I have some notes

On a Sunday afternoon, years ago, they we're showing the film The Phantom of the Opera and I was immediately taken away by it: its music, its decor and the mask. Just like any gothic heroine I was curious to see the face behind the mask; the man behind the monster. I had fallen in love with this film and added it to my favorite movie list in my introduction on Stardoll along with Red Dragon, The Silence of the Lambs, Bugsy Malone and Titanic. Years passed and I had pushed the memory of that movie to the back of my mind. It wasn't until I met my husband that it came back into the forefront. It's what made us connect: his love for musical theatre and my love for musical film (not that obvious in my Stardoll introduction). Before I knew it, I was sitting in His Majesty's Theatre in London enjoying a live performance of The Phantom of the Opera. I was even more mesmerized by it than I was by the film. I will never forget how I got a bit scared by the chandelier falling down in front of me. Since then I've seen the live performance six times, I think.

(courtesy of The Phantom of the Opera)

Last week we went to The Phantom of the Opera's opening show in Antwerp which I enjoyed a lot. It was so different from the productions I've seen in on West End and Broadway. With Christine's hair being blond instead of brown which took a bit of time to get used to. The costumes were on the weaker side as the time period of 1880 wasn't that respected. Besides that the bustle pads weren't ideal for the skirts the actrices were wearing since it ruined most of their silhouettes. Those looking forward to great period accurate costumes, like those in the West End and Broadway production, will be left with an empty stomach. For me, this did leave a bit of a bad taste that I fortunately could wash away with great music and singing. I have nothing but good thing to say about Simon Whitaker as the Phantom and Bridget Costello as Christine Daaé. They were truly exquisite which isn't that surprising with them both having experience performing on West End.

(courtesy of The Phantom of the Opera)

Furthermore I truly enjoyed the decor of this traveling production. They created a revolving stage which I had only seen before in Les Misérables and Don Giovanni. I found this rather impressive for a show that would only be in town for one month! The playhouse even posted a video on YouTube to show how they build this impressive stage. They did however change a couple of things like the set of the masquerade. Instead of the famous staircase they opted for a mirror hall similar to the one in the Palace of Versailles which I was a big fan of. Christine's costume for this set was also changed to an angel instead of her usual Sugar Plum Fairy costume. This was a rather sad change for one person in the audience who was cosplaying Christine in that specific costume. I felt for her because now maybe a small portion of the audience understood why she was dressed like that.

(courtesy of The Phantom of the Opera)

All in all, I would say that watching this production of the Phantom of the Opera is definitely worth it. Of course, someone who enjoys great costuming won't be sold one hundred percent but all the other aspects will make up for it. I can guarantee that at least. However, I have to warn the purists that there were some changes to the story as well, but I won't spoil those. Personally I wasn't a huge fan of the changes but it didn't ruin the show for me. I was also very happy to see that there were so many people for its opening show. Surprisingly, many of them had travelled from far away, like Germany and the Netherlands. Those wishing to see the show in Antwerp can order their tickets on Be•at.

Thank you, and take care.