About the show:
The play is an adaptation of the Gaston Leroux novel set in 19th century Paris telling the 'beauty
and the beast' story of a deformed man whose soul is as twisted as his appearance, who falls in love
with a young ingenue performer at the Paris Opera House named Christine. He becomes her masked
teacher and benefactor until the day she sees the monster... and the man... behind the mask.
The music and lyrics are powerful, stirring, emotional and eternally appealing. The Los Angeles
production which the WriterGroupie saw contained exquisite costumes and sets that provided a
spectacle that did indeed astound you.
The original London production made a superstar of its Phantom, Michael Crawford. And in a
bit of an ironic parallel, the master composer Andrew Lloyd Webber married his Christine, Sarah Brightman.
Personal:
The WriterGroupie had the pleasure of seeing Michael Crawford perform the lead
role of the Phantom three times during his L.A. tenure. She maintains that he has the sexiest
hands ever seen on stage, aside from Bela Lugosi in Dracula. She thinks it's a crime that
this production has not yet been adapted to film and fears that whomever steps into Michael Crawford's
mask will be a poor, pale imitation.
The WriterGroupie had the rare privilege to meet and lay praise
at the feet of Phantom composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and was incredibly grateful to have that
opportunity.
Related Links:
The Official website of the musical.
The Official website of Andrew Lloyd Webber's production comapny.
