Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage play “The Phantom of the Opera” was widely successful; with its marathon Broadway run and numerous city tours this play drew millions of people to the theatre. Still, both the Broadway and London production continue to break box office and show run records. Not only is the play honored for its music composed by a prominent musician Andrew Lloyd Weber, but also for the profoundly deep impact it has on our feelings and emotions.To my mind, no man with a living and beating heart can leave a theatre without a single piece of emotion touching his soul.
The story the play is based on is itself very touching. This is the story of big love, strong hate, devotion, sacrifice and, above all, Music and Art. I think that is was not by chance than an opera house was chosen to be the scene of action. Sure, instead of being a theater admirer and patron, Raoul could have been, say, a farmer or a lawyer, and Christine would have taken part of a housemaid or just a girl next door.
The Phantom could have easily settled down at the nearest cellar – he would not have become less frightening then. But in this case we would have been deprived of the greatest treasure which makes this play itself, which, probably, constitutes considerable part of its success – the music. Not only the songs performed by the characters are meant; the music is something that reigns over the minds and the souls, enhancing every step we make and every beat of our heart.The plot of the play is rather simple and does not differ much from that of the book it is based on.
A young actress, Christine, wants to become famous. In addition to her inborn talent she has a mysterious teacher, who helps her to master her performance. One day Christine meets a young aristocrat, Raoul, who used to be her playmate in the childhood, and they fall in love. Christine’s career is only in its starting point, as Carlotta, the prima donna, does not seem to give way to any young talent.Nevertheless, when the capricious diva finds offense at some minor point she walks out right before a performance, the producers have no choice but to turn to the beautiful young understudy, Christine.
Much to the chagrin of Carlotta the perform Christine gives is met by joyous critical acclaim. Meanwhile, we learn that the teacher (The Angel of Music) is not late Christine’s father, as she thought at first, but a maimed monstrous genius, who is in love with the girl. The Phantom takes Christine away, into the kingdom where he and his music rule.Despite the admiration an actress feels towards the master, she is unable to love him in return. The Phantom is torn apart both by his love and his hatred. He loves Christine and burns in desire to have the one he loves even against her will.
Fortunately, his passion is overridden by the generosity (or, maybe, the pride of a rejected man? ). Christine is freed and the lovers get engaged, but this gives another turn to the story. The Phantom patronizes Christine and haunts anybody impeding her.At the same time, he haunts a girl herself with his love.
The end is to be put to it, and Raoul, in desire to punish the Phantom, becomes his hostage. Christine sacrifices herself in return for her lover’s liberation. In the end, the last sacrifice is that by the Phantom – he gives away his love and his hope and releases both Raoul and Christine. In my estimation, the play is really a masterpiece.
I would suggest watching it not only for the story itself or for the performance (though both are faultless), but for the music which is flawless indeed.
