The Phantom of the Opera

As The Phantom makes its amateur rights progress through smaller capital city and regional theatre companies, each will, of course, elicit remarks along the lines of “ours is as good as the professional production I saw in London” or Sydney, or New York etc., etc., and they may be close to correct. There is always a certain amount of parochialism in the statement, but that does not deter from the excellence of so many of the productions.

Townsville’s NQOMT has presented a spectacular show. Playing the Phantom, Kelly Stone is brooding, dark and menacing. Sophie Ricca, just 19 years old, has a voice that brings out the splendour of her beautiful, innocent and manipulated Christine. Both stars cannot be faulted, and Sophie has the world at her feet after this performance which stunned audiences.

The entire ensemble is impeccable, and are backed up by a remarkable orchestra under the direction of the big show maestro, Ryan Christoffersen. It all adds up to an evening of unadulterated thrills and enjoyment. Special mention must be made of the excellent work of Kate Andrew and Ricky Romeo as the “comic relief” characters, diva Carlotta and her paramour Ubaldo.

Every cast member was a local and none disappointed.

The cast and crew of the Townsville show have every right to celebrate the success of one of the finest musicals to grace Townsville’s stage. They performed ten shows, and seven, including the final five, were completely booked out in the 1,000 seat Civic Theatre. That speaks for itself.

Ray Dickson

Image: Sophie Ricca and Kelly Stone.