‘Phantom’ haunts Toby’s stage

“Phantom” is one of the longest-running Broadway musicals ever, and the most successful entertainment project in history — grossing more than $3.2 billion since its opening in 1986.

But Toby’s own musical adaptation Gaston Leroux’s 1911 novel, written by alumni Michael Tilford with music and lyrics by Tom Alonzo, isn’t so bad. While there are several plot changes, including a significant reimagining of the ending, the basic story is the same. Christine Daae, a young soprano, becomes the object of obsession for a disfigured musical genius known as “The Phantom of the Opera,” who terrorizes the Paris Opera House. The story is told by the entire cast through a series of flashbacks.

It’s an absolute delight to watch Laura Wehrmeyer in the protagonist role as Christine. Not only is her singing voice remarkable, seamless and perfectly on pitch, Wehrmeyer blows everyone else away when it comes to dramatic acting. This role is her Toby’s debut, and if founder Toby Orenstein has any sense at all, she’ll keep Wehrmeyer around for a long time.

Perhaps the reason Braxton Peters was chosen for the title role is because he played the same part in the original production of “Phantom” at Toby’s Columbia in 1992. One can hope that’s it, because there isn’t another clear reason. Peters is stiff and halting, and his overly emotional acting is almost laughable.

Jane C. Boyle as Carlotta, the jealous diva, practically steals the show. Her delivery is perfectly infused with crisp sarcasm and disdain, and she was the most entertaining part of the evening, providing comic relief against the backdrop of tragedy.

And kudos go out to 9-year-old Maya Goldman, who plays the young Phantom. Unlike most children her age, her voice is mostly pitch-perfect and she is a joy to listen to.

Unfortunately, compared to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s original score, Alonzo’s music and lyrics are only adequate. When the musical is missing familiar songs like “Think of Me,” “The Music of the Night” and the title track, “The Phantom of the Opera,” the plot just doesn’t have quite the same impact.

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If you go

Phantom of the Opera