There's just something about the Edwardian era in London history that captivates me - the people were comfortable and happy, the street was littered with women in fashionable corsets wearing extravagant bonnets, and let's not forget the men with their top hats and evening dresses!
A part of me wishes we were still stuck in that era (in a colder country, of course)! Singlish was probably not even 'invented' yet, men were kind, chivalry was not dead... and I could go on and on.
It all started when I was introduced to a medley of songs back in my choir days, which led me to watch the movies which they were adapted from. I remember 'My Fair Lady' well, because some of my favourite songs were 'I Could Have Danced All Night' and 'On the Street Where You Live', the lyrics sound a little obsessive but it's also kinda romantic to have someone so infatuated with you!
Synopsis
A street flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, catches the ears of literary phoneticist Professor Henry Higgins as she is going about trying to make a living. After mocking her butchery of the English language, he is challenged by his friend Colonel Pickering to transform this cockney-accented girl into a well-groomed, proper lady worthy to meet the Queen in just 6 months. Will he be able to succeed?
My Fair Lady was made popular by the film stars Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, and I loved how they decided to stick with the iconic outfits for some of the scenes. Every last detail from head to toe has brilliantly been captured, look out for the French couture gown Eliza wears for the ball! Jaw-droppingly gorgeous!
World's most amazing hat
For 3 hours (with a 15min intermission) it might seem draggy for those who are not already acquainted with the show and its songs, but the light-hearted humour keeps the musical fun and is a breath of fresh air! Look out for the elaborate designs and backdrops for the famous scenes, even the canary bird isn't spared!
The US National Tour cast is led by Chris Carten and Aurora Florence (as Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle respectively) and were accompanied by the live ensemble playing from the orchestra pit, expect your favourite songs 'The Rain in Spain', 'Get me to the church on time!', 'With a little bit of luck' and more!
Just sit back relax and throw yourself into the beauty of English, oh, and remember to speak properly after that! :p
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.
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
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
Claire.
loves exploring what life has to offer.
A personal lifestyle blog of all things captivating, alluring, enchanting, indulging, sophisticated and pretty.
Contact me at
Eternamente[at]gmail.com
