November 28, 2011
The Phantom of the Opera Opens at Artscape Theatre
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape’s most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City’s fabulous theatres.
Jonathan Roxmouth and Robin Botha star as the Phantom and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera at the Artscape Theatre Centre. Photo courtesy of DIVA PR
You know a production is good when it renders you speechless. When the production is the multi award-winning and long-running musical The Phantom of the Opera there is only one word for it... spectacular!
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary masterpiece returns to the Mother City and the Artscape Theatre Centre for the highly anticipated second run (it was first staged in 2004) from November 22, 2011 to January 14, 2012.
Hundreds of theatre lovers flocked to the Artscape Theatre Centre for the opening night on November 26 and were thoroughly entertained by this five-star Pieter Toerien and The Really Useful Group Limited production.
Jonathan Roxmouth is the Phantom (renowned South African singer André Schwartz who was set to reprise his 2004 lead role was booked off for medical reasons), Robin Botha is Christine and Anthony Downing is Raoul.
In a production of this stature, with roles performed by some of the greatest talents in the industry, living up to such a precedent could easily be daunting, but our young leads rise to the challenge admirably.
Roxmouth, known for his jovial performances in Beauty and the Beast and Grease ups the ante with a remarkable performance that makes the audience members sympathise with the Phantom while still reminding them of his sinister tendencies.
Beneath Botha's beauty and allure lies a vocal talent that astounds you and she is suitably matched to Roxmouth’s boisterous tones. Equally impressive is Downing who brings just the right touch and sound to the knight in shining armour, Raoul. Singing all the original music composed by Lloyd Webber, these performers make the songs their own.
The supporting cast and singers add to the magic of the show and the set designs truly captivate you and transport you to the enchanting setting of the Paris Opera House.
From the chandelier being brought to life and the quick set changes to the unbelievable scenery of the Phantom’s lair as he and Christine sing The Phantom of the Opera, it is a visual and aural fest like no other.
Having been raised on a diet of musicals during my childhood, I was excited about seeing The Phantom of the Opera and it surpassed all my expectations. If you’re not a theatre lover yet, you definitely will be after seeing this show.
The Phantom of the Opera is a must-see! Don’t delay, book your tickets now at Computicket.
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