PRIMA Ballet Gala Portland Theatre reviews
Phantom was a mixed bag, but more good than bad
I attended the PRIMA Ballet Gala on June 6th, catching the show towards the end of its run. Noticing both positive and negative aspects, one highlight was the well-done effects and timing. The supporting cast, including dancers and extras, added to the show's quality seamlessly. However, there were some issues. The singing voices were the most significant problem, particularly the Phantom's struggles. At times, the harmonies clashed noticeably, suggesting the performers needed a breather. Additionally, there were moments where the actors appeared to lack enthusiasm, resulting in a somewhat flat performance lacking excitement. I also found it challenging to follow multiple voices singing simultaneously, a sentiment shared by my girlfriend who accompanied me. She had trouble following the plot as well.
In my opinion, there are technical challenges to address, and I question the suitability of the Phantom's casting. I believe we may have witnessed an off-night performance, and the show likely fared better earlier in its run. I recommend the show with reservations, acknowledging its potential.