Student performances of classic Broadway masterpieces may make opera-goers a bit weary, but the current adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera by the Modern Sciences and Art University (MSA) was surprisingly well accomplished. The most popular musical hit ever performed on Broadway, MSA's The Phantom of the Opera was attended by First Lady Suzanne Mubarak. All proceeds of the performance are to be donated to the One Hundred Schools Project, a charity organization aiming to better equip local, under-privileged schools with materials and teachers. Based on the novel by French novelist Gaston Leroux, the musical focuses on a beautiful singer, Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius known as The Phantom of the Opera, who terrorizes the Paris Opera House. MSA's student musicians graced the stage of the Cairo Opera House and played the opening piece of the night. Two pianists, several electric guitarists and one solo acoustic guitarist strummed away to the classic the ballad. Not only was their musical talent impressive - with all the players in sync and physically involved with the different melodies and beats - but their rendition of the piece was modern and edgy. The drummer was nothing short of energetic and passionate. Beating his drums with his whole body; he left the stage and the theater overflowing with rhythm. This production cannot be compared to quality Broadway locations such as San Francisco, New York or London, but it had its own charm. Although the show was student-produced, the enormous props created on stage were superb. The young actors were able to elegantly stage the scene in which the Phantom kidnaps the main character, Christine, and brings her down to his secret abode hidden inside the Opera House by boat. All props added to the various scenes without posing a distraction, except for the clouds of glitter expelled into the air for dramatic effect. The costumes were well designed, and helped bring authenticity to the overall performance; whether it was the fabulous beehive-like wigs, or the long, billowing, old-fashioned dresses in bold blues and bright pinks. Dancing to exotic Spanish-style beats in bright, glittery matador-like costumes or red and black dresses with ruffles, the stdents surpassed expectations. Highlights of the show include a graceful duet where the ballerina displays both her acrobatic skills and flexibility, leaping across the stage. It was clear that the singers, were nervous at the beginning, but in the end managed to give a delightful performance. When the choir sang in unison, the sound filling the theater was marked by a beautiful soprano voice hitting all the high notes. And the baritones brought balance to the ensemble. Musical highlights included "Think of Me and "Angel of Music. It was embarrassing, however, that all actors were simply moving their lips to what was probably their pre-recorded voice. When one of the main characters accidentally began singing without the accompaniment of his pre-recorded voice, it became obvious that the actors were lip-syncing. One major disappointment was the absence of the crashing chandelier scene, one of the most breathtaking moments of the original Broadway show. If not to support their actual acting, singing, and dancing efforts, this show is definitely worth attending just to watch such a classic musical and contribute to the charity. "The Phantom of the Opera is showing tonight at the Cairo Opera House's Main Hall, 9:00 pm. The show ends tomorrow, Wednesday 23. Tel: (02) 2739 0212.s
