Michele McConnell is leaving, and it makes me wonder if they'll FINALLY get Patti Cohenour or Rebecca Luker as Carlotta. Obviously Sarah Brightman would be wonderful but she'd never do it and I'm sure she's been given multiple generous offers.
Sarah Brightman would have no interest in doing a supporting role and, in all honesty, she would not be able to sing the role nowadays anyway. The soprano voice required for the role is very robust and the high notes are well beyond her 'live' range now. I like Brightman's voice, but it definitely is not a 'Carlotta' voice.
Isn't James coming up to three years with the show in January? That has to be a record, no?
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
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Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
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James wanted to leave back in February, producers wanted him to stay, so as long as they want him, he probably will stay. and knowing the producers I would not be surprised to see him for the 30th in January.
He is a good phantom
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27199361@N08/ Phantom at the Royal Empire Theatre
Hugh Panaro was also over 2,000, just below McGillin's record. Barbour is nowhere near the record, and hopefully never makes it to that point. The man just cannot act well enough for this role. Hopefully we have a new face here for the 30th.
But to the original point, the past couple Carlottas have been understudies that got promoted when the principle left. I don't know if the same thing would happen now, but I think there's a good chance of it.