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Outstanding comic performances from Glenn Seven Allen and Jacquelynne Fontaine as Count and Countess Malcolm add another delicious layer of duality to the production.
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“Jacquelynne Fontaine was perfection in the role of Carlotta Guidicelli, the reigning prima donna of the Opera House. Her full voiced soprano has some of the most challenging moments in the show, and she tossed off high notes and coloratura runs with aplomb. She has mastered the diva gestures that would make any great opera soprano and she shone whenever taking the stage. “
“Another difference under tour director Laurence Connor is evident from the beginning. The diva Carlotta is usually a shrill, comedic character, so when the Phantom (Chris Mann) demands that she be replaced by his protege, Christine Daae (Katie Travis), there’s not a lot of tension. But here, Jacquelynne Fontaine’s Carlotta displays a gorgeous soprano that soars above them all. The Phantom’s menace thus functions as being more in the name of love than art.”
“Jacquelynne Fontaine plays a sarcastic and witty Countess Charlotte Malcolm. Her portrayal is hilarious and also, touching. As a woman dealing with the long-term infidelity of the husband she loves, her struggle is real and painful. Fontaine is a former Miss California and her beauty is apparent, but her talent as an actress is the real scene-stealer.”
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Outstanding comic performances from Glenn Seven Allen and Jacquelynne Fontaine as Count and Countess Malcolm add another delicious layer of duality to the production.
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“[T]he Italian caretakers of the pensione in Act I are lavishly promising, especially as powerfully vocalized by the sexy and astounding Jacquelynne Fontaine and Glenn Seven Allen.”
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“Jacquelynne Fontaine in the role of Ragazza was tremendous. I thought she had the best voice I’ve heard at The Globe. I looked at her bio and lo and behold, she’s an opera singer. Her singing didn’t come off as operatic in this show; it just came off as nice.”
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“The romance, … is comically operatic in the musical, with two actual opera singers nearly stealing the show, as lusty Italian servants and later, inebriated English ones.”
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“For me, though, the musical moments tended to climax when Jacquelynne Fontaine and Glenn Seven Allen were about. These two _ charmingly named Ragazza and Italiano – are the invention of the authors, used as the embodiment of Italy’s heart and soul. Both handsome young performers have ready an operatic climax or scrap of passion as needed and they serve brilliantly as a vivid contrast to things British”
Marilynn Scott Murphy
Professional Artists
630 9th Avenue, Suite 207
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 247-8770
Steven Buchsbaum