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CNA
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - The Phantom of the Opera vs Raoul – a cna938 chat!
CNA938 Rewind In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with key cast members of the long running West End and Broadway musical 'The Phantom of the Opera' by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Ben Forster talks about how he plays the disfigured, romantically tortured soul The Phantom – a role he considers one of the biggest honours of his life. Matt Leisy talks about his onstage character Raoul who's battling The Phantom for the heart of Christine Daaé, a talented soprano. The Phantom of the Opera is now staging at MBS' Sands Theatre until 22 June 2025.
Time Out
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
'Phantom of the Opera' musical review: A hauntingly beautiful gothic romance masterpiece
Don your masquerade ball finery – the longest-running musical on Broadway has returned to grace Singapore's stages after six long years. First debuting at West End in 1986, The Phantom of the Opera by musical maestro Andrew Lloyd Webber has been captivating audiences for decades, with a grand total of close to 14,000 curtain calls completed over its 35-year New York theatre tenure. Surely, this tale possesses a certain allure that keeps pulling both fresh and longstanding fans in – and I wasn't about to miss out on my first Phantom experience with this new run at Marina Bay Sands' Sands Theatre. A love triangle, jealousy, manic obsession and elements of horror – Phantom has all the trimmings of a classic gothic romance. It goes without saying that unlike titles like Wicked and Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Phantom of the Opera isn't one of those upbeat feelgood musicals with toe-tapping tunes you'd be itching to dance along to. This dark narrative will grip you in wide-eyed rapture and bated breath – right from the start where the foreboding title track invades the stage with electric guitar riffs, all the way till the bittersweet ending scene where calmness finally settles after the tumult. Set in Paris Opera House circa the 19th Century, Phantom is essentially a musical production within a musical production – its story is centred around an opera troupe and its dancer-turned-soprano-lead Christine Daaé (Grace Roberts), who soon becomes the object of the Phantom's (Ben Forster) desire and all-consuming infatuation. It's only fitting that many of its tunes take on operatic influences – a friendly introduction to an otherwise niche category of classical music, if you will. With such a singing style, some portions of the lyrics might admittedly be hard for the untrained ear to make out, so expect minor moments where you'll strain your ears only to find the words unintelligible – at least for some of the side characters who stick towards a more traditional opera vocal technique. Thankfully, all the leads' voices ring clear and strong, with the overall story remaining unaffected and easy to follow even for first-timers who haven't done their pre-show homework. And oh, what a treat we were served by the treacle-throated Roberts, who hit all the toughest high notes with masterful precision. While the title song and other hits like 'Think of Me' and 'Music of the Night' are certainly set to wow, it's Roberts' hauntingly beautiful rendition of the ballad 'All I Ask of You' – a heartfelt duet with Matt Leisy who plays Raoul – that blew us away with its delicate and ethereal, yet powerful, delivery. Both male leads Leisy and Forster bring forth a commendable performance, with Leisy's warm vocals perfectly complementing Roberts' in their shared pieces, and Forster commanding the stage as the tortured antagonist. The latter did mildly falter on holding some of his higher notes, but his overall portrayal of the Phantom as a mentally distraught, tormented outcast of society is one to watch. All this to say: the boys are great in their own right, but the clear star of the show is Roberts – much like the character she plays. Though I haven't had the privilege of witnessing any other Christines on stage, it's clear as day that Roberts was made for the role. Other supporting characters like Carlotta (Raquel Suarez), Madame Giry (Marni Raab), and especially Meg Giry (Claire Lander) also hold their own. One underrated tune we loved amidst the chaos of it all was 'Notes / Prima Donna' – an ironically cheerful-sounding ditty mainly sung between the opera house's co-owners Andre (Curt Olds) and Firmin (James Borthwick). With a springy beat and fun rhyming lines, it starts off with a tinge of cheekiness before eventually segueing into something with more sinister undertones. Story-wise? More discerning modern audiences may not necessarily sympathise with the Phantom as the infamous 'tragic figure' of the story. Perhaps I'm no empath, but I certainly didn't feel much for the disfigured character and his inexcusable actions, as much as his circumstances were unfortunate. While I can't speak for others, this for me was likely due to the lack of a heart-wrenching backstory delving into how he ended up in his plight. That said, it's also worth remembering that this musical was written in a wildly different era of entertainment, where times were much simpler. But forget overly complex storylines and character lore – The Phantom of the Opera is to be appreciated purely for being a theatrical masterpiece, and in that regard, it hits the spot. Powerhouse vocals aside, its graceful ballet numbers, glittering costumes and dazzling sets are guaranteed to impress as you're whisked from stage to cemetery and dark mysterious lair. We'll refrain from spoiling it for new watchers, but we'll say this: So cleverly designed are the sets that they'll completely rewrite your perspective of the depth that a theatre stage can hold. You'll know exactkt what we mean once you watch the show. If you haven't already witnessed this spectacle, it's high time you get swept up in the whirlwind. This is one musical that's fully worth splurging on better seats for – we strongly recommend going for something in the centre column towards the front for the full immersive experience.
New Paper
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Still a masterpiece: The Phantom of the Opera dazzles with spectacle and song
Title: The Phantom of the Opera Performance season: Until June 22, 2025 Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission) Director: Rainer Fried Starring: Ben Forster, Grace Roberts, Matt Leisy Genre: Musical gothic romance Score: ✓✓✓✓ out of five Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, has once again cast its spell over Singapore, playing at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands. For a strictly limited season from May 9, 2025, this brilliant original production resurrects the haunting tale of obsession and artistry. Based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, it plunges audiences into the shadowed depths of the Paris Opera House, where a mysterious, masked musical genius holds sway, his heart captivated by the young soprano, Christine Daaé. Hits Storyline: The timeless gothic romance, based on Gaston Leroux's novel, remains profoundly captivating. It masterfully explores themes of obsession, unrequited love, and artistry, balancing grand operatic drama with moments of aching vulnerability that resonate deeply with audiences. The narrative of the disfigured musical genius, his talented protégée, and their tragic love triangle continues to enthral. Direction: Associate director Rainer Fried successfully conjures the production's signature dark and gothic atmosphere. The staging largely facilitates immersive transitions, guiding the audience through the opulent Paris Opera House and into the Phantom's shadowy lair with thrilling effect, effectively highlighting the story's inherent romanticism and suspense. Acting: Ben Forster as the Phantom and Grace Roberts as Christine Daaé deliver exceptional, vocally powerful, and emotionally nuanced performances, creating compelling chemistry. Forster's Phantom is both menacing and tragically human, while Roberts' Christine beautifully captures her character's journey. The strong ensemble cast supports them admirably, bringing energy and life to every scene, especially during grand numbers like "Masquerade." Audience Appeal: Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic score, featuring unforgettable melodies like The Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, and the titular theme, combined with the spectacular visuals and enduring love story, ensures the musical captivates both seasoned theatregoers and new generations. It offers a deeply moving and memorable theatrical experience for all. Misses Production Value: While individual vocal performances, particularly from the leads, soared with clarity and power, the sound mixing proved less optimal during more complex arrangements. Notably, when large sections of the ensemble sang together, or during the intricate, layered trios featuring the Phantom, Christine, and Raoul - moments that should be musical highlights - the sound occasionally became muddled. This unfortunately led to a lack of lyrical coherence at times, diminishing the impact of these crucial polyphonic interactions and making it difficult to discern the individual vocal lines that are so integral to the storytelling in those scenes. Is it worth a watch? Absolutely. Despite potential technical inconsistencies that might mar the occasional performance, The Phantom of the Opera remains an undeniable theatrical triumph. This Singapore production is a powerful testament to its enduring magic, largely driven by its haunting music, powerful lead performances, and the sheer grandeur of its ambition, and serves as a potent reminder of why Phantom has captivated millions worldwide for decades. Whether you're reliving the dark romance and operatic grandeur or experiencing its spell for the first time, prepare to be swept away. No recording can truly capture the visceral thrill and emotional depth of seeing this musical masterpiece live.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Phantom of the Opera: Singapore-raised star heads this worldwide hit
One of the most iconic titles in all of theatre, The Phantom of the Opera has returned to Singapore to enchant another generation. Now in its 40th year, this Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece with 70 major theatre awards under its belt has been seen by over 160 million people in 195 cities across the globe. Catch one of the most popular productions of all time at Sands Theatre until 22 Jun 2025. If you are one of the few unfamiliar with the tale, this haunting love story is based on a French novel published in 1910. Timeless indeed. The titular Phantom 'haunts' a Parisian theatre, where mysterious accidents and entitled demands delivered by notes keep the cast and crew on edge. When the prima donna refuses to perform after the latest incident, young chorus girl Christine Daae replaces her. Christine's triumphant performance enchants her childhood friend, Raoul in the audience. This sends the Phantom, who has been secretly tutoring her, into a rage. Sabotage, kidnap and murder follow, with dark secrets and murky backstories creating a thrilling backdrop to the relationships Christine has with her enamoured old friend and this mysterious, dangerous stranger. This production stars Jonathan Roxmouth as the Phantom and London-born, Singapore-raised Grace Roberts as Christine. The cast of 37 hails from the United States, South Africa, Australia and beyond. I am admittedly a dilettante when it comes to theatre but even I recognised the booming overture that leads into the story. From the moment the iconic chandelier ascends in a blaze of light, the music of The Phantom of the Opera is simply fantastic, even if the genre was a surprise to me, considering the story is set in the early 20th century. What completely shocked me was the vocal performances. Both Grace Roberts and Johnathan Roxmouth have such magnificent control of their voices over such a vast range that my jaw literally dropped. I was prepared for the character of Christine to display a tenderness but to have The Phantom equal it was a delightful revelation. I am not alone in that assessment; the audience erupted in applause and cheers when Roxmouth first displayed his prowess. And it was a recurring occurrence. Powerful renditions of beloved classics like 'The Music of the Night' and 'All I Ask of You' were met with thunderous cheers. Matt Leisy as Raoul, Christine's suitor, brings charm and sincerity, though his performance occasionally feels overshadowed by the Phantom's intensity. The ensemble, from the opera diva Carlotta to the ballet corps, adds flair and humour. 101 Best things to do in Singapore – Ideas for tourists & locals [Mar 2025 update] I loved the opulent staging described of Miss Saigon, and this set design equals it in grandeur and atmosphere. The Paris Opera House is vividly brought to life with intricate backdrops, from the gilded auditorium to the eerie underground lair. The iconic chandelier drop never fails to elicit gasps. Lighting and smoke effects create a gothic ambience, especially in scenes like 'Masquerade,' where vibrant costumes dazzle against a swirling staircase. The manner in which The Phantom 'rowed' his craft about the stage was so convincing that I was initially sure that there was water beneath it. Two elements of The Phantom of the Opera stand out for me: the voices and the stealth of the set changes. Over the past few months, I have caught , and Wicked, and could never claim that any one of them lacked voice talent or good set design. Quite the contrary, I praised those exact features in my reviews. However, The Phantom of the Opera does both better. Grace Roberts as Christine and Johnathan Roxmouth as The Phantom gave exceptional performances. While its sets may not be as dynamic as those of Miss Saigon, they were perfect for this plotline. If I have one criticism, it's of the pacing. One or two musical numbers (that shall remain unnamed) seem perhaps superfluous. Also, the sudden bloom of Christine's relationship with Raoul is unconvincing, their childhood together notwithstanding. At a 150-minute runtime, both of these could be addressed. Still, it's hard not to understand why this Andrew Lloyd Webber's superhit has been seen by over 160 million people and remains so popular with both newcomers and returning fans. An acquaintance shared a clip of her bawling her eyes out when the curtains fell. I did not do the same but I empathise. The Phantom of the Opera plays at Sands Theatre till 22 Jun 2025. Get your tickets from S$87 on What to do in May 2025: HeritageFest, SIFA, new menus & more The post The Phantom of the Opera: Singapore-raised star heads this worldwide hit appeared first on
CNA
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Cocomelon to stage first live show in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, featuring special guest Blippi
Good news for parents and Cocomelon lovers: The beloved children's franchise will stage its first live show in Singapore this September. Join JJ, Cody, Nina and the rest of the Cocomelon crew at Cocomelon: Sing-A-Long Live, happening on Sep 27 and 28 at Marina Bay Sands' Sands Theatre. Tagging along for the merriment is energetic Blippi, from the popular YouTube channel of the same name. For two straight days, you and your family can expect a musical journey filled with familiar tunes such as If You're Happy And You Know It, Wheels On The Bus and The Excavator Song. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🍀 Biz Trends Media 🍀 (@biztmgp) Tickets for Cocomelon: Sing-A-Long Live will go on sale at 12pm on Thursday (May 8), with prices ranging between S$78 and S$138. From May 8 to 11, customers can enjoy an early bird discount of 12 per cent. Tickets can be purchased via Marina Bay Sands' official website and Sistic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CoComelon (@cocomelon) Susan Vargo, head of experiences at Moonbug Entertainment which operates both Cocomelon and Blippi, said: 'This tour has captured so many hearts around the world, creating bonding moments for excited to add Blippi's voice and spirit of curiosity to the tour for the first time ever. It's a live musical experience families won't want to miss.'
