By Richard Schultz, June 2015 Issue.
Photo by Alistair Miuir. Courtesy of asugammage.com.
The Phantom of the Opera
ASU Gammage
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic antagonist and tragic love interest returns for what promises to be a fresh mounting of this Broadway blockbuster. Following an acclaimed – and sold-out – tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of this phenomenal musical success stops in Tempe as a part of a brand-new North American Tour.
Based on the 1910 horror novel by Gaston Leroux, which has been adapted into countless films, The Phantom of the Opera follows a deformed composer who haunts the grand Paris Opera House. Sheltered from the outside world in an underground cavern, the lonely, romantic man tutors and composes operas for Christine, a gorgeous young soprano star-to-be.
As Christine’s star rises and a handsome suitor from her past enters the picture, the Phantom grows mad, terrorizing the opera house owners and company with his murderous ways. Still, Christine finds herself drawn to the mystery man.
Chris Mann stars as the Phantom.
This touring production features a new production design and is staged by director Laurence Connor. The show includes many special effects, including the legendary chandelier accompanied by the beloved score with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade,” performed by a cast and orchestra of 52.
The cast is led by Chris Mann (pictured) as the Phantom. Mann rose to fame as Christina Aguilera’s finalist on NBC’s “The Voice.” Since then, his debut album, Roads, hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and he’s starred in his own PBS television special, “A Mann For All Seasons.”
Katie Travis portrays Christine, the opera protégée, with Storm Lineberger as Rauol, Christine’s young suitor.
The Phantom of the Opera
May 27-June 7
ASU Gammage
1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe
Tickets: $20-$175; 480-965-3434
One Man, Two Guvnors
Phoenix Theater
Hailed as “one of the most hilarious shows” in British theatre history, Richard Bean’s zany comedy One Man, Two Guvnors boasts seven 2012 Tony Award nominations.
Ron May, director of Buyer and Cellar, graces the Phoenix Theatre stage for the first time as Francis Henshall, who takes the dubious position as guardian of Roscoe Crabbe, a small-time East End hoodlum. When Francis takes a second job minding Stanley Stubbers, another fishy criminal hiding from the police, he employs elaborate shenanigans to keep his two guvnors apart.
Directed by resident dramaturge Pasha Yamotahari, this comedy romp is peppered with athletic pratfalls, playful choreography and punctuated by a jovial score.
“This is a gathering of the best comedic actors in the Valley spending two hours of fun showcasing the very best in comedy through physical farce, dialogue gymnastics and hilarious song and dance,” Yamotahari said.
One Man, Two Guvnors
Through June 14
Phoenix Theatre
100 E. McDowell Road., Phoenix
Tickets: $30-$80; 602-254-2151