Stand-by Joined: 12/28/07
RENT
just kidding. Les Miz.
I love both shows, but Les Mis is my favorite.
I would have to say Phantom, just because I've only seen it. I've seen a high school production of Les Mis, it was good, but I can't compare to Phantom on Broadway.
No conest for me. LES MIZ is one of my favourites: great score, great story and characters.
PHANTOM has muddled story-telling, poor chracter development, and dreadul lyrics.
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com
Broadway Star Joined: 2/6/08
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/1/08
I like Phantom better because it incorporates so many areas that I enjoy into one show:
1.I love the 80's--phantom is the epitome of 80's excess
2.I love appreciating old places (like going to the Majestic and saying "what? this has been here for 20 years? wow!)
3.Love ghost stories--phantom is the ultimate ghost story
4.I love deep rich colors, of which Phantom has many in all those curtains
5.I love irony and self-referential humor, BUUUUUT sometimes that gets tiring and its nice to go back to a big, glitzy spectacle of a show that doesn't have a hint of irony anywhere.
6.I love comfort food, and Phantom of course is the best comfort food ever---its nice to know, no matter what happens in life, no matter what happens to NYC, rain or shine, tonight that chandelier will come crashing down, those candles will rise out of the stage, and that music will keep cuddling up to the audience like your favorite pillow (ok that was kinda funny but still true)
HOWEVER I DO GOTTA SAY that I love Les Mis too, but seeing the version at the Broadhurst really broke my heart. I LOVED seeing back at the Imperial, in part because Diana Kaarina's Eponine knocked me out at every show, and in part because it was comfort food just like Phantom. But then when the Broadhurst version came, and the music was different and the staging was different...it was painful.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
Neither...bith are overblown, overhyped, overamplified excercises in banality with illogical plots and pedestrian lyrics. Les Miz is three hours, Phantom feels like three hours, and sitting through either should be banned by the UN as inhuman torture.
I liked them both but if I had to choose it would be Phantom.
The whisper of a silent fart.
Oh... I am so sorry. Not using my head again!
For me, its Les Miserables.
Sorry again guys...
Leading Actor Joined: 11/16/06
Les Miz hands down for me. I saw Phantom in SF and almost walked out I was so bored. The only songs I enjoy from Phantom are the Oveture, Phantom of the Opera and Masquerade.
I would personally say Phantom because it has spectacular costumes, scenary, and it is amazing. Les Mis, music-wise, is nice to listen to, but with Phantom's costume & spectacle-like show it beats out Les Mis is my opinon. Les Mis is a very good show, but some parts I feel get a little dragged out, whereas Phantom seems to keep me entertained in every part.
Les Miserables - Not even a question!!!!! Phantom kinda "all smoke and mirrors". I would actually put Miss Saigon ahead of Phantom as well.
Les Mis: First Broadway show and last time I ever sat in the balcony. Since Les Miz I now only sit in the first 8 rows orchestra seats. Les Miz to this day remains at the top of my 5 list of musicals. The music and messages of survival are both strong!
Phantom has amazing costumes and sets and a great score.
But I'd have to say Les Mis. I just like it a lot better.
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