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A Night At the Musicals With Three Phantoms Review

Anybody knows me knows I like to sing, and I absolutely love to watch musicals. Two of my top favourites are also the popular favourites - Phantom of the Opera (Andrew Lloyd Webber's) and Les Miserables.


So when I saw that Three Phantoms were coming to Singapore to perform, I was psyched to be able to hear great singing once again!

Starring:
Alistair Barron , Oliver Brereton , Kieran Brown , Earl Carpenter, Marisa McIntyre, David Shannon , Lisa- Anne Wood

I searched online to find reviews or song lists but couldn't find any. The names of the singers revealed extensive musical experiences in Wicked, Mamma Mia etc, so I was kind of expecting all the songs to be from either Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables or even the signature songs from Cats.

When I reached and saw the line up, I must admit I was pretty disappointed because I didn't know half of the songs from the show:


Here is the line up.

Act 1:

This is the moment from Jekyll & Hyde
Maria from West Side Story
Falling slowly from Once
The Museum Song from Barnum
You can drive a person crazy from Company
Pretty Lady from Pacific Overtures
Beauty and the beast - no explanation needed
Stars - from Les Miserables
I dreamed a dream - Les Miserables
A Heart full of love - Les Miserables
Bring Him Home - Les Miserables
One Day More - Les Miserables

Act 2:
Thunderball 
I have dreamed - King and I
I'd Give it all for you - Songs for a new world
The Song that goes like this - Monty Python's Spamalot
Make Him Mine - The Witches of Eastwick
All of my dreams faded suddenly - From Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera
Devil take the hindmost - Love Never Dies
Til I hear you sing - Love Never Dies
The Music Lessons/Phantom Fugue - Maury Yesons' Phantom the American Sensation
Music of the Night - Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera


I only knew 9 songs - and if you look closely - There is only ONE song from Andrew Llyod Webber's Phantom of the Opera!

Couldn't believe it. The main draw was the headline of Three Phantoms therefore of course we would expect majority of the songs from Phantom!

What is also infuriating is that the Sistic page actually said this:

"Fans are in for a real treat with this outstanding show that not only features unique backstage insights and anecdotes with songs from musicals such as Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia!, Cats, We Will Rock You, Chess and Wicked and many more."
There were no songs from Miss Saigon, Mamma Mia, Cats, We Will Rock you or Chess. I didn't even hear 'Defying Gravity' from Wicked or even 'The Phantom Of the Opera'???? Can't believe it.
At the end of the night I also found it pretty rude that no introduction was given for Alistair Barron and the cast attempted to inject some humour by leaving him out. I don't think bullying is a form of humour. Especially when his voice is that good.


Furthermore the entire concert is supported by a pianist and a cellist. Perhaps that's why many of the songs could not be performed, but I guess if you are going to charge SGD 68 to SGD 158 I think you can afford at least some instrumentals or another accompanist.

The sound crew was pretty bad too because some singers were obviously much louder than others but no attempt to adjust them were made. So when they were singing acapella it was very obvious and the blending was just not there. I felt sad for the female singers because they were good but I could barely hear two of them among everyone else.

Verdict: Unless you have time to spare and money to spare I suggest to skip this. Save up for the real musicals when they come to Singapore or travel overseas to watch them.

Anyway with my VIP Ticket I managed to catch a photo with everyone. Guess what? The phantoms were TALKING while the picture was being taken. Talk about being unwilling to be there. And they kept trying to get people to buy tickets again 2 nights in a row (why would we do that??)
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The Phantom of the Opera Gala Premiere in Singapore on 18 July 2013

I love watching musicals! The level of coordination between performers, lights and sound crew, the singing, acting, design of props, costumes, even make up all contribute to an astounding quality production, and The Phantom of the Opera is definitely one of my favourites to catch with famous songs like "The Phantom of the Opera”, “Music of the Night”, “Angel of Music” and “All I Ask of You”.

The first time the Phantom of the Opera came to Singapore was in 2007, and it was a sold-out success. I managed to get tickets to that because I booked early, and that left me hungry to watch even more musicals. Plus, I'm a huuuge fan of The Phantom of the Opera, I have their albums and also watched their movie when it came out in 2004. So when I was invited by Alvin to catch the Gala Premiere in Singapore on the 18th of July, I immediately said yes even though I wasn't in a Black tie, red carpet worthy outfit!


Apologies for the terrible resolution, these were shot on my phone! Here's a shot of Aaralyn and I, I'm in a Love and Bravery dress, red patent heels from HK and red lipstick from L'oreal ;)
 
A gorgeous shot of Brad Little and Claire Lyon from the Singapore main cast

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically acclaimed masterpiece is now enjoying its 27th year on the West End stage, and its 26th year on Broadway, and continues to play to full houses around the world.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has been seen by over 130 million people worldwide, in more than 27 countries, has grossed more than US$5.6 billion and has won over 50 major theatre awards. Playing worldwide it has been translated into no fewer than 15 languages.
In January 2013, the Broadway production played its 10,000th performance, and their 25th Anniversary (video below), was so brilliant it gave me chills.


I tear when I watch this. It's just so beautiful.

Storyline

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical is based upon the novel Le Fantome De L’Opera by Gaston Leroux. 

It tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House.  Mesmerised by the talent and beauty of a young soprano - Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her.  Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. 


In short, a freaking awesome storyline, with an eye-opening exposure to musicals which were held at that time.

PSST! There's also a sequel also written by Andrew Lloyd Webber called 'Love Never Dies', and I managed to catch it two years ago in London! It's set in America, many years after The Phantom of the Opera and reveals so many secrets. All Phantom fans need to catch that as a grand finale!

 Bumped into Yina, Sophie and Mel! It's so coincidental because Yina is in the Singapore Youth Choir conducted by Ms Tham, who was my secondary school choir conductor, and Sophie's my junior in SAJC (yes she's younger than me ~_~) and Mel's my classmate in upper secondary for Literature and Geog classes! Haha. They're dressed much more suited for the occasion than me oops.

With Adrian and Dennis. Poor Adrian had a back ache so he was walking stiffly the whole night. Get better soon Adrian!

The other photos I took were terribly grainy so I'm not uploading them here :(

Singapore cast
 

That night, our spectacular cast was:
The Phantom - Brad Little
Christine Daae - Claire Lyon
Raoul - Anthony Downing
Monsieur Firmin - John O'May
Monsieur Andre - Jason Ralph
Carlotta - Andrea Creighton
Madame Giry - Tina Walsh
Ubaldo - Thabiso Masemene
Meg Giry -  Eleanor Waite

 During the musical I noticed that Eleanor Waite (Meg Giry) looked very young and had a sweet voice, and found out later that she's only 20 years old! To be at that age but performing and touring internationally as one of the main roles is really tough, so be sure to look out for her!

 Talk about detailed, exquisite, immaculate costume designs with matching intricate masks for the Masquerade! 

After-party
Immediately after the show, invited guests were ushered to the mini after party to mingle at the foyer and were treated to canapes, wine and beer. Shortly after, Brad Little (Phantom), Claire Lyon (Christine Daae) and Anthony Downing (Raoul) came out to join us! Managed to grab pictures with them, but again sorry for the grainy pictures.

 With Claire Lyon looking spectacular in a floral tube gown. Her voice is really powerful and she's really pretty too! She has a really wide range of notes and is graceful in all her actions, even off stage. Claire is also one of few actresses in the world to have been involved in both 'The Phantom of the Opera', and its sequel 'Love Never Dies' where she understudied and performed the same role of Christine in the Australian national tour in 2011 and 2012.
 
With Brad Little who is really tall and is here in Singapore performing as The Phantom for the second time! Really liked his baritone voice when he was singing the lower, deeper sections, and there were some parts when he had to shout to portray his anger and frustration, which he did really well! His acting was superb and really reflected the inner turmoil within the Phantom - very emotional and touching!

With Anthony Downing, who was really friendly and handsome! He was full of praise for the acoustics at MBS and because it's much bigger, the cast had to project their voice further. His role as Raoul was great and his voice is very earnest and trusting, exactly what I'd like my husband to have - hehe! He's also a Fleur du Cap nominee for best supporting lead in 2012 and is the Philippines BWW Awards winner for best featured actor both for his performance in The Phantom of the Opera!

One of my favourite songs and scenes, 'Past the Point of No Return' was beautifully done by the cast and the orchestra. It's sung at the point when Raoul turns up to save Christine, and at the gala premiere, the harmonies and melodies perfectly complemented each other and the build up was so immense! I just wished the sound could have been a bit louder for Raoul's section because he was quite soft at some parts and it was hard to hear him or to make out what he was singing, even though I knew all the words by heart.

 

TICKETING AND SHOW INFORMATION
July 16 – September 1 2013
Day/Times
VIP
A Reserve
B Reserve
C Reserve
D
Reserve
E Reserve

Tue - Fri - 8pm
Sat – Sun 2pm & 8pm

$230

$165

$145

$125

$95

$55

•             Excludes the booking Fee of SGD$3 per ticket
PSST! I would recommend getting better seats where you get a better view nearer to the stage because you get to see the facial expressions and admire the costumes much better up close! Plus, you never know when The Phantom of the Opera would be back again :O


THROUGH INTERNET:    
www.BASEentertainmentasia.com or www.MarinaBaySands.com/Ticketing

BY PHONE: +65 6688 8826

BOOK IN PERSON AT:  
Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theaters, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 and 3 Lobby). For VIP, Hotel and Dining Packages visit www.showbizasia.com.


THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA’s season in Singapore will be extended until the 1st September 2013 with an additional 8 shows going on sale to the public on Monday 22 July. 

If you missed them the last time they were here, be sure to get your tickets early before they get sold out again!! 

Thank you Amanda for the tickets!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is produced in Singapore by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, and Base Entertainment in association with The Really Useful Group. 
Photo credits to Base Entertainment Asia
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