Review/LA (Raoul Company, Tour II)
The Los Angeles production at the Pantages Theatre has gotten fairly mixed reviews from the people who I have talked to. My own opinion is biased, because I've seen the San Francisco production first, and because my seats at the LA production were not the best quality, to say the least. However, I can say that I thoroughly the music and singing. Ron Bohmer seems to be a bit of an over-actor as the Phantom, with questionable emphasis' placed on various words and phrases. At times, his work seemed almost out of character and overly angry. I was especially displeased with his rendition of "Music of the Night" where he seemed rushed, and did not carry a number of notes. However, in almost every other piece, his voice was simply beautiful as it soared full and strong. He was sultry, emotional, and vibrant. Michael Crawford's rendition is still the most emotional that I've seen, but Bohmer's voice is, although unpolished at times, better in my opinion. Lawrence Anderson does a fine although unspectacular job as Raoul, as does Sandra Joseph as Christine. Ian Jon Bourg, Donn Cook, Olga Talyn, and Patricia Hurd turn in performances that are neither noteworthy, nor bad. The stage work was decent most of the time, yet disappointing at some points; the fire from the Phantom's wand seemed to lack any real spark, and the bursts of flame at the edge of the stage were weak at best, pitiful at worst. Overall, this production seemed rushed and rough around the edges, however, it's still worth a trip to the

Review/SF (Christine Company, San Francisco)
The Christine Company of the Phantom of the Opera has been in San Francisco for over four years, and is one of the longest running shows in the city's history. For good reason, this is arguably the best cast in the nation, even sans Geena Jeffries (recent addition to the Broadway cast). Frank D'Ambrosio, although not as silky-smooth as I would like the Phantom, still does a good job. Norman Large and Richard Gould do wonderful jobs as Monsieur Andre and Monsieur Firmin, respectively, and Cristin Mortenson is an able Christine on certain nights. Although I've seen the SF production twice already, I've yet to see Lisa Vroman as Christine, and I have yet to see Jeffries' replacement in the role of Carlotta. Although the cast has over 4 years of experience, they still seem fresh, emotional, and enthusiastic. The stage work is great and, having seen the backstage, set, and how it works, simply amazing. Rumor has it that the Christine Company won't be in San Francisco much longer, so see it now before it's too late; it's an amazing show, and worth every cent and second. Currently playing at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco, information available through Best of Broadway-SF.

Links
Nederlander Los Angeles
Get information on the Phantom of the Opera production at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, in limited engagement until January 31, 1998.

Best of Broadway-San Francisco
Obtain information on Phantom in San Francisco, in production at the Curran Theatre.

The Phantom of the Opera Home Page [really useful group]
A psuedo-home page for Phantom from the Really Useful Group with fairly up-to-date information on Phantom and developments.

The Phantom of the Opera Home Page [jason emery]
A good, unofficial page devoted to Phantom of the Opera, with a lot of information, including a full liberetto.

Email Me!
Please send any reactions, comments, suggestions, additions, or your own reviews to me at the following address: [email protected]. All correspondence is greatly appriciated.