The Phantom of the Opera

It is a thrill to see a musical which is so fiendishly difficult to stage – produced with such panache by a community theatre for the first time in Sydney.

The Miranda Musical Society had the additional challenge of staging the work in a venue without a fly tower – which limited the famous chandeliers to a hoist -  and inadequate space for the orchestra.

Instead the audience could see the off stage musicians corralled next to the entrance to the dress circle, with the music piped back into the venue.  

This allowed us to give the conductor Andy Peterson and his fine players a well deserved face to face rousing ovation after the curtain call.

Director Col Peet and his partner in set/prop construction, big brother Bob Peet, were the stars of the night.   

Their attention to detail in bringing the Paris Opera House to life, immediately put the audience in the mood for a special night.

Most striking were the candelabras and the entrance of the Phantom with Christine on a boat earned a well-deserved ovation.

Equally impressive were the gorgeous costumes co-ordinated by James Worner. He supplied the wigs, leaving a shiny one for himself for his appearance as Maestro Reyer.

The dance set pieces under the choreography of Jo Ansell and Jo-Anne Hocking also never failed to please.

The Phantom was played by the multi- talented local star Gavin Leahy, who will forever be remember for his role in the world community theatre premiere production of The Boy From Oz in the same venue.

I have to say that he was more impressive as Peter Allen but was still stylish and nailed every note in this demanding role.

Playing Christine on opening night was Tamasin Howard. Likewise she soared to musical heights.

Solid but not quite as charismatic was Jack Dawson as Raoul.

The best personality on stage was April Neho as the tempestuous opera star Carlotta Giudicelli.

The strong ensemble was bolstered by regular leading principals of the Sydney community theatre scene, Christopher Hamilton as Monsieur Andre, Chae Rogan as Monsieur Firmin and Garth Saville as Ubaldo Piangi.

It was fine opening night which will grow as the occasional creaky wheel is oiled during the season.

David Spicer

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Images by Grant Leslie, Perfect Images.