staged successfully at Forrest Theater

show, with one elaborate scene after another. The costumes are remarkable, especially in "Masquerade," the second act's opener. The lighting is superbly crafted, providing each scene with mood. The dancing is satisfactory and the orchestra plays well but could use a few more actual instruments rather than synthesizers.

As the Phantom, Brad Little has an amazing vocal range. Rather than playing a coolly manipulative phantom, he acts as a madman from the beginning. His scenes are chilling and emotionally moving.

Christine, played by Amy Jo Arrington, has a superb voice, especially while she sings ''Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again."

Jason Pebworth, Raoul, brings decent singing to his role. However, Arrington and Pebworth do not act quite as well as Little does. Other strong cast members include Julie Schmidt's boisterous Carlotta and

Steven Stein-Grainger's Piangi. The company as a whole has remarkable energy. There may be slight deficiencies in the plot, but these actors make it soar.

''The Phantom of the Opera" combines excellent music, a melodramatic story full of images and symbols and incredible staging for an evening of outstanding entertainment. One could spend the entire night wondering how the Phantom manages to "disappear," only to reappear upon the scaffolds or gargoyles.

Ticket Information

• Ticket prices run from $25-$70.

• For performance times and tickets, call Telecharge at (800) 4477400.