I think mine is the incredible Kris Phillips followed closely by Crawford.
Chorus Member Joined: 5/4/06
Mine would be the great Henk Poort,the Dutch Phantom, close 2 nd the superb Belgian one: Hans Peter Janssens (the current Javert in London), and the always amazing 3 rd: Peter Karrie
Here's my list:
Crawford (of course)
Davis Gaines
Earl Carpenter (current London Phantom)
Hugh Panaro
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/10/05
Always Michael Crawford.
1-Hugh Panaro
2-Michael Crawford
3-Brad Little
Hugh Panaro
Mikael Samuelson
Steve Barton
I hate to sound like a total queen, but the thread didn't specify by a Phantom, so I have to say I love Barbra Streisand's version (with Michael Crawford). It is so gorgeous and lush and very erotic. I liked hearing a woman sing after all those years of just men.
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/12/04
1. Peter Karrie
2. Michael Crawford - especially his 'single version' of it, the version which is featured on ALW compilations
2. Hugh Panaro
Aw, Betty Boy - I absolutely loathe that version! Maybe I just don't like women singing it - I love Sarah Brightman, but find her verison lacking.
Mine: Colm Wilkinson
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/28/05
I already placed Hugh Panaro at the top of my list. But last night I heard him sing it at the Bucks County Cabaret benefit for amFAR. Just accompanied by a piano in a lovely rennovated barn at a private estate and it had to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.
I'm with Jimmcf: Colm Wilkinson (on the Toronto Cast Recording)!!!
Anyone who sings the FORBIDDEN BROADWAY version...
"Sing real slowly,
Just a little off - key..."
Doug LaBrecque's, when he performed it live at Bravo Broadway. I've seen the show over a dozen times (I think I'd maybe seen the show 4 or 5 times at that point), but I've never been as transfixed before or since that point.
Michael Crawford
and like Bettyboy72, I like the Streisand/Crawford duet.
I've heard Hugh Panaro only that forbidden tube site, but he sounded terrific.
Swing Joined: 4/12/06
my favorite version is definitely
oh wait.
I hate this song.
And this show.
That's right.
Now that I think about it.
This is a disgusting topic.
Your various replies tonight are especially profound.
1. Howard McGillin (the BEST ever!)
2. Gary Mauer
3. Hugh Panaro
Michael Crawford Hugh Panaro, Craig Schulman and ted Keegan follow far behind.
Broadway Star Joined: 3/17/05
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Anthony Warlow's gorgeous version. To me, THAT is what the Phantom should always sound like.
Featured Actor Joined: 1/18/06
I guess that would have to be Sara Brightman in concert at the Albert Hall.
Broadway Star Joined: 6/3/03
None. PHANTOM SUCKS!!!
Top 3:
1. Howard McGillin
2. Michael Crawford
3. Michael Ball
Honourable Mentions: John Owen-Jones, John Cudia, Hugh Panaro, Davis Gaines, Anthony Warlow, & Peter Lockyer
Updated On: 10/30/06 at 01:27 PM
Videos