This all-time musical classic, based on a novel by Gaston Leroux, is the longest-running and most profitable show in the history of Broadway. The timeless story of the Phantom’s love for the charming soprano Christine and the poignant, emotional music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber has delighted and moved audiences for decades. The musical was transferred to the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic from Warsaw’s Roma Musical Theatre as a non-replica production. The Polish version of the musical stands out on account of its modern, cinematographic flow and perfect recreation of the historical location of the plot: the legendary Paris opera house. The interpretation is also broader than the love triangle between the protagonists. The show’s motto is extremely topical, touching upon our tolerance, subconscious fears and how we confront the “other.” The title character, rejected by society due to his physical deficiencies, symbolizes all outcasts. And there lies the key to the musical’s success: it is captivating, moving and thought-provoking.
SYNOPSIS
The plot takes place in the 1870s. We follow the footsteps of Christine Daaé, a young singer who becomes the obsession of the mysterious and monstrous musical genius: the Phantom. Because of his physical deformities, the title protagonist hides from people in the cellars of the Paris Opéra Garnier. He wears a mask to hide his ugliness, suffering and fear of the world. His love for the beautiful soloist reveals his dark and terrifying nature.
PRODUCTION
The set design, inspired by the unique interiors of the Parisian opera house, was adapted to the modern stage of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic. Scenes taking place in the underground labyrinth with a lake were produced using a combination of stage technology and film animation. The key element of the musical’s plot is the 250 kilogram chandelier decorating the cupola of the auditorium: in the culminating point of the show, it ‘falls’ onto the audience at the speed of 2 m/s. The winding, marble staircase that appears in the masquerade scene is a 1:1 replica from Opéra Garnier. All decorations and costumes were previously used in the Roma Musical Theatre: 150 kilograms of sewing articles and 8 kilometres of tassels were used for the decorations, and 1300 square metres of fabric for the costumes. The production requires 21 set design changes, and one performance requires the participation of 130 persons: soloists, choir members, musicians and technical crew. The Białystok production—for the first time in history—makes use of the real organ, belonging to the institution.
Premiere: 24 V 2013
Original production of Roma Musical Theatre
Be aware of stroboscopic and pyrotechnic and banging effects (Read more)
For children aged 7 and over
