Upcoming Musicals
Treat Yourself to The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. Five years ago, the immensely-loved show, The Phantom of the Opera, celebrated its 25th anniversary in a glorious concert production at the Royal Albert Hall. The show featured Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess as Phantom and Christine. This year, the award-winning musical is going into its 30th year at the magnificent Her Majesty’s Theatre and is still a favorite amongst theatre lovers.
The original production of the blockbuster show made its debut at the Her Majesty’s Theatre in 1986. It starred Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, who was then wife of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Story
Set in the Paris Opera House, it tells the story of singer Christine Daae who is inspired by the Phantom’s voice to give performances that make her a star. The deformed musical genius develops an obsessive love for Christine. She, in turn, regards him as an angel sent by her deceased father. The final scene in which the phantom is unmasked and the chandelier falls is epic.
The Phantom of the Opera has won various prestigious awards for its great music such as “The Music of the Night,” “Angel of Music,” and the famous title track, “The Phantom of the Opera.” But the numerous Tony and Olivier awards that it has garnered over the years are for more than just its music. The magnificent play is a stunning amalgamation of outstanding design, special effects, and a memorable score.
The Musical
It is also the longest-running musical on Broadway. The show is loved worldwide and has been performed across North America in such places as Las Vegas. The touring company is set to travel in 2017 through America’s heartland giving performances in areas such as the Music Hall in Kansas City and the Stranahan Theatre in Toledo, Ohio.
But the best place to see The Phantom, however, is still in its original venue, Her Majesty’s Theatre. The giant theatre has a wide stage that makes it suitable for large-scale musical productions. The current building was designed by the well-known theatrical architect Charles J. Phipps for actor Herbert Beerbohm Tree who led efforts to fund the rebuilding of the theatre in 1897. Some of the outstanding works of George Bernard Shaw, Noel Coward, and J. B. Priestley were performed during Tree’s era as manager of the theatre.
Theater Tickets
With an astounding occupancy of 1216, those who want a great view of the stage should go for the Stalls section in the center of the front rows. Ticket prices are slightly higher than in other sections. The Royal Circle hangs above the Stalls and provides a great view of the stage. Above that is the Grand Circle which offers a reasonable view at a low ticket price. The Balcony is far from the stage, but tickets for this area are quite affordable for everyone.
The two-hour-and-thirty-minute show is recommended for kids ten and over. The theatre offers discounted tickets to disabled patrons and their caregivers. The box office offers patrons an infra-red system with headsets. If you are looking for a memorable show, then opt for Her Majesty’s Theatre tickets!