Q&A: Stars of 'Phantom of the Opera' Discuss Bringing this Legendary Musical to Beijing
Prepare yourselves as this beautifully macabre masterpiece of musical theater hits Tianqiao Performance Center, from November 19-December 20. Here is what Brad Little (The Phantom) and Emilie Lynn (Christine Daaé) had to say about their upcoming Beijing debut at a recent press conference. Tickets are now available from en.damai.cn, priced at RMB 380-RMB 1,380.
TBJ: What are your feelings about bringing Phantom of the Opera to Beijing?
Brad Little (BL): Having played the Phantom in Shanghai two times, I’ve been anticipating for years now bringing Phantom of the Opera to Beijing. I’m so excited that they have built this brand new theater (Tianqiao Performance Center) especially for bringing Phantom of the Opera and many other musicals. So my anticipation has been great for many years. And I can tell you that I’ve had numerous people in Beijing asking when is Phantom coming? It just makes my heart so happy that it is finally here. There is no doubt in my mind that people are going to wait and wait saying “oh, I’ll get tickets later” and by that time it’s going to be sold out. It’s going to go like wildfire here.
Emilie Lynn (EL): As for us being able to be in Beijing, when we were on the concert tour we were only here for a couple days, so we don’t get to really experience Beijing. So when we are here for a few months we’re really excited to be able to experience, explore, and really feel Beijing.
You [Brad] have been doing Phantom of the Opera for many years. What are some of your greatest memories of doing this production and how has it changed?
BL: I’ve played the Phantom about 2,500 times, and the first time I remember was very exciting and I was so sweaty at the end. I gave my all and probably too much, but that’s just what you do when the energy is that high and you’re playing this historic role. From that time until now the basic difference is my age and I think that now the role of the Phantom is much more of a teacher or a father as before he was just like this young lover. I think it now has so many more layers to the character, that now it seems even more heartbreaking.
Have there ever been any accidents when performing live onstage?
BL: It’s live theater. There are accidents every night. There are some things that have happened throughout the years that have been serious but nothing that has ever prevented me from going on to do the show. But I’ll tell you, so many times I’ll have fans come up to me that night and go “oh this happened tonight.” Different things happen every night and we’re just so use to it and our job is to just continue on and make the mistake look like it’s a part of the show. That’s the beautiful thing about live theater.
How do you maintain interest and excitement in playing this character for so many years?
BL: For some reason, with this character I can do it over and over again and not get tired of it and find new things even today when I come and play it back in China. Playing with Emilie we have just a freedom and a trust with each other that still makes it fun for me. I won’t lie, there are the days when it’s hard. I think everyone has that with their job, but for me those are so far and few between. If it was easy then I would have left it a long time ago.
What’s the spirit that the musical delivers to you and the audience?
EL: I think that would be different for each person. Some people may find comfort in the music, some of the music is a bit scary, so they might be afraid. It depends on which character you connect with in the show.
BL: I can almost guarantee that if you went with five of your friends and after the show you asked them each that same question, each response would be completely different. That’s why this show is so amazing.
How has the production been changed to cater to a Chinese audience? Will there be subtitles?
BL: Basically, there have been no changes at all. There are some subtitles. I always encourage people to not follow the subtitles too much, because you are going to get the meaning of it through the music. You might as well just read the book if you are going to come and just read the subtitles. Make sure that you watch and don’t miss what’s happening on stage. This show just speaks all languages.
What are some of the challenges of performing this musical around the world with language barriers and a mixed crew?
BL: I’m going to say two things, in our show we represent eight different countries, within our crew, cast, and musicians. The fact that we are such an international company from so many countries working together, pulling these pieces together there are certainly challenges with that. But what an amazing family we have through being so international. It’s so special to be a part of the backstage.
More stories by this author here.
Email: danielkippwhittaker@thebeijinger.com
Photos from the organizers