Phantom Closing? — Page 21

I've heard few if any people who were unhappy with the small changes done to Phantom NY, especially when compared to the complete and total hack job the show received in London. The worst change by far was the descent to the lair, and that has been defended as essential because of the first black Christine actress and the lack of doubles to play her as originally directed in that scene. But otherwise, the minor tweaks in some dance movements and staging, like Il Muto for example, was minimal at most.

I find it hard to believe that people were seeing the show for Meghan (although I personally loved her). And Ben has been getting some of the best reviews in years, especially after the deeply unpopular and controversial previous Phantom actor. The thing that brought down the grosses was the omicron variant and the lack of international tourists.

And finally, I'm not sure why you refer to the original iconic 1988 production as "this incarnation" Ouch! And finally again, lol, you talk about the RAH version being good because it's so close to the original, well what's at the Majestic IS the original! The RAH was a concert version, that's all. It does not capture any of Maria's beautiful draperies, set changes, etc.

hearthemsing22 said: "Penna2 said: I am a loyal and longtime fan of the show and the book (I even write phan fiction) and have seen more bootlegs than I can remember, examined the different costumes, voted on who had the best MOTN, etc. I just don't think this incarnation is particularly worthy of a pro-shot is all. I love RAH25 because it is big and, while not the exact replica of the original has the grandeur and essence ofthe original in size and scope and is close to perfect in terms of the idea of the show. I haven't followed this thread tbh to have seen the arguments, but what I know is that when it re-opened, ticket sales were fine, but dropped when Meghan Picerno left and didn't pick up until the notice of cancellation. There were changes in staging and a lot of people who have seen the show multiple times were unhappy with them, and, while I haven't personally seen this particular cast, I've heard from several who have that Ben phones it in for the most part. Just my take from visiting other blogs and talking to people who have seen this version and others from the past before Covid."

How do you determine if a performer is phoning it in? I've seen Ben several times and have never thought he was...on autopilot? or anything while performing!"

Agreed. I know a lot of people don't care for his acting choices, but that doesn't mean he's just going through the motions. We all have our preferences. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be a fan of the show if it weren't for his performance.

defenses said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Penna2 said: I am a loyal and longtime fan of the show and the book (I even write phan fiction) and have seen more bootlegs than I can remember, examined the different costumes, voted on who had the best MOTN, etc. I just don't think this incarnation is particularly worthy of a pro-shot is all. I love RAH25 because it is big and, while not the exact replica of the original has the grandeur and essence ofthe original in size and scope and is close to perfect in terms of the idea of the show. I haven't followed this thread tbh to have seen the arguments, but what I know is that when it re-opened, ticket sales were fine, but dropped when Meghan Picerno left and didn't pick up until the notice of cancellation. There were changes in staging and a lot of people who have seen the show multiple times were unhappy with them, and, while I haven't personally seen this particular cast, I've heard from several who have that Ben phones it in for the most part. Just my take from visiting other blogs and talking to people who have seen this version and others from the past before Covid."

How do you determine if a performer is phoning it in? I've seen Ben several times and have never thought he was...on autopilot? or anything while performing!"

Agreed. I know a lot of people don't care for his acting choices, but that doesn't mean he's just going through the motions. We all have our preferences. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be a fan of the show if it weren't for his performance."

By incarnation - perhaps iteration is a better word, I meant the production being performed now with this cast, as opposed to say the cast with Sierra Boggess and Hugh Panaro at the 25th. As I said, I didn't see the current production, just going by comments from others who have seen the show innumerable times over the years, regarding Ben's performance. One of my friends has seen both the current Broadway and UK productions 2x each and says the UK version is better. Also, the staging for PONR was changed as I understand shifting the energy from the Phantom to Christine diminishing the power of the scene. I happened to see videos of that - giving Christine her "agency."

If they want to do something unique, then pull the tape from the archives with Michael and Sarah and make that into a CD.

This conversation is likely moot - they aren't going to spend any more money on this particular show.

If they do bring it back later, I do hope they don't mimic the tour direction which is the bigger crime.

I'm sad to see the show go in any event. Phantom is a big part of my life and one more thing disappearing and that makes me truly sad. Over the years I've had enormous fun arguing over which Phantom is better or which Star Princess dress was the prettiest or which Christine sang Wishing with the most heart. I am grateful for the RAH25 DVD.

defenses said: "Penna2 said: Also, the staging for PONR was changed as I understand shifting the energy from the Phantom to Christine diminishing the power of the scene. I happened to see videos of that - giving Christine her "agency."

If they want to do something unique, then pull the tape from the archives with Michael and Sarah and make that into a CD."

FWIW, I think this is part of the problem. Older fans don’t want change. Young people don’t want to see it because it’s not cool; it’s their mom’s favorite musical or the show they were dragged to in high school. It has to be incredibly difficult to try to attract new fans while keeping older ones happy. For every fan who likes something old (or new), one doesn’t."

Ironically, I only discovered Phantom because of RAH25 5 years ago quite by fluke. I heard the theme on a show, mentioned to a friend on FB that I liked it, she sent me a CD of Ramin Karimloo singing Till I Hear You Sing from LND was hooked on him! That led me to RAH25, so it was my first experience with the show. I suspect we all love our first Phantom.

What's funny, though, is my late husband wanted to see the show for his birthday back in 1991. Michael Crawford was in LA for his 2nd go around. Unfortunately, his birthday was on May 2 and Michael left the show on April 30. Hubby didn't want to see it with anyone else, so we didn't go!

He passed away in 1994 and I always have to laugh when I think about how many Phantoms there have been since then. I doubt the show will ever truly be gone and 35 years is one hell of a run. Many of the fans today weren't even alive when it was first produced, so I wouldn't give up entirely on the younger generation.

Wow Ben was out again!!!!! Im going to the matinee this upcoming Wednesday and i sure hope hes in, my wife loves him :)

defenses said: "PanaroFan111 said: "Wow Ben was out again!!!!! Im going to the matinee this upcoming Wednesday and i sure hope hes in, my wife loves him :)"

Paul Schaefer said on his Instagram he was doing 5 shows as Raoul shows then 4 as Phantom. It looks like he did Friday and both Saturday shows. Unless someone else is covering, Ben should be there!"

Oh wow thanks for the heads up, Paul did Phantom Fri and both shows Sat which was his 4th?

Phantour said: "I guess we view the situation differently. Since I have seen the main cast, I would be thrilled to see all these understudies because I know they are also so talented."

My apologies if I was unclear. When I said it was "awful", I meant a whole slew of understudies being called in because (presumably) so many principle cast members were sick.

Updated On: 1/29/23 at 03:56 PM

defenses said: "I forgot how much action happens in the front left corner"

This is why, when folks ask for seating advice, I always recommend orchestra left over orchestra right, if they can't get in the center. The blocking of this show is biased towards orchestra left.

defenses said: "I'm tempted to get a last-minute ticket to the anniversary tomorrow... What is money?"

This past week, I attended the Wednesday matinee, the Thursday evening 35th anniversary performance, and the Friday evening performance. When this production closes, what's happening at the Majestic right now will never be seen again. When it's gone, it's gone. #NoDayButToday

Lot666 said: "defenses said: "I forgot how much action happens in the front left corner"

This is why, when folks ask for seating advice, I always recommend orchestra left over orchestra right, if they can't get in the center. The blocking of this show is biased towards orchestra left."

Yes!! I was in the first row all the way to the left at my first show (A+++ lottery seats). Being SO CLOSE to a lot of the action was amazing. I think feeling so immersed made me fall in love with the show. (That said, being too close does have disadvantages. I had no idea the Phantom is actually on the catwalk at points and shakes the freaking chandelier!!! I am too used to audio-only boots where everyone is a disembodied voice, haha.)

Lot666 said: "defenses said: "I'm tempted to get a last-minute ticket to the anniversary tomorrow... What is money?"

This past week, I attended the Wednesday matinee, the Thursday evening 35th anniversary performance, and the Friday evening performance. When this production closes, what's happening at the Majestic right now will never be seen again. When it's gone, it's gone. #NoDayButToday"

I was at those first two as well!!! Thursday had great energy, but I think I liked Wednesday's performance better. I spent way too much money that I shouldn't have, but I am a very new fan who is YEARS behind and has to catch up. :) I have tickets for April, but I am going to try to go again in February and March to see Kanisha and Elizabeth as Christine. Oh, angel of music, give me the luck to win the lottery!

Phantour said: "defenses said: "Lot666 said: "defenses said: "I forgot how much action happens in the front left corner"

This is why, when folks ask for seating advice, I always recommend orchestra left over orchestra right, if they can't get in the center. The blocking of this show is biased towards orchestra left."

Yes!! I was in the first row all the way to the left at my first show (A+++ lottery seats). Being SO CLOSE to a lot of the action was amazing. I think feeling so immersed made me fall in love with the show. (That said, being too close does have disadvantages. I had no idea the Phantom is actually on the catwalk at points and shakes the freaking chandelier!!! I am too used to audio-only boots where everyone is a disembodied voice, haha.)

Lot666 said: "defenses said: "I'm tempted to get a last-minute ticket to the anniversary tomorrow... What is money?"

This past week, I attended the Wednesday matinee, the Thursday evening 35th anniversary performance, and the Friday evening performance. When this production closes, what's happening at the Majestic right now will never be seen again. When it's gone, it's gone. #NoDayButToday"

I was at those first two as well!!! Thursday had great energy, but I think I liked Wednesday's performance better. I spent way too much money that I shouldn't have, but I am a very new fan who is YEARS behind and has to catch up. :) I have tickets for April, but I am going to try to go again in February and March to see Kanisha and Elizabeth as Christine. Oh, angel of music, give me the luck to win the lottery!"

I was at Tuesday's performance, both performances on Wednesday and the Thursday anniversary performance. I am not sure which show I could say had the most energy, but I felt when Emilie was out for the Wednesday evening performance, the show lacked something for me. I sat far left front orchestra for the anniversary and I really love seeing the show from that angle. It's especially a perfect spot in Hannibal to hear Raquel ad libbing as Carlotta."

For me, the Thursday definitely had the best crowd. The person in front of me (in the first row of left orchestra) on Wednesday was on her phone at some points of Act 1! Thursday felt like I was at a POTO convention or a postseason sporting event.

Despite that person, being so close to everything made me quite partial to Wednesday. (Plus Ben hit the longest “be” I’m pretty sure I ever heard from him. I nearly fell out of my chair because I was not expecting it.)

I didn’t notice Carlotta when I first sat there but I did on Wednesday! It was either because it was a different actress, or I was just so focused on the main action the first time. I did purposely try to focus on side characters last week.

yyys said: "are they still doing SRO?"

I was in the Majestic box office on Friday when someone at the next window asked about SRO. The employee said that SRO is only offered when all seats, including premium, are sold out. At the time, there were still a handful of $400-$500 front orchestra seats available, so they were not offering SRO tickets.

hearthemsing22 said: "yyys said: "are they still doing SRO?"

I was able to get standing room for the anniversary performance! I think it's just a toss up. It's never guaranteed but it doesn't hurt to ask!"

Someone had mentioned that they're doing SRO but only once all the tickets are sold - and since some premiums have been in the $300 + range, it could be cutting it close to curtain whether you can get them or not. It's probably why the attendance dipped below 100+% this week but the grosses still went up