Phantom of the Opera:
The Melodrama
By Joe Dickinson
From the novel of Gaston Leroux
Directed by Nick Haley
Assistant Directed by Lindsey Yarborough
Produced by Pocket Sandwich Theatre
Audience Rating: PG-13 for some mature themes
Running Time: 2 hr, 15 min, with two 15 min intermissions
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not Available
ASL Showing: Not Available
Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available
Sound Level: May be loud for some patrons
Noises/Visuals to Prepare For: gunshot, fog, depiction of dead bodies, violence, gore, sexual content
Reviewed by Natalie Shaw
There are few things in Dallas more fun than a popcorn-throwing Melodrama at Pocket Sandwich Theatre. Give me options like going to the fair, seeing a movie, or hanging out with friends at one of these Melodramas, and this wins, hands down, every time! To say there's some popcorn on the floor at the end of the show is putting it too lightly--it is everywhere!--piles that stage crew members sweep up between acts at intermission. The popcorn is definitely among the most memorable of things about these shows, just don't expect it to taste great if you eat it. (Yeah, I tried. But, you can order some tasty eats on their menu before and during the productions.)
Of course, the Melodramas at Pocket Sandwich are incredibly enjoyable, but that isn't to say that their other seasonal productions are lacking, quite the opposite! For decades, Pocket Sandwich has had some of the best of the best talent and creatives behind every production, making each one perfect in its own right, and Phantom of the Opera: The Melodrama is no exception. The O.G., (in more than one sense of the word,) Travis Cook plays The Phantom, who terrorizes the managers and performers of a Paris opera house. With his sights set on having Christine, (Rebecca Litsey, and the Opera's newest wanna-be diva) as his lover, The Phantom promises to give her the best vocal talent in return for her affection, while he simultaneously destroys her dimwitted opponent, Carlotta (brilliantly played by Bella Brown) and Carlotta's greedy mother (Madame Valera played by the sensational Caitlyn Whitley) or anyone else standing in their way, including Christine's lover, Raoul (Salvador Elias.) Despite the best efforts of The Phantom and Raoul to pin her down, Christine has made no official promises to either of them, for she loves nothing so much as music. (I think many of us females can relate.) But, when her life's in danger, Elias' Raoul proves himself romantically valiant, withstanding the dangers that threaten his lover and his own life. Inevitably, The Phantom is left with a life-altering choice: his life or Christine's happiness; Cook makes this character arc beautifully, allowing the audience to feel the weight of his profound decision.
As a side-story, two managers outwit two more managers into buying the Paris opera house, ridding themselves of The Phantom, once and for all. Poligny (Samuel Garrett, who also plays the shifty Ratcatcher) and Debienne (Josh Hires, aka The Chorus Master) trick Firmin Richard (Matthew Good) and Armand Moncharmin (Cody Alexander Tabor,) strategically leaving out the details about The O.G./The Phantom as they make their getaway. Two individuals who are familiar friends with The O.G. (It means "Opera Ghost," guys, another nickname for The Phantom, who actually isn't a real ghost/phantom...blah, blah, blah...) back on track, two familiar friends of The Phantom are Madame Giry (played with lively spunk by Jessica Stottlemyer,) who knows the comings and goings of The O.G. and his protector, Daroga Khaymar, "The Persian," played with powerful authority by Henry Okigbo, of previous Shakespeare Dallas fame this summer as Othello.
For such a serious plot-line, there's more laughing than you realize you'll experience. Pocket's Melodramas are known for their overly dramatized, over-acted style, which transforms any storyline into a spoof worth witnessing! You truly have to experience it for yourself, the best words cannot describe it-- I still find myself giggling randomly by this incredible night of playful fun and goofy humor! Julie and I were still in the hysterics of laughter after the show, and couldn't wait to record this episode of Spotlight On! So, please enjoy laughing along with us!
This incredible production, Phantom of the Opera: The Melodrama is written by resident playwright, Joe Dickinson and pulled together by the outstanding creative team, Director Nick Haley, Assistant Director Lindsey Yarborough, Stage Manager Alison Baron, Set Designer Clare Floyd Devries, Costume Designer Elisa Low, Lighting Designer Jack Earl Piland, Sound Designer David H.M. Lambert, Props Designer Joey Dietz and Pianist Timothy Flippo (who brings several comedic bits home by tickling the ivories!)
Take a night off to destress from the chaos of the world and witness this fantastic production; not only will you be glad you did, you'll never forget it! Tickets are available at pocketsandwich.com, but you better hurry--these shows sell out fast!
Enjoy the Show!
Natalie
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