Entertainment

The “PhanTom” comes to Blenheim

the posters of productions past fade away, replaced by the lustre of velvet and the shimmering opulence of a chandelier...

By Paula Hulburt

Rehearsals for Blenheim Musical Theatre for the performance of Phantom of the Opera are well underway. A rehearsal room in Blenheim has donned another persona for the morning; that of a grand Parisian opera house. The cast of Blenheim Musical Theatre’s upcoming show Phantom of the Opera are inside practicing for their 8th May opening. So convincing are the 35 strong- cast that the transformation they have conjured seems real. The show will run for just ten performances and tickets are expected to sell out. The Andrew Lloyd Webber tale tells of a tragic masked figure who haunts the catacombs deep beneath the opera house. As the longest running show in the world, Phantom of the Opera has resonated with audiences for more than three decades. With an opulent set and costumes to rival any on stage across the world, theatre goers in Marlborough can expect a show of epic proportions in terms of content and style. Production manager Neville Patchett is convinced the Blenheim show is one that will capture people’s imaginations with a set that will keep them spellbound. “Even watching in rehearsals, the crew are drawn into it and the

more you’re drawn into the more engrossed you become, it just draws you in. “Duncan is an amazing director, with an amazing vision and that is what people will see,” he says. For director Duncan Whiting, the show’s enduring popularity is down to the relatability of its cast. “You ask yourself, why has it been running for so long in London, in New York and is still running today? “I think it’s because the audience becomes involved with the characters; with Christine and the Phantom, it’s as simple as that. “They are people who will fall head over heels in love with the Phantom, especially in the early stages. Then they will have pity for him. “They’ll be totally wrapped up in the story of the characters. It will appeal to the majority, not only to the ordinary theatre going public but to those who haven’t been for a long time. “That’s why we become so involved, it’s not just the costumes and the production and the set, it’s that we can relate to what we see on stage,” Duncan says. Backstage, dust sheets cover some of the set. The gun-metal grey of a gondolier peeks outs next to a gilded seat and a hairbrush lays discarded on an ornate dressing table. Samantha Baxter, who plays Carlotta, walks regally around backstage, her huge hopped skirt, swinging slowly like a bell as she paces, listening to the music that spills across the building. The soft sound of ballet shoed feet landing tenderly on the scuffed floor out front can just be heard as choreographer Jeannie Mark puts the ballet troupe through their paces. “Arabesque, stop, step,” she instructs as legs encased in black tights whir in unison. Duncan walks through the bustle, a notebook and pen in hand. This show, he says, has a special feeling to it. The phantom’s reign of terror sees him fall madly in love with an impressionable young soprano and, obsessed, he devotes himself to making her a star. Spencer Kingi plays the Phantom, alongside Aria Bakker as Christine. The pair provide a “touch of magic” to the performance,” Duncan says. “Phantom is one of the most interesting characters I’ve had the pleasure to deal with over the years. “He’s a multi-faceted character, going from the greatest lover to a maniacal nightmare. “Fortunately, we have such an actor in Spencer that he can give the role the real justice that the phantom deserves. “Spencer could play Phantom anywhere in the world and Aria is the ideal Christine,” he says. Standing in wardrobe, surrounded by rack upon rack of satin and tulle, Aria, stands patiently as she prepares to get into character. For the Canadian-born actress, the production marks her first role with Blenheim Musical Theatre. “It is a role,” she says, “I am grateful to get.” “They took a chance on me and it’s been a lot of work, but oh, it’s been so much fun, and everyone has been lovely. “There are some days where I really do feel like Christine. She’s kind of spacey to be honest, a bit lost. “There’s an innocence about her, a naivety but that changes when she realises she’s been taken advantage of. “It’s such a well written, dramatic show and Spencer’s really awesome, he’s so even-keeled. But when he’s in his mask and cloak, it’s easy to believe he’s the phantom,” she says. Think Of Me, Angel Of The Music, Music Of The Night, All I Ask Of You, Masquerade and the title song About The Phantom Of The Opera are just some of the major numbers. The winner of seven 1988 Tony Awards, including best musical, the production continues to enthral audiences all over the world. The production will run for just ten shows at the ASB Theatre and Duncan is quietly confident tickets will sell out. To book tickets visit the box office at the ASB Theatre Marlborough, call 0800 842 538 or visit ticketek.co.nz

Marlborough