Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall

A Parisian Opera House is terrorized by an unseen "opera ghost," who they call The Phantom (Karimloo).  The new owners, Andre (Snook) and Firmin (James), allow the Phantom's protege Christine Daae (Boggess), to take the lead in the current opera.  Their benefactor, Raoul (Fraser) the Vicomte de Chagny, is a Christine's childhood friend and first love.  With jealousy in the air, will the entire company survive the opera season.

My first introduction to Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved stage show, "The Phantom of the Opera" was the 2004 film version (which, oddly enough, I have not reviewed).  I loved the 2004 film so much, that I invested in the original West End soundtrack, which I loved.

Since then I have wanted to see the show, but haven't had the chance (yet).  When I discovered the 25th Anniversary show at Royal Albert Hall, I had to give it a chance, and I loved it.  The cast is incredible and the set designs were breathtaking.  Ramin Karimloo played the Phantom in the musical sequel to to "Phantom", called "Love Never Dies."  Sierra Boggess played the role of Christine in the Las Vegas and co-starred with Karimloo in "Love Never Dies."

At the end of the production, Webber says a few words and introduces the original cast.  And there is a special performance by Sarah Brightman and the most famous Phantoms.  It was incredible!

The Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall (2011) 137 minutes
Director: Nick Morris and Laurence Connor
Starring; Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom
Sierra Boggess as Christine
Hadley Fraser as Raoul
Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta Guidicelli
Barry James as Monsieur Firmin
Gareth Snook as Monsieur Andre
Liz Robertson as Madame Giry
Wynne Evans as Ubaldo Piangi
Daisy Maywood as Meg Giry