Extra Credit Blogs

Last night I attended the Phantom of the Opera with my grandmother. I saw the performance about three years ago in New York but recently the show came to Las Vegas and I was excited to go again. The theatre in New York was older and more ornate, however both of them were proscenium stages framed by lavish stone work and curtains. I liked the seats better this time because I was off to the side and a little too close in New york. Its like in class we discussed how being too close can take away some of the magic. I didn't like seeing the little microphones attached to the performers' mouths, or their feet through the fog in a particular scene. My favorite part in both showing is when the chandelier shakes, swings, and literally lowers over the audience until it makes a final crash on the stage. It is an amazing thing to watch. So graceful but at the same time a little frightening! I like the music but I must admit it's not favorite. It's a little to opera-ish for me, though I realize it is clearly not an opera. I do however love the story line, the dark mixed with the love and passion, it really made me think because I have to pick a side and I chose the dark, the phantom. But the intriguing part is when you question yourself, is he really even bad, maybe he is really good? I found myself rooting for him the entire time, as do most people, though he is dark and actually a murderer if you recall the stagehand who dies and all the disasters he causes in the theatre. It's such a beautifully written piece and I really appreciate it and all the wonderful performers.