new Raoul

They tend not to announce until much closer to the end date of the previous star. I'm wondering if Ben will still be in it as well, as he's said his contract is up in October. Maybe we will have 2 new leading men in the show by the time Fall rolls around.

Jay Armstrong Johnson is a likable guy and I really wanted him to succeed in the role of Raoul, but it pains me to say that he hasn't. His earlier performances were quite weak (he often could barely be heard in the group numbers), and while he had improved somewhat when I saw him again on June 13 and 15, he still doesn't really work in this role and his departure will probably be good for both him and the show.

What I did like about Jay Armstrong Johnson was his physical size and youthful appearance in relationship to the Phantom ("Insolent boy, this slave of fashion"). I'm always disappointed when they cast Raoul closer to the Phantom's age than to that of Christine. As for replacements, I'm curious what Bronson Norris Murphy might do in the role.

I spoke with Mr. Crawford after the June 15 show and he reiterated that his contract is currently slated to end in October, and while there has been no discussion of an extension so far, he would be interested in doing so if asked. I very much hope he extends because he is without a doubt the best Phantom I've seen in all my years of following this show. I'm taking no chances, though; I'll be going back to see him again in early August.

cwilliams said: "Wow, that is very strong praise for Ben Crawford, I've seen a lot of Phantoms as well on Broadway, London and tour, my personal favorite was Howard McGillin, but I certainly hope Crawford stays with the show, especially after such a glowing review."

I, too, have seen this show in London (including the 25th at Royal Albert Hall), New York, and on numerous tours, and I lost count after 50 performances. Never before have I seen this role performed by such a total package. His vocal range is superb and consistently strong, from the lowest notes to the highest at the end of "Music of the Night", and his physical demeanor and acting choices are, IMO, perfection. I'd pay big bucks to see him do this opposite Sierra Boggess, who I feel was the best Christine ever.

Marway44 said: "I agree with Lot666. Jay looked good in the role; young, handsome, dashing, but every other Raoul had a stronger, louder voice.

As for Ben, he is the best Phantom I’ve seen. Michael can’t be beat, Hugh was amazing but Ben combines the 2 into the perfect Phantom."

Perfection.

Marway44 said: "Years ago when Hugh was in the boat during the title song the line came “In all your fantasies, you always knew”, and Hugh spit on fantasies. I still wonder why he spit if he is lip syncing."

I don't think they're lip-syncing in that scene.

cwilliams said: "My understanding was the entire title song is lip synced, although there have been cases of technology malfunction and the actors have sung it live."

They may switch to live singing once the principles are back onstage in the boat. I don't see why they couldn't do it that way, but I too have always heard the entire song is pre-recorded up until "Sing, my angel of music" and then after that Christine's final high note is pre-recorded.

Just realized I'll be seeing John Riddle as Raoul at the end of September and to be honest I'm very excited. I loved Jay Armstrong when I saw him in "Hair" years ago, but seeing all the clips of him in Phantom left me kind of dreading seeing him in the show. I've never seen John Riddle in anything but have heard him on the Frozen and I feel more confident in his vocal abilities :)

http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-the-phantom-of-the-opera-will-welcome-new-christine-daae-this-fall

ukpuppetboy said: "It’s so heartening reading the good reports about the ongoinghigh standards of the Broadway production. I REALLY hope that continues in London and New York since now both Hal and Gillian have left us. Of the original production team they (along with Maria) seemed to be the ones with the most passionfor the show."

I hope the resident directors and assistants are able to maintain the high standard as well. For whatever short period of time he came in to work with them, I sat watching the show recently and realized I was likely watching the final Broadway cast to have worked directly with Hal Prince.

I know it's not necessary but I hope John Riddle will grow his own moustache. I liked Jay Armstrong Johnson's look as Raoul.

He was an absolute gem in The Visit. His voice filled the theater like a beautiful melody filled with pain and desire. Since Raoul's character is similar, I think you're in for a treat."

Holy cow - I saw him in the Visit - I didn't realize that was him. I can't wait to see/hear his Raoul!!!

ukpuppetboy said: "I actually think he’ll be amazing based on the recordings I’ve heard and his very powerful operatic tone. I think so long as he acts the part and can physically command the stage then his youth and (unquestionably fine) looks are absorbed within the makeup. I certainly had no problems with Ben Forster recently. And Johnathan Roxmouth earned great notices on the world tour having first playing the role in his mid 20s."

I agree that he sounds good, but I often have trouble with "suspension of disbelief" when an obviously beautiful young man plays this role, even in full makeup. The first time I saw Ramin Karimloo play the Phantom, I loved his vocal power but his physical beauty was abundantly clear to me. I also thought Ben Forster looked absurdly young and handsome, and he was perhaps the weakest I've seen, because he also has a relatively unimpressive "pop" voice.

The "Stranger Than You Dreamt It" scene always falls apart for me when the actor is young and handsome.

Updated On: 8/27/19 at 11:40 AM