African-America Phantom of The Opera?

Why has there never been an African-American Phantom of the Opera on broadway? ! I think there was one in LA, but I'm 90% sure that there has never been one on Broadway. Norm, are you reading this. Who would your choices be

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There was a black Phantom in LA? I could see that working. Wouldn't take me out of it.

Updated On: 3/20/09 at 08:41 PM

I would have no problem with it. The one thing that I do have a problem with are some of the offensive comments that were in the video.

Someone said that, in the book, The Phantom was white therefor for the show he should be white. I find that something that I would have trouble agreeing with considering that in the book Carlotta was white and there recently was/still is a black actress playing the role on Broadway.

Also, wasn't there not that long ago a black actress who played the role of Madam Thenardier in London?

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I think as long as he can sing well (WHICH NORM LEWIS CAN) it should fine

http://www.gogirl222.cabanova.com/


Maybe it is the make up cause she does look African American
I would also love to see Strokes Mitchell as The Phantom too

^ I did too until I saw her website

Wait, wait wait...Benson? BENSON was the PHANTOM?

He sure was!

I was working at the Music Center at the time Guillaume was the Phantom. I saw his performance MANY MANY TIMES.

There was nothing inherently wrong with casting an African-American in the role... except for ONE thing... the white, lonely, romantically starved Phantom "Phans" had a VERY difficult time getting their "fix." They just didn't leave the theatre with the wet panties a white Phantom gave them. Pardon me for being so crude...but it is true.

I'm not making this up either. I was in close contact with the Phans and they were pretty vocal(to lily white me anyway) about sitting out Guillaume's run in the show till a more suitable (read "white") person was cast.

Also, you have to consider that Guillaume just replace Crawford.. so the lonely gals were in some state of "mourning."

Now..

One the subject of Guillaume's performance. He was a very ANGRY Phantom... not the soulful, erotic creature of Crawford.

This is bit extreme.. but...he was closer to Ike Turner than Don Juan. There were times I thought he was going to haul off and bitch-slap Christine!

I was there for a private after performance discussion with a group of black members from the audience. I distinctly remember Guillaume saying that he intentionally was trying to bring a "black sensibility" to the role.

I remember thinking.. "what the hell is he talking about? This is Phantom.. not RAISIN!

Anyway.. whenever I see or hear a black actor play a traditionally white role with a tad too much anger (ex. Diahann Carroll in SUNSET BLVD, or Audra McDonald in PASSION.) I can't help think "Is this what Guillaume meant by black sensibility?"

As a side note: The one adjustment in costume they made for Guillaume was to have a "silver" mask instead of a white mask.

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Updated On: 3/20/09 at 11:42 PM

I saw Robert Guillaume's performace in Phantom (while in Los Angeles) and I loved it. Yes, I agree, his Phantom was a little more angry than Michael Crawford's (which I also loved). I remember Robert's mask was more gray than silver ... but hey, it's not like I worked at the Music Center, so I could be mistaken. I seem to remember that silver masked was used for the asain touring company of Phantom.
...but definately Robert's Phantom was more agressive.

While we're on the subject, the principle casting notice breakdown for "Love Never Dies," the "Phantom" sequel (also known as "Worst Idea Ever") specifically says that all the principles (including the Phantom) are to be played by caucasian actors. I personally don't have any moral problem with this (it's their show, they can do whatever they want), but as most casting agencies, even if they know the director will probably cast mostly white people, always put the whole "We encourage actors of all ethnicities" disclaimer on their breakdowns, I imagine they will be getting a lot of flack.

BTW, although I'm not one of those people who believes that every actor can play every role, I think that given the circumstances of the story, a black Phantom would be fine. And Norm Lewis would be great.

My dear Sally Struthers,
It's so refreshing to see honesty, and that you do nothing to disguise your overt racism.
That your own career has taken a decided "backseat", now gives you the time and the wherewithall to "wax" as a critic. You're as good at it, as you were an actress. Those that can't critique.
The vitriol you spew for Guillaume is no different from that that you spewed for Debbie Allen. You're more like Carroll O'Connor's "Archie", than he was. Sad. And it's almost 2010. Aaronssongs

aarongsongs-

What BFB states about the Phans is pretty true from everything I have read. Never ONCE have I seen her say *anything* remotely racist about anyone.

Do us a favor, keep your thoughts in check, and let a dearly departed member alone.

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I'm pretty sure the problem was that she couldn't tell Robert Guillaume and Debbie Allen apart.