alternative to the Phantom’s tortured brilliance.

The production is further elevated by standout supporting work. Among other outstanding players, Stan Austin delivers a crisp, comedic take on Cholet, cutting through the surrounding chaos with razor‑sharp timing, while Michael Rivera brings a grounded, steady warmth to Gerard, his voice blooming with striking clarity and power, especially throughout the second act. Phantom in Concert is bolstered by a remarkably cohesive ensemble whose vocal strength and fluid movement enrich every scene. This is a company that works in true harmony, elevating the production at every turn.

BrightSide’s Phantom in Concert emerges as a genuine musical‑theatre treasure, the kind of production that reminds you why this story endures. It marries lush orchestration, expressive performances, and a palpable sense of passion into an experience that feels both intimate and grand. This is the sort of evening that rewards longtime fans and newcomers alike, making it not just worth seeing, but worth savoring.

Phantom in Concert is being performed on a limited run from January 9^th-18^th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit https://brightsidetheatre.com/.

If you are a passionate fan of the original "Phantom of the Opera" musical, its sequel "Love Never Dies" will surely peak your curiosity and is a 'must see'.

The continuation to one of the greatest love stories of our time takes place in 1907, ten years later after the Paris Opera House fire. The Phantom fled at that time, escaping tragedy, but not before releasing Christine and Raoul, so moved by his love for her. Christine now resurfaces after receiving an invitation to travel from Paris to make her singing debut in New York and the Phantom is determined to win back her love. After so many years have gone by, we finally see a life changing reunion between the Phantom, Christine and other ghosts from the past.

Magnificently directed by Simon Phillips, the stunning musical includes a new set and costume designs by Gabriela Tylesova, choreography by 2011 Astaire Awards winner Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and sound design by Mick Potter. Together they produce what can be described no less than an enchanting theatre experience that is as haunting as it is seductive.

A handful of characters return from the first musical, including the Phantom portrayed with fierceness by Cardar Thor Cortes who was born in Iceland and is making his debut in the United States in this performance. Cardar Thor Cortes comes directly off the heels of a successful run of Love Never Dies in Hamburg, Germany. Christine is beautifully acted by Chicago native Meghan Picerno. The music and lyrics created by Andrew-Lloyd-Webber and Glenn Slater seem personally written for these two amazing singers who held the audience in awe.  Other return characters were Raoul (Sean Thompson), Madame Giry (Karen Mason) and Meg Giry (Mary Patterson).

The musical number impress one after another and are in many ways as powerful than those in the original “Phantom”. "Once Upon Another Time" will touch your heart while offering meaning to the story line of this play. Meghan Picerno, (Christine) and Gardar Cortes mesmerize the audience singing beautifully together, their words enhanced by every powerful note. "Love Never Dies", without question reveals Meghan's emotionally charged and extremely talented voice.  

Applause, applause and more applause...

“I have the great joy of being able to say that I think this production is probably the finest one I could ever, ever hope for,” said Andrew Lloyd Webber just minutes after seeing the musical’s first run through.

One of the play’s nice surprises was 13-year-old Casey Lyons native of Lake Forest who was a joy to watch sing and perform. Casey is a natural and has a wonderful gift of song.  

The Coney Island atmosphere freed the stage up to every kind of performer singing and dancing together to present a mystical, delightful and creative wonderland. The fluid stage changes were excellently done and the orchestra gets an A-plus in every way.

Not to give the plot away, I can say the story line is unique, a little unexpected, and keeps you wondering until the very end. "Love Never Dies" is well worth attending.  

“Love Never Dies” has a running time of two hours and twenty-five minutes with one intermission and is being performed at Cadillac Palace Theatre through March 4th. For tickets and/or more show information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.