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Will Misenheimer
Professor Morong
LBST-1101-560
16 November 2015
Phantom of the Opera
Last Saturday, November 14th, I made the 15-minute trip downtown to see Central
Piedmont Community Colleges production of the Phantom of the Opera. The two-act play was
directed by Tom Hollis, but was originally directed in Broadway by Harold Prince. The
performance told the story of Christine Daae, and the relationship she began to form with a
mysterious inhabitant of the Opera, ironically known as the Phantom of the Opera. In a sequence
of betrayals, the Phantom vows to exact revenge upon Christine and Raoul. Following the
eventual capture of Raoul and Christine, the Phantom experiences a brief feeling of humanity
and allows the two to escape as he flees to hide under the tarp-covered throne.
Central Piedmont Community College did an excellent job with the production of the
Phantom of the Opera. I experienced an appreciation for theatre that I have never felt before. As
someone who greatly enjoys spending a significant amount of time at the movie theatre, I found
myself to be in complete awe of the degree of skill needed to execute a successful production. I
can recall the moment in the performance in which the soldiers barricade the theatre, but to
create a more realistic scene, the soldiers barricaded the true entrances to the theatre at CPCC. I
remember the cool chill I felt in association with the anxiety over what would happen next. I felt
as if I was truly part of the performance and felt that the Phantom himself were coming for me.
This scenario cannot be reenacted in a movie theatre, as the experience received from the film

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industry is limited to that which may be shown from a projector and displayed on a screen. The
emphasis of the ephemeral experience delivered through a theatrical production contributes to
Suzanne Langers definition of art as it relates to human feeling. As I witnessed the production of
the Phantom of the Opera, I felt a unique connection as I observed true human emotion being
emptied directly in front of me. While the film industry provides humans who display emotion, it
does not offer the unique ephemeral experience, which is a concept that I became much more
aware of as I observed the Phantom of the Opera.
I also greatly loved the musical aspect of the performance. With most every scene closing
in association with a song, I felt that it was vital to the emotional delivery of the performance.
For example, prior to an appearance of the Phantom, the members on stage would allude to the
next scene by singing, The Phantom of the Opera is in my mind. I can recall the nervousness I
felt as Christine and Raoul sang the song, preceded by the rapid flickering of lights and crash of
the chandelier. Also, the music that was played was performed by a live orchestra. I was amazed
at how the constant movements of the director did not distract me throughout the production.
While the The Phantom of the Opera is already known as a very classical and successful piece,
the live orchestra only adds to the vintage production. The inclusion of a live orchestra also adds
to the intimidation of the audience and efficiency of the emotional delivery. Tom Hollis decision
to include a live orchestra was brilliant, as it greatly contributed to the vintage experience and
emotional delivery. Without the musical effects, the almost horror-like intimations of the
antagonists inevitable appearance would have never been possible, draining the production of a
significant amount of emotional value.
The special effects of the production also contributed to the success enjoyed by the cast
of Central Piedmont Community College. As the cast would sing, The Phantom of the O-per-a

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is in my mind, the lights of a chandelier would flicker as the illuminant descended rapidly to the
stage as if it were falling. As these effects unfold in front of the eyes of the viewer, they create a
certain realistic atmosphere that a cinematic production cannot recreate. It is very easy for one to
suspend his or her disbelief, or use his or her imagination when the effect is literally taking place
in front of him or her. Another instance was when the Phantom exited the stage after presenting
his script to Christine and the cast. Upon his departure, two red flames erupted from where he
was standing, leaving the crowd in awe and anxious for what would happen next. As a fairly
unexperienced viewer of theatrical productions, I greatly appreciate the unique features that add
to the realistic experience, such as the erupting flames or the crashing chandelier.
Lastly, the historical background of the show The Phantom of the Opera allowed the
audience to really embrace the nostalgic factors associated with the production. Before the
beginning of the production, I held a certain set of expectations in regards to the quality of the
production. It is very similar to that of Romeo and Juliet. If one has not seen a production of
Romeo and Juliet, he or she most likely still holds a very good perspective of the plot due to the
rich history of the story. As a 4th grade student at John Lawrence Elementary, I can remember
watching a cinematic version of The Phantom of the Opera; however, I could not remember in
great detail the story of the production. For me, sitting in Halton Theatre brought back memories
of Mrs. Smiths 4th grade class as I tried to remember the plot of the movie I had watched about 9
years earlier.
In conclusion, I feel that CPCCs production of The Phantom of the Opera was excellent,
largely in part to the wonderful special effects, historical background of the story, and its ability
to showcase the quintessence of acting. Personally, I am an individual who never really had to
think thought twice when having to choose between theatrical or cinematic productions. I was

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unaware of the excellence of the performing arts and oblivious to the unfound appreciation that I
had for it. Tom Hollis production of The Phantom of the Opera reminded me why theatrical
productions are such essential aspects of art in todays society, providing an ephemeral
experience that forms a true connection between viewer and actor as the actors reflect true
emotion and human action on stage.