The Washington Scene

by Jean Lionsdale

ItÕs no secret that Andrew Lloyd Webber, himself, doesnÕt really know why this musical has claimed the interest of audiences ever since it premiered in 1986. Yet people love it and the current production is the third engagement at the Kennedy Center. If ever there was a professional presentation, this is it; from the dazzling sets, lavish costumes, magnificent voices and superb acting, the Phantom brings the audience to its feet for a standing ovation at every performance. So far the show, worldwide, has made more than $2.3 billion in ticket sales making it the most successful stage musical in history.

Craig Schulman, who plays the Phantom is the first actor in the U.S. to have portrayed both the Phantom and Valjean in Les Miserables. His powerful tenor voice mesmerizes the audience and at times seems even to do the same to the cast. Playing the coveted Christine, is Sandra Joseph whose voice has a sweet as well as sensuous quality making the character totally believable. Lawrence Anderson who plays Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny joins the rest of the cast directly from the Broadway company of the show. Handsome, talented and vocally capable he plays the part well, and opposite Christine, makes his character believable and romantic.Call now for Tickets: 202-467-4600.

Although itÕs been more than 11 years since The Phantom of the Opera debuted to sellout houses in London and about 10 years since the show opened New York, there has been a parade of Phantoms, Christines, Raouls since Michael Crawdford, Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton originated the roles. An interesting note is that Sarah played Christine for only six months then became Mrs. Andrew Lloyd Webber. However by the end of the decade their marriage came to an end and reportedly she received $6 million as a consolation prize. Yet her stage relationship with Webber did not end with the end of the marriage for a year later, with the production of her ex-husbandÕs next musical, Aspects of Love, she assumed the romantic lead. Incidentally some of WebberÕs most beautiful love songs came from this production. No wonder this genius of a man in January of this year was elevated to the peerage as Lord Lloyd-Webber of Sydmonton.

The Warner Theater has just announced its 1997-98 season and offers seats for 4 shows at $145. You can subscribe now by calling 1-800-669-stage. Currently looked forward to beginning July 15 and playing through the 20th is: JOSEPH and the Amazing Technicolor dream coat.. In October: Cirque Ingenieux, and in 1998: Peter Pan, followed by : Forever Tango,and Unforgettable, the music Nat King Cole. A show that never diminishes in popularity is coming this November 4-9 and promises to be a sellout: Singin in the Rain.

And summer never sounded so good as from the lawn at Wolf Trap, AmericaÕs national park for the performing arts. A real treat is the July 17th performance featuring the National Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Schulze, conductor, and Sarah Chang, violinist This extraordinary gifted 16 year old will perform TchaikovskyÕs Violin Concerto The program also includes Prokofiev's Waltzes and Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherazade. For tickets call: 703-218-6500.

And from the looks of things to come in August and into the fall, I think Washington will soon become known as a theater city as well as a political one. One thing for certain, itÕs an exciting place to be!

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