LOVED LOVED LOVED it. I was actually really surprised at HOW staged it was. I expected something closer to the Les Miz concert. I was VERY pleased though.
Ramin and Sierra were seriously perfection. After "Music of the Night" I felt like I had to sit back with a cigarette. It felt like those two had sex during the song they were that into it. But that's the way it should be.
Sierra's "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" was gorgeous. I've heard so many versions that seemed like the Christines were rushing through it, which led to a lot of off-key singing, but she REALLY gave a heartfelt performance, and you could see it in her face.
I'm surprised no one mentioned "Wandering Child." They did the version on the OCR, which surprised me. Really, I felt it worked, and Raoul didn't sound as ridiculous bursting in.
The final lair scene was EXTREMELY emotional. I didn't mind how it was done.
I really got a different feel from Carlotta through this. Kiera Duffy was given a lot more close ups than I expected, but the look on her face didn't look as bitchy as you imagine the character, but more vulnerable. It was interesting, but I liked it.
I think the projections worked fine for this. The chandelier didn't bother me since it's the Royal Albert and not their actual performance space. Although it WAS kind of awkward how the first act ended with Sierra just standing there.
Why did the slave dancer get a bow AFTER Meg? I was so confused.
As far as the encores, as Sarah walked out, she seemed to be stumbling all over. Between how she looked and Gillian Lynne, you couldn't help but wonder how much alcohol was being consumed backstage.
I can't wait for this DVD.
::bust a move::
