El Paso sets down roots in St. Charles Parish
November 11, 2014
At the Library
November 11, 2014
Newly designed and newly conceived, “Phantom of the Opera” returns this month to New Orleans’ Saenger Theater stage.
Director Laurence Conner has “refreshed” the classic and is delivering the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe score to sold-out audiences across the country.
Set in and below the Paris Opera House between 1881 and 1911, the play is based on French journalist and crime novelist Gaston Leroux’s novel about a deformed musical genius who lives in the bowels of the opera house and tutors a young soprano.
Brad Oscar, who plays Monsieu Firmin, an opera house manager, described the show as a “gorgeous production.”
“Audiences love this show – the music, the theatrics, everything,” he said. “It has been rebuilt from the ground up. [Connor] has put together a first-rate, first-class version of this show. It’s been quite a joy to be a part of the production.”
Oscar, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in “The Producers,” is more typically known for his comic stage roles. But joining the “Phantom” cast has afforded him the opportunity to display a wider range.
“Knowing this classic show for a while and getting to sink my teeth into it each night has been a challenge and an actor’s dream,” he said. “My favorite part of every evening comes at the end of the first act with the ‘Prima Donna’ sequence. It is an incredible moment.”
The touring production of “Phantom of the Opera” is completely representative of the caliber of talent on any Broadway stage, Oscar said.
“Too often, it isn’t financially feasible to tour with a big cast and crew or the show simply doesn’t demand it,” he said. But with more than 50 players – actors and orchestra – and a hard-working support crew, “Phantom” is among the largest touring productions. “We really are bringing Broadway around the country. That’s how first rate this production is.”
Among the reimagined facets of the show audiences will notice is the set. “It’s very clear when you are behind the scenes and when you are ‘on stage,’” he explained. “In the original, the space was less defined.”
Other enhancements are visible in the special effects – including the legendary chandelier. The music team with the new scenery and lighting designs, staging and choreography are a delight for the show’s hardiest fans and newcomers.
“The show is as good as those who have seen it before remembered,” he said. “Those who come because they love ‘Phantom’ walk away loving it even more. And those who are new to the show are amazed by it. It is so cool to see the show you love reconceived this way. The size; the quality. It’s like seeing a brand new production.”
Cooper Grodin appears as the Phantom and Julia Udine as Christine Daaé in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.”
