Cappies Review: 'Phantom' at South Lakes High School

By Kathleen McNerney of Bishop Ireton High School

Travel far below the Opera House and enter the eerily lovely world of the Phantom. But beware: once you see South Lakes High School's production of Phantom, you may not want to leave!

Phantom is a chilling musical written by Maury Yeston, first performed in 1991. It is based on the novel The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux, which inspired multiple musicals of similar plotlines. It tells the story of Christine Daae, a talented but untrained singer who aspires to work in the opera. But beneath the opera lives the Phantom, a man with such a horrifying face that he has cut himself off from society and lives as merely a legend. The Phantom is enchanted by Christine's voice, and as the theater spirals downhill, the two become locked in a web of secrets and perilous love.

South Lakes High School delivered an emotionally strong performance that pulled the audience in until the bitter end. The cast's overall vocals were impressive, setting a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. High energy was maintained throughout the show.

Margarita Gamarnik was enchanting in her role as the lovely Christine. Her voice was consistently captivating throughout the story, and especially beautiful in "My True Love." She embodied the wide-eyed and compassionate character. Her singing was charged with emotion. During the final song, "You Are Music (Reprise)," Gamarnik sobbed as she sang, a feat that is hard to manage without drawing away from the musical aspect, as she performed it admirably.

The Phantom, with his harrowing tale and obsessive love, is a difficult character to portray authentically, but Jalen Robinson did a commendable job. He maintained the delicate balance of a man who switches between heart-wrenching vulnerability and shocking brutality. His voice was also very strong, and it blended very well with Gamarnik's. At one point, Robinson carried Gamarnik in his arms and still sang at full power.

Robinson and Gamarnik showed genuine chemistry between their two characters. Their relationship flowed from subtle intrigue, to sweet romance, to dangerous obsession, all without a hitch. Duets between Phantom and Christine, such as "You Are Music," were brilliant.

Carlotta and Cholet, played by Mely Megahed and Carl Saunders, were a hilarious couple with a flair for the dramatic. Megahed embodied the diva Carlotta with her bold physicality and stunning voice. Although Carlotta the character was a poor singer, Megahed certainly was not. She especially shone in her balled, "This Place is Mine." Saunders was very entertaining to watch as he swooned over his melodramatic wife.

South Lakes incorporated many special effects into their performance, adding to its enthralling nature. The use of fog to simulate a lake was very well executed and quite beautiful. The boat was pulled along said lake in time with the Phantom's paddling, which made it seem even more real. Pyrotechnics were even included in the mimicry of an electric shock.

The set helped transport the audience from the streets of Paris, to the stunning Opera House, all the way to the Phantom's underground lair. The levels provided visual diversity to the scenes, and the lighting helped to set the mood. Most impressively, perhaps, was the giant staircase that was moved on and off stage with remarkable speed.

Look no further than South Lakes High School's production of Phantom to reel you in for a night of enchanting grandeur and the darkness that lies beneath.

Photo by Maria Harris, used with permission