Phantom Review 1/09/2008

Hello BWW,
I just got back from a performance of "The Phantom of the Opera" (performance #8,299 in case anyone's counting).
It was also the 20th anniversary of the 1st Broadway preview--January 9, 1988.

Contrary to BWW haters, the show is in excellent shape. There were two understudies on tonight--James Romick for the Phantom and Kris Koop for Carlotta. They did a terrific job.

One common problem with long-runners is that new castmembers sometimes don't work with the director, and there is a tendency sometimes to "walk through" the lines and blocking rather than act. "Phantom" still has its acting as taut and sharp as 1988. The sets and lighting still elicits oohs and aahs from the audience. One of the fun things about seeing "Phantom" is that even though it takes you back to the 19th century, its so cool to hear people cheering after every song like its a rock concert.

So here's to another 20 great years on Broadway! and oh yeah.....let the hating begin haha

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I've seen James go on in a million different roles--both the managers, Raoul, various minor characters, but never as Phantom.
His singing in general was full and strong, but the only time I was like "this guy guy sounds like an understudy" is when he had to belt out a note, like in Music of the Night when he sings "let your soul take you where you long to beeeeeee!" instead of the "be" filling the theater, it was more like a whisper. That was disappointing, but he was so creepy many other parts of the show that it made up for the lack of the belt. And once again, yeah Kris Koop really hammed it up as Carlotta tonight.

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Raoul was played by the regular actor, Tim Martin Gleason. He's got a great voice, and my only problem with him is when he says "her" as in "you have no claim on her; leave her" and "I love her", he says "I love huhhhhh" and "you have no claim on huhhhhh" That bugs me.

But you gotta give Raoul a break because he's up against a guy who can rig a chandelier to fall, turn lights on and off, shout loud enough to be heard in the whole theater while not being seen....that's kinda freaky. But still, Raoul is definitely not my favorite role in the show, nor is it a role I would ever want to play myself.

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oh..I would love to see this show on Broadway !

Probably in the near future..... I have never been to the MAJESTIC THEATER.

J*

Updated On: 1/10/08 at 09:27 AM

Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks for sharing!

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People can not like a show without being a hater.
Hater

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"See, I like the role, and I wouldn't mind playing it - only because I like the songs he sings. However, the only times I've seen it, the role has been horribly overacted. I wonder if it can be played with subtley and layers, or if that's just how it needs to be played. "

Rentboy, when I last saw Phantom in London -- it was the 20th anniversary performance on October 9, 2006 -- I was very impressed with the actor who played Raoul. His name was David Shannon. He gave Raoul a somewhat -- for lack of a better word -- rakish air, that really worked well. He made me really sit up and notice the character.

To answer your question, I guess it's going to depend on the actor. I don't think Raoul needs to be overplayed, and I didn't think David Shannon did. I never thought much about the character before, but David Shannon's performance made me see Raoul in a new light.

I just saw the Phantom last Saturday in London, almost two years since seeing it there for the first time. Everything George95 said about the Broadway production can be applied to London one. The show is still fresh and lively as ever, as is the audience response. Ramin Karimloo, who took over the title role last autumn, is simply brilliant. Strong stage presence and the exceptional vocal range. If you have a chance to catch him as the Phantom, do not miss it.

Rytoast, I'm wondering why you thought the chandelier crash was anti-climatic? Other than what is does in Vegas, how much more wild and crazy could it be, and still be safe?
As I watched the chandelier crash last night, I remember thinking how it was going faster than normal, and it certainly swung toward the stage more violently than it has other times. And even though I've seen the show over 30 times, for some reason it looked like they were going to miss the cue to pull Christine out of way of the chandelier....for a split second I was nervous for the actress, but then of course they pulled her out.
But if you expect a DisneyWorld ride type of experience when the chandelier falls..........well you should see the Phantom in Vegas. Otherwise, the '80's technology works just fine.

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yooooo obsessedjb I will hook you up! If you really want to go I am down!

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Phantom is in such great shape now (I saw it in October, FWIW) and can't remember thinking anything strange or different about the chandelier.

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i saw the broadway production wit mcgillan and julie hansen and both were amazing.i saw them in jan 2007..i am seeing the show again jan 19th

I guess you have to assume with 20 years of performances, there are bound to be some bad times. I can remember one performance of Phantom I saw about 2 years ago where they even dropped a backdrop at the wrong time, and actors dropped props more than once. But it was just one of those days; nothing more.
I encourage you to give the show another chance next time youre in the city.

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