Finally a lush, stunning-produced, star-studded Broadway-quality (or better?) production of Phantom, the "other" musical version of Phantom of the Opera. For those who don't know, this musical was Broadway-bound in the 1980s until the Andrew Lloyd Webber version premiered in London; investors backed out when they realized Webber was bringing his version to Broadway. Phantom has gorgeous break-your-heart music, a clear storyline that actually focuses on the Phantom, a complex man who the audience gets to know very well. The cast is unbelievable. Cho Kyuhyun, "the voice of Korea", and one of the main vocalists of the beloved legendary K-pop group Super Junior, brings the passion, complexity, pathos, and effortless powerful golden vocals to the title role. The other cast members are equally flawless, vocally and acting-wise. Of note, this version, produced 4 times (so far) in Seoul, has added a touch of music -- even more songs for the Phantom in particular. The phantom is humanized without loosing his passion and mystery, Christine is also given more agency and incredible music to sing, and the love triangle (a new character named Phillipe vs Raoul) is believable. There are additional characters and plot that heighten the gothic drama and give the main characters more motivation for their actions. I think this is THE definitive version of Phantom of the opera anywhere (screen, theatre, novel-form) and this production couldn't be better. Don't miss it!
