1989_12 The Daily Collegian December 1989

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Volume Four
cember8}198c
SPEAK
An arts and entertainment guide for CSU Fresno
By Anastasia Hendrix
Entertainment Edilor
i Would the real "Phantom of the Opera"
please stand up?
The answer to that question would
depend on who was asked.
Opening tonight at the Wamor's
Theatre is the Original London Stage
production of the "Phantom of the Opera"
by rfbn Hill. Not Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Although the recent success of Lloyd
Webber's production has undoubtedly
sparked die interest in touring the
original production, those involved
believe that the two productions are
individual enough to avoid
misinterpretations.
- "Ours-tea musical comedy. We have fun
with the piece. We don't take ourselves too
seriously - we Just have a good lime." said
Christopher Bond, stage manager of the
current touring company.
Asked about the fact that there was
often an element'of confusion regarding
which performance was actually on tour.
Bond explained that there were
occasionally those who thought they were
going to see another production.
"In some cities it's a bigger deal than
others. Some people just don't understand
the disclaimer.
"Either they didn't like the other
'Phanton' or they wanted to see what It
was ab.tut this show that made Andrew
[Lloyd Webber] want to do another
production." Bond said.
Others just enjoy seeing both
producUons and comparing.
Based on Gaston Lcroux's 1911 novel of
the same name, the production was
originally staged as a campy musical
using opera arias by Mozart. Verdi.
Gounod. Offenbach and others. The
adaptalion by British author Ken Hill
opened in East London in 1984. nearly
two years earlier than Lloyd Webber's
producUon.
The novel/play/musical is essentially
a love story about the hideously
disfigured. mysterious and
misunderstood Phantom and his
obsession with Christine Daae, an
ingenue opera singer.
According to Hill, he and Lloyd Webber
had discussed creating a version#of
"Phantom" together but as the years
passed, the individual projects developed.
'We're not .as elaborate as [Lloyd
Webber's) production. He put great
emphasis on the physical and technical
aspecls of the piece - that was the primary
thing," Bond said.
While touring in Los Angeles a couple of
weeks ago. 83 members of the Lloyd
Webber cast came to see the "other"
production and according, to Bond, the
evening was a great success.
"They really got a kick out of it. They
loved ihe chandelier. They thought It was
a hoot." Bond said.
Although there are many long hours-
Involved with bringing such a show to
several cities. Bond explained that was
Dart of the fun. He has been with the tour
since it originated last August in
Washington.
"We start at 6 a.m. and work straight
through til six in the evening, then we
have a sound check with the performers
and at eight ihe performance starts. The
first day is really long,'he said.
He admitted lhat the travelling has
been extensive and demanding. 1
"I think they have a dartboard out there
somewhere." Bond said jokingly.
"It's a very rugged life. I take lots of,
vitamins and keep a healthy attitude, a
healthy body... ihe key approach is to
have fun and laugh* said Steve
Blanchard, who plays the Utle role.
Blanchard has been with the the
company since the beginning, but has
made plans to leave in four weeks to
return to Los Angeles so that he can
pursue his career in television and film.
His co-star. Rebecca Baxter, who plays
Christine, will also be leaving after the
engagement in Fresno. ■
"Vocally, the stuff is a kick to sing. I
haven't gotten bored." she said: Her fiance
had also played her on-stage love
interest, but recently left the show after
being cast in "Les Miserables" on
Broadway.
Baxter found that the routine of
touring wasn't as fun as it had been. After
the Fresno performances are over she
plans to spend Christmas with her family
and pursue other opportunities.
The cast and crew alike look forward to
playing in all the different cities.
"Every audience and community has its
own character. You n-.ver know the
character of the clientele - it's a constant
challenge." Bond said.
The show will will run through
Monday. December 11. For reservations
or more information call the Wamor's
Theatre box office at 264-2848.
/O