Phantom of the Opera Reviews

If you have just seen Phantom of the Opera for the first time recently, please share your experience and opinion here! If you've seen the show multiple times, please share what made your most recent experience different from previous ones!

Also one of my favorite shows, as explained by my name.
Phantom was the first show I saw, the tour in 2006. It is what inspired me to pursue a career in musical theatre and I had never seen anything so incredible. I was in 6th grade then. Since then, I have seen it on Broadway 3 times. John Cudia was my Phantom not only on the tour, but the next two times I saw it on Broadway as well! I won a contest and got to go backstage at the show, and I got to meet John and talk to him in his dressing room. It was a dream come true.
I personally love the show, although I respect everyone's varied opinions. I just think it was so groundbreaking and I think the music is beautiful and the visual spectacle of the show is something that few shows have topped. I think the story is heartbreaking as well. And being my first show, it holds a special place in my heart. I still cry every time I'm sitting in that theatre and the Overture starts up. So many memories :)

I listen to the Cast recording when I am struggling with insomnia.

Updated On: 10/31/14 at 05:04 AM

The last time I saw it was this past June, and I was lucky enough to see the wonderful Norm Lewis in the title role! (Sierra Boggess was out sick that day, but the understudy Elizabeth Welch is very talented, so I ended up not being bothered by this in the slightest.)

Having seen the show twice before this, I must say that Mr. Lewis was the one who made this recent visit very special to me. His take on the role was truly something you don't want to miss, and he was SO nice to everyone at the stagedoor! Phantom is my favorite musical, so it was wonderful to have a great experience while seeing the show. (Not to say that the other two times weren't special, as well, but this particular evening will always stand out to me.)

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Updated On: 10/31/14 at 10:23 AM

To sum it up when you think Broadway the first thing that comes to your mind is Phantom.

Uhhhhhh

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Oh, common.

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I think that new tour of Phantom sucks but the new Les Mis currently on Broadway is somewhat good just a little miscast

"'To sum it up when you think Broadway the first thing that comes to your mind is Phantom.'

Uhhhhhh"


I think that PanaroFan111 meant "you" as in the "general you." The general public is not all that knowledgeable when it comes to Broadway and musicals, and yet I cannot think of a single person who has not at least HEARD of Phantom of the Opera. Many hardcore Broadway fans dislike the show (that's fine, it's their opinion), but we cannot deny that it has at least become a major face for Broadway over the years. The fact that the musical has become such an icon is one of the major reasons why it's still playing both on Broadway and in the West End so many years later.

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Updated On: 10/31/14 at 01:28 PM

I saw Kaley Ann Vorhees and Greg Mills last Monday and was blown away by them--especially by Kaley- that young lady has a bright future ahead of her. She and Greg had great chemistry together and now I'm really curious to see her with Norm.

I've never seen it, but I almost fell asleep last year during their Tony's performance.

"UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH? Please share with me what you consider a true Broadway classic."

Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Chicago, Into the Woods, My Fair Lady, Cinderella, Oklahoma (haven't seen yet), Carousel (also haven't seen yet), The Sound of Music, etc.


Phantom? Not so much, to be honest, it seems like a tourist show, at least to me...

Updated On: 10/31/14 at 04:37 PM

I have seen this show about ten times since 1990, the last time being on Broadway. in 2007. Oh I also own the Blu Ray concert.
It is not my favourite show but I think it is a musical theatre masterpiece of sorts. Not necessarily for the music (not a big fan of ALW though he can write a memorable tune - albeit schmaltzy at times) but for the sum of it's parts.
The direction by Hal Prince and the design by Maria Bjornson is magnificent. The moment I walk into the theatre I feel an eerie atmosphere which sets the tone perfectly.
I find parts of it achingly beautiful, for instance when the Phantom is in the angel and starts crying as he sees his muse in love with another... and the final moment when he sets her free because of Christine helping him to feel love at last.
Hate that ALW ruined the story with the ridiculous Love Never Dies.
Of the times I have seen this, the least exciting performance was the Broadway one in 2007. It felt very tired and not in good shape. I can therefore understand if people are seeing this version and not enjoying it so much.
I know it is not everyone's cup of tea and can understand why, however I don't think this is purely just for tourists. There is a lot of appeal to a lot for a great many people which has made it the phenomenal success it is.

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