'Koreans have love affair with Phantom'

By Kwon Mee-yoo

There is a reason why "The Phantom of the Opera" is the longest-running show in Broadway history, being played to over 140 million people in 41 countries. And the much-hyped production returns to Korea after seven years, traveling to three cities Busan, Seoul and Daegu starting December.

Associate director Rainer Fried, a veteran who has been in Korea for the previous productions of "Phantom" as well as "Billy Elliot" shared the secret of success behind "Phantom."

"My one word answer is magic," Fried said during a press conference in Seoul last week. "The magic of the show goes back to a group of people coming together, quite dysfunctional. This wasn't smooth ― there were a lot of egos, a lot of opinions and there was friction. But at the end of the day, everybody wanted to make this right. There lies the magic."

Fried spoke of the original director Harold Prince, who made the show possible along with the famous composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

"We need to think about Hal Prince, who passed away only two months ago, who is an absolute legend and the genius architect of the show. Hal was the glue to it all. Each one of these people (on the original creative team) ― Andrew Lloyd Webber, choreographer Gillian Lynne, set and costume designer Maria Bjornson ― sat together to create something magical. They all had their input and Hal took all that and built what became the Phantom of the Opera, probably the perfect musical," Fried said.

The associate director has experienced Korean audiences before and has high expectations this time.

"Korean people are passionate. You don't always show it, but I know it now. So you can't hide it anymore. I think that is the secret why Phantom and the Korean audiences have that ongoing love affair for 20 years now. You always come back to Phantom. You have flings and affairs with other shows and then you come back to Phantom," Fried said.

"That's why I feel like coming home ― because you are passionate and the show resonates with Korean audiences like a match made in heaven."

Majestic voices

In Korea, Jonathan Roxmouth will play the mysterious figure behind the mask, while Claire Lyon will reprise her role as the talented young soprano Christine Daae after the 2012 tour production in Korea. Broadway actor Matt Leisy will play the role of Raoul de Chagny, patron of the Paris Opera House and the childhood sweetheart of Christine.

The three lead actors paid a visit to Korea ahead of the Dubai leg of the international tour of "Phantom," giving a peek into the theatrical spectacular which will hit Korea in three months. They sang some familiar tunes from the show “Think of Me,” “All I Ask of You,” “Music of the Night” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” during a concert at Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Friday.

Roxmouth, who has starred in six Webber musicals, said he coveted the role from the moment he heard the show's score for the first time.

"I think lots of shows remind you of Phantom, but Phantom reminds you nothing else. It's completely unique to begin with. For that reason any actor with a brain wants to play the Phantom. It is one of those roles that comes along once in a generation that has the potential to change your life and career. I'm speaking from experience," Roxmouth said.

"This role has always been my dream role. Being in Phantom now I realize the gift is given to reevaluate my dreams and crave new dreams, because this is such a dream come true, giving you a new reality."

Unlike two male actors who will perform in Korea for the first time, Lyon boasted her affection and expertise on the country, starting with introducing herself in Korean.

"I've spent the last seven years telling my family and friends how wonderful Korea is. And even now I've developed a love for Korean food. I eat bibimbap back home all the time and I have a favorite Korean restaurant. I'm so excited to be back here and show these two gentlemen Korean culture," Lyon said.

The Australian actress vowed to portray the ingenuous character who grows up with teachings from the Phantom deeper this time with seven years more of life experience under her belt, compared to the previous tour.

"The theater is different every single night. We are human beings and the show depends on how we feel every day and how audiences react. It is like a love triangle and everyone brings different energy. That's the beauty of live theater and one of the reasons why the show has been around for so long," Lyon said.