This chapter discusses The Phantom of the Opera and how it “set the bar for future Broadway composers.” Sternfeld argues that several musicals from the 1990′s and 2000′s have been influenced by The Phantom of the Opera‘s tone, style and techniques. It is argued that people go to see the show because of its pervasive qualities, such as romance and lovely melodies; they do not just want to see the show for its sets and costumes.
Sternfeld supports these points by talking about how the show started, including all the people who worked on the show before opening night in New York in 1988. Andrew Lloyd Webber ajd Prince worked a lot on the show before it debuted on Broadway. Furthermore, the score is discussed in great detail, including operatic features, opera scenes, and recuriing music. The author mentions characteristics that are common in all dramas, such as assinged styles to different characters; each character has their own style. Lastly, critic’ reviews of the show were compared.
