JosephBurke.com

Tonight Belongs to…

// January 28th, 2010 // Joe's Blog

I have never reviewed a true Broadway show before, but I was so inspired tonight after seeing the performance of Phantom at the Bob Carr Center in downtown Orlando, FL that I just had to give it a go. Bob Carr is a small stage compared to other stages I’ve been to, but the seating capacity at just around 2,500 isn’t small either. After seeing the movie and bits and pieces of the footage from the NYC Production of Phantom, I was amazed at how much the staff, and stagehands fit onto the smaller 36ft. stage area. Amazingly, it was pulled off without a single glitch, and the rigs, lighting, effects, dioramas and props all fit perfectly on the stage. But, then again, the original stage in NYC, The Majestic, is only 37ft in depth, so there really isn’t that much of a difference.

For me, having never seen Phantom in full production was a little humbling. I’ve heard so much about this production in the tabloids, but one never thought I’d have the blessed chance to go see it one day. And we had prime seating in row HH, which is only 8 rows back from the main Orchestra area. The show production quality was very sophisticated and elaborate set designs that made the audience sink into the realm of the Phantom. With the towering golden angelic statues that dawned the sides of the stage to the centerpiece of the magnificent chandelier, the opening moments of Phantom was a bit of “WOW” moment. As the chandelier rose above the audience and the stage is revealed, everyone is captivated to center stage.

The vocals, acting and even technical engineering of this production was superb. There wasn’t a single blip, falter or issue with the sound, tech or lighting. Again, hats off to the amazing crew of Phantom and the “Florida Theatrical Association” for bringing such great productions on the road to Orlando. The actors were brilliant, and portrayed their roles with the up-most sincerity, and I felt captivated the entire production. I didn’t feel like I was in the theater for a little over two hours. I found myself fully absorbed in the world of Phantom, and frankly, that’s the way it should be. If you live in the Orlando area, and are curious about this show, please do yourself a favor now and order your tickets. It’s well worth it, and you’ll be as mesmerized as I was, I guarantee it. Keep in mind, opera and theater is not for everyone, but anyone who appreciates talent and entertainment will thoroughly enjoy this Orlando production.

Truly, this night, belonged to Phantom…