When I heard The Phantom of the Opera was returning to Taipei Arena this month (Nov. 19 - Dec. 6), and that Matt Leisy was playing Raoul, the Vicompte de Chagney, I knew this interview would feel more like a reunion. 

Matt and I both trained in opera at Northwestern University in the early aughts., and although we were in different years, we did sing in the same choir, and would greet one another in the hallway. It’s been over a decade since. This time our conversation would take place over Zoom, with Matt’s hotel room, serving as the backdrop where he is finishing up his government mandated quarantine. 

Matt Leisy (Source: Matt Leisy)

The following has been edited for clarity and length.

Dawen: It’s day #8 (Nov. 10) of your quarantine. You’ve just passed the one-week mark. How are you holding up? Is being stuck in your hotel room driving you crazy?

Matt: I’m actually okay. I’ve learned to make do, and make the best of it. 

Dawen: What have you been doing to pass the time?

Matt: I’ve been keeping busy [with] puzzles and exercising. We even had an [online] company party, with cast members dancing in their own rooms. I also binged ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ on Netflix.

Dawen: Has anything funny or weird happened since you started the quarantine?

Matt: Our fans figured out which hotel we were quarantined at, and they gathered across the street from our rooms. Some of them held these signs that read ‘Taiwan Welcomes You’ and ‘We Love Phantom’. There was even a guy in Phantom [cosplay]. 

Matt interviewed in his hotel room on his 8th day of the required quarantine. (Source: Dawen Wang)

Dawen: Phantom is such an internationally loved show. I read that you guys flew here from Seoul where you performed for 8 months. What’s it been like being on tour in 2020, during the time of Covid-19?

Matt: Since March, it’s been a mixed bag of emotions. On one hand, I feel fortunate [being able to perform], and on the other hand I have immense survivor’s guilt. It’s been rough emotionally. And there’s a lot of anxiety. For me, there was even a time when I felt like I couldn’t breathe on stage, when I thought I was going to pass out. With all the COVID cases and shutdowns, I’ve learned to limit my news intake to spurts.

Dawen: I think I know what you mean. I’ll check Facebook and read about our friends in New York who can’t perform, whose Broadway theaters are dark because of the pandemic. It’s such a contrast living here in Taiwan, where people still go to the movies, and go to live concerts and theater. 

Matt: Now, I’m adjusted if not quite rested. [The Phantom company of] our tour is made up of people from all over the world. And with all the travel bans, I’m just thankful we’re in the safest place. 

Dawen: Speaking of the safest place, is this your first time in Taipei? 

Matt: I actually came to Taipei in 2004 as part of the International Tour of The Sound of Music. But it was such a long time ago so I don’t remember much. But this time I’m looking forward to exploring the city on the days we don’t perform. 

Dawen: Taipei is really nice this time of year. Everyone’s out and about. And we all wear masks.

Matt: We wore masks in Korea, [too].

Dawen: And the Phantom, he also wears a mask. I’m telling you, the show’s classic logo is even more relatable now. 

Matt: Haha.

Dawen: Okay, before we go, I have to ask: have you learned any phrases in Chinese yet?

Matt: No, not yet. 

Dawen: Well, since Phantom’s Opening Night is coming up, I thought I could teach you how to say ‘break a leg’. In Chinese, we say “jia you.” It literally means to “add oil.” And we say it all the time, especially when we’re rooting someone on, or giving them encouragement. “Jia you,” “add oil.”

Matt: “Jia you.” “Add oil.” 

Dawen: Break a leg. “Jia You.” 

Matt: Thanks.

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The Phantom of the Opera runs from Nov. 19 thru Dec. 6 at Taipei Arena. For tickets: click here!

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About the author：

Dawen Wang is a Mandopop singer songwriter based in Taipei. Albums include Hello and Happy or Not. His singles “Let’s Work It Out” and “Beautiful”, have racked up millions of views on YouTube. He recently released a third album, The International Space Station, available on streaming services everywhere. Dawen holds degrees in Vocal Performance and English Literature at Northwestern University.

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