LOVE NEVER DIES - US Tour- Page 10

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 11/30/17 at 8:02pm

“I personally feel that the billing should've been changed to indicate Mr. Murphy as the star at this point. It's really not fair to call him an understudy when he's regularly performing the role at least six times per week, and has been doing so for some time now. He's also a great ambassador for the show, with a strong and enthusiastic social media presence (I've not seen anything on social media from Mr. Cortes since the tour began)."

 

I think it is a contractual/union issue. They would have to terminate Cortes’ contract to “officially” give Murphy the role. Also, as an understudy, they can pay him less and save more money.

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/1/17 at 8:50am

The Distinctive Baritone said: "
“I personally feel that the billing should've been changed to indicate Mr. Murphy as the star at this point. It's really not fair to call him an understudy when he's regularly performing the role at least six times per week, and has been doing so for some time now. He's also a great ambassador for the show, with a strong and enthusiastic social media presence (I've not seen anything on social media from Mr. Cortes since the tour began)."

I think it is a contractual/union issue. They would have to terminate Cortes’ contract to “officially”give Murphy the role. Also, as an understudy, they can pay him less and save more money."

That sounds plausible, but how long can someone not perform a role and still be fulfilling the terms of his/her contract?

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 12/1/17 at 8:07pm

Very excited!!! Just snagged a sweet (and one of the very, very, very last) front row balcony tickets on a show that’s selling quite well in Pittsburgh for the first week in Jan. 2018. It’ll be interesting to see who will be playing The Phantom then. Just saw the fabulous “Phantom of the Opera” on its Broadway National Tour while in Philadelphia two weeks ago, so it’s even sweeter to see this show now that I’ve seen the spectacular new version.

 

 

Updated On: 12/1/17 at 08:07 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/4/17 at 8:57am

dmwnc1959 said: "Very excited!!!Just snagged a sweet(and one of the very, very, very last)front row balconyticketson a show that’sselling quitewell in Pittsburgh for the first week in Jan. 2018. It’ll be interesting to see who will be playing The Phantom then."

You might actually get Gardar Thor Cortes.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 12/4/17 at 5:42pm

Lot666 said: “You might actually get Gardar Thor Cortes."

Now wouldn’t that be amazing!!!



 

Updated On: 12/4/17 at 05:42 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/5/17 at 7:41am

dmwnc1959 said: "Lot666 said: “You might actually get Gardar Thor Cortes."

Now wouldn’t that be amazing!!!

"

Well, it would certainly be unusual!

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 12/5/17 at 3:49pm

Has anyone pointed out the changes made for this tour vs. the filmed Australia production?

[chernjam]

Posted: 12/5/17 at 5:20pm

Giants - I haven't read any and would love to hear what they were..  I know at one point after the DVD there was speculation that ALW wanted to change the ending, but it doesn't sound like that occurred

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/6/17 at 7:46am

I haven't watched the DVD in a while, but I have seen the current touring production and no significant differences stood out to me. I noted no plot/storyline changes. The finale on the pier felt a bit protracted, particularly the last couple of minutes. I'm not a fan of the reprise of the title song there, and I think the choral version by the entire ensemble during the curtain call is awkward (the song does not translate well to that format) and completely unnecessary.

[Bwayfan292]

Posted: 12/8/17 at 6:36pm

I think Bronson has taken over the role of the Phantom, his instagram bio states he is the phantom now. I wonder if Gardar has officaly left the production.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 12/8/17 at 6:59pm

The website still lists Cortes as The Phantom...

[pattilupwned]

Posted: 12/9/17 at 5:01am

Someone asked him on IG in a comment somewhere - sorry, can't remember exactly where - if he had assumed the role, and he responded "not permanently". So take that for what it is worth

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/11/17 at 10:23am

The Distinctive Baritone said: "
“I personally feel that the billing should've been changed to indicate Mr. Murphy as the star at this point. It's really not fair to call him an understudy when he's regularly performing the role at least six times per week, and has been doing so for some time now. He's also a great ambassador for the show, with a strong and enthusiastic social media presence (I've not seen anything on social media from Mr. Cortes since the tour began)."

I think it is a contractual/union issue. Theywould have to terminate Cortes’ contract to “officially”give Murphy the role. Also, as an understudy, they can pay him less and save more money."

Is there a limit to how long a "star" can be out before he/she is deemed to be not fulfilling their contract?

[broadwayboy222]

Posted: 12/11/17 at 10:32pm

Looks like Gardar may very well be back for the Tampa run! Bronson just posted that his only shows as Phantom in Tampa will be the two matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Will be interesting to see if this holds true!

[Lot666]

Posted: 12/12/17 at 8:00am

broadwayboy222 said: "Looks like Gardar may very well be back for the Tampa run! Bronson just posted that his only shows as Phantom in Tampa will be the two matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Will be interesting to see if this holds true!"

Wow, that would indeed be a first.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 12/12/17 at 8:51am

broadwayboy222 said: "Looks like Gardar may very well be back for the Tampa run! Bronson just posted that his only shows as Phantom in Tampa will be the two matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Will be interesting to see if this holds true!"

He did also offer several caveats in the comments, saying "As of now" and "Subject to change."

[philly03]

Posted: 12/12/17 at 4:44pm

Updated On: 5/4/22 at 04:44 PM

[broadwayboy222]

Posted: 12/13/17 at 1:41am

Anyone attend tonight's Tampa opening? Was Gardar in fact on as Phantom?

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 12/17/17 at 1:00pm

The show closes today in Tampa, and has a long break before opening again the day after Christmas in Providence, RI. I’m three weeks before my show in Pittsburgh and still very excited!

I did read online (one each a Tampa newspaper review and a blogger who saw the show) that Gardar was back as the Phantom. It sounded more like they were reading from an ‘official cast list’ than who was actually in the show. Surprised we have no Tampa forum members here that could also independently verify this as well.

[broadwayboy222]

Posted: 12/17/17 at 1:25pm

I am from Central FL and based on several friends Facebook/Instagram posts, Gardar was on for the Tampa Run! It appears now that he will be doing all the evening shows, with Bronson doing the matinees, as I'm sure it was originally intended to be. Bronson had stepped in as principal doing 6 out of 8 shows previously, due to Gardar's indisposition. Glad to see he's back and doing well! Sad, I missed seeing him, though Bronson was quite fantastic in Orlando himself!

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 12/17/17 at 2:18pm

I have a Sunday matinee show, so if Mr. Cortes is back and will be doing only the evening shows on the tour now, I too may be watching and hearing Bronson Norris Murphy as The Phantom. :)

 

 

Updated On: 12/17/17 at 02:18 PM

[whitestar45]

Posted: 12/17/17 at 7:18pm

Having seen BNM & GTC each 2.5 times in LND, I will say they are different but both are wonderfully memorable. 

[Bwayfan292]

Posted: 12/25/17 at 9:28pm

Hope everyone is having a great christmas, and for those who dont celebrate christmas, hope you have a great holiday, was wondering if this tour is worth it? I would be catching this in April if i spend the money. It would be a large chunk of money to me, and wanted to know if its worth it for sure to spend the money.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/25/17 at 10:14pm

Where would you be catching this at and why a large chunk of money?  I caught it in Orlando Florida and I live in Jacksonville so just drove down.  I did not need a hotel room for the night.  I entered the lottery and won a ticket that I picked 12th row Orchestra for $40.  They  did offer loser seats for a big discount at least at my venue.  It was well worth it, but if you have to buy an airline ticket, get a hotel, etc just to see the show, it may not be worth it.  I saw the original in London and enjoyed it just as well as the tour.

Updated On: 12/26/17 at 10:14 PM

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 12/25/17 at 10:17pm

Anyone know if the plan is still for the tour to open on Broadway?