Phantom of the Opera 8-23 Review w/ Understudies

[Phantom487]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:29am

So last Wednesday, my friends and I ventured over to the Majestic to see a old classic that we hadn't seen in years. I had never seen Howard McGillin as the Phantom, so I was anxious to see him, as I've heard wonderful things. People also have raved to me about Rebecca Pitcher. So we walk into the lobby, only to find that Understudies were on for BOTH the Phantom and Christine. We were a bit dissapointed.

After being treated like cattle by the Majestic house staff (this could be a thread of its own) the show started. By the end of "Think Of Me", we were no longer sad that Rebecca was out. Susan Owen was AMAZING! She seemed so comfortable in the role, and this was her Broadway debut! Then came Peter Lockyer as the Phantom... Also FABULOUS! The two were right on! You'd NEVER be able to tell they were understudies if you didn't know it!

The rest of the cast was very good as well. Michael Shawn Lewis was perfect as Raoul. Julie Schmidt's Carlotta was phenominal, and Marilyn Caskey's Madame Giry was feirce. As the managers, Geroge Lee Andrews (who I saw in the same role 9 years ago) and David Cryer, brought out the true comedy in the roles.

Everything about the show was amazing! Guess the show get's better with age! This classic never loses it's touch!

[Joshua488]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 1:16am

I have heard only good things about Susan Owen's performance. I have heard only bad things about Rebecca Pitcher's performance (and I've heard her for myself). You didn't miss anything.

[AnotherDay46]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 1:25am

Susan is amazing, I wish she was able to be the main Christine...

[Becky2]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:11am

I agree about Susan Owen. Her voice and acting are spectacular! I haven't seen Peter Lockyer yet, but I've heard only good things.

[Anthony3]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:48am

Susan Owen is AMAZING as Christine! Im glad you enjoyed it!
Im hoping to see Peter Lockyer someday.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 9:52am

How wonderful for you! Kris Koop, the other Christine understudy, is also spectacular.

I'm glad tha Broadway cast is still in great shape! :)

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 10:09am

Thank you for this review

I am sorry you missed Rebecca Pitcher as Christine, I enjoyed her performance and meeting her, but Susan is wonderful in the role. It will be very odd when George Lee Andrews leaves. Peter was a great Marius in LES MIZ, so I'd imagine he'd be good as Erik- though I see him as Raoul more.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 11:17am

Peter Lockyer as Phantom and Michael Shawn Lewis as Raoul?? HOT! and talented! That Christine is so lucky ...

[WeddedBliss22]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:06pm

I heard they were going to make the lead trio sorta younger, this is so cool!

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:09pm

Oops.

Updated On: 8/29/06 at 12:09 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:09pm

You didn't miss anything with Rebecca.

[KQuill]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:14pm

you probably saw George Andrews as Firmin before though, not Andre.

[yellibean2]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:47pm

I heart Susan Owen. I was actually glad that Rebecca Pitcher was out and I'd get Susan instead. She really fits the role perfectly, really has that innocence that comes so naturally and an amazingly beautiful voice. And she's one of the sweetest people I've met.

Okay, I'm done cherishing her [for the moment].

[mejusthavingfun]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 12:48pm

This show is still open?

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 1:03pm

Ads on tour explain: "The story of a young genius..." so, they're advertising it as a younger man on tour, at least.

[John3]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 2:58pm

I haven't seen Susan Owen, but I am going to be very happy when Jennifer Hope Wills comes back to the Broadway production in a week or so. She was amazing, truly amazing.

[Born2cthelightsofbway]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:20pm

So glad you enjoyed the show!!! I saw Susan Owen once too, and I thought she was great!!!

[matiboi]

Posted: 8/29/06 at 5:21pm

Owen should be comfortable in the role . . . she first played it on the tour in 1997. She's wonderful, though