Saturday, July 17, 1999
Pops concert unmasks 2 musical 'Phantoms'
BY CECELIA D. JOHNSON
Enquirer Contributor
It was a perfect evening for a night at opera — and a night for phantoms — as the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra entertained an audience of 4,166 with the music from the Phantom of the Opera.
This was not just another regurgitation of the Broadway phantom that has lurked about popular culture for the better part of the decade; this wasWurlitzer, as in the majestic thundering presence of the Mighty Wurlitzer in the capable hands of organ devotee Dennis James.
The evening began with a familiar phantom, courtesy of the phenomenally popular music penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The suite from Phantom was introduced by the opening swell of Gothic ambience delivered by Mr. James.
Soprano Cynthia Watters' voice was strong, clear and engaging; her musical theater training made her rapport with the audience even more immediate.
J. Mark McVey's tenor was rich and full, though somewhat tentative beside Ms. Watters'. Comparatively, he seemed to rely more on theatrics than vocals to connect with the audience. His voice was considerable enough to not have to overact in compensation.
The abbreviated first half (about 30 minutes long) was the appetizer for the balance of the evening, the entire 90 minutes of the silent classic, Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney Sr.
Conductor Erich Kunzel continued his flair for entertainment, providing bit of history in introducing film. With a little imagination, patrons were propelled back to the movie's 1925 premiere thanks to the original score by G. Hinrich's and M. Winkler.
Replicating the heyday of silent movies is a clever concept, but is not without a few glitches. Ms. Watters provided the vocals of the phantom's obsession for “Jewel Song” and “King of Thule” from Charles Gounods' Faust; unfortunately, her lovely voice was not always in sync with the film.
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