Phantom Of the Opera

Filmed before a live audience, this musical adaptation of Gaston Leroux's classic 1911 novel is not to be confused with the 1987 Broadway blockbuster composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Produced by the Hirschfeld Theatre, this version features David Staller in the title role of the deformed mad composer who lives in the subterranean bowels of the Paris Opera House and becomes obsessed with Christine (impressively played by Elizabeth Walsh), the beautiful young understudy with the angelic voice. Forming the third leg of the classic romantic triangle, Christopher Rath as Raoul is suitably ardent in his quest for Christine's attention. The sets are nicely done (on a small scale), the comic relief of the warring managers of the opera house is welcome, and half of Lawrence Rosen and Paul Schierhorn's songs are quite hummable. In short, devotees of Webber's version will not switch allegiance; yet, "Phantom" fans and fans of opera, in general, will surely be interested in this often engaging production which is quite reasonably priced. Recommended. (R. Pitman)