Lessons From The Phantom of the Opera© and Other Phantom Ramblings: Stage

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Stage

Today was a momentous day for your author. I finally saw the Phantom of the Opera presented by Broadway Across America on stage. Surpise! Yes, I've never seen the stage production until today. I've only read Leroux's book and watched the movie numerous times.

What can I say? I am now among the ranks of over 80 million who have seen the stage play. I was totally blown away by the singing, sets, and costumes. Richard Todd Adams was the Phantom, and his performance was outstanding!

The first hour, I have to be honest, I sat there with tears streaming down my cheeks as each act and song was performed. Music of the Night was tremendous. I probably shouldn't be surprised that I cried like a baby. After all, I've pretty much dissected the story on this blog and sunk my heart and soul into every post. My heart is wrapped around this story daily, too, as I roleplay on MySpace the character of Christine Daae. I've morphed myself into a Diva!

The ending was so moving that you could have heard a pin drop in the theater watching the heartbroken Phantom let Christine leave with Raoul. Of course, it was standing ovation at end and cheers unending for the cast. I will be blessed once more to see the stage production in Las Vegas at the Venetian in two weeks. To say the least, I am quite stoked to see that performance as well.

I know when Andrew Lloyd Webber put the stage production into movie form, a lot of the younger generation were quite thankful to finally be able to enjoy the story in movie theaters, mainly because seeing the stage production can be expensive. My ticket cost me $70 and that was for the cheap pre-sale orchestra section. I'm paying $125 a head at the Venetian. The movie version has taken the story around the world, along with the other 80 million who have seen the stage production as well.

There is no ending in site as this story continues to affect people worldwide. My blog, as you can tell, is pushing the 10,000 hit mark and has been read in over 52 countries. People searching on the Internet for articles, pictures, or songs continually drives traffic to this site. The Phantom of the Opera is a profound story that continues to make its mark, and I often receive comments from others how the story touches their lives.

I find it surprising too that many have not read the original work. Though it is a bit different, it is worth the read to give you a background on how this all originated. Also the two-disk CD of the movie has a wonderful history on why Andrew Lloyd Webber chose this story, and how he took it and formed into the success it became.

If you've never seen the stage play, all I can say is save your pennies, and if it comes locally go treat yourself. You won't be sorry.

Kindest regards,
The Phantom's Student

Order Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera in Paperback Here

Blog/Book Review

"Lessons From 'The Phantom of the Opera' " is a creative and thoughtful approach to pop culture hit. I enjoyed the book because I teach French history at the college level and I have long enjoyed Gothic novels as well as opera. I connect with the story on several levels, professional and personal. "Lessons" takes a personal, reflective approach that asks readers to think about why they react as they do to the musical and novel. Why does such an old fashioned, romantic story have such appeal in post modern society? Simple: young or old or in between, we still respond to the emotions explored in the story. I plan to tell some of my students who are Phantom fans about this book." (Dr. Melanie Byrd)

The Joy of Audio Books

I love audio books. They open up a whole new world of entertainment. They save time from sitting down and reading a book. You can listen while driving to work, during work, taking a walk, running, or working outside and around the house. It's a time-saving opportunity to take a moment and enjoy your favorite books, acted out by talented voice artists, many of which are from television and stage.

The talent chosen for The Phantom of Valletta, has extensive voice experience. My other narrators are from the stage, or are professional voice artists that have done television, documentaries, and commercials.

Why not try out a membership at Audible? It's easy - starts with a free trial, has no long-term commitment, and is filled with entertainment.

Join today, and I'll give you a free code to one of my books of your choosing to get you started.

JOIN HERE AT AUDIBLE

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All quotations used in this blog are the property of:

The Phantom of the Opera, by Gaston Leroux, Pubished by Random House, Inc. 2002 (Quoted with Permission)

Introduction by Anne Perry, Copyright 2002, Random House, Inc. (Quoted with Permission)

Phantom Of The Opera lyrics are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. (Music Andrew Lloyd Webber/Lyrics Charles Hart, The Really Useful Group, London, UK). Licensing fees were paid to use them in my book, Lessons From the Phantom of the Opera, but have been omitted here on the blog. Artwork is posted by permission of artist.

Writer's icon and other photos used in his blog were purchased from iStockPhotos.com, with rights for use, or are personal photographs taken by Phantom's Student. POTO from Photobucket.

Special Thanks

Special thanks to Anne Perry who has given me permission to quote her from her introduction to The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, published by Random House, 2002, and her good luck wishes.

Special thanks to the Hal Leonard Corporation, who made my experience in getting licensing permission to use Webber's lyrics in my book easier than I dreamed.

Special thanks to my readers that allow me to express my views from behind my mask and keep coming back for more even though I poke at them.

Special thanks to Sadie Montgomery (Author of the "The Phoenix of the Opera" series) for holding my hand through my self-publishing experience and for her faithful and continued encouragement.

References Used