According to Playbill, yes...... yes they are.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/126040.html
That's already too much hotness on one stage.
"That's already too much hotness on one stage."
well, that won't leave any room for the hot mess that IS the show
Good voices... who made bad choices.
Why would talented performers agree to this?
It's gotta be the tough economic times. A paying job is a PAYING JOB. But then why doesn't Sierra just stay with Little Mermaid, which has surefire staying power, vs jumping into a brand new show that's getting bad word of mouth before it's even in rehearsals?
I'd feel kinda bad if I had to forego artistic integrity just to put food on the table, but hey, ya gotta eat.
I know this is one of those "my friend is...and said..." but here goes:
My friend is working very closely on the show. Went in with extremely low expectations to the workshop in London this past December. Came back saying it is one of the most exciting shows he's been a part of in a while. I've also been able to hear snippets of songs, and I have to say - I'm looking forward to it.
Take this however you like. But, I can't wait to see it.
Otis, I really hope you're right. I really do. Because even though almost no one else on BroadwayWorld does, I like Phantom's score a lot, and I don't want it to be ruined for me by a bad sequel. I'm not too optimistic, but I guess that's good, because I don't want to get my hopes up.
Although I'm looking forward to this...with the economy being the way its been...i doubt many people have the extra cash to spend on this right now
I'm highly looking forward to this; after SUNSET ALW's musicals haven't really been my favourite until Woman in White! So I'm glad to hear it's going well, and will definately see it.
"It's gotta be the tough economic times. A paying job is a PAYING JOB. But then why doesn't Sierra just stay with Little Mermaid, which has surefire staying power, vs jumping into a brand new show that's getting bad word of mouth before it's even in rehearsals?
I'd feel kinda bad if I had to forego artistic integrity just to put food on the table, but hey, ya gotta eat. "
Why would you suggest Sierra stay with The Little Mermaid, which is playing to a largely family audience, didn't get a Tony nod., and a lot of people don't like the production? Or she could go with Phantom 2, originate a role probably also in London (or on Broadway if it debuts in London...unless that whole trio-thing happens), with potential to get a Tony nod., a show whose composer is one of the most famous & highly recognized (& wealthy)...I would originate a role in Phantom 2 than stay with TLM anyday!
And you/mainstream critics have yet to see it, and also I did not know Andrew Lloyd Webber forfeits the actors' & actresses' he employs (hmm Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone back in the day, Sarah Brightman, Betty Buckley, Maria Friedman, Jill Paice...!etc.) artistic integrity. Last time I checked, he has, as a result of his productions, created/brought to the spotlight some pretty big stars.
Good luck Sierra + Phantom 2 :) !
As a HUGE "Phan" of the original production, I still say that this is going to be a trainwreck. I'm praying it's not but how many sequels to musicals have equaled or surpassed the success of their predecessors?
Having said that, it seems they have wonderful ideas for casting, at least this won't be the case of actors being wrong for the roles!
The casting isn't wrong in that both performers are good, but Ramin is, I think, the youngest actor to have played the Phantom, and they have him playing the Phantom ten years after the events of the original show. It can be done, but why? Because he's a hot young actor? Makes sense when you consider how and why ALW and Schumacher cast the 2004 movie.
Oh, well, I don't care. I think any sequel to the original show is a bad idea for several reasons, and I don't plan to see it.
I'll let the rest of you tell me and others who hate the idea of the sequel how wonderful or despicable the Phantom of Coney Island turns out.
But then why doesn't Sierra just stay with Little Mermaid, which has surefire staying power, vs jumping into a brand new show that's getting bad word of mouth before it's even in rehearsals?
I'm sure she's sick to death of being in a Disney show, for one.
Understudy Joined: 4/30/08
I thought ALW wanted Katherine Jenkins to play Christine?
Updated On: 2/6/09 at 06:39 PM
"It's gotta be the tough economic times. A paying job is a PAYING JOB. But then why doesn't Sierra just stay with Little Mermaid, which has surefire staying power, vs jumping into a brand new show that's getting bad word of mouth before it's even in rehearsals?
I'd feel kinda bad if I had to forego artistic integrity just to put food on the table, but hey, ya gotta eat."
Okay, you DO realize you are referring to a woman who wears wheelies and skates around the stage with a fish tail pinned to her ass, right?
"The casting isn't wrong in that both performers are good, but Ramin is, I think, the youngest actor to have played the Phantom, and they have him playing the Phantom ten years after the events of the original show. It can be done, but why? Because he's a hot young actor?"
Mainly because he's a seriously fantastic performer. I don't think the age factor is significant in a role where the character is behind a mask. Ramin has been wowing West End audiences as the Phantom for some time and it's no surprise that ALW is confident he will wow everyone who sees the sequel too.
"I thought ALW wanted Katherine Jenkins to play Christine?"
Now THAT would be a disaster.
Suleen, you cracked my face.
Who is this Ramin Kamiloo?
I must google him.
Updated On: 2/6/09 at 07:07 PM
"Who is this Ramin Kamiloo?"
Originally from Canada, Ramin played Chris in the last UK tour of Miss Saigon and Enjolras in Les Mis in the West End before taking on the role of the Phantom. This is his website:
http://www.raminkarimloo.net/home.html
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/27/05
Fun fact: He also played Christine's father in the movie, in the graveyard scene.
He was a really good Chris in Miss Saigon. Sad.
Mainly because he's a seriously fantastic performer. I don't think the age factor is significant in a role where the character is behind a mask. Ramin has been wowing West End audiences as the Phantom for some time and it's no surprise that ALW is confident he will wow everyone who sees the sequel too.
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Ok, he has made a good choice in Phantom actors. He will need everything going for him he can get to bring off this very big gamble, considering the track record of sequels to musicals.
I know only what I've read about Ramin and am not a fan. If I were, I would rather he found some other project. He's already made a reputation as a Phantom in London. It is more than possible that all connected with the sequel will be tarnished to some extent---although I suppose the performers will suffer less than others if they do a good job with the material they are given.
HOLY CRAP!
If this takes place on Coney Island can we get a Phantom in a Speedo scene?
Isn't Christine some kind of puppet in this one?
"Okay, you DO realize you are referring to a woman who wears wheelies and skates around the stage with a fish tail pinned to her ass, right?"
...as Gary Coleman said: damn, I guess you're right.
No one that good looking should be playing the Phantom. He should only ever be allowed to perform in Naked Boys Singing or something similar.
Take Me Out!
Though I am excited about Love Never Dies, I'm worried about the original Phantom's fate. Does introducing this new show mean a slump in sales for the original, and a possible closing? I don't understand why ALW didn't wait until the original closed to introduce this one.
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