Breaking News: Broadway Stars Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess to Take Over in PHANTOM This May! — Page 3

YES! YES! YES! I've been dying to see Norm Lewis live ever since I heard him sing Javert in a recording of Les Mis. I love the idea of a deeper-voiced Phantom. As far as Sierra, I saw her a few days after her premiere in the Las Vegas version of POTO, unfortunately, from the VERY back of the theater. I saw her again in the Phantom 25th at the Majestic, again from the back of the theater. Here's my chance to see her from a good seat.

In terms of Norm Lewis's being the first Phantom of color in New York, I'm on record in my other Broadway World discussion board identity (PTOPhan) as saying that the race of the actor playing the Phantom is irrelevant, but that the Phantom himself has to be a white man to avoid changing the story. If the Phantom is anything but white, another potential reason for his mistreatment besides his disfigurement rears its head. That would certainly make a wonderful story -- a black musical genius is scorned because of his color -- but it's not the story we all troop to the Majestic to see.

Welcome to the role, Mr. Lewis. I know we'll be swooning when we hear you sing "Music of the Night."

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Well, I would assume that, like every other Phantom, he is "scheduled" to perform 8 shows a week, unless illness strikes and possibly to fulfill those previously scheduled concerts.
Don't buy tickets for dates that he has concerts scheduled - and the day before and after, if you'd care to be extra safe - and you have as good as chance as any of catching him in the show, baring unforeseen circumstance. As we know, there is no guarantee with the human body.

A good role is a good role.
A dream role is a dream role.
It does not matter where the production is or the pay. There are roles actors jump at.

A Broadway show is still a Broadway show.

Taking over a lead with minimal stage time in a show that is in no danger of closing?
Any fool would jump at the chance.

I love the fact that Sierra has kept doing this role. We need more people like this in the industry. Gavin Lee comes to mind

"Timothy Nolen was the first replacement Phantom on Broadway"

Yep, I saw in in Jan 1988 and he was the Phantom. It was the first night out my wife and I had out alone after the birth of our first daughter in November 1987.