- Theater review

The Glendale Centre Theatre has faced the challenge of producing the special-effects-heavy, "Phantom" on its theater-in-the-round stage and come out triumphant.

From the colorful Paris street and Bistro scenes bursting with gaiety and song as in "Melodie de Paris," to the moody, dark, fog-laden lagoon beneath the opera house and the frightening displays of pyrotechnics, their imagination and ingenuity have created an atmosphere extraordinaire!

But atmosphere is not the only wonderful thing about this musical based on Gaston Leroux's book, "Phantom of the Opera" (not to be confused with the Andrew Lloyd Webber version of the same name).

The story of "Phantom," written by Arthur Kopit, is ultimately more tender and romantic. And its achingly tragic ending is bound to provoke tears from the toughest of theater-goers.

And while Maury Yeston's music may lack the familiarity of Webber's, its haunting melodies and the scenes they recall, will replay your in mind and dreams for days.

The musical, so ably directed by George Strattan, tells the story of a masked "monster" dwelling in the catacombs below the Paris Opera.

Erik (The Phantom), lives for beautiful music and is horrified when long-time manager, Gerard Carriere, is fired and replaced by the shrill-voiced diva, Carlotta, and her attentive husband, Cholet.

The Phantom issues dire warnings that go unheeded by the new managers until, despondent and enraged; he strikes out viciously and the police, led by Inspector Ledoux ( Richard Malmos) become involved.

Then a young soprano named Christine arrives at the Opera. Erik is mesmerized by her beauty and voice, and as an anonymous "Maestro," he offers to make her into a great singer. Their glorious duet, "You are Music" is reprised throughout the play.

On opening night, Carlotta maliciously sabotages Christine's performance. Infuriated, Erik abducts the girl and brings her down to his dark domain.

While the vengeful Phantom ascends to present an ultimatum to Carlotta, Gerard descends to beg Christine to get away while she can, telling her "Erik's Story" in hopes of persuading her to leave.

But this only strengthens Christine's belief in the Maestro's kindness and her determination to stay and talk with him.

Then, like voyeurs, we watch Erik's painfully shy and tender attempt to woo Christine, and her beguiling pleas to see his face. In a slow, but powerful and beautifully-choreographed scene, wrought with sexual tension and angst, she entices him to lift his mask....

For one exquisite moment, the entire audience holds its breath.

What follows will have viewers at once wide-eyed and weeping as the story rushes to a heartbreaking climax that's not soon forgotten.

Kelby Thwaits is masterful and expressive as The Phantom; Heather Lundstredt, a beautiful Christine. Both have outstanding voice range and quality.

George Champion plays Gerard with tender compassion, and Rita Tarin is the imperious Carlotta. Her true voice, however, is anything but shrill.

Whitney Ackerman and Genevieve Mariko Wilson skillfully perform the ballet number that is unique to this musical, portraying the tragic love story of the young Carriere and Erik's mother, Belladova. Tanner Arden plays the boy, Erik.

In a production that is bound to sell out early (by new and repeat audiences) reservations are a must. Call (818) 244-8491.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, with Saturday matinees (and two Sunday matinees) at 3 p.m. through Oct. 18.

Admission is $20.-$25.50 depending on the performance.

The theater is located at 324 N. Orange St., Glendale.