Some have said I am an YouTube Broadway expert. I claim no such status, but I have watched the complete performances of various classics like Les Miserables, Hamilton, Wicked, and Phantom of the Opera, all in painfully low definition 30 second increments. While these viewings were satisfactory, and most importantly for a broke high schooler, free, I had been dying to see something in real life for quite a while. Low and behold, two such opportunities arose.
The first was a sweet surprise from a good friend – tickets to Les Miserables at the Peace Center. At first I was through the roof, Les Mis is my favorite play, and I am a huge fan of the book, and the 2012 movie. However, as the date neared I began to worry that because I had only ever seen the Broadway production and a well-polished movie, that the Off-Broadway rendition would fall short of my extremely high expectations. In some ways, I was right. Understandably, not every character was played exactly how I imagined they should be, and not every song was delivered perfectly, but for the most part, I was blown away by the talent showcased in set design, casting, and orchestra. Broke high schoolers as we are, my friend and I sat in one of the furthest rows available, and while the facial expressions if the actors and actresses were harder to catch, we were still able to see the choreography, special effects, and hear the orchestra very well. The cast was incredible, and each character had a strong voice and stage presence – impressive considering the large amount of lead characters in Les Mis. I left feeling that though some of my acting expectations were not met, the performance completely made up for it in vocal talent and set design.
The second opportunity I was graciously given by the Peace Center to see Cameron Mackintosh’s Phantom of the Opera. Unlike Les Miserables, I didn’t have many expectations for Phantom, due to the fact that the only prior knowledge of the plot I possessed was from binge watching YouTube clips. Despite this, I enjoyed the production just as much. Because of its rock influence, this play naturally allows for a more modern approach in special effects and orchestra, and Cameron Mackintosh’s interpretation did not disappoint! Halfway through the story in a famous scene, the Phantom of the Opera crashes the opera house chandelier down upon the audience. The special effects and set design for this moment were brilliant, with fire shooting from the sides of the chandelier, and fake pieces of glass raining into the audience. In contrast to Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera delivered in character portrayal and special effects, but felt somewhat lacking in vocal talent, specifically in the male roles. Regardless, I loved the experience and would highly recommend it.
Lastly, I think it is important that I note the amazing system and staff that is the Peace Center. For both events, ticket lines moved surprisingly fast, and at every turn I encountered a friendly staff member ready to help direct me to my seat. During intermission when bathroom lines are out the door, associates were standing inside helping people find open stalls in order to move the line more quickly. Whether I was sitting in the furthest row back or the third row from the front, I felt like I was able to see well, hear well, and overall, fully experience and enjoy the production.
You’ve read my thoughts, now let me know yours in the comment section below!
Thanks,
Lucy
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