The internet (and other places) rages with the debate over whether this show or Les Mis is the most popular show in the world. I’m not going to take sides here (I don’t take the debate as seriously as some ... STACY! :-p) because I really feel that the shows are so different that you can’t even compare them. I will say that Phantom seems to have some of the most *dedicated* fans (phans?) in the world. I’m not *that* dedicated, but Phantom is a great show, and one of the best I’ve ever seen on stage.
Random Thoughts on the Recordings:
The Original London Cast: I appear to be the only person in the world who feels like this, but I am not a Michael Crawford fan. I have a great respect for the man and his legions of fans (so no hate mail, please!), but his voice doesn’t work for me. Therefore, I’m not wild about this recording of Phantom. However, Sarah Brightman is lovely as Christine (she’d almost have to be, when you consider that the role was written for her!) and I really like Steve Barton as Raoul, and the rest of the cast is wonderful. I also really like that this is a much more complete recording than the Canadian Cast recording -- “Twisted Every Way” is one of my favourite musical moments in the show, and there are lots of other minor moments like that that the Canadian recording doesn’t include. However, I don’t listen to this recording very often, simply because I don’t enjoy Mr. Crawford’s performance. Plus, the CD is just one long track, so it makes it very hard to just listen to one song, if that’s what I’m in the mood for!
The Original Canadian Cast: I saw Colm Wilkinson perform as the Phantom three times, so obviously I have a bit of a soft spot for him and I might not be able to be completely objective -- but when has that ever stopped me before??? :-) I much prefer Mr. Wilkinson’s performance on this CD to Mr. Crawford’s on the OLC. As well, Rebecca Caine as Christine is just wonderful. I enjoyed Byron Nease as Raoul better on stage than I do on the CD, but he’s still good. Raoul is a hard part to play without turning him into a total prick, but I think Mr. Nease does a great job. The supporting cast is fabulous, and I think the orchestra on this recording is one of the best I’ve ever heard. As I indicated above, about my only complaint about this CD is that it is only a highlights recording, and many of the smaller musical numbers are left out.
Random Thoughts on the Show:
It’s been a few years since I saw this show, so my memories are a bit hazy of it. However, I’m hoping to see it again this coming weekend, so I’ll be able to add many more observations here then! (Everybody cross your fingers for me!!!) I *do*, however, remember that Phantom is one of the most spectacular shows I’ve ever seen on stage. I have some problems with the story, which I won’t get into in hopes of avoiding further hate mail (I get enough from Stacy! :-), but for sheer entertainment value, not many shows can beat Phantom (the only one I’ve seen that can is Beauty and the Beast). The overture is *the* best in musical theatre today, and the entire show is an *experience* from beginning to end. I love the music, the sets and costumes are breathtaking, and every performance I’ve seen in the show has been phenomenal. Like I said before, I saw Colm Wilkinson as the Phantom three times, and he blew my mind. Many people don’t enjoy his interpretation of the role, but it worked for me. Three times. :-)
The Phantom Appreciation Society - Christine Daae's excellent Phantom page
The Lair of the Canadian Phantom - information about the Canadian Production of Phantom
Phantom of the Opera Nexus - Phantom links
The Sarah Brightman Shrine - everything you ever wanted to know about Sarah Brightman, the original Christine
Krista's Michael Crawford Page - an excellent page dedicated to the original London Phantom
The Colm Wilkinson Appreciation Society - a page for the Toronto Phantom
Is the Phantom inside your mind??? Discuss it with me!
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