Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
He is unbelievably good. Terrifying, actually. He is very present, and he never works to put on a quality. Very real.
Sadness that he is leaving, too! It is sort of awesome, though, that two VERY strong actors are leaving the lead roles together.
I'm sad to see Cudia leave - best Phantom I've ever seen, both on tour & Broadway. Wonderful cast, I've been recommending people to go back to see them, especially Cudia!
John is indeed a 'great' Phantom among phantoms. Here's hoping his 'new ventures' will be as rewarding as his present. (though it's tough to top being a phantom).
Featured Actor Joined: 10/15/03
Does this mean McGillin is returning to replace Cudia?
Sara Jean Ford IS the new Christine.
I wonder who will replace her in Night Music...?
Sara Jean Ford is a wonderful Christine. I am really excited for her.
So how long until Drew Gehling is Raoul?
Actually, that would be amusing but not necessarily a good fit...
Playbill says Hugh Panaro is the new Phantom. Trying to remember if I've seen him in it.
Panaro's great! One of my favorites in the role, glad to see him come back to back Broadway after the Lestat debacle.
I was actually just thinking about Drew as Raoul. He has the voice, not sure how he would act it. But them doing All I Ask of You could be remarkably awkward with the major height difference.
Updated On: 8/17/10 at 12:36 PM
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/05
Um... Panaro's return is WONDERFUL NEWS! I am sooo excited!
To tell the truth, I am glad they left. Jennifer might have a lovely voice and look the part (even though she's not 18 like Christine), I firmly disliked her acting. And I didn't like John Cudia because of his voice, the sound of it was not very Phantom-ish.
Sara Jean Ford and Hugh Panaro are wonderful, though, I think they truly deserved it- both are great performers!
Hugh Panaro is my absolute favorite Phantom! I am SUPER EXCITED to see him again!!! :)
I see that Julie Hanson is back but not even as the Christine alternate. I saw her as Christine my first time and then saw Jennifer Hope Wills. Julie Hanson was much better and should be full time Christine at this point.
I guess it's all a matter of personal tastes. I really disliked Hanson's voice, not as much as Rabb's though. But I've seen Hanson about 3 times and I usually end up plugging my ears during "wishing"
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