I am not a snotty theatre dork with no life. I am a middle-aged man, who's a lifelong theatregoer, not to mention a director, playwright, reviewer and teacher. You can read my pieces about Minneapolis gay theatre if you google On the Purple Circuit.
I do have a life. In addition to my work in the theatre, I'm a journalist, am a published author and have a Master's Degree in Education.
My attitude toward Phantom doesn't have anything to do with the fact that it's run almost two decades, it has to do with the fact that Lloyd Webber is overrated and, as far as I'm concerned, a mediocre talent.
When I attended the New York City Opera production of Fanculla del West two years ago, I heard the love duet, and realized that he'd openly stolen the melody for Puccini's love duet and turned it into "The Music of the Night." While others have done similar work, it finally explained for me why I dislike his music. The only show he's written that I can stand is Evita.
When I saw Sunset Blvd on Broadway, even though Betty Buckley was brilliant, I realized, shortly after the show started, that it belongs on the screen. They used footage from the movie, and the show is, after all, about a woman who gives up her career when sound comes in, but she can sing? That's pointless.
It's okay if the kid got tickets for Phantom. I just think with the availability of that lousy movie version (I lasted 20 minutes and sent the dvd back to netflix) there are other musicals to see. I, for one, am planning to be in NYC in April for three operas at the Met, but plan to see Grey Gardens. A kid should be more excited about Avenue Q, Wicked, Hairspray or even Rent (another show I hated). I would recommend Mary Poppins, which I loved when I saw it in London.
I for one am not sad to see Beauty and the Beast closing, because when I saw it on Broadway a few years ago, it was awful. I'd seen the touring production here in Minneapolis and had loved it, but now it's turned into a theme park attraction. It was a valuable lesson. I now give a show about a 3 year limitation if I see it in NYC.
(On tour it's a different story). 19 years is a long run and I seriously doubt that Harold Prince has the time to police the production, attending rehearsals and making sure that the ensemble hasn't thrown a lot of nonsense into his original staging.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on this board, and would recommend that this kid pick another show besides Phantom to see what the excitement of Broadway is all about.
NYC Visitor and Broadway Fan