ALW's Phantom of the Opera vs Yeston/Kopit's Phantom

[broadwayguy91]

Posted: 10/4/16 at 5:31am

For those who have seen both productions, which of the two do you prefer and why?

[Marway44]

Posted: 10/4/16 at 6:22am

I prefer ALW's but Yeston/Kopit's version delves into the Phantoms past much more, plus we see him as a kid.  Also, we are told what his name is.  Y/K's has some soaring melodies and beautiful music.  It has the boat, the chandelier, the love triangle, Christine, Carlotta plus we learn who his father is and see them interact.  While you never get to see his face, Christine does but recoils in horror.  In ALW's version we don't know what happens to the Phantom.  He just disappears, but in the other one we do.  I always enjoy seeing the Y/K version when it comes around.  I think it's beautiful and haunting.  ALW's has the more well known songs.  When I think of Y/K's I think of "You are Music", but when I think of ALW's, I think of MOTN, POTO, Masquerade, PONR, Angel of Music, etc. 

The show tours enough so you can probably catch it in your area.  If you do see it, I recommend a professional venue to see it in for your first time.  I also recommend listening to the CD.  It captures the show well and you can understand what's going on. 

Updated On: 10/4/16 at 06:22 AM