The Phantom of the Opera

With theatre rights for The Phantom of the Opera recently being made available for performance by amateur/community theatre production in Australia, Craig Wellington Productions was quick to secure the rights for performance in Hobart. The Craig Wellington production is pro-am, or “an amateur company production, although the majority of the principals are professionals, giving their services for free”. 

Although the Hobart Phantom production is probably not as large or lavish as most people have seen in professional productions either in Australia or overseas, it was an eye-catching spectacle, with sensational performances from a highly trained cast. I feel totally satisfied that I have seen a quality show. This may be due to the casting of Allison Farrow as Christine, whose work is well known to local audiences. Allison Farrow has a lovely voice, and every scrap of her experience and range was called upon by director Ingrid Ganley, whose directorial skill has evolved to a high professional standard with each of her many productions. Ganley did an extraordinary job of manipulating a cast of almost 40 singers, dancers and actors within the confines of the Theatre Royal stage.

Brett Budgeon as the Phantom was an excellent foil for Christine, portraying yearning, love and menace most convincingly, although I felt his voice was slightly ‘masked’ by his mask. Andrew Short as Raoul very capably stepped up to the demands of the lover role, after his extended absence from local theatre. I was pleasantly surprised at the strength of his voice and by his energetic performance. There was fine chemistry between Christine and Raoul, especially in All I Ask of You.

This big budget production didn’t stint on music (an orchestra of 30 plus, under the direction of Aaron Powell), wigs, makeup, costume or effects. The strong ensemble of evenly matched, skilled and competent actors, singers and dancers were supportive throughout. Lisa Roberts-Scott as Carlotta, Chelle Burtt as Madame Giry, Grace Ovens as Meg Giry, and Nick Monk as Piangi all delivered vibrant performances.  Cassie Xintavelonis choreographed the charming corps de ballet.

With lovely, lavish, locally-made costumes and an elegantly flexible set, scaled down to suit the space and accommodate the cast, the production was seamless. Highlights were the big, full-cast numbers, especially Masquerade and The Phantom of the Opera, and gentler songs, All I Ask of You and Wishing you were somehow here again.

The dedication and love of the music and story by the entire cast of this fast-paced show was obvious, and had a powerful effect: this audience member just wanted to turn around and see it again. Not surprisingly, tickets were sold out after the first three performances, and the season had to be extended. Wonderful entertainment! 

Merlene Abbott

Images: (top) Lisa Roberts-Scott as Carlotta, Nick Monk as Piangi and (lower) Brett Budgeon as the Phantom, Allison Farrow as Christine. Photos by Tony McKendrick.