Phantom Closing?- Page 23

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 2/9/23 at 11:11am

I was there Tuesday night too (and last night). Have been gathering my thoughts (that no one cares about, but I have them), but one tip--if you check on the weekends, they tend to release tickets in the front row and side orchestra for the coming week. Saturday around noon, front row and side orchestra for Monday's show showed up on Telecharge at around $200 (this was after there were almost no tickets Friday night--then on Saturday there were suddenly a lot). I can't remember when they popped up for Tuesday, but the ones for Wednesday showed up on Sunday afternoon/evening. And yes, they were significantly cheaper than they have been. On Sunday they were $195 (including the fees), so I grabbed one; by Monday morning the remaining ones were down to $175 (there was still a front row one there yesterday morning for the evening show). If you're willing to pay that much, you should be able to get one (though I don't know about April.They'll likely be more expensive and harder to come by then).

(And I wasn't seated near you, but the people near me on Tuesday weren't great either. I was sitting next to a couple where the husband clearly wasn't into it, and he started checking his phone, which was so bright, and so annoying.)

Updated On: 2/9/23 at 11:11 AM

[defenses]

Posted: 2/9/23 at 11:19am

Thank you all for the Telecharge tips! I have been looking at StubHub since I figured Telecharge wasn't adding more tickets. There are a few shows I'm trying to catch last-minute.

[martinsmithfan]

Posted: 2/9/23 at 11:11pm

Phantour said: "I agree with this strategy! I have done it for friends who were looking for a specific date, but it was sold out. I kept looking and things would open up. This also worked for me for the anniversary performance. The night before I was in rear mezz and it wasn't the best experience so I didn't want to sit there again for the anniversary as I booked. I saw a side front orchestra seat open up the day of for $244 (a bargain with rear orchestra having seats at $400+ a few weeks back) and I was able to call Telecharge and order the new ticket and get my previous ticket refunded.

As for the understudy schedule - what is going on with Monday, April 10? I swear tickets were on sale for it before and we have listed Paul on for Phantom. However, when you go on telecharge now, the date doesn't show a performance option. Perhaps it will open up again soon?"

Ok so this got me thinking, should I/could I potentially go ahead and purchase one of the cheapest seats now for April 3 to see Ted, and then as it gets closer to the date or even on the day of, if I see a better seat open up for that performance at a comparable price, or a not so terrible one, I could then call and get it exchanged? If that could work then thats what I'll do just to make sure this is a sure thing because I don't want to miss this final opportunity.

Updated On: 2/9/23 at 11:11 PM

[BroadwayRox3588]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 1:41am

Voter said: ""

I wholeheartedly agree.

[Phantour]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 7:36am

martinsmithfan said: "Phantour said: "Iagree with this strategy! I have done it for friends who were looking for a specific date, but it was sold out. I kept looking and things would open up. This also worked for me for the anniversary performance. The night before I was in rear mezz and it wasn't the best experience so I didn't want to sit there again for the anniversary as I booked. I saw a side front orchestra seat open up the day of for $244 (a bargain with rear orchestra having seats at $400+ a few weeks back) and I was able to call Telecharge and order the new ticket and get my previous ticket refunded.

As for the understudy schedule - what is going on with Monday, April 10? I swear tickets were on sale for it before and we have listed Paul on for Phantom. However, when you go on telecharge now, the date doesn't show a performance option. Perhaps it will open up again soon?"

Ok so this got me thinking, should I/could I potentially go ahead and purchase one of the cheapest seats now for April 3 to see Ted, and then as it gets closer to the date or even on the day of, if I see a better seat open up for that performance at a comparable price, or a not so terrible one, I could then call and get it exchanged? If that could work then thats what I'll do just to make sure this is a sure thing because I don't want to miss this final opportunity."

I think that's a good idea. I have heard some phone agents may be reluctant to exchange so if that happens, call again and try another agent, lol. 

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 8:58am

martinsmithfan said: "Ok so this got me thinking, should I/could I potentially go ahead and purchase one of the cheapest seats now for April 3 to see Ted, and then as it gets closer to the date or even on the day of, if I see a better seat open up for that performance at a comparable price, or a not so terrible one, I could then call and get it exchanged? If that could work then thats what I'll do just to make sure this is a sure thing because I don't want to miss this final opportunity."

Be very careful with this approach. It is important to understand that, officially, "all sales are final" and there are "no refunds or exchanges". This means that any request to change a previously-purchased seat to another is entirely subject to the discretion of the representative with whom you speak and they are under no obligation to comply with your wishes. That said, if you ask to change a less expensive seat to a more expensive seat, you are much more likely to be accommodated than if you ask to change a more expensive seat to a less expensive seat. The powers that be are more inclined to accept more money from you than to give money back to you.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when speaking with Telecharge is that you will catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Do not make demands and/or verbally abuse these people - a smile in your voice can go a long way.

Updated On: 2/11/23 at 08:58 AM

[defenses]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 8:31am

FYI, Ben was out last night and has been out the last two Fridays. They didn't seem scheduled, so I'm not sure what's up. I'll keep an eye on it since I'd like to see another Phantom and can't go on Mondays. I watched Jeremy Stolle's Instagram live to try to get more info, but Jeremy, Laird, and Paul only confirmed their Monday dates.

[Phantour]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 8:53am

defenses said: "FYI, Ben was out last night and has been out the last two Fridays. They didn't seem scheduled, so I'm not sure what's up. I'll keep an eye on it since I'd like to see another Phantom and can't go on Mondays. I watched Jeremy Stolle's Instagram live to try to get more info, but Jeremy, Laird, and Paul only confirmed their Monday dates."

The Mondays have definitely been scheduled, but everything else will most likely be last minute when Ben calls off. The understudy Phantoms were pretty good at posting future dates on their social media, but I've noticed since the beginning of the year, they haven't really done that. I was actually shocked they finally confirmed themselves some dates on Jeremy's Instagram live. Maybe you can try for a Friday and hope for the best. Another note to fans who may have watched the lG live, Laird Mackintosh mentioned he's only temporarily in the cast as Monsieur Levefre. I DMed him and he confirmed his last official date with the show is Monday, March 6th (he's on for Phantom that night). Perhaps they could use him as a future swing, but if anyone wanted to see him, better do it now while you can! 

 

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 9:41am

Ben out again? Time to bring on Ramin

[defenses]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 10:25am

Phantour said: "defenses said: "FYI, Ben was out last night and has been out the last two Fridays. They didn't seem scheduled, so I'm not sure what's up. I'll keep an eye on it since I'd like to see another Phantom and can't go on Mondays. I watched Jeremy Stolle's Instagram live to try to get more info, but Jeremy, Laird, and Paul only confirmed their Monday dates."

The Mondays have definitely been scheduled, but everything else will most likely be last minute when Ben calls off. The understudy Phantoms were pretty good at posting future dates on their social media, but I've noticed since the beginning of the year, they haven't really done that. I was actually shocked they finally confirmed themselves some dates on Jeremy's Instagram live. Maybe you can try for a Friday and hope for the best."

Yeah, they seemed like late changes, but it's interesting they've all been on Fridays. So I will keep an eye out. I'm penciling the 24th in my calendar (seeing Bad Cinderella next Friday so can't go then) to play Phantom roulette. Knowing my luck, it'll be Ben/Emilie/Paul again, yippee.

WldKingdomHM said: "Ben out again? Time to bring on Ramin"

No, thank you.

[Phantour]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 1:04pm

defenses said: No, thank you."

I agree. If Ben were to leave the show early, I rather see one of all of his understudies fill out the role until it ends since they deserve it! I feel with the way Ramin is hyping this secret, it's going to be for a new production of Phantom or Love Never Dies. 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 1:33pm

Why would there be a new production of Love Never Dies? Where did that rumor start?

[defenses]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 1:41pm

Phantour said: "defenses said:No, thank you."

I agree. If Ben were to leave the show early, I rather see one of all of his understudies fill out the role until it ends since they deserve it! I feel with the way Ramin is hyping this secret, it's going to be for a new production of Phantom or Love Never Dies."

Same. There are very few names who I think would replace Ben if he weren't the final principal. Ramin is not one of them. (Plus, I would have expected an announcement already.)

CATSNYrevival said: "Why would there be a new production of Love Never Dies? Where did that rumor start?"

It's all thanks to Ramin's videos! The mask in the first video is apparently his LND mask, which made people wonder about LND.

[Phantour]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 3:37pm

Paul A. Schaefer checked with management and confirmed to me in a DM he will not be going on as the Phantom on April 10th. There is no performance on that day. Whether they alter that and make it a special, invite performance, who knows?! 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 3:52pm

Maybe they cut it since there's the final not-available-for-sale performance on Sunday the 16th and doing one on the 10th would give them 9 shows that week?

[defenses]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 6:17pm

Phantour said: "Paul A. Schaefer checked with management and confirmed to me in a DM he will not be going on as the Phantom on April 10th. There is no performance on that day. Whether they alter that and make it a special, invite performance, who knows?!"

Thanks for the update! Poor guy. At least he already had a chance to say goodbye to the role.

Plot twist: There will be an announcement that there will be a show on that day... and Ramin will be the Phantom.

(I'm only joking, I promise!!! :) )

Updated On: 2/11/23 at 06:17 PM

[Penna2]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 6:25pm

defenses said: "Phantour said: "Paul A. Schaefer checked with management and confirmed to me in a DM he will not be going on as the Phantom on April 10th. There is no performance on that day. Whether they alter that and make it a special, invite performance, who knows?!"

Thanks for the update! Poor guy. At least he already had a chance to say goodbye to the role.

Plot twist: There will be an announcement that there will be a show on that day... and Ramin will be the Phantom.

(I'm only joking, I promise!!! :) )"

I wouldn't be surprised if Ramin did perform in that show. Makes sense. Would love to see him be able to add that Phantom credential to his resume.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 8:01pm

At the show right now and Ben is on tonight. 

[martinsmithfan]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 10:00pm

I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts are on Ben Crawford’s Phantom?

Also,
Thank you everyone for all your replies and suggestions to help me with the dilemma I was in, it means a lot and was really helpful.

Very happy ending to this story, I was venting on the phone with my grandma about that performance I attended and what I was trying to plan to do for April 3—and she offered to cover the price of the ticket for April 3 as a gift.

I feel incredibly blessed that I’ll get this opportunity to get to see a legendary old school Phantom for my final visit to the Broadway production. And I’m not letting anyone ruin it for me this time.

Updated On: 2/11/23 at 10:00 PM

[Fosse76]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 12:30am

MemorableUserName said: "Maybe they cut it since there's the final not-available-for-sale performance on Sunday the 16th and doing one on the 10th would give them 9 shows that week?"

Are there 9 performances that week? Aside from Sunday, April 16th and Monday the 10th, there is also no performance on Friday the 14th. There are only 6 performances available for sale, as of now. 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 12:45am

Fosse76 said: "MemorableUserName said: "Maybe they cut it since there's the final not-available-for-sale performance on Sunday the 16th and doing one on the 10th would give them 9 shows that week?"

Are there 9 performances that week? Aside from Sunday, April 16th and Monday the 10th, there is also no performance on Friday the 14th. There are only 6 performances available for sale, as of now."

I was going by this page, which does list one:

https://us.thephantomoftheopera.com/


 

Updated On: 2/12/23 at 12:45 AM

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 12:57am

April 14 is supposed to be the benefit performance.

[Phantour]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 7:51am

martinsmithfan said: "I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts are on Ben Crawford’s Phantom?

Ben is solid in the role, but to me, I wouldn't say he excels in it. He has a strong voice, but the vowel placement is a bit odd and he can get into a "Shrek" voice at times. To me, he can be really on or he can go through the motions of a particular scene. However, he usually brings his A game when it comes to the Final Lair. 

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 8:48am

I completely agree with that. The way he pronounces some stuff totally just took me out of it. 

[defenses]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 9:41am

martinsmithfan said: "I’m curious what everyone’s thoughts are on Ben Crawford’s Phantom?"

First off, yay for your grandma! Grandmas are the best!

As for Ben, I am SUPER biased since he's the only Phantom I’ve seen (and might end up being the only one I see the way things are going). I had very little interest in seeing Phantom until it was closing. I won the lottery in December and didn't expect much, but I fell in love for various reasons. There’s something about his performance that clicks with me. His Phantom is super dramatic, and I think he can pick up some of the more "humorous" elements of the Phantom that others may miss. I can see why a lot of people may not like him, though, if they’re used to a different style of Phantom.

As for his voice, I absolutely adore his voice. I never noticed his “accent” until started falling down the Phantom fandom rabbit hole. I always assumed his diction was due to "opera vowels" (and I just saw some comment the other day elsewhere that said he sounded like he was trained by an Italian opera singer). 

My only “criticism” is that his earlier stuff (caveat: I’ve only seen/heard in boots) is a lot different. He’s much more toned down now. I don’t know whose decision that was, but I wish I had a time machine to see him and Ali in 2018!

tl;dr dude made me a fan of him and the show!