LOVE NEVER DIES - US Tour — Page 10

“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.

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

Now wouldn’t that be amazing!!!

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

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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