Word: phantoms
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...part, Russia must keep moving in the direction of reform and demonstrate responsible international conduct, most critically in its relations with neighboring states. Many Russians feel the loss of empire like a phantom pain in a lost limb. Twenty-five million ethnic Russians live outside the borders of Russia proper, in what are now independent, sovereign countries. It is important that they feel at home in tolerant, inclusive democracies. Any grievances they have, legitimate or otherwise, could play into the hands of ultranationalists back in Russia...
...title character, Hilsabeck is truly nothing short of phenomenal. The screaming, angst-ridden lunatic he portrays running around in the depths of a theater send chills down the spine of even the most placid audience member. Yet the same Phantom sings such rich, warm ballads of love to his kidnapped victim that the once-horrified audience, like Christine herself, is drawn to tears of pity. That Hilsabeck can evoke such compassion and adoration as well as inspire such fear as the tortured and love-starved Phantom is truly the mark of a genius...
What also makes this production of "Phantom" particularly delightful is the constant attention to details it demands. During Christine and Meg's haunting duo "Angel of Music," the ghostly ballet dancers practicing in the background delicately foreshadow the dramatic turn the play is about to take. The overjoyed expression radiating from Christine's face throughout her first performance number which, ironically enough, is a depressing song of lost love entitled "Think of Me," only added to the show's appeal...
Unfortunately, "Phantom's" only real drawbacks are its attempts at special effects. With a musical score of this caliber, stage tricks such as shooting fireballs and a chandelier falling in slow motion almost draw away from its dramatic power. The constant flashing of light as the chandelier rises to the ceiling during the overture is particularly annoying. Audience members may wonder whether they're at a monster truck show or an opera...
Nonetheless, Boston is extremely lucky to have such an incredible show within its city limits, even if it is for only a month. Brave the often-frightening prices demanded by TicketMaster for often-mediocre seats. The ambiance alone of "The Phantom of the Opera" is worth the high cost, and appreciating the musical talent it seeps with will more than pay you back. Go ahead and spring for the tickets. From the moment the chandelier rises to the instant the last note echoes off the stage, you too will be spellbound in wide-eyed wonder...