Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE GAMECOCI Actress Emmy Rossum plays Christine Daae, and Gerard Butler portrays the legendary phantom in this Broadway remake. MOVIE REVIEW ‘Phantom ’ retains elegance of theater “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera” Starring Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ By BOBBY BROOKS THE GAMECOCK The classic Broadway musical about a love triangle caused by a disfigured musical genius falling in love with a young opera soprano has finally found its way to the silver screen. Purists of the Tony Award-winning stage production of “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera” can put their fears aside about this Hollywood adaptation, which treats the musical’s choreography and staging with a deep respect. The new song added for the film, “Learn to be Lonely,” is only hinted at with a few bars throughout the movie. It makes its full debut with Minnie Driver singing over the final credits. The story’s sensuality has been upped a thousand degrees with a hot trio of lead actors. Emmy Rossum' (“The Day After Tomorrow”) plays a stunningly gorgeous, young Christine Daae. Patrick Wilson (“Angels in America”) is the heroic Raoul. And who could forget the hot, new Phantom brought to life by Gerard Butler (Angelina Jolie’s boyfriend in “Tomb Raider”). The famous mirror scene when Christine first encounters the Phantom face-to-face is even creepier than it is on stage. The sight of a man peering back at someone from a mirror is still perfectly eerie. The chandelier-crashing scene has been moved into the second half of the movie and is phenomenal and even more destructive. The beauty of “Phantom” extends beyond its hot leads and notorious scenes. The movie sets are massive and spectacular. The Phantom’s underground lair is reminiscent of the Playboy Grotto with elegant candles rising from a pool of crystal-clear water. The music has been re-orchestrated. When the mood calls for it, a 70-piece orchestra pipes in through surround sound. In more intimate scenes, a pit-size orchestra was retained. Although the singing is nowhere near perfect, it still captures the story’s essence. The end of the movie left me feeling more sympathetic for the Phantom. Director Joel Schumacher (“Batman Forever,” “Batman & Robin”) has put his own visual touches Qn the movie. When you first start the film, it almost feels like a music video, but the thought leaves your mind after the first couple songs. Gigantic statues line the underground labyrinth with the same gothic feel as in Schumacher’s “Batman” movies. The action at times tends to be very much like a comic book hero’s. Even though these things would seem to be tacky in this musical, it all works in an amazing way to truly give the audience an excellent adventure. This great story is told as a movie and a musical — two entirely different mediums. They both will stay forever inside your head. The main difference is deciding what to wear when you go see them. The movie requires far less dressy attire than the Broadway version — and has extremely cheap tickets. Go ahead and “let your mind start a journey through a strange, new world” in this excellent version of “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera.” This is a great movie for everyone — even those who have never been seduced by the nifty score. And if it’s a return trip to the “Opera Populaire” for you, prepare for a few flashbacks to that great new stage production, as well as some surprises. Comments on this story? E-mail gamecockfeatures@gwm.sc.edu SHOW REVIEW One-man wonder plays ‘Solitaire ’ “Virtual Solitaire” Performed by Dawson Nichols ★★★★ out of ☆☆☆☆☆ By ALBANY GAULT THE GAMECOCK “Virtual Solitaire” is a one-man show performed by Dawson Nichols, a visiting theatre professor at USC. Nichols plays 23 different characters, all computer programs controlled by hosts who can decide to “light up” - destroy or continue with the program without concern that the programs might have feelings. The set-up is simple: A computer game addict is assigned to calibrate a new virtual reality murder mystery game that uses players’ emotions. As he tries to get out of the game, he begins to think someone might be trying to keep him online. Perhaps the most intriguing and complex of the two-dozen characters is Nathan, a program that keeps malfunctioning. Nathan is a program of emotions. Throughout the play, Nathan’s many emotions and personalities come in to focus, ranging from a convicted killer to a hermaphrodite. Nichols’ character transition is remarkable. It was like seeing someone with split personalities. Without any costume change, the audience could tell the characters apart through accent and body movements. Nichols made the stage come alive. Nichols’ first one-man play, “I Might Be Edgar Allan Poe” is being performed in Australia, and his psychological thriller, “Escher’s Hands,” an ensemble play, was nominated for the national New Play Award of the American Theater Critics Association. Nichols said the infusion of technology in everyday, contemporary life influenced his show. “I’m skeptical and wary of technology, even though I probably spend more hours with my computer than with my wife,” Nichols said. It’s easy to get lost in the plot, and the performance is both comical and heartbreaking. Overall, Dawson Nichols’ performance was an amazing rarity. “Virtual Solitaire” is showing at the EMILY WAGGONER/THE GAMECOCK Dawson Nichols, a visiting theatre professor at USC, performs "Virtual Solitaire.” Booker T. Washington Lab Theater on Wheat Street, between Pickens and Bull streets. The cost of the play is $5. The performance debuted last weekend, and showings will start again Thursday through Sunday at 8 p.m. Comments on this story? E-mail gatnecockfeatures@gwm.se. edu BECOME AN EGG DONOR.1 843-856-1035 . Egg Donation Program WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need young, healthy women between 21-31 years of age. Donors will be compensated $2500 for their time. COLLEGE PARK I University Oaks student living at its best walking distance to William Brice Stadium, free shuttle to campus, private bedrooms, private bathrooms available, washer/dryer, fitness center, computer center, tanning, ethernet in every bedroom Tfi Stop by. Take a tour. Sign a lease. Ait •NS University Oaks 803.252.2634 I 21 National Guard Rd I www.collegeparkweb.com * ' * j \ y