Compare the Phantoms: 'Christine I Love You...'

[filmkid626]

How did you get the font for comparing phantoms

[ChangeYourStars23]

@filmkid626 I don't remember the exact website, but if you type in Phantom of the Opera font on Google you should find a few downloads for it. Hope that helps!

[tenimyugirl]

this brings sad memories

[TheTitanic4]

heartbreaking when David Shannon goes to cover the monkey's face, then ends up covering his own.. sad

[Elizabeth111Music]

This video is SO heartbreaking! I can't believe I watched the most tragic scene in theatre for 8 times on end, within 10 minutes.

Seriously. I'm holding back tears now. Christine, you stupid girl! If you're crying and you can't bear to leave Erik behind, go with him!

[ogphantom15]

WOW these guys all have amazing voices I got chills

[irva214]

When I play Christine, I will have the compassion to make amends with him in the end. I dislike the Christine's that run away at the end...like they are still afraid of this poor defenseless man.

[ChangeYourStars23]

@irva214 ...well, you won't have a choice - you have to run away from him. It's part of the basic show blocking.

[vengefuldeathwish]

@irva214 you seen pretty sure of yourself...even if they let you play Christine, they won't let you change the ending...

[TwilightGeisha]

@irva214 I always felt that way too, but yeah, you do have to run away fast to be able to get into the boat with Raoul.

[cmccarthy]

I thought David Shannon and Gina Beck were the best pair among these clips. All of them had their own good and bad nights, I'm sure.

[7PennState]

Ok even though he's not in this video, I have to give it to Gerard Butler. His voice was amazing! But, his face was not as gruesome as the others. My second would be Michael Crawford because he actually sounded like he was crying when he said "Christine....I love you" so great!

[KatyHallow]

I am a human waterfall right now. Thanks for uploading these.They're beautifully heartbreaking.

[phanoftheater737]

Singer, not dinger. Oops.

[phanoftheater737]

Singer, not dinger. Oops.

[phanoftheater737]

My list:

1: Ramin karimloo. He made me cry like a baby at the 25th anniversary, and bootlegs cannot live up to seeing him live.

2: John Owen-Jones. Hallelujah!!!! He's my second fave Valjean too.

3: MC. He is one of the best acting phantoms, and he is an exceptional dinger, but there is still that hint of nasilness (nasilness?) in his performance.

Least fave phantom? Gerard Butler. He is a great actor, no doubt, but he cannot sing if his life depended on it.

Go RK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jelliclekat24]

@phanoftheater737 OMG we think alike!!! Except Ramin, JOJ, and MC are in a 3 way tie for my number 1 fave ;)

[NearSupporter11226]

My three favorites for this have got to be (in no particular order): Karimloo, Cudia, Crawford. I've seen the entire show with Karimloo, bits and pieces for Crawford, and only this of Cudia, but they managed to choke me up; Not an easy feat. I love all their acting, especially the broken way Karimloo does the "Masquerade" line, the way Crawford actually sobs before "Christine, I love you" and the way Cudia grabs her hand so desperately. Just my opinion, you're free to differ!

[ToWatchList]

OK, I'm an absolute sook - they all got me! But, if I have to play favourites, my top two (based on the total number of ticks received for each criterion) were David Shannon and Ramin Karimloo. I'd also give an honourable mention to Michael Crawford for his "Christine....I love you", which seemed to have a direct line to my tear ducts!

[TwistedReality14]

When David Shannon reached for Christin'es face and then pulled away... Waterworks.

[Marylmac]

No doubt...# 3! David Shannon. That Gina Beck is amazing too. Then JOJ, then Michael Crawford. But I must say...Gerry B in the movie gets 100% best, as Christine gives the ring into his hand. In some of the stage scenes it looks like Christine takes the ring back with her???

[BROADWAYaddict1313]

Straight up tears as soon as david shannon started. Based on acting mostly. I can't even...omg perfect.

[davebournemouth]

everyone has thier own favourite Phantom,every actor has brought thier own personality to the part,I have seen Ramin Karimloo a few times,and in each performance he changed it a little,constantly perfecting it.

[Horselo285]

Michael Crawford is my fav...without a doubt! I also really liked 2 and 5!

[phyllisahoe]

Based on just this clip, my top 3 are Ramin Karimloo, David Shannon and of course, Michael Crawford. The Christines who cried when facing the Phantoms (Gina Beck and Dale Kristien) are the ones who got it right - that little addition just makes the whole scene that much more moving. I know Hugh Panaro has been receiving rave reviews, but i'm sorry, his voice (as technically brilliant as it is) and performance did nothing for me.

[ManBig4]

Definitely my favorite video on the web right now. And the first guy is the one who gets me. how he holds the "Love" you... amazing.

[MoonlessdarkVI]

1. Ramin Karimloo

5. John Owen jones

7. Michael Crawford

These three were born to play Erik. Mr. Crawford had the appearance, the presence of the phantom; his hands would appear to he be touching her without doing so. Mr. Jones had the emotion, the dark and saddness of him. And Mr. Karimloo had the storytelling. He made you believe he was the phantom, and not just from that day, but from when he was a child too; when he was moving his hands with the monkey it reminded you of how he was raised,

[TheKatHan101]

3. David Shannon (Gina Beck) - West End

5. John Owen-Jones (Gina Beck) - West End

8. Michael Crawford (Dale Kristien) - Broadway

When it comes to Phantom Michale is my favorite and i have to play fave with him, but Gina beck added to the others. Damn she's good...

[tagdam1]

Michael Crawford!!!

[LilyPeters1550]

My favorites:

David Shannon: He's very emotional when he does it which I love the most

JOJ: Duh cause he's my fave

Gary Mauer: His is great because you know he and Christine are actually married :)

Peter Karrie: He's great! His emotion just stops my heart...

Hugh Panaro: I've never been a fan of his...he urks me for some reason...

Michael Crawford: I have never really given him a chance but seeing this now of his emotions literally made my eyes widen. I'm giving him a chance now! :)

[ninja9monn]

my favorite phantoms:

1. michael crawford

2. hugh panaro

3. ramin karimloo

[phantomphan4ever1]

In this video

1.Michael Crawford (he IS THE PHANTOM) + John Cudia <3 Idk why honestly

3. Ramin Karimloo <3 almost perfect

4.Gary Mauer... loved the masquerade part

5. JOJ is so sad

6.Peter Karrie so much emotion in it

7. Dabid Shannon.. this is really picky, but his posture is too straight otherwise it is good

8. Hugh Panaro... not a good video of him- snging is high and off imo

[Bean2of7]

No contest, John Owen Jones. I've seen several of these Phantom perform and John knocks the socks off all the others with his haunting performance!

[jgalt7]

oooo....on this particular collection, michael crawford takes the cake. wish the original recordings on CD were that emotional...

[mzmudcat]

Oh my gosh... I can't watch this whole movie....  I can barely make myself watch it when I'm at the actual play... haha

[RickieScene]

Michael will always be the phantom in my opinion but ramin was amazing and the first to do love never dies makeing him a huge part of the phantom legacy he they also frighting you and make you see why Christine fancys the phantom gerard butler his performance will live forever because he done the first musical movie and was amazing peter karie destroyed the phantom you completely lose sympathy for him and at the end you need to be heartbroken over what happens so michael, ramin and gerrard are

[SRides96]

Am I the only one who thinks Gary Mauer looked like Joker from Arkham Asylum?

[lukesiewicz]

1. John Cudia

2. Ramin Karimloo

3. Gary Mauer

4. David Shannon

5. Peter Karrie

6. Michael Crawford

7. John Owen Jones

8.Hugh Panaro

[MadameLaFantome01]

I came in watching this thinking that for sure John Owen Jones would be my favourite, because he usually always is. But I came out with Michael Crawford on top. The man IS the Phantom. But of course JOJ and Ramin come up pretty close :)

[bordemable]

Ramin's The best! great voice, great actor!

[littlelottesangel]

My list:

Ramin Karimloo

Gerard Butler

Ethan Freeman

Brad Little

John Owen-Jones

Hugh Panaro

Michael Crawford

[mymostpreciouslife]

Michael, JOJ, and Ramin, how they gripped my heart! <3

[RaySingh87]

My List:

1Garry Mauer

2John Cudia

3Michael Crawford

4Hugh Panaro

5Peter Karrie

6David Shannon

7John Owen-Jones

8Ramin Karimloo

[contranimal]

my list would have to be

1David Shannon

2Michael Crawford

3John Owne-Jones

4John Cudia

5Gary Mauer

6Ramin Karimloo

7Hugh Panaro

8Peter Karrie

[BeautifullEnigma]

wow ive never heard of david shannon but i really liked his version :)

[TheArmyTrombone]

Oh snapppppp... Why must we play the part that makes me cry the hardest over aqnd over and over????? I <3 you JOJ, Ramin, and Michael!!!!!!!!

[MissyH316]

Wow... wonderful! Michael Crawford will always be my favorite, but nice to see other interpretations as well. And yes, Gina Beck did such a poignant portrayl of Christine's farewell as she too was crying! Ooohhhhhhhhhh...!! Such bittersweet tears. :(

[trewingo01]

Everyone is good, but MC makes me sob every time!

[xMusicalLoverx]

Gina beck is AMAZING in all 3... just saying.. <3

[BROADWAYaddict1313]

For me this is how it goes from best to worst..

David Shannon

Michael Crawford

John Owen-Jones

John Cudia

Ramin K.

Gary Mauer

Hugh Panaro (redo)

Peter Karrie

Usually Crawford would be first, but I LOVED david shannon! And usually Ramin would be higher up but, sometihng was missing. And peter karrie was just TOO MUCH in my opinion...

[pudsey4000]

Ramin's makes me cry and sends shivers down my spine... same with JOJ.

[phantomphan4ever1]

I don't know why but when John Cudia falls kinda makes me full on cry! :'''''( I think he capture the whole upset thing the best imo..

AND DAVID SHANNON! I swear my neighbors could hear me! Love Peter Karrie's reaction like he's happy!! But I think his hands are a little weird even for a Phantom.. And Michael Crawford... uh.. well can I say FLAWLESS!

Favorites..

1. John Cudia, Michael Crawford

2. David Shannon

3. (would be Hugh) Gary Mauer, (and Ramin Karimloo?)

ALL WERE SO SAD!!

[HystericalSecrecy]

The ones that affected me the most were the ones in which Christine began to cry as well.

[egamer25]

I have seen most of these phantoms on stage, with a few exceptions I haven't seen Ramin or JOJ and Ihave seen others that have come on tour to my local city. I judge each phantom on their ability to make me cry (I'm a 41 year old male and have been seeing this show since I saw Michael Crawford in LA in 1989) sometimes there are those that just don't move me. In order of my favorite phantoms, Michael Crawford, Gary Mauer, Brad Little, Colm Wilkinson, Thomas J O'leary, Davis Gaines Thanks!.

[ChangeYourStars23]

@egamer25 Oh, what I'd give to have seen Michael, Colm and Davis live! I have my favorites, but in general I also judge a Phantom by their ability to make me cry (Earl Carpenter made me cry in MOTN, for goodness sake!)

Thank you for your comment (I'm glad to see Gary Mauer so high on your list! :D )

[Gitte1]

@egamer25 i know what you mean... if he cant make me feel for him and really draw me into his heart brake its not a good phantom in my opinion..

[phangirl1986]

I'd say voice-wise, Gary Mauer was my favorite, but Michael Crawford's performance at the end always makes me cry. To originate a role like the Phantom...I am forever in awe of Michael!

[natashaageorge]

Any Christine who doesnt show the correct emotion at that line is just rubbish. Gina Beck is suprerb!

[jennwolfy258]

Wow, nice vid of all these different phantoms :). A lot of them were really good, but I gotta' stick with my personal favorite: Gary. Coming in second would most likely be Michael. (Of course! He's the original :P)

[dethe8ter]

Michael will always be my favorite him aside I think David Shannon and Peter Karrie are my favorite in this group.

[doghowlett18]

This part always gets me teary, but seeing Gina Beck get teary at David Shannon's "I love you" was so sweet.

[RosesNightengales]

When Hugh does the 'masquerade paper faces on parade' part. He moves along with the monkey music box. He becomes like a child when he does it. I freakin want to see Hugh live and meet him. I love his voice. Ramin Karimloo, was amazing well. <3

[AustinAlleman]

@RosesNightengales i've seen him twice. i met him after the show as well. nicest man in the world!

[SillyMooon]

i liked the first one and david shannon. i like shannon the most.

[liamblackere]

where did you get the footage of Michael Crawford?

[CraigTuckerCosplay]

I saw High Panaro on Broadway, and he definitely had an amazing voice, but I think Michael Crawford's is the all time best.

[TheFirstNoellexd]

Michael Crawford literally made me cry and (god this makes me sound heartless) no Phantom had before. His voice just sounded so broken and pitiful...no one else has captured that horrible feeling like he has. I do have to listen to the second Hugh Panaro video though, since he is normally my favorite Phantom.

[academygirlsrock]

I really like Ramin! <3 Love him in POTO and Love Never Dies

[CaptainCombustion]

Thanks for the vid! The most heartbreaking final lair scene I've ever seen was a Kevin Grey recording, which has now been taken off YouTube :(

He sounded so pitiful and it was the most emotional performance I've seen, I need to see it again!

[F4nGiRL]

mmmh...i REALLY like Shannon's version...i dunno,he has a particular something in his voice that i really like XD

[PhantomLittle]

Peter Karrie about did me in.... Lord! I have also see JOJ and his is heart-rending. The best is Michael Crawford. You cannot tell because these videos of him are old but his face is covered with tears and he is so broken he can barely move.

[reachforthesky27]

I love Ramin and how he does his little actions of the monkey, he seems so vulnerable and child-like. But my favourite is John Owen-Jones. When he grabs hold of Christine and she has to like force herself away, it breaks my heart.

They all made me very teary-eyed though.

Well done on making a good comparison video.

[ChangeYourStars23]

@reachforthesky27 thank you for your critical input. I love hearing others thoughts behind why they chose which actor.

Oh, making this video was awful - it was so depressing! And thank you for the compliment! :3

[reachforthesky27]

@ChangeYourStars23 No problem :) I think it's interesting reading peoples views and stuff.

Wow, I'd be pretty depressed. You must have had to watch it a few times. It's sad enough watching the one clip, but all those, credit to you.

But its a very well done video :3 so thankyou for taking the time to make it.

[ChangeYourStars23]

@reachforthesky27 Yeah, I actually watched them so much and wrote out my opinions about how each did. Now, THAT was hard to do. Very depressing indeed.

Thank you darling! Despite how sad it is, it's fun to make these.

[reachforthesky27]

@ChangeYourStars23 You should definately make more, I can see you've made some. I really enjoy the comparisons :)

[Elizabeth111Music]

@reachforthesky27 Although Ramin is still my favorite Phantom, I agree that JOJ is the best one.

[vivalavidachick96]

I prefer gerard butler as the phantom, this guys half decent..

[Wistielyn]

definitely JOJ

[JenniferChapman1413]

Gerry is my first and favorite. In these clips Christine and David Shannon completely tore me apart. Saw Hugh in New York In June and found that he sounded much better than this clip.

[agyavril]

Michael Crafword and Gerard Butler in 2004

[Suzyy23]

Ramin and JOJ are the best, both give different elements to the character, Ramin copying the gestures of the monkey on the musical box is heart breaking, along side his powerful and meaningful voice he makes the perfect Phantom. JOJ shows the Phantom's grief at losing Christine by acting almost enraged yet utterly distraught. I have seen them both live and they both bring such emotional depth to the character. Beautiful actors.

[redberry0]

ç_ç

[ilovechopin11]

I saw Hugh live years ago, but he sounds a lot different in this video. When I saw him he sounded better. In this video I liked Ramin the best, but I will always love him, in any musical (especially in Les Mis as Enjorlas). Broadway is excellent, but my ultimate favorite is the 2004 movie. Guys, give Gerry a break! He never sang a note in his life before he got the part.

[jla9180]

David Shannon and (of course) Crawford...

Gotta say, I loved the Christines with those two the best as well- so many just chose to stand there with no emotion, but Beck and Kristien were really PRESENT. (I know Beck was with Jones, too, but it was better with Shannon)

[RosesNightengales]

The ending always gets me ): Whyyy!

[RosesNightengales]

You know? When Ramin is with the Monkey and he's copying him. Everytime I've seen the Phantom of the Opera, I never saw that happening ):

[Ozryprodutions]

Michael Crawford all the way!!! He has the most emotion and non over exageration in the notes

[hansg888]

OMG. I was full of tears at the end of the video :'(

[uberawesomeme12]

I love it when the Phantom is on the floor and crawls to the monkey, it makes them seem more helpless. David Shannon's was amazing, and I love what Peter Karrie does with his hands. But I agree....Hugh Panaro was better when I saw him on Broadway. That's when I really lost it.

[HappilyXneverXafterX]

I love this video!! Amazing Phantoms... (OMG at 3:44 I almost cried with Christine)

[AlcoFan2010]

dosn't matter who's singing this. at the end of the show there's not a dry eye in the house

[PittsBurghFuzz]

Michael said he was always brought to tears in this scene.

[keeny2006]

I love John Owen Jones. But I liked David Shannon's little part when he goes to touch her face but stops himself. I think that was just so cute :(

[SillyMooon]

My favorite was John Owen-Jones. I couldn't possibly play favorites, because i have never seen any of these before. I love Phantom of the Opera, even though i have only seen the movie, and i think Gerard Butler did an amazing job. This video was such a good idea to upload. I love you!

[TheGreenified]

MC, Gary Mauer, and Ramin are my top three. Honestly not trying to be biased, if I saw a better Phantom, I'd say he won, but seriously... Those three make me cry. :)

[houseschick]

Sadly, there's someone missing from this list: Colm Wilkinson. I saw him in Toronto in 89 and for me he IS the Phantom. I've seen many many different performances in the last 20 years but none has touched me as Colm's. Just my opinion.

[sherlockwatson93]

Aww it was so heart breaking when Peter Karrie's Phantom looked so happy to see Christine before she gave him back the ring but I think Micheal was the best Phantom of all.

[gemmyvy]

gary is the best!ramin wasn't bad but ...

[gemmyvy]

i love it!

[zelda1fiction1child]

Michael Crawford, Ramin Karimloo and Hugh Panaro are my three favorites, though I must admit Gary Mauer and John Owen Jones are quite good in this too. And Gina Beck is a popular Christine! :D

[BarrelsPolesandJack]

Ramin's my favorite, next to Gerard Butler, but that last one by Michael Crawford was the best out of all of them.

[Deviltakedahindmost9]

for sure Peter Karrie, Michael Crawford, and David Shannon...I cried with all of them..

[CrazyPinkChiquita]

i have to say, hugh doesn't sound as good as he did when i saw him on broadway as the Phantom...... he sounded a lot more upset and had a deeper voice.

[ChangeYourStars23]

@CrazyPinkChiquita I agree. This wasn't his best. Since I made this, I got two more clips of Hugh, and made a little "redemption" video for him:

w w w[dot]youtube[dot]com / watch?v=IKUyk8yfZSQ

[thefiercefalcon]

Dude. David Shannon's I was bawling like a big old baby when I saw it last year. Brings the memories back big time. He was SO Phanomenal!

[thephantom1946]

It has to be Crawford in my book. So heart wrenching and pitifully sad. He actually cried at every performance, and made Dale Kristien cry too, as she has said.

[OutrageousFortune473]

David Shannon was astounding, helped by Gina Beck. I love it when Christine is emotional, I don't know.

But I have to say, Michael Crawford. He's so sad and pitiful. I just want to give him a big hug!

Beautiful clips.

[AngelavengerL]

John Cudia and Michael Crawford!

[PhanPhanPhanPhanPhan]

Ramin's version is amazing <3 He makes the Phantom so childish, pitiful, you can't help but cry.

[Claidissa]

I think Gary Mauer and MIchael Crawford's versions are my favorites. Great job putting this together! I can't believe you found Crawford footage!

[ChangeYourStars23]

@Claidissa I definitely agree; Gary's one of the best Phantoms I've ever had the privilege to see, and Crawford's was just so sad! D: I wish there was footage of him in better/closer quality.

Thank you!

[Claidissa]

I couldn't even get through the first one without crying.