Key Takeaways: The Phantom Returns
- Grand Transformation: Handa Opera brings an open-air, grand-scale production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic to the Sydney waterfront.
- Leading Lady: Musical theatre star Debora Krizak takes on the pivotal role of Madame Giry in this 40th-anniversary staging.
- Visual Spectacle: The production features a unique 3,000-seat venue, harbor fireworks, and the legendary chandelier moment.
- Star Cast: The performance features Jake Lyle as The Phantom and Amy Manford as Christine Daaé.
- Event Details: Showing at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, with tickets available through Opera Australia.
Image courtesy of Opera Australia
The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour is Handa Opera’s open-air transformation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical.
First premiering 40 years ago on London’s West End, The Phantom of the Opera has become one of the most successful musicals of all time. With Olivier and Tony Awards to its name, the Gothic romance has an iconic score with famous musical numbers such as “The Music of the Night”, “Masquerade”, “All I Ask of You”.
Debora Krizak is one of the leading ladies in the Australian musical theatre world. Holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Performing Arts from Adelaide University, Debora has made a name for herself in previous theatre productions including The Producers, Titanic, Calendar Girls, Sondheim on Sondheim, A Chorus Line, Sweet Charity, and most recently, ANNIE The Musical.
In this rendition of Phantom of the Opera, Debora takes on the role of Madame Giry.
‘It’s not a musical, it’s an event,’ says Debora. ‘Classics come with such history already and such community knowledge that people gravitate towards them. And the grandiosity of Phantom is what makes it an absolute standout classic… It has this beautiful, sweeping soundscape that brings chills down your spine.’
Other cast include Jake Lyle as The Phantom, Amy Manford as Christine Daaé, Jarrod Draper as Raoul, Brent Hill as Monsieur Firmin, and Martin Crewes as Monsieur André.
‘I’ve been saying to all of my friends, “I know you’ve seen a lot of my shows, but you have to see this”,’ says Debora. ‘It’s another level of brilliance.’
Presented by Opera Australia at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point, the production is directed by Simon Phillips and features sets and costumes designed by Gabriela Tylesova.
With seating for around 3,000, the open-air venue is renowned for transforming Sydney’s waterfront into a unique, dazzling stage. The show is complete with fireworks on the Harbour and the famous chandelier moment in the performance.
Set in 19th-century Paris, the story follows a mysterious masked man living beneath the Paris Opera House and his growing obsession with young singer Christine Daaé. Tensions rise between the masked man and Christine’s childhood friend, Raoul. The story is of love, jealousy, and control.
