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| Michael Cormick and Julie Lea Goodwin |
Free Rain
Theatre.
Canberra
Theatre until 23rd August
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
The
thundering organ, the crashing chandelier, Christine and the Phantom in a
fogbound candlelit boat in the bowels of the opera house, all make their
appearances in Free Rain theatre’s much anticipated production of the Andrew
Lloyd Webber musical “Phantom of the Opera”. Producer Anne Somes has mined considerable
resources to come up with an impressive production that captures much of the
spectacle and excitement of perhaps the most successful musical ever written.
Central to
the success of the production are the thrilling performances of the two principals,
Michael Cormick and Julie Lea Goodwin. Cormick’s "Darth Vaderish" Phantom prowls
the stage zapping anyone who gets in his way in a wildly melodramatic, superbly
sung, performance.
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| Julie Lea Goodwin as Christine Daae |
As the beautiful Christine, the object of the
Phantom’s passion, Julie Lea Goodwin matches Cormick both vocally and
melodramatically to portray the woman torn between her fascination of the
Phantom and her love for her fiancé, Raul, (David Pearson).
Under the
deft direction of David Harmon, the large local cast of singers, dancers and
actors provide strong support with stand-out performances from Tony Falla and
Michael Moore as the theatre managers, Christine Wallace as the fiery Carlotta
and Bronwyn Sullivan as the mysterious Madame Giry.
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| Julie Lea Goodwin as Christiine Daae and dancers in "Masquerade" |
Startling
pyrotechnics, impressive lighting and special effects, colourful costumes, and
a set design which allows the smooth transitions between the many scenes,
together with a stunning orchestra under the direction of Ian McLean, combine
to make this must-see production a triumph for all concerned.
This review appears in the August 15th print edition of CITY NEWS