Steadstyle Chicago
	July 2008 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com Phantom (Left) Larry Adams and Johanna McKenzie Miller; (Right) Miller and Jeremy Rill; (Below) Jim Sherman and Larry Adams in “Phantom” at Theatre at the Center.  Photos by Greg Kolack. "The most successful musical never to play Broadway," this is what has been said of the other "Phantom" by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit.  Last year, I reviewed this play as done by Porchlight at The Theatre Building in Chicago, a nice little production of a story that has been told in many ways and is best know due to the version by Andrew Lloyd Webber.  I must tell you, I was floored by the entire production that is currently being staged at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana.  What a production!  From Andre LaSalle's stunning set (with a stage that rises above the audience to let us in to the Phantom's living quarters to the stairs and ramps, this set is breathtaking); to the wonderful costumes by Myron Elliott, the marvelous choreography of Linda Fortunato and the direction of William Pullinsi (who was in fact, the first director to stage this musical back at Candlelight) this is one of the best productions I have ever seen. The character of the Phantom based on the novel by Gaston Leroux has been portrayed in movies as a monster of sorts, but Kopit and Yeston have made him more human.  The cast assembled by Mr. Pullinsi is perfection.  Larry Adams has played the Phantom before and has a powerful voice, making the music of Mr. Yeston come alive.  While this music is not anything like the other "Phantom" and not as recognizable, it is more powerful and fitting in the storyline.  Johanna McKenzie Miller is a stunning Christine and while her voice is not operatic quality, her character is truly lovable.  Marilynn Bogetich is a strong Carlotta and David Perkovich as her husband plays the comic role just right. Jim Sherman, who was in the Theatre Building production handles the role of Gerard Carriere with the right touch as we learn more about how the Phantom became the "ghost of the Opera House".  This production truly tells a touching story and deals with love in a much greater way than the Webber script. One cannot help but feel a tear in the eye when he does his final duet with Mr. Adams "You Are My Own" and his telling of the story of the Phantom, "The Story of Erik" is dynamic. The ensemble in this show is larger than usual at this venue, but in fact, this entire production is larger than usual and each of them should be proud of the work they have done in this stellar production.  Don't be swayed by the show being in Indiana.  This is only a 30 minute trip from downtown (and the Dan Ryan is pretty much done) and a trip that is well worth taking.  The story is better, the music is solid and the cast is strong.  What more can one ask for in seeing a musical?  Perhaps the cost of a ticket.  Well, fear not, the range in ticket price for this production is $36-$40 (talk about a value).  Tickets can be purchased by calling the theater 219-836-3255 or online at www.theatreatthecenter.org.  The performance schedule is Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m., weekend matinees are Saturday at 2:30 p.m.  There is plenty of free parking, so take the ride and enjoy a true theatrical experience.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The EpochTimes.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.