Disclaimer: I have no intention of warding off any potential opera visitors by this blog. This is solely my observations and impressions and you will notice that they differ widely from the worldwide opinion.
While I was in Vegas, I came across the ads for the 'Phantom of the Opera.' It said that the Phantom of the Opera is a rapturous spectacle, a must-watch. And after having watched Dil Chahta Hai in which Priety Zinta takes the not-so-serious-in-love Aamir Khan to one and he is mesmerized by it, I was always itching to go experience it myself. I started pestering Jignesh to go. The tickets costed a bomb but I thought this is the only chance I have. Considering that none of us had any tuxes or evening gowns, let alone the dressy dresses, we opted for the most inexpensive seat (which we do not regret). But if you are in possession of such a wardrobe, you must spend a little more, just to fit in with the crowd. I chose to pass the superficial showiness trying to comfort myself into getting atleast a chance to be in an opera theater.
Let me give you a very brief idea of the plot. It was a gothic love story set in an 1870 Paris opera house where the beast is madly in love with a beauty, who is not only achingly lovely, but has the most melodious voice. The Phantom, who is the beast, prowls the theater with a mask hiding his disfigured half of the face, cloaking his mad desire to make this beauty into a star and his lover trying to match swords with the sweet-boy rival. Inorder to possess her, the phantom captures her lover and threatens her to marry him. For love, she is ready to give her ultimate sacrifice until the Phantom realizes his folly and frees her of his mad desire.
My impression: Very good plot. Very well directed. Excellent special effects. Superb performances. But I just have my misgivings as far as the music is concerned. Music is the pivotal point in an opera, which is technically supposed to be a musical drama. But I couldn't understand half of what they sang or said, though it was in English, and after some point of time, the high pitched soprano voice just sat on my nerves and made me fidget. While the rest of the audience watched in awe, Jignesh and I sat looking at our watches every few minutes. And when we stepped out, I could hear snippets of "What an amazing show that was!!" And all I could do was nod in false agreement. Coz it was just very simple, We were bored.
After coming back home, I tried to google up a bit on operas coz the fact that I was not able to enjoy an opera, that is worldwide recognized as the most pleasurable art form, did bother me a bit. And guess what, I learned that there is not only a book on "Opera for Dummies" which I should have cared to read before going, I also learned that there are classes offered for both beginners, and connoisseurs to help enjoy an opera to its upmost. Anyways, I believe, you don't really need classes to enjoy an art form. You either enjoy, or you don't. Reading up a bit, yes, helps you prepare somewhat. But paying for those classes which I am sure must be as expensive as the opera seats is just too ridiculous an idea.
But I see an upcoming opera singer in my daughter. She sings just like those sopranos and to top it, she has these teeniest vocal chords to match. Maybe some day, I will require lessons afterall. 
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