The audience loved it _ and simply did not shy away from expressing their affection for the legendary musical The Phantom Of The Opera that finally came to town, ending the long wait for the much-loved production.
With regard to the warm welcome, the show which had a gala, star-studded launch last Thursday at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre has become a smashing success. Fans, mostly Bangkok film stars and socialites, braved traffic in order to be part of the red-carpet phenomenon as the 1,455-seat theatre filled to capacity.
More than half of the audience at the gala opening must have seen _ and fallen in love with _ certain forms of this immortal work somewhere, sometime, be it the musical, play, film, or film remake. Yet they refused to miss it this time.
Some may have wanted to prove to themselves that this world-tour production, directed by Harold Prince, could live up to their expectations. Others may have turned up because they wanted to be thrilled by the famous theatrical love triangle.
No matter, none were not let down.
There were some minor flaws, including the sound system, a slow stage warm-up at the beginning and an underwhelming chandelier scene, but these were overlooked willingly by most of the audience. Bringing Phantom here may be the best contribution BEC-Tero Entertainment and Scenario have made to Bangkok's theatre scene since starting in 2007.
Brad Little, who first joined this much-loved musical in 1994 as Raoul before switching his role two years later, is a legitimate half-masked Phantom. The American actor captured the hearts of the audience with his powerful performance and commanding voice. The 25-year-old Australian actress Claire Lyon, who was understudy for Christine in the sequel Love Never Dies in 2011, successfully radiated the aura of the character for the Bangkok stage. Anthony Downing, a charming actor and musician from South Africa, is perfect as Raoul, Christine's love interest. Last but not least, Andrea Creighton, who played Carlotta, was also outstanding.
Those responsible for the back-up jobs deserve some credit. They include a group of Thai musicians who joined forces with their international colleagues, handsomely carrying out the demanding Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece.
After 26 years, since its opening in London in 1986, The Phantom Of The Opera has never lost its charm.
Perhaps Prince is right by playing it safe and faithfully sticking to the original Lloyd Webber version. Due to high demand, the theatre has extended the season, originally set for three weeks, for another week.
Like most of the audience, I was immersed in this spectacular show and almost forgot the fact that I was watching the musical right in Bangkok, and not New York or London. A few factors that brought me back to reality were the royal anthem that preceded the performance and some inconsiderate audience members. These people arrived at the show unforgivably late (at the end of the auction scene) and struggled in the darkness to reach their seats. One woman kept checking her smartphone every time that devilish gadget flashed throughout the performance, carelessly irritating other people and interrupting their concentration. Should the rest of the audience be grateful she didn't allow her phone to ring, perhaps with All I Ask Of You as the ringtone?
Yes, such a good production like the Phantom makes us realise the need to improve the standard of our home-grown works.
Unfortunately, it's obviously time to set a set standard for the behaviour of local audiences.
The Phantom Of The Opera is showing until June 9 at Muangthai Rachadalai Theatre. Tickets cost 5,500, 4,000, 3,000, 2,500 and 1,500 baht and are available at www.thaiticketmajor.com and all Thai Ticket Major kiosks.
