By Amanda VanNostrand.
Second chances are not always available to our favorite characters at the closing of their stories. “Happily ever after”, or “The End” is often the absolute final conclusion to many of our best-loved tales. Once in a while lovers of narratives will come across a gem that gives them a second glance into the futures of the characters that were once so loved and admired, visited only in various theatres, books, or televisions. This second glance is currently available at the Academy of Music: The Kimmel Center’s Love Never Dies is a look into the futures of Christine, Raoul, The Phantom, and a couple of other beloved players in The Phantom of the Opera. This story can be viewed between now and October 7 th and you may or may not wish to miss it.
Love Never Dies begins with the beloved couple, Christine and Raoul, disembarking from a ship to New York with their ten-year-old son Gustave. The two parents have encountered financial troubles and are visiting in order for Christine to perform and earn some money. The Phantom happens to be on Coney Island running “Phantasma”, an amusement park with Meg (a burlesque performer) and Madame Giry (business manager and choreographer), two additional familiar faces from the Paris Opera House. The Phantom pulls his usual tricks and lures Raoul away from Christine’s room, giving her a shocking surprise, as she had assumed him dead for ten years. This story is the tale of the events that unfold on Coney Island as The Phantom meets Christine’s son, manipulates her into performing for him, and tempts her in ways she has been unfamiliar with since their Parisian encounters.
The set and costume design by Gabriela Tylesova are perhaps the highlights of this show. The intricacies attended to in all aspects from the roller coaster tracks looping around the stage to the lights (lighting design by Nick Schlieper) outlining the rides and attractions of Phantasma, to the precisely placed bar and Christine’s “Alice in Wonderland”-esque powder room, are stunning; quite possibly the most beautiful set of most musical sets.
In a show succeeding The Phantom of the Opera, one expects great music. Music is, of course, delivered throughout this show and it is entertaining. Those expecting music on the same level as the original The Phantom of the Opera, however, are likely to be disappointed; though the music is pleasant it is not on par with the original score. However, it is bumped up a notch or two by the voices performing it; all are exquisite. Of note is Christian Harmston, who plays Christine’s son, and whose voice is sweet and wholly impressive. Meghan Picerno as Christine is also incredible. Her performance of ‘Love Never Dies’ is possibly the top number of the show. Her costume combines with the backdrop in a beyond-striking manner, leaving the audience to marvel at both her talent and the visual effect. This number is an absolutely wonderful performance.
Love Never Dies has received mixed reviews, and it is quite possible that most audience members will leave with mixed feelings towards this tale. The story is intriguing but the ending will most likely leave you feeling that perhaps you should have concluded your interaction with The Phantom at the close of his initial account. Although he himself (The Phantom) proves himself to be as sexy and intriguing as ever, it is evident that his relationship with Christine is incredibly flawed and those ten years have not healed him of his knack for manipulating and (some may say) blackmailing his beloved.
Although your opinion of The Phantom of the Opera and the characters within are sure to be swayed after viewing Love Never Dies, if you are a big enough fan it certainly makes sense to attend this show. And if you are unfamiliar with The Phantom of the Opera, you will likely enjoy this show more than the rest of us.