I have never seen the real thing (my best friend "put it on" in her basement last summer, which was good for a basement run and I was wondering who everyone thought the best Phantom was, recorded or not. I personally hate Micheal Crawford -- he's voice drives me nuts! I love love love Colm Wilkenson's version, and Anthony Warlow is pretty awesome too, although Colm is totally my fav! No one can sing like him.
I've heard Brad Little was excellent -- best friend saw him.
Opinons?
Greens, greens, and nothing but greens! Parsley, peppers, cabbages, and celery!
Ooh let's see. I really dislike Colm on the Canadian recording. He'll always be Valjean in my mind, but his voice as the Phantom strikes me as wrong. As far as the best singer to play the role, easily Anthony Warlow. But for the best Phantom in overall performance:
FRANC D'AMBROSIO- cornerstone of the San Francisco production and longest running Phantom ever
A close 2nd would be his predecessor- DAVIS GAINES
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I think Michael Crawford IS the Phantom. He played the part for years on Broadway and in London and is amazing on the CD. Is the the best? i dont know. To me he embodies the character. I saw Hugh Panaro recently and loved him in the part.
Though scattered and divided we are still its heart...AIDA SEPTEMBER 5th, 2004...one more longing backward glance...
I AM NOW "TGIF!"
If you watch that PBS thing ( i think it was called "broadway's greatest love songs - correct me if im wrong) Michael was amazing and he was close to 60 when he sang it? can only image what he was like about 25 yrs ago
Though scattered and divided we are still its heart...AIDA SEPTEMBER 5th, 2004...one more longing backward glance...
I AM NOW "TGIF!"
I'm with you Namo (I even own a copy of Phantom of the Paradise), though I think I'll go with Claude Rains.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
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I've seen about 6 different Phantoms, and I would have to say that it's a tie between Brad Little and Hugh Panaro. Brad tends to be a more violent Phantom, while Hugh's performance is more heart-wrenching. But you really can't go wrong with either. Amazing set of voices those guys have too! :)
John, I'm sure you are right about Cris! I didn't see his Phantom. But the job he did in the "Three Phantoms Concert" sent me over the top. He has a stellar voice!
Howard McGillin, definitely. He just put so much emotion into the role without overdoing it, and his voice is wobderful. I did enjoy Hugh Panaro and Brad Little too (Hugh is gorgeous, my god).
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I wish I had seen Michael Crawford as the Phantom but it was not meant to be.
That said, my favorite out of all the Phantoms I have seen perform is still Jim Romick, swing at the Majestic Theater, NYC. He’s fantastic and I see him every chance I get.
I don't think anyone is in the position to fairly say who the BEST Phantom was unless they have seen every single person who's ever performed the role.