Theater review

“Do you really think there’s a phantom of the opera?” asks Andre Viscompte de Chahny in Gene Traylor’s melodramatic tale “The Phantom of the Opera.” After at least four movies and one smash-hit musical that bear the title of Gaston Leroux’s classic novel, the question seems a bit moot. Regardless, the Downriver Theater Company in Machias has resuscitated the romantic thriller for its season premiere. The real misfortune of this production is that director Danny R. Hatt didn’t rename the show “Phantom of the Grange Hall.”

There’s something about watching “Phantom” at the old Machias Grange Hall that enhances the mystique of Leroux’s plot. But there’s only so much enhancement that can go on here. The plot just isn’t that interesting and really does require a Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, or Michael Crawford in order to capture an audience. Unfortunately, none of the above are hanging around Machias.

The story goes something like this. The Phantom, a disfigured composer, lives in the catacombs of the Paris Opera. He learns of the young soprano, Christine Daae, writes a masterful opera for her vocal chords only, and kidnaps her to teach her his “music of the night.”

He transports her to his subterranean gallery and begins the tutelage. Then, of course, there is the famed unmasking scene in which Christine rips off the mask and exposes the villian’s deformed face. His anger consumes him as he screams, “My mask was my only safety, my only refuge.”

Christine manages to escape, and the Phantom meets his demise when he is shot by one of the opera workers. Although this means Christine is free to pursue her career and her romance with Andre, she remembers the passion of the phantom and promises to think of him fondly.

Considering the space limitations that come with performing in the Machias Grange Hall, the Downriver production has some entertaining moments. The scenes between Christine (Sandra Sinford) and her maid Nannett (Carole Clark) show a strong level of trust between the actors. Clark, in particular, develops a believable character, and Sinford’s screams are unexpectedly penetrating.

As the Phantom, Richard Binder brings energy and power to the production. Whenever he is on stage, the show is infinitely more interesting and lively. Unlike the other actors, Binder takes time with his lines and maintains control of his character throughout the evening.

The lighting, which should suggest the underground darkness of the setting, is frequently too dark, and some actors deliver their lines just outside the stage light.

The cast of community players is generally energetic and devoted, but lacks the experience and training (especially in French accents) to deliver a professional production, especially with only two weeks allotted for rehearsal. The evening, however, is worth the $6 ticket because the show attests to the dedication of a group of people who love theater and performance.

“Phantom of the Opera,” by Gene Traylor will be performed by the Downriver Theater Company at 8 p.m. June 15, 16, and 20-23 at the Machias Grange Hall. For tickets, call 255-4465.