Are you ready for the Phantom?

About 2 months ago I happily bought a dvd copy of The Phantom of the Opera – that 2004 movie adaption that starred the young Gerard Butler as the Phantom and Emma Rossum as Christine. I haven’t seen the actual musicale yet so this is the closest I could get to hearing its famous songs (“All I Ask of You” and “Music of the Night”) and see in moving pictures the haunting love story of the Phantom and Christine.

This 2004 movie adaptation was particularly special because the major characters in the story were chosen by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber himself, known as the brain and heart behind the stage adaptation of the Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. The film was directed by Joel Schumacher, and as far as I’m concerned, he did not disappoint with the production of the film. I loved it!

Gerard Butler may not be the perfect choice for the Phantom, but his rocker-style voice suited me fine and I think that gave the Phantom of a different charm and appeal. Emily Rossum’s crystal clear voice and fragile beauty, on the other hand, are just perfect for Christine. I can’t imagine any other actress who can do Christine the way she did.

And now, I will actually have the chance to see the musicale – live and straight from Manila! Because Citibank and Smart Infinity are bringing The Phantom of the Opera at the Cultural Center of the Philippines starting August 25 until September 30, 2012 (only!).