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!
