Phantom Musicals Part 2 - Andrew Lloyd Webber stage version review

[WinxJedi]

The Phantom of the Opera is a vampire. Only explanation. Why else would he be able to stay so sexy? I mean, just look at Madame Giry. Old, and unatractive. The phantom is young and hot. Vampirism

[13LittleLotte]

I can pick out the lyrics for Notes/Prima Donna if I have the script on hand.

[LerouxFan]

Another good review. This show made me a fan too. And finally, somebody agrees with me. I’ve been making the same argument about the Phantom’s magical powers in the show verses the movie since 2004 when it came out. It doesn’t ruin the mystery, it makes it more like the book, more realistic. Only explanation: the Phantom in the musical is obviously a wizard from the universe of Harry Potter… 12 years before HP was written…. Yeah. Something like that. *rolls eyes*

[JediMasteKnuzzles]

@VinentoValentine some chick tried to convince me other wise, that raoul would win, I slaughtered her with my argument, she hasnt respoded since, took down her comment about how raoul would win.... Team Erik: 1 Team Raoul:0 (like we would need to keep track of that)

[phantomphan4ever1]

I love your Beauty Underneath! ;)

[DarthNaver1]

I agree with the "cacophony" assessment of Carlotta's moments on stage, but I think that that is more of ALW satirizing opera as in "Poor Fool He Makes Me Laugh." When you described it as "noise" I was reminded of Mozart in Amadeus when he is like "it keeps going, sextet, septet, octet. How long do you think I can sustain that, Majesty. . . Only opera can do this . . ." So I think ALW was kind of answer to the beginning of Figaro. He is just like "fuck you Mozart it is just noise." Ha ha.

[ScenemoSweetie]

I read that Hal Prince saw the Prologue as Raoul's death, with the chandelier rising signify the actual moment when Raoul dies. There's a couple of threads on the subject over at phantomoftheopera . com

[chocobasse10]

@ScenemoSweetie Really? The proloque as Raoul's death... Interesting thought, actually. Where did Hal Prince talk about this? Do have links to interviews where he talks about it?

[Scar2401]

as far as the piano, the fireballs and everything, you already said it. Erik is an illusionist. a magician. it all adds to his "ghostly" appearance, that's what everyone knows him as...they never see him, but they hear him and know of his "tricks" that he plays on the company...

[18haylo]

5:48 what is that song from?

[nightpheniox]

@18haylo 'No One Would Listen' was an extra song written for the movie version, but htey didnt add it in. you can see it on the dvd as an extra scene though

[ThePhantomofYT101]

i can make a piano play while hiding behind it. and the croaking thing is explained in the movie but i think hes supposed to be a ventriloquist

[JediMasteKnuzzles]

I actully dont mind the sword fight in the movie, the only problem i have with it is the outcome of Roul over Erik, of coarse we all Know Erik would have pawned Roul, I mean hes the friggin Phantom of the Opera

[VincentoValentine]

@JediMasteKnuzzles Yeah, Erik is like Chuck Norris. He doesn't loose and not to Raoul. >.<

[Chrisrex83]

I am thoroughly a fan of the Original Lloyd Webber Stage production. The thing I liked so much about the Phantom is that with all his 'tricks' and illusions climaxing with his disappearance at the end, leaves you questioning weather he really is man, or mystery (to quote a phrase in the title song). There is a sense of magic about it, and the movie (dare I say it was like an abortion of the show) lost touch with that. 'just my view.

[XcrazyphangurlX]

…no matter how much his later music sucks- *cough cough love never dies cough*

[phantomeriklover]

haha. gandalf the freaking grey! lol

[somewhatsecret]

Oh god. I'll never forget during one of the Oscars, they had someone famous singing "a song from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera". I will NEVER forget the disappointment of 'Learn To Be Lonely' being chosen to perform out of ALL THE OTHER OPTIONS. I'd rather hear Magical Lasso at that point.

[somewhatsecret]

Hey PReviewer, I see someone's already asked but WHAT album did you purchase? The one with the ALW music, only just instrumental? The only thing I can find is this horrendous karaoke versions. As beautiful as the voices are, I'd like to hear only the score.

[PhantomReviews]

@somewhatsecret Its off the end of the 2004 movie, after that awful Minnie Driver song.

[ohfilms1]

@PhantomReviews that song is lovely why do you think its awful

[1AdrianR]

Where did you get the instrumental music in the background?

[simzproductionz]

The kid sounds like he is having some sort of orgasm O_O;

[RosesNightengales]

The Don Juan rehearsal is funny.

[DrNoYes9]

UGH if ONLY i could see this on broadway! But I've only seen one broadway show in my lifetime (which is really stupid becuz I live 45 minutes away from the city)... Its not about money or anything, its just my dad hates driving in the city! It sucks being a 13 year old phan.....

So close yet so far.....

[GrobanitePhan]

They put the swordfight in the 04 movie to make Raoul less of a paper-bag character. Tried to toughen him up a bit and give him more dimensions. Now, I'M a Raoul-lover (there are always a few versions that I hate), and I did like the swordfight. But I know tons of people who will just always hate Raoul. What losers. You should review each character. That would be cool.

[OiraMela]

haha i went to see the play this summer and completely missed all those magic parts. i can understand all the singing in the movie but wow it was insane on the stage

[godzilla964]

Pipe organ dosent go with a sword fight.

[ya0ish3lly]

*537* Who doesn't? I would of liked Erik to sucker punch Raoul when Christine distracted him.

"NO RAOUL!"

*BAMM*

[VHebert77]

Do you know if there is a way I could watch the original stage version today? Did they ever record it and sell it?

[IlMutoPHANTOMfan]

i dont understand how carlotta looses her voice in the stage version because the movie where the phantom changes the bottles came later and how does it go in the stage version because its officially that the phantom does that

[IlMutoPHANTOMfan]

the il muto i the stage version is not so extravagant but much better than in the movie

and i hate it when carlottas dress flys to her even watch 3:45 its sooooo stupid

you can only laugh about this

[jazzandmint]

The stage version is 23923823 times better than the movie version in my opinion. I think the main problem I have with it is that I didn't find the movie Phantom nearly sympathetic enough. I could not feel sorry for Gerard Butler's Phantom, because it was such a cookie-cutter portrayal. Michael Crawford had far more versatility. I could both love and hate him to equal avail, and the same is true for many other Broadway Phantoms (especially John Cudia, I saw him live and it was heartbreaking). <3

[PhantomsPoet180]

You do have to have an excellent ear to be able to sing Prima Donna, but I do understand that this song in particular in the stage version gets rather boring, all they do is stand around in the office and sing.

[PhantomSammy]

Haha. I'd prefer unrealistic and stupid looking fireball scene over unoriginal and stupid sword fight. Especially since they made Raoul win (even though I think it was only because the Phantom slipped.)

[Exalibur101]

well, since you dare me to make out the lyrics of carlotta.... people obsessed with it like me, take time to.

you have rebuked me, you have replaced me!

abbaandonnta! deserata! o sventura!

and more italian crap.....

[selenite1]

All right, where did you get the passable footage for the musical? Great review.

[EriksPunjabGirl]

I love that little parody song you put at the end of the review! It was epic.

[SkylaWestman]

Christine says it all: If you don't stop, I'll go mad!

[ImUrFanGirl]

they should of done a prequel insted of a sequel

[twilightdweller1]

Sure, you had some good points with the superhuman effects, but I am not happy that you are saying that Gerard wasn't good as the phantom. In my opinion, Gerard was better than Crawford. With Gerard, he has the aggresion that the Phantom needed in a scene or two. With Crawford, he is a bit slowler with the most serious, agressive scenes, like the final scene. Sure as emotional as the last scene is, the phantom plans to kill Raoul! He is quite furious and frustrated with Christine!!!!!!

[phantomeriklover]

Gandalf The Freaking Grey! lol

[kudasango]

you are my hero, that song at the end just made it for me. XD

[Pairjira]

When are you going to review Phantom of the Opera on Ice?

[PittsBurghFuzz]

i prefer the graveyard scene in the stage version because the swordfight is BORING in the film and i love when the Phantom constantly yells at Raoul in the Bravo Monsieur song on stage.

[12ApollosLyre21]

PURE GENIUS. I absolutely love your reviews! And that parody of The Beauty Underneath was so hilarious!

[MadameChristie]

Meh, Crawford's not my fav. I prefer Colm Wilkinson or most of recent stage Phantom's I've heard...

[roseofluna]

Okay, I love the ALW musical, but I agree completely with all that you said. Especially the part about Erik being an emo sissy. XD Still love him, though.

[Ryanlaskey]

i ADORE LND, its a fantatsic musical. I hate it when people say they hate it and the majority of people havnt even seen it

[EmilyGreene1984]

@Ryanlaskey What about those who have seen it and still recognize it to be terrible?

[00fyi]

phantom of the opera musical changed my life

[gottamatch]

completely agree about the boring Opera bits and making out the words of any of those bits unless you've got the movie soundtrack which is alot clearer then hearing it live at the stage version. The fight scene in the movie - definately the worst music "da da da da" AGREED! What a brilliant review, finally someone that isn't fawning completely nor bashing but saying it like it really is!

[PhantomPhan05]

Great review and I love your LND review aswell! :) Now about the 2004 film, you can't compare theatre and film, you just can't. They're two very different things and both have attracted many number of fans. While it may not live up to all expectations of original Phantom fans, the film on its own has converted millions of people to Phantom fans which proves while it may not be in the same class as the theatre show, it is still in a very high class on its own! :)

[littlesongbird1]

I agree with the comment on the red death costume..

I always figured that perhaps for the film they wanted to subdue the effect since it was not a stage show and with a stage show make up and costumes are often heighten since you need to make people in the back row feel the effect. For example in the video version of Cats they "soften" the make up and the costumes since they were dealing with a different medium.

[PhantomInTraining]

Gah. When you said that last part... I screamed :( Although, I've heard one of the songs, and it was pretty good. ('till I Hear You Sing Once More)

[Circletwice]

You truly are hilarious! Not to mention, your reviews actually ARE good reviews as well, not just jokes - I'm subscribing for sure!

[PinkCharmander]

lol emo sissy that's the impression I got from the movie too

[Paramorelover902]

I mean killing

[Paramorelover902]

I REALLY want 2 know wat u think of it!! It's killoing me on the inside!!! Hurry up and do the review of it PLEEEEEZ!!! =)

[elfinstyle]

I rather liked the stage illusions as they kept intact the magician's aspect of Erik's character. Laugh and throw your voice at the same time? Why not!

[gizmobizness1]

hmm I think I like you lyrics better for "The Beauty Underneath" :)

[lilanthia]

2:45 Carlotta says;

"What glory can she hope to gain, it is clear to all the girl's insane!"

Challenge accepted! Love you're reviews!

[ffarff]

i want your whole LND review in song form.

[DarthxErik]

Ha ha. I agree!!!

[DarthxErik]

I love the stage show... it is definitely my favorite version of Phantom! Les Mis now ties with it (now that I'm directing it and playing Eponine in it...) but Phantom on stage remains the show I'll see over and over again. Thanks for reviewing this! I agree with you somewhat on the "magic" bits in the stage show. But I really prefer his lighted stick in "wandering child" over the swordfight. It's more Leroux-y, I would say.

[LerouxsPhantom]

@DarthxErik: You're getting to play Eponine? You're so lucky! I'd love to be her, but my voice isn't low enough so I'd probably have to be Cosette (and she's boring as all hell). =(

[DarthxErik]

Thank you! Yes, I'm truly blessed. I still can't believe it. It's only a few weeks away, and I'm so jittery! I have a pretty odd voice... I can sing quite high and quite low. I guess I'm more of a mezzo-soprano, but sometimes I wonder... ha ha.

[LerouxsPhantom]

I also really hate Gerik's Masquerade outfit (he was like the fourth Musketeer, he even had a sword for Frig's sake!) I don't see why they could'nt just use the Red Death costume, it's not like it would look stupid on screen as it has been in at least a couple of other Phantom films!

[EmilyGreene1984]

I never thought you'd get to review the stage show, PhantomReviewer. I love the little sign "Butler = Fail/Crawford=Win". I actually love the Prologue, it helps build up the suspense to the overture. But your right, if it were taken out, it would be just as well. I also love the opera sequences. :) Overall, you did a good job. :)

[LerouxsPhantom]

Sorry to be OT but why is Yeston/Kopit Erik only wearing a half-mask? Isn't it based off the Charles Dance version (in which Erik has a full mask/deformity)? Anywho, can't wait for your review on that version and Love Never Dies especially! The song at the end was made of win. <3

[ghostoftoast]

@LerouxsPhantom

That's Takarazuka troup's Yeston/Kopit Erik. They opted for a half mask to make it easier on the actor as well. And instead of attempting a deformity, they just did a design on the face as a representation of a deformity, so we could think of it ourselfs instead of tearing down their failed attempt.

[somewhatsecret]

Oh my god I peed my pants at the song at the end. WHY ARE YOU SO AMAZING. knock it off. >_>

[Dizzyshad]

Lo I want to know now..

[Tytania]

I'm probably in a minority because I felt like the 2004 film really didn't represent the stage show well at all. The stage show give you a sense of a vast, dark opera house where a guy really could hide anywhere and terrorize people. In the movie, this really hot guy hangs out in a small and brightly lit opera house and somehow, miraculously doesn't get caught. The costumes were equally uninspired... or misguided.

[stitchgrl777]

@Tytania You're not misguided, at ALL. You're in the MAJORITY. trust me.

[xxkewldudexx]

what you said about the two sextets (aka "notes.../prima donna" and "notes... reprise" is sort of true, but you don't need to memorize the libretto. Just read it while you listen to the CD (and put on subtitles when you listen to what remains of these bits in the movie).

[hikaruchan16]

"GERIK = FAIL ; CRAWFORD = WIN"

I LOVE YOU. ^___^

I never did like that costume in the movie. The stage version of Red Death looks so much more menacing...like the Phantom is SUPPOSED to be...yeah.

[Enabsflow1]

Nice finishing touch, there, Revvy.

[LadyNoliana]

AH LND REVIEW! Do want now.

I actually really like the layered parts in the original Phantom, but only because it motivated me to listen to the soundtrack a thousand times to understand all the words. It really is impossible for a first-timer to understand a word of it, though. :)

[CaitlynAndAJones]

I can't wait to hear your opinion on Love Never Dies!

[Phantomguy92]

When he's laughing, he isn't doing Carlotta's voice as well, that's just Carlotta herself hacking and things. Isn't it? Could be wrong, but that's what I've always thought.

Woah, I can't WAIT for the LND review. It should be very.......interesting.

[phantomeriklover]

Gandalf the freaking grey hahaha

[stitchgrl777]

He's a ventriloquist -- that's how he made Raoul croak. Also, he doesn't need an explanation. He's a MAGICIAN! That's why he's the phantom and we are mere mortals. Hate that STUPID SWORDFIGHT IN THE MOVIE! Damn. Raoul defeats Erik in a game of fencing? He'd more likely sex rats. Not joking. No One Would Listen belongs in LND. And Yes, I really want to know what you think of Phantom Poo. I mean, Two.

[stitchgrl777]

@stitchgrl777 Holy crap, did I say "Raoul". Major flub.  I meant Carlotta. Embarassing.

[stitchgrl777]

Holy crap, I'm so excited to watch this, I have to pour my self a cup of tea and snuggle with my dog!!

Stage version> 2004 movie (understatement). I think they're nothing alike. I mean, just look at your clips! I think the prologue is gorgeous! The "messy" part of Notes II and Primma Donna is my least favorite. But I still find it better than whatever they did in LND.

[brandoncurtis1]

did you videotape the stage version because,i would love to see the ending dissapearing act again.i'm still trying to figure out how they did it.

[Pikatroid42]

What I think they did is, when the light dim, he stand up, puts the cloth over the chair, and runs to the stage exit as quickly and silently as possible.

[stitchgrl777]

@brandoncurtis1 He disappears into the chair. Sometimes, they mess up and you can see the phantom's hand.

[brandoncurtis1]

@stitchgrl777 thank you for telling me this.

[SilverDrgnbane]

Your rewrite of "Beauty Underneath" is absolutely gold. :D Great review as always.

[ShakespeareOfBorg]

I disagree with the chandelier scene at the beginning, I think it helps to set the scene of the musical well, especially if people are unfamiliar with the story.

[lamllemaussade]

Also, can't wait for your LND review! I've listened to the score, and parts are lovely but seem to try too overtly and clunkily to mirror part of the original musical's score. And I HATE what they've done to the characters!! Meg is a crazy stalker chick?! Wtf!

[lamllemaussade]

Great review! There's nothing like seeing the stage musical for the first time... Every time after, I've found, it loses some of the "magic" a little. My sister is friends with the sometime conductor of TPOTO on Broadway, so I got to tour the whole backstage area (which I thought would be awesome, and it was) but it sort of left me more disillusioned than ever! So I think the more one sees/becomes familiar with the show, the more one can see it for its [few] faults.

[sopapilla19]

I like this review and I agree with you on changing the Phantom into a more humanized version. The magic works for stage, not really film. I'm sick of other versions making Erik into a demonized pure villain. I also like how the movie gave a purpose to old Raoul's story (and makes it clear Raoul is still rich and Christine died of old age, he's not a lost fortune drunk). Aside, oh how can you tease us with LND? Please get on it and hurry!!

[Invaderphantomstar11]

That's actualy what I DONT like about the movie lol they underplayed played him way too much his abilaty to disapear, throw his voice and laugh at the same time,controle the gates with only a wave of his hand and shoot fire balls fromhis staff is what him so awesome!! As for this whole LND reveiw, after seeing what the P reveiwer has to other suckish versions, I can't wait what he'll do with this one ^^

[TwilightGeisha]

I've been in love with Phantom all my life,and I think it showcases everything that can possibly go right on stage. As for Love Never Dies, in my youth i always wondered what happened to the characters, and if LND came out years ago i would probably be exitied about the idea. However, now I realize that the ending is perfect and should not be tampered with. But i think the show will get money, because people are going to be curious about it.

[TGITPC]

Aha, yet another superb review, my phriend.

[MessengeroftheNight]

Hahaha! I always love your reviews and commentary! It's hilarious. And yes, I hate the sequel, haven't seen it yet, but I've heard enough to already hate the abomination that it is. Can't wait for that review, lol! ^_^

[GlompErik]

Well, i'd certainly love to know your opinion (although i would guess that you hate it:( I hated it too, but then my mother tricked me into watching it.... ITS NOT AS BLOODY AWFULL as the book its based off *shudder* the story is bleh, and rather like poorly written fanfiction, but all else is great- and you no those really weird character names, the freaks? well, i really like Fleck:) And, although beauty underneath can sound pervy and wrong to a sick mind like my ow, underneath the lyrics are

[cmonin]

Great review, thank you so much for pointing out the fact that the Phantom isn't actually a ghost and that people have no right to criticze the movie for making the magic tricks more realistic.

Oh God yes I want to know!!! I can't wait for your review of Love Never Dies

[Silverfang797]

I can't wait till you review Love Never Dies! From what I've heard from the soundtrack, there's only about 3 decent songs and the rest is kinda crap. I'm looking forward to your opinions

[thecopykidofthestarz]

The Decent ones Are NOT Good In Story And Make NO Sense Or Connection TO the Phantom.

But they have Good Singing. But that Isn't Even close enough to saving it. Its A Flop. Thank GOD. It Wont Get As Far As The Phantom of the Opera . We Are Safe.

[escottish140]

The Canadian cast, with Colm Wilkinson, is far superiour. The voices are clearer and far easier to understand 6+ characters singing at ones. I hate Michael Crawford's cat wailing voice.

[DrNoYes9]

i always like that whole confused counterpoint parts in the second part of Notes... (not the rehearsal), i always thought it showed how confused everyone was following all the things the phantom has put them through... just my 2 cents though...

loved the Beauty underneath spoof... ive never heard any of the songs from love never dies except for the previously released songs.... hehe but i did hear a 30 second exceprt and i thought "wat in gods name it THAT?!" after it was over...

[MarianneBrandon]

AAAHH! I was EATING while I watched this, and nearly choked at your personal spoof of "The Beauty Underneath." YES! I want to know.

I agree with whoever said that spewing fireballs is better than a swordfight--and I LOVE a swordfight. The music in that scene, though, in the 2004 movie IS terrible, it sounds like it should be in an early-90s Phantom video game.

[drjax1994]

i have waited for like 7 months for u to do this! YAY!!! Your reviews they highlight of my day sometimes.

[CaptainIchabodRainy9]

Great review!! I want to know what you think! =D

[redscarf89]

Great review! Good points about the Phantom's supernatural powers. I always just chalked them up to the Phantom using magic tricks that are never explained to us, but it does come off a bit strange now that you mention it.

Oh Lord... can't wait for your LND review. I'm going a week from tonight, so I'm quite nervous.

[PhantomReviews]

@redscarf89 be sure to let me know what you think of LND. I'm going this Saturday

[Hasselhoffhater]

Phantom just please destory this musical. It needs to die one way or another.

[smarterthanmyclass]

dont be too critcal. Remeber the original characters didn't have much depth so in this they are going to be different

[redscarf89]

@PhantomReviews Eh, better than I thought. NOT a standalone show. As a Phantom sequel, the story is horrible. But it had great music, some awesome sets, a fantastic cast and nice moments. DOF was hilarious and DTTH was epic. They didn't do a good job of explaining Meg's sudden homicidal urge and I felt bad for Raoul for being turned into - a stereotypical drunk gambler. The finale wasn't emotional enough, weirdly. I thought the Phantom would be more upset at... y'know... Christine DYING and all.

[redscarf89]

@PhantomReviews Oh, and the projection screen was AWESOME wasn't it? Wish they'd used it more. Moving through Phantasma during the Waltz was absolutely thrilling. But some of the other sets were just lame - like the dressing room and the pier at the end. And why did Christine wear nothing but white and pink? Anyway... can't wait to watch your review and hear what you thought!

[TheITinFIT]

Yes! I'm happy you like the live musical as much as I do! I cheered inside at Crawford=WIN, though I have to disagree at the fireball part. Unexplained Fireballs PWNS Lame Sword Fight. This is a show that can truly be appreciated live than just on screen and I hope to see it again soon.

As for LND, I think I can already tell what your opinion will be, you already know how I feel.

[X2Magneto]

He cant do magical things yes, but its looses the majesty to tape a camera to his back and follow him through his scenes.

[kenwen4]

Curse you! I had that song stuck in my head for a week after I first heard it!

But great review though. I'm looking forward to the rest of them.

[xoxoMandieRosexoxo]

Loved your lyrics to the Love Never Dies song- YEEESSSS!!!!!!! haha I actually somewhat like the music from Love Never Dies (not so much the story) so I'm interested to hear what you have to say on it

[mariinskylover]

Is it possible to find just the score of Phantom? I've looked around online a bit and haven't been very successful.

[Pussycatpumpkin]

As always a great review that made me ROFL! Can't wait for Love Never Dies review!

[SloeEyedDoe]

Yes, yes, I DO want to know what you think about Love Never Dies! Tell me now! I'm conflicted because what little I've heard of the music sounds, well, not bad; and I've heard from a friend of mine in London that she's seen the show and quite liked it. So now I don't know what to think. Tell me what to think, PhantomReviewer!

[CosplayOnHigh]

I can tell you right now, if you liked the original Lloyd Webber...You'll probably hate it. It's so sad what they did to the characters.

[poto94]

Crawford=win!

great review!!!