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Phantom at the Schuster

July 5, 2003

What a day for Phantom finds. First to the Victoria theatre where I snapped a picture of the lovely Phantom of the Opera tour poster. I also found a listing for the show in a circular I picked up on the same street corner. Then it was off to the local mall for some serious Phantom shopping.

I snagged the 2003 miniature Phantom logo ornament at Carlton cards. It is painted metal and will look lovely on the tree this Christmas. As the San Francisco Music Box Company store was closing and offering nice discounts, I also bought the long coveted music box of the Phantom seated on his throne for the musical’s end.

The salesclerk was a lovely gentleman and he threw in the promotional mini poster of another music box and the glass Phantom of the Opera sign for free! Almost forgot, when we arrived at the hotel, my handsome assistant obliged me by posing for some photos by the fountain. He lost his balance and fell in, but luckily the bottom level was dry where he landed.

July 6, 2003

What an indescribable feeling! I saw The Phantom of the Opera today. First to the Victoria theatre that was only promoting it. But I did manage to snag a handful of the promotional flyers before being whisked across the street to the Schuster. I hit the souvenir booth with a vengeance. I got the souvenir program, a pen, t-shirt, and hat.

The show itself was sublime. I have seen Brad Little as the Phantom before, but never have I seen a performance by any actor in the role to equal this one. The Phantom was a dark and brooding soul, full of deadly anger and wickedness. He wanted to kill Christine as much as marry her, and fairly whipped her around the stage.

Little was in top voice as well, and the rich emotion that he delivered on The Music of the Night was superb. He was so consumed by the role; he actually growled and tore at his cape during Christine’s betrayal. The rest of the cast was in fine form, but it was Little who received the resounding standing ovation.

Those who stayed were treated by the orchestra to the normal post play medley, and we applauded them as well. Leaving the seats and magical stage behind was hard, but I consoled myself by snapping up as many of the regular programs as I could. I also bought a poster and book mark for good measure.

But my Phantom experience was far from over. Several costumes were on display and we were free to take photos. I also snapped pictures of the various marquees and once outside, of yet another Phantom tour poster.

My handsome assistant posed with my prizes back at the hotel. He has a rather knowing look about him now. I think travel suits him. I’m still getting an earful about the fountain, but he agrees it was quite an adventure. He was delighted when we unearthed an ad for the final week in the local paper.

July 7, 2003

Not content to lose the high I received from seeing Erik in the flesh, I went again to the music box store. There I purchased the Phantom silhouette music box and the musical picture frame. I’m not sure which pleased me more, all the musical and visual opulence, or the steep discounts.

This trip was amazing from start to finish. I can’t describe the happiness that still flows through my heart. If you have never seen the show, I must recommend it. I also recommend the novel to those of you who have not yet read it.