Phantom Closing? — Page 19

Elfuhbuh said: "Ben Crawford gave a more subdued interpretation than I’m used to with my Phantoms, which was an interesting take."

He must have been ill or otherwise not up to scratch. Normally, there's nothing subdued about him; his voice can usually shake the building!

Broadway Flash said: "What are the odds this extends again?"

With what the box office is charging for tickets right now, some folks are going to be mighty sore if it extends significantly. I would guess odds aren't great for an extension.

Broadway Flash said: "They can always change the day they see it. Since everyone is trying to see it again before it closes, they should extend it for a few more months until sales die down again."

I'm sure this is common knowledge but maybe people need a reminder. Once a show announces its closing people rush to see it. Thus demand increases, and then prices increase. This does not indicate another extension is in the works or will be announced.

Sales have already died down. If you look at the weekdays in late February through March, there's a ton of availability. Unless those seats start moving, there's no reason for another extension.

On the show's official website, it says:

"We are sad to confirm that after 35 years on Broadway, Phantom will play its final performance at the Majestic Theatre on Sunday April 16th, 2023. This will be our final extension on Broadway.

The language being used there and elsewhere doesn't leave much room for interpretation.

defenses said: "This is the second comment in the past two weeks about how his performance hasn’t been as strong. I hope he’s doing alright!"

I saw the show twice in late November, on a consecutive Friday and Saturday. Greg Mills (who was truly SUPERB) went on for Ben Crawford on Friday night. Ben returned for the Saturday evening performance, but he shouldn't have. He was quite obviously sick; he sounded very nasal and was unable to sustain the big notes to his usual standards.

chernjam said: "I imagined they would make it thru the Tonys, maybe for some sort of farewell at that and make it through early Summer.

But again, theatre producers - including CM - who knows"

Even if CM and ALW want to extend, it's entirely at the discretion of the Shubert Organization if they extend. Once a show announces a closing, that is an official notice that they are vacating the theater. They may have worked with the Shuberts ahead of time to establish an extended closing date, but an email the Shuberts recently circulated to select staff shows that the Majestic will be dark after April 15. Doesn't mean it can't happen, but it seems very unlikely.

Phantour said: "Is it wrong I bought tickets to both performances on the day before the 35th anniversary in hopes Ben might want to take off one of those days to rest up? He has wonderful understudies and I hope to catch a couple of them. I have seen Greg Mills earlier this month and I am trying to catch Ted Keegan again as it's been about 20 years since I last saw him in the role and I know his voice and energy are still the same as they were back then!"

Absolutely nothing wrong with that! This is the time to see as many people as you can because no one knows who will be involved if/when Phantom comes back. I am only planning on seeing the show one more time (unless I miraculously win the lottery or ticket prices go down), and while I want to see one of the u/s because I haven't seen them, I think I would be sad if Ben wasn't at my last show because I adore him!

Phantour said: "Is it wrong I bought tickets to both performances on the day before the 35th anniversary in hopes Ben might want to take off one of those days to rest up? He has wonderful understudies and I hope to catch a couple of them."

I bought a ticket for next Wednesday's matinee for the same reason. I'm REALLY hoping to get Greg or Jeremy (but I'd be very disappointed if I got Ted Keegan, who - to borrow a phrase from Carlotta - "doesn't have the voice!" IMHO).

Broadway Flash said: "Will the current cast be on for the current scheduled closing performance?"

Probably, but there has been no official announcement to date.

Phantour said: "Is it wrong I bought tickets to both performances on the day before the 35th anniversary in hopes Ben might want to take off one of those days to rest up? He has wonderful understudies and I hope to catch a couple of them."

Ben has been out two of the last three times I saw the show so I’d say your chances are good.

Now I want to be careful what I wish for with understudies on for Wednesday. I know some sickness is starting to go around the cast so I only want principal actors out if they decided they wanted to rest up, not because they end up getting sick. It's heartbreaking to think anyone in the cast would have to miss the anniversary performance.

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "Great news, especially since most people I’ve spoken to this last year have commented on how Ben is not their ideal Phantom. Serviceable, but not near my favorites."

I have heard both; some longtime fans absolutely love him and others think he is just okay. I find him serviceable, but I will always welcome the chance to see one of his understudies.