May 2008, I sat in the Majestic Theatre waiting impatiently for my favorite Broadway show to tell the legendary story to my class of 108 students. I was told on the bus to not sing or utter a word of the show. I was tempted by one of the students to give away details of the plot but I refused. Many of the students believed it to be a boring and did not want to give it a chance because I was a great fan. However, I allowed the show to speak for itself. When the chandelier resurrected from its dusty graved and rose to the top of the ceiling, I knew my class was in for a rude awakening. They could not stop talking about it on the bus ride back to the hotel. I felt like I had left the theatre in a dream. I could see myself playing the role of Christine Daae. It was one of the many dreams I wished to come true.
January 2010, my sister and I returned to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to see the show once again. Now, we were on the Orchestra Right Row M and right next to a couple of high school friends. We also learned of a few more school buddies who were in attendance for that evenings performance. I was actually mistaken for a worker because I had worn my t-shirt with the logo. Instead, I truthfully admitted I was only here to see the show. I bought a coffee mug and poster with the casts signatures.
February 2014, I returned to New York for an audition. I rushed on the subway hoping to make it to the matinee show but my audition time ran over. Unfortunately, I was not able to see it but I was determined to purchase my shirt. An African American man by the name of Lawrence granted me access to come into inner room to get my shirt and head out. I kept my word. We had a conversation out front and he asked me why I was in town. I told him. "Oh, you are a singer and you want to be on this show one day. What's your sign?" I simply answered. "Capricorn." He smiled. "Oh, you'll definitely be on this show. I look forward to seeing you on stage, Kyaunnee."
Two years later...
I returned to NYC to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Eight years marked my anniversary of being a high school student seeing the show. Two years marked the moment I met Lawrence and he uttered those beautiful words of my future success. My friend and I sat in the mezzanine at the Majestic Theatre to see this fantastic show. I was excited to see it once again. This would be my sixth time seeing the show in total (counting the movie, live 25th Anniversary live broadcast and the new US Tour in 2015). James Barbour played Erik (Phantom), Ali Ewoldt (Christine) and Jordan Donica (Raoul). For me, the show still retained its spectacle and mystery. I did have some issues with some of the acting but for the most part, the music still remained timeless. My favorite part of the show is no doubt the "Journey to the Lair". It is an iconic moment which audiences members are blown away. I have to give credit to James Barbour for his interpretation of Erik. When I first heard his rich baritone voice, I immediately thought, "Yes, this is Erik." I will not shy away from the other actors which have come before him such as Howard McGillin, John Cudia, Gary Mauer, Colm Wilkinson and Michael Crawford. In my opinion, the actor who played this tortured character extremely well was the late Peter Kerrie. There is a terrible elegance to him which makes his choice of the character attractive yet sympathetic but strong and powerful. I find actors who have played Erik chose to emphasis different aspects of his character. Yet they all seem to come back to the home ground which is the redemption of his humanity. I believe that is what makes Phantom of the Opera such a riveting story.I dream of singing the role of Christine Daae one day. Just like Kathleen Battle's Concert on Sunday, I could easily see myself on the stage singing at the Met Opera, singing the role of Christine as well as every other operatic roles I have dreamed of. My passion could not be more ignited. BRAVI TUTTI to the cast of Phantom of the Opera!!
