Fantastic Phantom, Finally

I hereby apologize to Andrew Lloyd Webber and everyone to whom I haughtily dismissed "Phantom of the Opera" over the years. What a fantastic production! After seeing "Wicked" for the first time a couple of years ago, I feared another tired old warhorse that should be put out if its misery. Had even more trepidation seeing a Saturday matinee. But the cast (all principals except Carlotta, but the understudy was wonderful) was energetic, enthusiastic, and committed. The audience was excited, enthralled, and respectful (except for a few cellphones and cellophane wrappers). I was thrilled to be so wrong and so pleasantly surprised. Thirty-plus years later, I finally see the attraction One question: Could the Justin Peck performing in the ensemble be the very same Justin Peck who won the choreography Tony for the "Carousel" revival? There is no mention in the Playbill bio, and it would be amazing to see a talent of his magnitude in such an unheralded role.

dramamama611 said: "Which is why you don't judge a show without seeing it!"



Ben Crawford might very well be the best Phantom since Michael Crawford. What a voice!

AlanB3 said: "Better than Karimloo?"

Yes, I think so. At the time Mr. Karimloo performed this role, he felt too young and beautiful to me. He has a very nice voice, but I think Mr. Crawford's voice is even more powerful, and clearer, and his portrayal reads as more mature to me.