Experience The Phantom of the Opera in Melbourne

It is an absolute privilege to watch The Phantom of the Opera at the State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Hubby surprises me with a couple of premium tickets, in celebration of my birthday. Indeed, a very charming and sweetest birthday present.

Ever since I watched the film during its first release in 2004, continuously binged and shed tears multiple times, and after many years this work of art still gives a strong effect on me. The sounds and light effects with fireworks, not to mention the impressive stage production and design, including the amazing performances of the lead casts and ensembles.

After its record-breaking season at the Sydney Opera House earlier in the year this Cameron Mackintosh production has soared in Melbourne with audiences flocking to experience one of the most successful and much-loved musicals of all time.

The talented Australian cast is led by Josh Piterman in the coveted lead role of the Phantom while Amy Manford takes on the role of the ingénue Christine Daaé and Blake Bowden plays Raoul Vicomte de Chagny.

Hit after hit punctuates the thrilling score, from the stunning romance of Music of the Night, Think of Me, and All I Ask of You to the splendid Masquerade and brilliant title song. Now, you can hear them all in a spectacular new production that has stunned critics across the United Kingdom and North America.

I don’t care how I look while tears keep flowing down my cheeks while squeezing my husband’s hand with so much happiness. It is a dream come true and truly never disappoints, even my husband who never watched the film, nor have any idea what the story is about beforehand, is very delighted with the experience.

Of course, the spectacular production wouldn’t be a great success without the talented orchestra artists headed by the amazing Musical Director Anthony Barnhill.

Being in the front seat gave us a tremendous experience of watching his talented team’s performances, perfect timing, not to mention his complete control of every move which was fascinating.

The stage sounds including the effects are clear, and not deafening considering we are seating in the front row. Sound Designer Mick Potter did a great job. He also designed the sound for numerous world premiere production including the critically acclaimed West End production of Evita (London, Broadway, Australia), Zorro the Musical (London, Paris, and worldwide), Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit productions of The Sound of Music (London, Toronto, UK tour, Asia, Australia), the largest ever production of The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas, Sister Act (London, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Barcelona, Berlin) to name a few.

I have this fetish feeling about the glamorous belle époque period, and Costume Designer Maria Björnson (16 February 1949 – 13 December 2002). She has a remarkable ability to capture a historic period and mood in meticulously observed detail. The costume designs are lovely, and minute attention is given to every hat, wig, and other accessory.

All the costumes are handmade and made specifically for the performers.

The integrity and spirit of Maria’s vision for her Phantom costume designs continue to be realized by her associate Jill Parker. Jill began her career assisting Maria and now recreates these designs for productions of Phantom worldwide.