THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Leroux's early-twentieth-century romantic thriller is skillfully adapted for this full-cast production. It's quick, humorous, and stays true to the original. The cast is lively and deft, playing up to Leroux's melodramatic mark but not beyond it. The musical pieces the characters perform are those mentioned in the novel, in the same order, so that listeners, as opposed to readers, can hear what Leroux intended. Original theme music is elegant and haunting, and sound effects are well done. "Making of" interviews are choppy and awkward, and out of place at the end of the first disc, and one character's supposedly Spanish accent is merely peculiar. But overall this production is top-notch—thoughtful, professional, and fun. W.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2009]