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Supernatural ambiance in 'Phantom of the Opera'

    by By Rachel Bussom, West Chester East High School, Inquirer
    Published 

A mysterious mask hung above the stage as an eerie atmosphere filled the auditorium. A crumpled chandelier lay forgotten before suddenly rising to its rightful place overseeing Downingtown West High School's recent production of "The Phantom of the Opera."

Based on Gaston Leroux's novel, "Le Fantôme de l'Opéra," Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" is currently the longest running musical in Broadway history. The original Broadway production was nominated for ten Tony awards, winning seven including Best Musical. The show follows up-and-coming opera star Christine Daaé as she must choose between her love, Raoul, and her "angel of music," the sinister, deformed, and obsessed Phantom.

The most impressive aspect of the show was the supernatural ambiance of the production. The echo in the microphones, as well as the way the Phantom's voice seemed to come from all around the theatre, drew the audience into the story.

Matt DeGaetano was wonderfully disturbing as the Phantom. His fantastic voice, especially during "The Music of the Night," enchanted the audience, as well as Christine (Kendyll Young). DeGaetano also played off Young's naïve Christine to great success. However, Radler Kelly as Raoul reigned supreme over the show vocally. His gorgeous tenor in "All I Ask of You," showed everyone exactly why Christine chose him in the end. Through the maturity of his voice and acting, Kelly brought out every layer of his character.

As the strict ballet instructor, Madame Giry, Nora Holler was superb. Her lovely voice and consistent characterization demanded attention whenever she was onstage. As the diva, Carlotta Guidicelli, Taylor Halpern brought much-needed comic relief to this dark show, making her a delight to watch and listen to. Though a few of the vocalists struggled to hit the high notes and lacked the maturity and depth of voice that is necessary for this show, overall the cast pulled the production off commendably.

The ballet ensemble was extremely impressive, showing great technical skill during every dance. Despite a few microphone inconsistencies, a problem that was certainly exacerbated by the actors hitting their microphones when interacting, the sound design was a fantastic addition to the mysterious air of the show.

This is the first year that "The Phantom of the Opera" was available for amateur productions, and Downingtown West High School's terrific effort showed that it was about time, for they truly brought us some wonderful "music of the night."