Thursday, July 12, 2007

The Point of No Return


Hi ya! I know, I know, I'm completely spoiling you by writing TWO posts in one week! It's just that I couldn't wait to blog about my night into the London West End to watch the incomparable Phantom of the Opera! My friend Jennifer and I were picked up by coach (also known as a charter bus to Americans) and taken for a two hour ride into the English countryside, Brixton, and finally our destination West End.




The musical was shown at Her Majesty's Theatre, which is beautiful in its own right, but I want to focus this post on the musical itself. I had never seen the musical, but have watched and own the movie and soundtrack (which sadly and surprisingly I have not imported into my current Ipod). Seeing the musical performed right before my eyes is an experience that a film cannot recreate. I laughed, I got chills, and I was mesmerized for two hours! The voice of the actors was unbelievable and the range of the actress playing Christine Daae was truly impressive. Even though our seats weren't located in the stalls (a.k.a. orchestra level), I was capitvated by the vocals and performances of the actors. The Masquerade scene was massive and when the entire choir sang out "masquerade!" I couldn't help but hold my breath!




The set design was lavish and breathtaking and the orchestra was impeccable. It is a shame that the theatre had strict policies about photography indoors because words cannot describe the beauty of the theatre itself. A few rebels tried taking pictures before the show and during the interval and were quickly reprimanded by the ushers! It was a truly wonderful performance and the next time that the Phantom of the Opera rolls its way into Los Angeles, I am totally there!
After the show, Jennifer and I walked around Piccadilly Circus and noticed these massive advertisement screens that reminded me of a scene in Lost in Translation.



I took this picture while Jennifer and I stood in the doorway of the Criterion (one of London's 62 theatres, 62!!!). This is a common meeting spot / hangout spot for tourists and locals alike. I took this photo a little before 11 in the evening and it was still crowded! It was such a fun night and I might see another musical with a few more friends in the upcoming weeks. I feel like I've been theatre deprived in the past and am now making up for it! Haha. Oh and Ate Krystle, it has been brought to my attention by many fan-crazed Orlando Bloom fans that he's starring in a play in London here. Just thought I'd share it with you. Maybe I'll bump into him in the streets (although it does seem a bit far-fetched) and I'll snap a picture of him just for you!
Tonight is the Harry Potter movie and this weekend is PARIS! Until next week's post... cheers!
P.S. Please do leave comments so I feel like someone is reading this! :)

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Hmmm....Orlando Bloom, doing theater?! That should be very interesting. I would LOVE a snapshot of him if you happen to bump into him;-) Like Ate, I too am jealous of all the shows and sights that you're seeing over there! Can't wait for more pictures and stories!!!

Stephanie said...

I definitely want to see Phantom when it comes to LA. In general, I want to see more musicals/plays. I haven't listened to that soundtrack in awhile. I think you might have burned a copy for me back in the day. Have fun watching HP tonight and in Paris this weekend!I expect tons of pictures!

Aaron said...

wow i didnt know theatre could be that captivating.i need to go see a real production haha. seems like a picture perfect adventure..then paris..oo00oo i'm excited for u

Jhoy said...

I'm soooo jealous of the musicals and the places you have gone to. Pictures are great. Let us know what you think about the Harry Potter movie. Were you able to see any of the Wimbledon games?