Phantom vs. Ghost

[a.jean]

Posted: 6/2/12 at 10:14pm

I am going to New York on a class trip and one of the days we get to pick a show that we want to see. I have it narrowed down to two shows. Phantom of the Opera and Ghost. I have never seen Phantom on stage and heard it is phenomenal on Broadway! But then I have been hearing great reviews about Ghost. Ghost is new and has an amazing technical set. I am torn should I see the classic musical that has always been on Broadway or the newly raved musical?

[bdn223]

Posted: 6/2/12 at 10:22pm

Ghost is not a hit it's been panned just as bad as spiderman it's likely going to close by the end of the summer or even this month....I've seen almost every show on the boards except phantom...honestly I'd see Peter and the Starcatcher because it's a great show and unlike Newsies or Once which I'd also recommend you will like be able to get discounted tickets

[felix5]

Posted: 6/2/12 at 11:58pm

Nobody wants to say it so I will.
Phantom Sucks!
See ANYTHING else!

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 6/2/12 at 11:59pm

What kind of class is this for? I'm guessing not a theatre class.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:00am

It sounds like you really want to see Ghost.

It's not a very good show, but based on your post I feel like you're gonna regret not having seen it.

So against my personal recommendation I say see Ghost.

[HBP]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:03am

I second PETER AND THE STARCATCHER. I enjoyed it significantly more than either of the other two shows. In any case, enjoy!

[a.jean]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:06am

I am actually seeing Peter and the Star Catcher while I'm there as well! It is for my theatre class/club. Newsies is also a possible show I'd consider seeing!

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:07am

Go see Phantom. A classic piece of theater in its original production. But, I warn you, the haters will come after you for it.

[bdn223]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:11am

Then see Newsies not to be a theater snob but it's always better to see a show with its original cast than when the spark is still the then 25 yrs later when the cast is running on fumes.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 7:14am

The Phantom of the Opera is one of the masterpieces of modern theatre - I know I'd go with it, as much as I love GHOST.

[binau]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 7:16am

You can see Phantom anywhere anytime. I'd go with GHOST.

[TheaterBoy7777]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 10:41am

Phantom will be on broadway for years to come....go see Ghost

[TheLadyoftheWood]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 11:06am

Neither, see Newsies. I saw Ghost and regretted it. The only really redeeming quality of that show were the Oda Mae scenes. Saw Phantom stupidly 6 years ago and will never see that show again.

[Gink]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 11:24am

While I appreciate that Phantom is a classic and I'm glad I saw finally saw it last year, myself and two teens found it laughably over-the-top at times. You can rent the video of the stage production. I haven't seen Ghost.

[cgreen7240]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:53pm

I love Phantom but I agree with some of the other people you could see it at anytime. I have not seen Ghost but I would say based on what people on here are saying you should not see it. I was in New York about a month ago and I saw Once and Newsies and Rent. Once was simply amazing. The acting is honest and heartfelt and the music is so beautiful. Also this show was extremely creative and surprisingly funny. It really pulls you in and I would highly recommend Once (it was my favorite). Then there is Newsies which has so much energy and is extremely exciting! I had so much fun watching this show! The choreography is phenomenal! The performances were so great. I am in love with this show! It was just so crazy and awesome and more than I ever expected. It was so thrilling. And those guys can dance! You will not regret it. Also Rent was really unexpected and fun and sad and just really great and funny! Any three of those shows I would highly recomend seeing. Sorry this was so long.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 12:56pm

Ghost was enjoyable. The visuals were out if sight.Phantom will still be here next year.

[DEClarke]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 5:01pm

I have no desire to see Ghost. It looks awful to me, so I cannot recommend that.

I have seen Phantom of the Opera 18 times, but never in NYC. There are few changes between the NYC production and the tour, so I recommend Phantom on tour. It's not as expensive, the actors are of equal quality as the NYC cast, and more-or-less, Phantom is sure to come to you. Honestly, I think Phantom comes to Houston, TX about once every four or five years.

So... my recommendation... see something NEW! Not a revival, per say. But something like ONCE, Newsis, or even (I know I'll get flamed for this) Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. Spider-Man is pure spectacle, but it will NEVER tour because of the ariel stunts in the show. This is why I'm seeing Spider-Man this July.

No matter what you choose, enjoy your trip!

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 6:03pm

Just to point out the US tour of Phantom closed a couple of years ago. It is unlikely that the full Hal Prince production with Maria Bjornsen's amazing design will be seen on the road anytime in the near future.

[Huss417]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 6:23pm

I won't say Phantom Sucks.

I think if someone doesn't go to Broadway often or at all. It is a big musical that has held up quite well over the years and worth it for the novice to see.

[felix5]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 10:20pm

See? People just won't say it so I will, again.

Phantom Sucks!

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 10:24pm

For a school trip, I'd say Phantom.


With the (appropriate) musicals currently playing, if not Phantom, I'd say Mary Poppins. Newsies bored me.

This isn't the best time for school trips.

[Huss417]

Posted: 6/3/12 at 10:32pm

@Felix5

"Nobody wants to say it so I will.
Phantom Sucks!
See ANYTHING else!"

Instead of just saying the same thing twice why not explain the reason why you don't like it?

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 6/4/12 at 7:56am

'Ghost is not a hit it's been panned just as bad as spiderman'

Ghost walked away with quite a few mixed and positive reviews so it was hardly critically mauled ala Spiderman (just people on here like to say it was).

I enjoyed Ghost a lot, yes the visuals are big and over the top but to be fair so were Phantom's when it opened. I have to say i would rather sit through Ghost a million times than sit through the lumbering bore that is Phantom.

[shane54]

Posted: 6/4/12 at 8:03am

Ghost is a very good show. Good music, strong voices, unbelievable set, magic. Go and see GHOST!!!

[DEClarke]

Posted: 6/4/12 at 9:15am

Since the Phantom tour is closed... I SAY SEE PHANTOM!

Phantom is a fun show. It has some over the top melodrama, but that makes the piece fun. The score is lush with beuatiful and memorable melodies. The skill required to sing some of the more operatic songs is amazing.

The sets and costumes are LEGENDARY!

SEE PHANTOM!!!