“Phans” in Kuala Lumpur can rejoice this month as the world’s most well-known musical makes its long awaited debut at the Istana Budaya for a glorious three-week run. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom Of The Opera is finally here, Broadway’s golden standard with an unprecedented 13,000 performances since it opened there in 1988.
Since then the spectacle has won over 70 major theatre awards, including seven Tony’s on Broadway and four Olivier Awards in the West End, where it made its worldwide debut in 1986. Among its accolades are also Broadway’s longest running show by a large margin and the West End’s second longest running musical after Les Misérables.
Phantom of the Opera, London, 2017 (Credit: Johan Persson)
Music Of The Night
Set to transport audiences to the Phantom’s subterranean lair in the bowels of the Palais Garnier, or Paris Opera House, will be a cast, crew and orchestra of 130, alongside stunning sets, breathtaking special effects and more than 230 costumes by designer Maria Bjornson.
They will bring to life the story of the disfigured musical genius who lives under the Opera House, and who falls for the beautiful young soprano, Christine Daaé. His love turns to obsession as he kidnaps Christine, whose own heart is set on the wealthy Raoul, unleashing a reign of terror on the Opera House and imprisoning her in his cellars until she learns to love him. In the end he pays the ultimate price for his undying love.
Phantom of the Opera, London, 2017 (Credit: Johan Persson)
Based on the eponymous book by French writer Gaston Leroux, Lloyd Webber’s musical is one where jealousy, madness and passion collide, buoyed by some of the most stirring scores and songs in theatrical history. Channelling romance, suspense and tragedy in equal parts, it’s not hard to see the enduring popularity of The Phantom of the Opera which continues to pack out theatres across the globe.
A once in a lifetime chance, come see for yourself what the mysterious half-masked figure has to offer when he begins his stint this month at the Istana Budaya.
Phantom Of The Opera
WHERE Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur
WHEN 2pm (Sat and Sun) and 8.30pm (Tues-Fri; 15 June-7 July)
ADMISSION RM304-RM684
TEL 03 9222 8811
ticketcharge.com.my