By Chuck Graham, TucsonStage.com
Gaslight photo by the Gawnes
From left, Todd Thompson as the Phantom has Paris all atingle while Madame Giry (Samantha Cormier) adds comedy relief with a shiver.
A true Gaslight Theatre classic, “The Phantom of the Opera,” has returned in a new production to flaunt its soaring wiles once more across a curtained stage of high notes and evil intentions.
Standing tall as that formally attired man behind the white mask is Todd Thompson, defiantly insisting he is the Angel of Music. He also makes us feel the sadness in this angel's heart, an artistic genius longing to make his unknown ingenue Christine Daae the soaring star of the Paris Opera House.
Christine, the shy favorite of the Phantom, is at first flattered by this ghostly force. But as he becomes more demanding, Christine (Kelly Coates) comes to resent his supernatural powers.
But as every Gaslight regular will tell you, the most truly enduring ghost of this theater is Elvis Presley. So no one is surprised when these Parisian singers and company bust out a populist groove, giving their songs a distinctive 1980s rock 'n' roll beat.
The recipe is irresistible. Peter VanSlyke wrote the original show (based on the novel by Gaston Leroux), now adapted for today's audience by Katherine Byrnes and Mike Yarema. They encourage every campy mannerism imaginable to poke more holes in the pompous attitudes of the arrogant Paris Opera House stars.
Madame Carlotta (Heather Stricker) is the haughty soprano, overflowing with diva conceit She is paired alongside the Great Sorelli (Charlie Hall), a baritone also filled with the fullness of himself.
Delivering her non-singing role with an abundance of insider comedy is Samantha Cormier as Madame Giry, a longtime backstage employee of the Opera House.
Yarema completes the romantic links playing Raul, the Count de Chagny. a patron of the Opera and devoted protector of Christine. The harder the Phantom controls Christine, the more desperately she longs for the strong arms of Raul.
The Gaslight's aftershow olio continues to celebrate 1980s rock with a visit to the Ed McMahon (Charlie Hall) television show, ”Star Seekers.” Tribute performers include Weird Al Yankovic, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna and Devo.
“The Phantom of the Opera” runs through Nov. 2, with performances Tuesdays through Sundays at the Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tickets before taxes are $28, with several group discounts, including children ages 2-12. For details and reservations, 520-886-9428, or visit www.thegaslighttheatre.com
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