Opulent, phantasmagoric “Phantom of the Opera” at the Bushnell

HARTFORD — “The Phantom of the Opera” is a “phantastic” gothic musical for all at the Bushnell through May 10.
Pyrotechnics abound in this production, with numerous loud blinding blasts giving off enough heat at times to be felt by those up close.
The balcony seats offer the best vantage point, with excellent views of the huge chandelier flying to the ceiling, and provide a good look at the golden, garish, faux-baroque carvings that imposingly frame the stage.
The musical is based on a French novel by Gaston LeRoux. LeRoux was a fan of Edgar Allan Poe, and this dark tale has all the grotesque and macabre imagery of a Poe tale. A disfigured man escaped from a gypsy freak show and made his home in the musty bowels of the Paris opera house.
Here the Phantom with the masked face tutors a woman, Christine Daae, to become an opera star. She is an overnight sensation, while an old beau, Raoul, reappears after years, and they fall instantly in love.
Played with pathos and power by John Cudia, this love affair doesn’t fit the Phantom’s plans, since he wants Christine, his invention as he sees her, for himself.
People start dying, and the Phantom insists through many notes, that his opera be produced and Christine star in it.
The music, by the inimitable Andrew Lloyd Weber, is fantastic as always, with unforgettable numbers such as “Angel of Music,” “Masquerade,” “Think of Me,” and “All I Ask of You.”
Christine is played by the lovely Trista Moldovan, whose voice is almost always up to the challenge of the demanding soprano range.
The portly tenor lead, Ubaldo Piangi, is well played with goofy humor by John Whitney, while Kim Stengel is amusing as Carlotta Giudicelli, the over-acting spoiled diva.
Stengel is almost too good though. Instead of loving to hate her, as the role demands, one almost feels badly that an upstart ingenue, Christine, is squeezing her out.
No expense was spared on the sets, with huge swaths of Victorian-style draperies, designed by Maria Bjornson.
The costumes with their bright, brilliant, sometimes garish colors are glorious and eye-popping wild, especially when the ensemble is dressed for the masquerade ball. They are a nice counterpoint with the ballerinas who are dressed at times in Monet-like white outfits.
And don’t forget the elephant, which looks terrific on the stage, giving the show an “Aida” like feeling.
The precise choreographed movement, like a formalized dance, perfectly complements the complex octet of “Notes/Prima Donna,” with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne.
“Phantom of the Opera” is confidently directed by the legendary Harold Prince, and appeals to all ages. The love story speaks to everyone, but seems to really hit a strong chord with teen-age girls, if the audience Saturday is any indication.
With all its pageantry and glitz, however, some of the show’s emotional intimacy is sacrificed. Still, there is much to enjoy in this polished production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

3 Stars
Theater: The William H. Mortensen Hall at the Bushnell Memorial Center
Location: 166 Capitol Ave. Hartford
Production: Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lyrics by Charles Hart. Book by Webber and Richard Stilgoe. Directed by Harold Prince. Musical Staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. Lighting by Andrw Bridge. Music director Jonathan Gorst. Sound by Martin Levan. Production design by Maria Bjornson.
Running time: 2 ½ hours, plus one 15-minute intermission
Show Times: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through May 10.
Tickets: $28 — $82. Call 860-987-5900 or visit their website at www.bushnell.org.
ACTOR…CHARACTER
John Cudia … the Phantom of the Opera
Trista Moldovan … Christine Daae
Sean MacLaughlin …Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny
D.C. Anderson …Monsieur Andre
Michael McCoy …Monsieur Firmin
Kim Stengel …Carlotta Giudicelli
Nancy Hess …Madame Giry
John Whitney …Ubaldo Piangi
Jessi Ehrlich …Meg Giry