Last Tuesday, Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands was overtaken by the world of gothic romance, as the well-loved strains of “The Music of the Night” wafted through its air once more. It was the Gala Premiere of The Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated work that made a return to Singapore for a limited run, and it was just magical.
For others, The Phantom of the Opera is a musical you’ve probably just skimmed by—perhaps you’ve encountered its melancholy theme in class, flicked past clips on socials, or had a friend absentmindedly hum the tune without remembering what the show was actually called. But when you see it, and particularly when you see it with the accompaniment of a large musical ensemble, fuzzy familiarity coalesces into awe. It’s the sort of production that doesn’t simply impress; it immerses you in its drama, beauty, and spectacle.
A Theatre Within a Theatre
What exactly is a theatre within a theatre? Phantom feels like Inception in many ways. The result is an experience of performance in layers, in which the distinction between reality and stage frequently dissolves. While this brilliant setup immerses you fully in the story, it can occasionally leave the audience wondering if a scene is part of the show’s plot or a play within the play. But this complexity is part of the charm—it dares you to get lost in its world.
What really makes this production grand, however, is its visual splendor. Opulent costumes, breathtaking set shifts, and a relentless adherence to detail ensure a visual delight in almost every scene. A scene that stood out for me was the “Why So Silent” masquerade, where the Phantom made a grand entrance, resembling the masquerade and grotesque vibe of Carnevale di Venezia. Another was the labyrinthine trek through the Phantom’s netherworld lair, a showcase of the production’s technical wizardry.
Music, Emotion, and a Dose of Drama
The live musical ensemble added a visceral layer of emotion. Each note buzzing through the space with a spooky accuracy. It was my second time witnessing a classical theatre production with a live orchestra (my first being Les Misérables), and the goosebumps returned the moment the overture played.
But while the music is undoubtedly powerful, it can also be a barrier for others. For viewers who may not be used to operatic style or the story at all, the musical sing-songy-ness of it makes it difficult to understand certain scenes. At times, enunciation was a casualty to vocal technique, and it was sometimes difficult to make out every word. Still, the actors’ gestures, staging, and faces supplied the missing parts, allowing the narrative to unfold in action as much as song.
Final Curtain Thoughts
With 37 international performers from South Africa, Australia, UK, Canada, Italy, and the USA, The Phantom of the Opera is brought to life in the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, starring Ben Forster as the Phantom and Grace Roberts as Christine. Their stage presence is magnetic—a mixture of strength and fragility, grace and shadow.
The Phantom of the Opera is still one of the most beautiful musicals ever staged, and this Singapore run shows why it still manages to enthrall people of all ages, in all parts of the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this production is a jaw-dropping plunge into a universe of mystery, addiction, and indelible music.
So if you’ve ever wondered what all the Phantom fuss is about, here’s your chance to witness the magic that is Phantom—up close and centre stage.
