Phantom Of The Opera

A week after Jolin's pop concert, i headed to the Esplanade Theatre for the critically-acclaimed musical 'Phantom Of The Opera'. Of all the musicals i've listened to, Phantom is the number one on my list of 'must-watch'.

Unlike the week before, the musical started right on time. About 5 minutes prior to the show, i zipped out for a quick toilet break and one of the ushers gently reminded me to be back in 5 minutes or else i would only be let in after the first few scenes. Not wanting to miss the famous chandelier-raising opening scene, i obediently returned in 2 minutes.. haha


Based on the novel written by Gaston LeRoux, songs from the musical such as 'All I Ask Of You' , 'Phantom of the Opera' and 'Music of the Night' were on my regular winamp playlist during my university days. Being there in the theatre and reliving those songs brought back many nostalgic memories.

The story traces the love triangle between the Phantom, his protege Christine Daae and her childhood friend Raoul Vicomte de Chagny, a nobleman. The phantom is a disfigured musical genius who combs and lives in the sewers of the Paris Opera House.


The beautiful sets and costumes left me mesmerized with their beauty. The changing of scenes were effortless and during the 2 hours, members of the audience were spellbound by the beautiful tunes and we felt as if we were really transported back in time during the height of the Paris Opera House glorious days.

My 2 friends who were sitting just a few rows from the stage in the matinee show expressed that they felt moved by the performance as they were near enough to see every detail of the actors' expressions. I bet they were also close enough to touch the chandelier when it crashed just before the end of Act I... =)

Lastly, i share with you the lyrics from 'The Music Of The Night' :

Night-time sharpens,heightens each sensation . . .

Darkness stirs and wakes imagination . . .

Silently the senses abandon their defences . . .

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour . . .

Grasp it, sense it -tremulous and tender . . .

Turn your face away from the garish light of day,

turn your thoughts awayfrom cold, unfeeling light -

and listen to the music of the night . . .

Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams!

Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before!

Close your eyes,let your spirit start to soar!

And you'll liveas you've never lived before . . .

Softly, deftly,music shall surround you . . .

Feel it, hear it,closing in around you . . .

Open up your mind,let your fantasies unwind,i

n this darkness which you know you cannot fight -

the darkness of the music of the night . . .

Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world!

Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before!

Let your soul Take you where youl ong to be !

Only then can you belongto me . . .

Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!

Touch me, trust me savour each sensation!

Let the dream begin,

let your darker side give into the power of the music that I write -

the power of the music of the night . . .