Does love see with the heart or do the eyes cloud the emotion? Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies brings the classic love story back to the stage.
As Phantom of the Opera celebrates 30 years on Broadway, theaters across the nation are enjoying the touring production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies. This musical continues the embattled love story of the Phantom and his muse, Christine. But, the real love story isn’t the master and his muse. Instead, the real love story is between parent and child.
As the national touring company of Love Never Dies stopped in Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center, theater audiences weren’t quite sure what to expect. Even though Andrew Lloyd Webber has been a force in the musical theater world, this particular musical never played Broadway.
While there are current rumblings that this version of Love Never Dies might appear on The Great White Way, the success of the touring production could affect that decision.
Love Never Dies
Utica, NY, “The Coney Island Waltz” photo by Joan Marcus, photo provided by Dr. Phillips Center
While the musical’s characters are the same as the original Phantom of the Opera, the similarities end there. Instead of the bowels of the Paris Opera House, this musical takes us to 1907 and a Coney Island vaudeville stage. The darkness comes from the people that you may not want to see. Characters like Gangle, Squelch and Fleck make you feel a little uncomfortable. They beckon you into the darkness because it is different and unknown. But do people welcome what they find in that darkness?
Although people thought that the Phantom was dead, he has been hiding in this Coney Island Phantasma stage. Although having been saved by Madame Giry and Meg, he still pines for his love, Christine. Due to Raoul’s, Christine’s husband, debts, she agrees to perform in New York for the money. But, everything changes once Christine, Raoul and their son arrive.
Regardless of the location, the iconic Phantom/Christine love story will endure forever. But, this musical is more than just the passion between those two characters. The true love story is between the parent and child.
Christine, played by Meghan Picerno, endears herself to the audience during the song “Look with Your Heart.” Sung with her son, the talented Jake Heston Miller, the range of emotions is extensive. From lighthearted to foreboding, the mother and son evoke their bond in every note. Like many parent/child relationships, this emotional exchange has many layers.
Love Never Dies
Utica, NY, Christine and Gustave, photo by Joan Marcus, photo provided by Dr. Phillips Center
Fans of the original Phantom of the Opera will hear many references to the iconic musical. From the notes from a music box to the ominous beat of the timpani, audiences paying attention will hear the similarities. But the grandeur of the older musical isn’t apparent.
This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is a little rougher around the edges. It is almost as if the Phantom has mellowed a little. Bronson Norris Murphy does a commendable job in this highly demanding role. His falsetto voice is strong and his emotion is raw. However, this Phantom seems to have lost a little of his vulnerability. Maybe being removed from his muse has hardened his demeanor.
Overall, Love Never Dies provides several dramatic moments. The opening sequence, “’Til I Hear You Sing” draws the audience into the eerie world. The creepy organ music alerts the audience of the mysteries, dangers and disappointments that lay ahead. True, people want to root for the unrequited love and wish that the “Angel of Music” soars again. But that angel isn’t necessarily the character from the previous story.
Love Never Dies
Utica, NY, Christine singing Love Never Dies, photo by Joan Marcus, photo provided by Dr. Phillips Center
While everyone eagerly anticipate Christine’s dramatic aria, the biggest dramatic song was “Beauty Underneath.” The duet between Phantom and Gustave, Christine’s son, was the kind of brash, vibrant duet that Andrew Lloyd Webber fans know well. The guitar riffs and strong beat allow the relationship between Phantom and Gustave to unfold.
Granted, a few moments of the story seem to lag a little, but on the whole, Love Never Dies was enjoyable. The stage visuals were impressive. From the bright lights to the dark maze, the Phantasma beckoned people to enter. You may feel a little uncomfortable wanting to look at the darkness, but part of you can’t look away.
While the songs may not have the lasting power of the original Phantom of the Opera, many of the songs ring true with emotion. Listening to Christine and Gustave sing together could, and should, move anyone with a roller coaster of emotion.
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Overall, the lesson from Love Never Dies is clear. Love is an all-encompassing emotion. It moves people to act with their hearts yet not necessarily with a clear mind. When a heart is open to that true love, that lives on forever and will never die.