The Phantom of the Opera, has been captivating audiences since 1986. Today we talk with a cast member from a West End show that has won every major British theatre award.
Kelly Glyptis headshot. Photo provided by production.
How does it feel to be a part of such an iconic musical like The Phantom of the Opera?
Absolutely incredible! The first time I saw this musical I full out cried like a baby. The show is filled with so much iconic theatrical magic and sharing it with so many people every day is an absolute dream.
You play the part of Carlotta, can you tell us a little bit about her and what is your favourite part of playing this character?
I love every part of playing my character! I know that sounds cliché but I think she has such a strong and important story to tell. Carlotta is the 5 year veteran House Soprano at the Paris Opera whom the Phantom is trying to get rid of so Christine can take her place. She is such an inspiration to me because this is an unmarried, single woman in the 1800s who has made a career for herself during a time when women were rarely able to accomplish this. She stands up for herself and her entire company in the name of safety as Phantom terrorizes the company and risks her career in the process. It’s easy to label her as one of the villains or a “diva”, but for a woman to stand up to a room full of men who could simply fire her on the spot I think she is an absolute queen.
What is the most challenging aspect of this role?
Differentiating the vocal styles between the three operas and Carlotta’s “normal” voice is one of the biggest challenges. We are showing an operatic season in the show over the span of the year, but we do it in 2.5 hours. As the house soprano, she would be expected to sing a variety of styles, but in some scene changes, I only get seconds to switch gears.
The Phantom of the Opera contains an iconic score from Andrew Lloyd Webber, what’s your favourite song from the show?
It’s a bit nerdy, but my favourite musical sequence is il muto. If you listen to the intro he quotes “Come scoglio” from Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte which means “like a rock”. It’s absolutely brilliant because the aria is two sisters standing up for themselves and proclaiming themselves unshakeable. Carlotta is doing this by singing the Countess role against the demands of the Phantom. It’s so clever and subtle and it makes me immeasurably elated every night!
There are lots of recognisable moments in the show, do you have one that particularly stands out?
That final moment with Meg and the Mask in a pinpoint spotlight gets me every time. It’s simple and perfect.
Why do you think The Phantom of the Opera remains to be one of the biggest musicals that the West End has to offer?
I think Phantom is a story that shows humanity as it is and that’s why it has lasted so long. Rarely in life do we have villains and heroes in the comic book world sense; in this show, no one is without fault and no one is without redemption. For example, Raoul doesn’t really take Christine seriously at first but then takes action, Carlotta refuses to sing anything other than the lead, yet steps back into the chorus for Don Juan for the greater good of the company, and Phantom takes Christine and threatens Raoul, then lets them go, Madame Giry is seemingly helping the Phantom, but then helps Raoul to find Christine. If you came to the theatre and paid close attention to one track at a time, you would see a different show every night. The detail, truth, and reality is stunning and haunting.
If people haven’t been to see The Phantom of the Opera yet, what is it about this show which is unlike anything else in the West End right now?
It is a grand night of sweeping orchestral, vocal and theatrical magic. It’s really that simple.
Finally, if you weren’t in The Phantom of the Opera - what other West End show would you like to be in?
I would love to be in something brand new. I’ve premiered a few roles on the opera side of my career and it has been some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. However, I would love to do Nancy in Oliver and Aldonza in Man of La Mancha if they come into town and I have to give a shout-out to Hadestown, I would absolutely love to get my Persephone on!
Book The Phantom of the Opera tickets
See Kelly and the rest of the cast in a production filled with a breathtaking musical score and unforgettable story that has captivated audiences for decades.
