"The Phantom of the Opera" in Manila (August 25 - September 30, 2012)

The Phantom of the Opera is showing in the Philippines for the very first time from August 25 to September 30, 2012 at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is the longest-running musical on Broadway, and is in its 26th year in London’s West End. Acclaimed as the world’s most successful musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece has been seen by more than 130 million people worldwide. This Manila production is directed by Harold Prince.

The organizers have actually announced the extended run of the musical, adding sixteen (16) more shows, thus giving more chance to Broadway musical lovers to see this till September 30. Producer James Cundall, CEO of Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, said, “It is an enormous privilege to bring The Phantom of the Opera to The Philippines for its premiere. I have always believed that audiences here will embrace this unforgettable show and love it as much as I do, so I am delighted to see such a strong demand for tickets.”

With 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, jaw-dropping scenery, breathtaking special effects and more than 230 costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, The Phantom of the Opera delivers a world class production.

“This touring production of The Phantom of the Opera is as fine as any version you might see in the West End or on Broadway—it is the same superb design, and we invest a great deal to ensure it is of the highest standards,” said Tim McFarlane, Managing Director of The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific.

THE STORY

The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius known only as ‘The Phantom’ who haunts the depths of the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talents and beauty of a young soprano, Christine, the Phantom lures her as his protégé and falls fiercely in love with her. Unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide.

Joining the international cast and orchestra are some of Manila’s talented local musicians who have been specially selected by Guy Simpson, the Musical Director during auditions conducted in Manila earlier this year.

(L-R) Musical Supervisor Guy Simpson, Dondi Ong as Piangi, Claire Lyon as Christine, Anthony Downing as Raoul, and Jonathan Roxmouth as The Phantom


    THE MAIN CAST  

THE PHANTOM

The role of The Phantom will be played by Jonathan Roxmouth. South African-born Jonathan has received numerous awards and nominations from South Africa’s premier theatre. For his outstanding performance as The Phantom for the show’s South African season, he was awarded Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical in the 2012 Fleur Du Cap Awards.

Jonathan also won the Fleur Du Cap Award, as well as the highly respected Naledi Award, for Best Performance in a Musical for the lead role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. He also received a Naledi Award Nomination for Best Performance in a Musical for the lead role of Danny Zuko in Grease, and nominations for both a Naledi Award and Fleur Du Cap Award for his performance in A Handful of Keys.

Jonathan has performed lead and principal roles in numerous award-winning musicals such as Cats, Beauty and the Beast, The King and I, Grease, The Buddy Holly Story and Jesus Christ Superstar in USA, Hong Kong and New Zealand.

Jonathan Roxmouth is also an accomplished concert pianist, performing at concerts and corporate events in South Africa.

CHRISTINE

Claire Lyon will playing the role of Christine, the beautiful and talented soprano. Classically trained, Claire graduated from the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne in Australia, with a Bachelor of Music Performance.

Most recently Claire has performed the role of Christine numerous times in the new and highly acclaimed Australian production or Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.

Prior to joining the cast of Love Never Dies, Claire was a renowned member of Australia’s national opera company, Opera Australia, performing in numerous classic operas such as The Merry Widow, Madame Butterly, Aida, La Traviata, Peter Grimes, Tosca and Carmen. She also performed the roles of Ida in Die Fledermaus and Barbarina in The Marriage of Figaro, and performed in the world premiere of Opera Australia’s Bliss, which went on to enjoy success at The Edinburgh Festival.

As a soprano soloist, Claire has performed in oratorio works such as Rossini’s Petite Messe Solenelle and Bach’s B Minor Mass and Cantata Number 149 with the Victorian College of the Arts Orchestra.

“Claire is the perfect Christine,” said Tim McFarlane. “She has the most exquisite voice which imbues the role with just the right blend of vulnerability, passion and tragedy. She is a beautiful performer.”

 

   THE SUPPORTING CAST  

Playing the role of Raoul is Anthony Downing, a highly accomplished actor, singer, dancer, pianist and composer. Trained in South Africa and London, award-winning Anthony has performed in musicals, dance productions, film and TV, and performs with a 7-part acappella group.

Playing Monsieur Firmin is James Borthwick, a seasoned actor with many of South Africa’s prestigious theatre, film and TV awards to his credit, the Naledi and Fleur Du Cap Awards for Best Performance in a Musical (2010) for his role as Peron in Evita.

Jason Ralph will be playing the role of Monsieur Andre. Following his first Fleur Du Cap nomination as Most Promising Student while at the University of Cape Town’s Drama Department, Jason has gone on to receive numerous nominations and awards from both the Fleur Du Cap and Naledi Awards during his long career. He won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Rocky Horror Show and toured to China, Taiwan and Jakarta in High School Musical. He makes regular appearances on TV and film in South Africa.

International opera singer Andrea Creighton returns to the role of Carlotta which she last played during the 2007-09 Australasian Tour of The Phantom of the Opera. New Zealand-born Andrea has sung principal roles in numerous classic operas for many international opera companies, including Opera National de Paris and New Zealand Opera. Her concert and recital work has taken her around the world, from engagements with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra to the Orchestre National de Paris to the UK’s Halle Orchestra. Andrea has won numerous awards and scholarships during her singing career.

Teaser #1: The Phantom of the Opera in Manila

Playing the role of Madame Giry is American-born Rebecca Spencer. Rebecca premiered the role of Madame Giry in the acclaimed Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular which has played to full houses for more than 6 years. Her romance with The Phantom of the Opera began when she was cast in the role of Carlotta in the German production in Hamburg. Rebecca has performed more than 50 principal roles in operas and musicals across the USA and Canada, and has appeared on television and in film. She has performed as a soloist for numerous American Symphony Orchestras, has performed solo concerts in New York, and has recorded two critically acclaimed albums.

The role of Piangi is played by Thabiso Masemene who most recently performed the role of Don Basilio in Opera Africa’s Le Nozze di Figaro. He has also performed as Nemorino in L’Eisir d’Amore, Ernesto in Don Pasquale and Beppein in Pagliaci, Thabiso is part of a successful group called the Gaabo-motho Tenors with whom he has performed internationally.

Originally from the UK, Cat Lane will play the role of Meg Giry. Cat has performed in numerous musicals in London’s West End and internationally, including Grease, Cats, Footloose, Beauty and the Beast and Saturday Night Fever. She has also performed in Spirit of the Dance on its US tour, and in pantomimes such as Cinderella.

FILIPINO TENOR

Alongside the Filipino musicians, the talented Filipino tenor, Dondi Ong, is joining the international touring cast for Manila and further seasons throughout Asia. Dondi was successful in his audition after a worldwide search for a tenor to join the ensemble. As a performer, he has played lead and prominent roles in various Filipino plays, zarzuelas and musicals and has travelled to the US, Europe and Japan to perform for foreign audiences. Dondi trained at the UP College of Music earning a degree in Music, majoring in Voice and graduated as Magna Cum Laude and the class valedictorian.

 

Teaser #2: The Phantom of the Opera in Manila

TICKET PRICES: 

Premium: PhP 7,280.00

Zone A: PhP 6,032.00

Zone B: PhP 4, 680.00

Zone C: PhP 3, 640.00

Zone D: PhP 2, 340.00

Zone E: PhP 1, 820.00

Family Packages are also available.

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SPONSORS

The Phantom of the Opera is produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, David Atkins Enterprises, Hi-Definition Radio, Inc. and Concertus in association with The Really Useful Group. Major sponsors are Shell V-Power Nitro +, PLDT Telpad, Diamond Hotel, OOCL, Monark Equipment and media partners Radio High 105.9, Crossover105.1, Monster RX93.1, 99.5RT, 2nd Avenue, ETC, Jack TV, The Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Sunstar Cebu, ClickTheCity, PEP.ph, ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Ayala Malls, Rustan Commercial Corporation and Beringer - Napa’s Finest, exclusively imported and distributed by Happy Living Fine Wine.

Asian Hospital Charities Inc. will open the season on August 25, 8:00 PM as part of their fundraising to help support the medical needs of the underprivileged. Book your tickets at the Asian Hospital Lobby or call (632) 771-9000 local 8202 and take this opportunity to extend your hand to those who are in need.

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