
Exceeding expectations, the longest running Broadway musical has come to Singapore. The Phantom of the Opera is showing at the Sands Theatre from 9 May to 22 June 2025. As one of the most famous musicals of all time, this production is an excellent opportunity to catch the story for yourself.
Phantom of the Opera at Marina Bay Sands
The musical is a grandiose, gothic tale of love, obsession, and romance. The story follows a young soprano, Christine Daae (Grace Roberts), as she is suddenly thrust into the limelight of the opera by her teacher, the titular Phantom (Ben Forster).
It is revealed that he has fallen deeply in love with her, but things are complicated more as Christine’s childhood friend and patron of the theatre, Raoul de Changy (Matt Leisy), is also in a romantic pursuit of her.
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It is almost unnecessary to point out the sheer excellence of the cast. From the soaring operatic numbers to the slow, romantic duets, all of the songs within the show are done justice by their cast of 37 members.
The ensemble numbers like “Masquerade” especially shown due to the power of the entire case singing together. It was as if a wall of sound hit the audience; the vibrations could be felt in the seats.
Astounding Performances by the Leads
The three main leads were astounding in their performances, each lending their characters a depth and complexity that made them feel like real people.
Roberts’ Christine was the highlight of the show, her voice like that of an angel. Her tone was so clear and strong that you could easily see why she was the leading soprano of the opera.
However, in more dramatic contexts like in the songs “Down Once More” or “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again”, it was haunting, almost furious at times. The range of emotions that were so clearly displayed only through her singing showed an incredible level of mastery.
Furthermore, her acting and chemistry with her co-stars was incredible. Her scenes with the Phantom were highly tense and emotionally charged, which was in part due to the way that Forster played him.
Forster plays a very angry and emotional Phantom.
He is suave at first, especially during his first few appearances, but this quickly descends into impassioned shouting. He definitely gave off the impression of a more out of control and hostile Phantom as compared to the way that others have done the role, but it does work in the context of this production, especially in contrast to both Christine and Raoul.
Not to mention that his renditions of the songs were rich both in musical and emotional complexity. “Music of the Night” particularly showed off his singing.
In direct opposition to him, Leisy’s Raoul was the perfect foil. He leaned into the sweet, romantic side of Raoul, being the voice of reason in the chaos of the show. His chemistry with Christine was very charming as he emphasised just how deeply Raoul was in love with Christine.
The role of Raoul often can be rather boring, but Leisy added to it such that it was both likable and memorable.
Music to Remember
Another large reason for praise was the superb work of the orchestra. Both “Overture” and “Entr’Acte” are phenomenal instrumental pieces that show off the power of the orchestra.
The famous organ line in “Overture” along with the swinging of the chandelier as it ascends is pure magic.
Despite its small size, they make it sound as if their orchestra has thrice the people that it actually does.
Though the music often gets overshadowed by the vocals, they are not any worse in the slightest. The violins have a wonderful solo in “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” and the brass section has some motifs throughout the show that are incredible to hear.
Both the set and blocking were also very good. The set was grandiose, with many gigantic props that were both opulent and impressive. The title number, especially the sequence with the boat, was so convincing it looked as if they had actually flooded the stage due to how well they mimicked water. The use of light throughout the show was clear and dramatic at the same time.
Experience the Phantom of the Opera for Yourself
Phantom of the Opera is a classic of musical theatre. An experience that is so magnificent that while it is running, it transports you to another world and leaves you raving after it’s done. Dark and foreboding yet romantic at the same time. The Phantom of the Opera is an entrancing must-see.
When: 9 May to 22 June 2025
Where: Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands
Purchase tickets here.