I happen to adore overwrought, melodramatic, emotionally manipulative pieces of theatre. Given this proclivity, it’s no wonder that my favorite musicals include Phantom, Les Mis, and Jekyl and Hyde (I’ve only ever seen the David Hasselhoff version if that tells you anything). Give me dark corners and dark deeds set to a minor key, and I’m a very happy girl.
I have no idea how I missed the fact that there was a recording of the Phantom of the Opera at Albert Hall. I found it by accident while flipping through Netflix. It. Was. Awesome.
Maybe the production was so amazing to me because when I’ve seen the show I’ve always been too far away to really notice any subtleties in the actors’ performances. Or, maybe it’s because no one performs Erik like Ramin Karimloo.
I’ve never really liked the Phantom, as a character, all that much. He’s obsessive, controlling, and a murderer to boot. Watching Karimloo, I saw a humanity that I’d not associated with Erik. I’ll give a couple of examples for illustration.
My absolute favorite part of this production was in “Point of No Return.” The Phantom is posing as Don Juan, sitting at the tavern table. Christine runs her hands up his arms, or some such, and his hands shake. That’s it. Shaking Hands. Desire, longing, and a loss of control in minuscule body movements. Beautiful.
Also, the inner emotional life behind his eyes the entire show. Even when he’s still there is a lot going on. He imbued his performance with a vulnerability that I haven’t seen in the role. It reminds me of why I love theatre.
Watch it.
Photo Credit: glasgowtheatreblog.blogspot.com