Phantom Closing?- Page 44
Phantom Closing?
MemorableUserName
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
#1075Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/15/23 at 11:52pm
John Riddle post-show Instagram video
https://imgur.com/a/Fqcfq9n
BorisTomashevsky
Broadway Star Joined: 4/30/22
#1076Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/15/23 at 11:57pm
MemorableUserName said: "John Riddle post-show Instagram video
https://imgur.com/a/Fqcfq9n"
I know there’s the whole thing about “you got your show and no one owes you any more than that”, but with tickets not generally for sale to Sunday’s show… I’d say that audience deserved more than, what, an air kiss from Paul Schaefer?
#1077Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 12:39am
QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
This makes me want to speak up as well after reading what Taffy said and agreeing. This was 100% NOT dramatic because I paid entirely too much for last night’s so called "Gala" for a good cause, but at any other Gala I have either attended or been a part of the people who paid and exuberant amount of money always received something for their generous donation. The audience members of last night and tonight seemed to get really slapped in the face by whoever put the "Gala" together and the "Final public performance" together. The cast gave remarkable performances and we should NEVER expect anything extra from them. But for every anniversary, birthday or even, POTO had gifts at the seats for the audience. Nothing last night and nothing tonight. Yes, last there was a special playbill, finding out not everyone got because of various reasons. But there wasn't even a special encore performance for the "Gala" or tonight’s show. Wouldn't you be upset and not "dramatic"? People paid over $1500 a ticket or donated more than that. Sarah Brightman did make a speech about ALW charity, but there was a full performance for the 30th anniversary. Here he raised $650K in one night. It just seems like a nice thank you to the fans, who kept this show going for so long and REALLY going the last few months, to give something back to take with them. I know so many people are thinking it. When you are giving a 15-minute standing ovation and nothing happens, that is a slap in the face.... not being dramatic.
#1078Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 12:46am
It really does seem they screwed the pooch on this closing, but perhaps they didn’t want to go too full out? Perhaps, they already know the show is going to be returning.
In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound.
Signed,
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement
MemorableUserName
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
yahyahyah
Chorus Member Joined: 11/15/12
#1080Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 1:14am
I have to agree with the palpable disappointment of the audience.
Cameron and the team should be embarrassed. This was the final show for the public—tomorrow is for the Phantom family—and the inner circle. Not a word, not a planned speech tonight. A near entire Broadway audience stayed planted on their feet in their respective rows and chanted such things as, “One more song!” Anything! For 30 minutes. Not even an extra curtain call seemed permissible.
The curtain stayed stationary for some time, unmoved by the audiences’ pleas. The show lights went off, work lights came on. A jovial crew began their regular reset in front of the huge crowd. Eventually, amazed actors wandered out onto the stage in their street clothes to behold the sight and take loving selfies inclusive of the amassed crowd behind them. Only when Nehal Joshi was thrust into the audiences’ rapturous embrace (seemingly by a crew member to have his “moment&rdquo
, Nehal shared a few impromptu words. Nehal chose to acknowledge the crew that has made the show work for so long, and the front of house staff, etc. Again, what an opportunity lost for some graciousness and acknowledgment from the producers. All those folks behind the scenes who’ve spent a career unseen facilitating this beautiful magic and the audience who wanted a means to thank them. Someone on stage eventually sparked a round of choral “Happy Trails,” which was a sweet idea, and that was it. The stage cleared, the hard working ushers pleaded for the audience to leave.
It was a wild lack of planning and lack of respect for Phantom’s public, and this audience of die-hards who represent many others who would have wanted to be there. (And perhaps broke their piggy banks to do so.) Also, charging an enormous amount for this specific performance? Why? They spoke in the press about “special events” planned for this closing weekend when it was announced. Nothing.
Again, Cameron and his team should be embarrassed. Yes, it’s special just to be at this performance. But if the audience is largely leaving disappointed with misaligned expectations, after 30 minutes of communal chanting and hoping, I think they failed.
Also, not to be a total curmudgeon, but while the Phantom understudy tag game was amusing, it again points to a lack of proper management of this production at the top level. It has been clear that some folks were no longer in “peak shape” to fulfill the demands of the roles they have been occupying—not just vocally—but in my opinion (perhaps not shared by all!)—the continued ability to command the focus, intentionality, and rigor to keep Hal’s original intentions from sagging and drooping with compromised stakes and storytelling. Perhaps some graciously should have given final bows some time ago (not just in leading roles), if management was keeping a closer and more interested eye. Some cases seemed clear years ago, some months ago, seeing work deteriorate. It’s wild to me that the final two weeks became a game of “who can go on as the lead tonight?” Why not bring back one of the tried-and-true “classic Phantoms” for a strong finish at least?
But none of this can take away from the show and its immeasurable impact. The artistry lead by the creatives has inspired generations. And many committed, talented actors have carried the torch for years and years, company to company. That’s what will be remembered, in the end, I suppose.
BroadwayPhan
Chorus Member Joined: 2/11/08
#1081Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 1:20am
HunterK said: "QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
This makes me want to speak up as well after reading what Taffy said and agreeing.This was 100% NOT dramatic because I paid entirely too much for last night’s so called "Gala" for a good cause, but at any other Gala I have either attended or been a part of the people who paid and exuberant amount of money always received something for their generous donation. The audience members of last night and tonight seemed to get really slapped in the face by whoever put the "Gala" together and the "Final public performance" together. The cast gave remarkable performances and we should NEVER expect anything extra from them. But for every anniversary, birthday or even, POTO had gifts at the seats for the audience. Nothing last night and nothing tonight. Yes, last there was a special playbill, finding out not everyone got because of various reasons. But there wasn't even a special encore performance for the "Gala" or tonight’s show. Wouldn't you be upset and not "dramatic"? People paid over $1500 a ticket or donated more than that. Sarah Brightman did make a speech about ALW charity, but there was a full performance for the 30th anniversary. Here he raised $650K in one night. It just seems like a nice thank you to the fans, who kept this show going for so long and REALLY going the last few months, to give something back to take with them. I know so many people are thinking it. When you are giving a 15-minute standing ovation and nothing happens, that is a slap in the face.... not being dramatic."
Not to forget that the 35th anniversary performance in January was a pretty mundane affair. They had a cake and that was about it. And they made poor Ben give a speech that clearly was handed to him by Cam Mac & Co. In that speech, they continued Hal's tradition of listing how many jobs Phantom has created over the years. The irony of course for this year - closing the show is putting so many people out of jobs. Especially since it feels like the show is unnecessarily closing - mostly so Cam Mac can pay off the original creative team and investors - only to re-open a cheaper production later, with a bigger share for him.
pmensky
Broadway Star Joined: 7/18/11
#1082Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 1:38am
Yes, reopening,, landmark performances, and major anniversaries are celebrated with special events, but those events are really more for marketing purposes than having a good time or giving back to the fans. The publicity from that stuff sells tickets and makes them money. All they needed to make money from this time was from last night’s charity performance, and that’s what they did. Why bother with anything else for the public when the show is closing in hours, and there is literally no consequence for them not having encores with special guests, gift bags, etc. They don’t care if you complain on a message board. They got what they needed with limited effort expended, and they are packing it up and heading for the hills.
Dolly80
Broadway Star Joined: 5/15/11
#1083Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 2:14am
Cam Mac doesn’t care. He got your money and he’s closing this down so Phantom lite can replace it and no more paying those pesky original creatives their royalties.
The sad thing is- you’ll all probably pay to go and see that because you love the show.
It’s very disappointing that so little respect has been shown to the fans like this.
BroadwayPhan
Chorus Member Joined: 2/11/08
#1084Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 2:20am
Was fortunate to have a ticket to Saturday night’s performance. The show is such a masterpiece with so many pieces coming together so well. It still feels like a show that shouldn’t be closing and I’m sad they couldn’t keep it going for a little longer given all the enthusiasm it has been getting. That being said, I never thought the “brilliant original” would re-open here on Broadway after the pandemic - given what happened in London. So I look at it that Broadway got an 18-month bonus. Maybe we should just be grateful that we got the opportunity to give it a proper farewell. Our counterparts in London sadly didn’t get that chance.
The whole cast brought their A-game tonight. I’m sure they all fed off the buzz in the audience too. Laird was excellent (my first time seeing him). Emilie got a well-deserved lengthy standing ovation after “Wishing” that brought a nice appreciative smile out of her.
I too was surprised they didn’t plan anything at the curtain call though. But the audience didn’t let the cast off the hook though as we all stayed standing trying to call them out. At first we saw some of the cast members peeking out from behind the curtain. A missed opportunity to have just let them come out and feed off the audience. They finally raised the curtain and then the crew reset the chandelier. Gradually more of the cast (out of costume) and crew members came out. The audience chanted “one more song” and the cast obliged singing “Happy Trails” totally impromptu.
You could tell the cast and crew were soaking it in as much as the audience. As fun as the unexpected was, it’s just disappointing that nothing more formal was planned so that everyone in the theater and on stage could appropriately mark the occasion and really thank each other for all the memories.
Finally, Nehal Joshi stepped up to the front of the stage and as “the theater’s owner” (which got a good laugh) and without a mic, he thanked the crew, front of house, etc….and the audience. Totally unplanned. But a nice touch to end the evening.
This all took about 20 minutes and by 10:50-10:55, we all started leaving the Phantom’s theater one last time.
Yes Phantom will be back, but it’s just a shame that we likely won’t see Hal, Maria, and Gillian’s masterful work again in their full glory.
QueenTwinnied
Broadway Star Joined: 6/16/17
#1085Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 3:34am
HunterK said: "QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
This makes me want to speak up as well after reading what Taffy said and agreeing.This was 100% NOT dramatic because I paid entirely too much for last night’s so called "Gala" for a good cause, but at any other Gala I have either attended or been a part of the people who paid and exuberant amount of money always received something for their generous donation. The audience members of last night and tonight seemed to get really slapped in the face by whoever put the "Gala" together and the "Final public performance" together. The cast gave remarkable performances and we should NEVER expect anything extra from them. But for every anniversary, birthday or even, POTO had gifts at the seats for the audience. Nothing last night and nothing tonight. Yes, last there was a special playbill, finding out not everyone got because of various reasons. But there wasn't even a special encore performance for the "Gala" or tonight’s show. Wouldn't you be upset and not "dramatic"? People paid over $1500 a ticket or donated more than that. Sarah Brightman did make a speech about ALW charity, but there was a full performance for the 30th anniversary. Here he raised $650K in one night. It just seems like a nice thank you to the fans, who kept this show going for so long and REALLY going the last few months, to give something back to take with them. I know so many people are thinking it. When you are giving a 15-minute standing ovation and nothing happens, that is a slap in the face.... not being dramatic.
"
GO. TOUCH. GRASS. NOW.
Listener
Featured Actor Joined: 9/25/22
#1086Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 5:08am
Nothing at all - not even Andrew coming out, or some vets appearing because we know they're already in town for tomorrow's private gala anyway....or even a plastic Phantom mask or Thsnk you booklet....Anything! - for the fans who came in costume? Fans who came, year after year? The ones who choose to get engaged at the final show because it means so much to them? The ones who are still expected go turn up at the upcoming remounting, all eager to hand over their cash for something likely to be inferior?
...unreal.
QueenTwinnied
Broadway Star Joined: 6/16/17
#1087Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 5:13am
You people are insane for feeling so entitled. Definition of first world problems it’s so disgusting.
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#1088Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 5:36am
QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
It's a valid opinion and I would hardly characterize it as dramatic. Nor is it entitled to wish that someone would have made some sort of remarks at the final public performance of Broadway's longest running show. In fact, doing so seems like the bare minimum one might anticipate at such a performance.
Voter
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/20
#1089Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 6:04am
QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
This board is filled with such entitled nonsense. The show truly doesn’t owe anyone anything! It’s a show!
There are like 3 other people called Voter on here, FYI.
Deleted comment count: 12
QueenTwinnied
Broadway Star Joined: 6/16/17
#1090Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 6:44am
JasonC3 said: "QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
It's a valid opinion and I would hardly characterize it as dramatic. Nor is it entitled to wish that someone would have made some sort of remarks at the final public performance of Broadway's longest running show. In fact, doing so seems like the bare minimum one might anticipate at such a performance.
"
B*tch please it is entitled. Just because it’s the last “public” show doesn’t mean you get some special treatment. Whatever happens during the actual closing will be captured by hundreds of cell phones and probably professional cameras too, which everyone can view later. Whining and complaining about not getting a special souvenir or speech for your show is literally insane. The actual "bare minimum" you should expect is being THANKFUL to see one of the final shows, which is all you paid to see. The Phans need a reality check
JasonC3
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/21
#1091Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 7:32am
^What's with all the unnecessary attitude?
I'm neither a Phan. nor a fan of the show, but commemorating major moments is more common than not. People hoping or wishing something special would have happened is pretty logical and your need to label it as entitlement is just strange.
#1092Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 7:57am
Voter said: "QueenTwinnied said: "TaffyDavenport said: "The longest-running show in Broadway history, with 35 years, and they couldn't come up with a single thing for the final public performance? This whole weekend should have been filled with celebratory events, but, instead, they're going out with a whimper, except for the ticket prices, of course. Even last night's gala sounded like they could have done more. I'm sure they'll make up for it tomorrow, when the only paying people in the building will be a limited number of fans. I thought I would regret not going, but now I'm glad that I didn't give them any of my money leading up to closing, and my great memories of seeing the show since 1988 are still intact."
This is so dramatic for no reason"
This board is filled with such entitled nonsense. The show truly doesn’t owe anyone anything! It’s a show!"
I think you and “QueenPinned” are missing the point..no one has demanded or asked for anything! We just expected more from a company, not the show, that has done more on the oat for lesser things! That is all. We have not gotten rude or dismissive. Being told to “go touch grass” is a great way of saying “I didn’t support the show and you people are just complaining and let’s use the entitled term once again.” So continue to please. Once again, not upset or anything negative about the show! Just the company the took everyone’s money for over 35 years.
Hope this clears up any confusion!
ManOfLaMuncha
Stand-by Joined: 6/17/22
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
#1094Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 8:33am
To be fair, it was advertised there’d be some special surprises. At the cost of tickets, a gift or even an encore would have been a very nice thing to do.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
MemorableUserName
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/27/19
#1095Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 8:57am
QueenTwinnied said: "Whatever happens during the actual closing will be captured by hundreds of cell phones and probably professional cameras too, which everyone can view later."
"You don't need to experience something live; watching it on video is just as good!" is an interesting take on a theater message board.
RippedMan
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/05
#1096Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 9:19am
So surprised this is closing today with such a “meh” energy. If I wasn’t on this board I’m not even sure I’d be aware of this.
BorisTomashevsky
Broadway Star Joined: 4/30/22
#1097Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 9:26am
The Instagram posts and stories from the cast seem to show a response of “Oh how sweet! Our second-to-last audience doesn’t want to leave!”
Makes me wonder if the cast are aware that that audience didn’t have any way to buy tickets for Sunday.
Also makes me wonder if any of them are privately thinking “To not have a special finale for the last public show was a misstep, and now we’re here in our backpacks and coats feeling like idiots.”
#1098Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 9:29am
I think the meh energy is they shall be back very soon
#1099Phantom Closing?
Posted: 4/16/23 at 9:30am
Are they selling SRO for the closing? Is there a line outside the Majestic currently?
A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
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