Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
threetwoone
Featured Actor Joined: 7/30/09
#1Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 7:25am
I'm spending the summer in Berlin (highly recommend Tanz der Vampire to all...wow!) and on my way back to the West Coast I'll be flying through London for 5 or so days and New York for a week or so. I've seen Phantom once in Vegas with the dreadful Anthony Crivello, and want to see the full production in one of these two cities with a Phantom who can actually, well, sing? Anyone have any recommendations as to see it in one city over the other?
I'd love to see Anna O'Bryn in London, but I heard Broadway's new sound system is not to be missed? Or did London get that as well? Anyways, anyone who has seen it in both places, or has recommendations for one over the other, I'd love your input!
Danke schön!
#2Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 8:02amI would almost always say London, especially for the wonderful Anna O'Byrne, but if you're looking for a Phantom who can sing strongly, I'm afraid Marcus Lovett is not the way to go.
#2Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 9:00amBe sure to have dinner at Zur Letzten Instanz.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
#3Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 9:08am
I've seen Phantom quite a number of times, but my absolute favorite was perhaps my most recent one -- in London from the front row of the Royal Circle (first row mezzanine). The sound was perfect -- seemed way less amped than Broadway. And it was so much more "intimate", yet still spectacular.
John Adams
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/1/13
#4Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 9:23am
>> "but if you're looking for a Phantom who can sing strongly, I'm afraid Marcus Lovett is not the way to go."
I wouldn't recommend Peter Jöback, either - at least not as the Phantom, and certainly not following a voice like Hugh Panaro's.
Jöback is a handsome man (not that it matters under that make-up), but he has the thin, bright vocal qualities of a teenaged pop star. Vocally, Jöback sounds more like Michael Crawford's Phantom than Ramin Karimloo's, but Jöback's singing is much less "powerful" compared to Crawford's.
Hugh Panara will be back in the role in August. Will you be seeing Phantom at that time?
Updated On: 5/22/13 at 09:23 AM
#5Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:17am
Vegas was definitely the best. (The show is gaudy by nature, so why not push it to 11?)
Next-favorite was London, though.
MCfan2
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/29/06
#6Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:18amWhen I saw it in NYC recently, it was full of understudies (both Phantom and Raoul), so I can't help you much in regard to Phantoms! However, Samantha Hill's Christine was lovely.
Dave19
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/11
#7Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:22am
If you want a middle aged "walrus-soprano" as Christine, Broadway, if you want a younger, more Disney-like Christine, London.
There is a thread about this.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?page=1&boardname=bway&thread=1058542
Updated On: 5/22/13 at 10:22 AM
#8Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:33amThe words "middle aged walrus" pretty much discredited the rest of the post.
"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian
MCfan2
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/29/06
#9Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:47amI'm sorry?? Hill looks about 17 onstage, and probably comes up to my shoulder (and I am not a tall person). Even leaving aside the nastiness of calling someone a walrus, I think you're thinking of an entirely different person.
#10Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:50amIs neither an option?
"Pardon my prior Mcfee slip. I know how to spell her name. I just don't know how to type it." -Talulah
#11Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 12:41pmI would avoid London to be honest, although Anna is lovely, Marcus Lovett as the phantom and Sofia Escobar as Christine are truly awful in my opinion!
#12Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 1:35pmSamantha Hill can't be any older than 25, and she looks maybe 19. Middle aged walrus indeed... and she has a spectacular voice. I've never seen the show in London, but I don't believe that Broadway could possibly be that much worse comparatively. I enjoyed it when I saw it.
jimmycurry01
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/28/05
#13Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 3:13pmDave19 is one of our worst trolls here. Pay no attention to him.
Dave19
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/11
#14Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 3:24pm
Jimmy, please watch the clips before you open your mouth.
#15Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 3:25pmIf I had the option of seeing it in New York, I'd probably see shows in London that aren't playing back in the States. I saw Top Hat last year and it was wonderful. London's Les Miz, however, left me completely underwhelmed and I wished I had seen another only-in-London production instead (Les Miz was touring the States at the time).
PatrickDennis92
Stand-by Joined: 9/25/12
#16Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 7:31pmAs a walrus of a certain age, I am offended.
BWFan101
Understudy Joined: 9/15/12
#17Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/22/13 at 10:32pmI've seen many phantoms, and I have to say, I just didn't like Hugh Panaro. A lot of people rave about him, but he sounded like Rick Moranis to me. The only time that I saw him perform was at the 25th anniversary -- almost back row of the balcony. The lack of oxygen at that altitude could have caused me some brain damage or something?? I think either city would be ok. If you're planning on seeing other shows, I'd check to see how Phantom fits in and go from there. Also, I saw TdV in Vienna and loved it! One of my biggest regrets is not seeing Steve Barton as Graf von Krolock.
Common sense? What's common about it? No one has common sense. It should be called rare sense.
#18Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 12:01am
BWFan 101 writes: I've seen many phantoms, and I have to say, I just didn't like Hugh Panaro. A lot of people rave about him, but he sounded like Rick Moranis to me. The only time that I saw him perform was at the 25th anniversary -- almost back row of the balcony. The lack of oxygen at that altitude could have caused me some brain damage or something??
BWFan, I was probably sitting right near you at the Phantom 25th. I was the one in the Phantom coat and earrings, right near the young lady with the Phantom tattoo on her back. (Not kidding). That was the fourth time I saw Hugh Panaro, and I thought it was his best performance by far. Usually, he plays the Phantom as both angry and disengaged, and this time, he played him in a more passionate manner. He has a lovely voice, but it’s also a little too high for my taste, as is Joback’s. (I prefer a deeper, darker voice for the Phantom).
I was fortunate enough to see Samantha Hill in her second or third performance as Christine. Many actors play the role as a frightened, passive ninny, but she is adorable and spirited. I happen to like walruses, but I’d think of her as more of a sea otter. ? BTW, I also like Trista Mouldovan’s and Sierra Boggess’s interpretations – they, too, play Christine with spirit, as did Emmy Rossum, the movie Christine.
The Phantoms I’ve seen are Panaro (four times), Anthony Crivello (twice, in Las Vegas), John Cudia (once, at the Kennedy Center, National Tour), Tim Martin Gleason (once, in Baltimore, National Tour, although I think I saw him in Las Vegas as Raoul), Gerry Butler (the movie Phantom, countless times), and Ramin Karimloo (London 25th anniversary, on Blu-Ray, countless times). I like Gerry’s interpretation best, even though he doesn’t have the operatic voice that the stage Phantoms need. John Cudia and TMG had terrific, albeit very different, interpretations. I didn’t really agree with Tony Crivello’s interpretation, but his voice is fantastic. I got to meet him, and he’s also a heckuva nice guy.
Turning to the OP’s question, Broadway or London, I’d say both. As a Phantom connoisseur, I can’t imagine skipping a chance to see it anywhere. ?
You alone can make my song take flight.
eatlasagna
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
#19Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 12:36am
i've seen Phantom numerous times (tours, Vegas and Broadway)... when I was in London last year I basically had to watch the original production... I had marcus lovett's standby and I thought he was fantastic... i actually really enjoyed Sophia Escobar as Christine...
and my favorite part about the production... they use the OLC version of Wandering Child when Raoul appears... I HATE how they changed it for the American productions...
threetwoone
Featured Actor Joined: 7/30/09
#20Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 3:16pm
Sorry for the late response guys, internet is spotty at best here. Apparently Germans don't believe in free wifi...
Unfortunately I'll miss Hugh, I'll be in New York the last week of July. I've always wanted to see him, however, so that's too bad. (I do like Walruses though, I think they're cute for what it's worth.)
The consensus seems to tell me London... so I'll definitely keep that in mind! Thanks for the input! I've never been to either city before... and I'll be alone for each. Lots to do lots to see. If anyone has any recommendations or special events that last week in NYC then of course let me know! (I'd rather not start one of these "MY FIRST TIME IN THE CITY WHAT SHOULD I DO" threads. Though I suppose that's basically what I did here.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#21Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 7:39pm
"and my favorite part about the production... they use the OLC version of Wandering Child when Raoul appears... I HATE how they changed it for the American productions..."
That alone might make me go see the show should I find myself in London. I totally miss the counterpoint Raoul provides there whenever I see the show here in the U.S.
"I heard Broadway's new sound system is not to be missed? Or did London get that as well? "
The same new (well, new as of 200
sound system was put into the London production in May of that year, while Broadway didn't get the upgrade until August that same year.
https://www.playbill.com/news/article/120590-Broadways-Phantom-Shuts-Down-Aug-24-27-for-Installation-of-New-Sound-System
#22Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 7:54pm
EatLasagna wrote: "and my favorite part about the production... they use the OLC version of Wandering Child when Raoul appears... I HATE how they changed it for the American productions... "
Oooo, Do TELL. I've only seen the American productions, except for the 25th anniversary video, and that was staged differently. What happens when Raoul appears?
You alone can make my song take flight.
eatlasagna
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/6/04
#23Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 8:14pm
well this is the version that plays in America: http://youtu.be/ZXsZNLAjHiM
and this is version on the OLC that they still use in London which i don't know why they changed it here:
http://youtu.be/qqVJxzxYZBQ
Updated On: 5/23/13 at 08:14 PM
#24Phantom: Should I see it in London or New York?
Posted: 5/23/13 at 8:37pm
Thanks, EatLasagna, I never noticed that before... or I may have noticed but dismissed it as a quirk of the 25th anniversary production. I wonder if the difference has something to do with Actors Equity rules -- higher pay for a certain amount of singing. That's just a wild guess, however.
One change I noticed between the US and British versions is in "Music of the Night." (I'm not referring to the totally different words on the highlights album -- apparently that was an earlier version of the song). The US version contains the phrase, "Slowly, gently, music shall caress you; hear it, feel it, secretly possess you...." The British version is "Slowly,gently, music shall surround you; hear it, feel it, closing in around you...." I don't think that rhyming "around" with "surround" works very well. I don't know why the British production didn't switch to "caress" and "possess."
You alone can make my song take flight.
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