Why did they make the music all more jazzy-like? And not sure how much I like him mixing up the rhythm so much. He has/had the potential to be decent though...just make it Phantom of the OPERA, not Phantom of Whichever Jazz Club You Wanted to Debut Your Own Mix of This Song At.
@RKcousin625 You know your kind of right haha. But I was just making a valid point, you know? I'm just happy that people could understand what I was saying without criticizing me.
I remember Robert Guillaume from Benson many years ago and had no idea he could sing so beautifully or that he had played the Phantom. He sings beautifully.
I like his voice, I think it's very nice and relaxing, but I don't think it's right for the Phantom, not because of his race (just wanted to make that clear) but I don't hear the Phantom when he sings, it's probably because he doesn't have much of an operatic style. But yeah, don't think his voice is right for Phantom, but he's a very good singer.
I'm very torn about Robert as the Phantom. His voice has a wonderfully mysterious quality to it, but it's also a bit more clearly in the vein of rock than I typically see/prefer in Erik. In some ways he reminds me a tiny bit of Steve Harley. Overall, nice voice, but just not my favorite.
You all realize that Guillaume was cast as the phantom by Cameron Mackintosh's orders to make a point because actors equity wouldn't let Jonathan Pryce play the Eurasian "Engineer" in Miss Siagon. So they cast Guillaume and then argued to the actors equity a double standard that they would let Guillaume play a traditionally white Phantom but a British actor couldn't play an asian. Equity relented and when guillaume's six month contract was over Michael Crawford came back for a short time.
On a more immature note, I totally just saw Raoul showing up in the final scene and Guillaume turning to Christine with a sour look going "You want me to get that?"
Even though it doesn't really matter that what the Phantom should be, but we have to remember that he's under the opera house because of his face. It ruins the character when we remember that civil rights didn't exist back then, so he could be hated by the French because of his skin and not his face! Racism ruins the magic of the mask!!!! So, maybe casting a different nationality is not a good idea considering the true history of humanity! (SORRY Robert. I really am!) =^(((
A true lover of broadway knows that colour does not EVER define talent. Anyone who thinks that it does is an imbicile. Having to even glance at these preposterous, racist comments leaves me to believe that none of you have any idea what Phantom is about. If you did, colour would not even cross your dim-witted minds. Thank you to those who like (or dislike) Guillaume in this role because of talent or lack thereof instead of biast or racial discrmination.
@KudaranaiXXjumyo Just read your comments Sir and in my opinion: You are a Damn Fine Human Being. My hats off to you Sir,As I've said many times that Racism is the Malignant Cancer to the Human Endeavor,Perhaps there is some hope after all again Bravo Bravo. Merry Christmas,and Happy New Year to you and yours
@KudaranaiXXjumyo what I find strange is, why is there negative opinions about a black man being the Phantom, when the (arguably) most popular Phantom at the moment is Iranian
Congradulations, you're not colour blind! Yes, Guillaume is black, so what? I'm so sick of people thinking that only a white person can play this role. Honestly, does it really matter? Last time I checked, melanin is the only thing thing that sets the difference between black or white, so what is all of this idiocracy about? And what does white supremacy have ANYTHING to do with the beloved story of "The Phantom of the Opera?" Nothing, that's what.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Why is a nigger playing a white man's role? Especially this one. No where near the capability of playing this part properly. The Phantom is Rock, not rap.
@operazanotaijin How about you listen to the man sing before you spout off racial epithets and make yourself look like a relic of bygone bigotry. Chuck Berry, one of the first performers of rock and roll, was black. Guillaume can obviously pull this off; he got the part in major production, which is extremely difficult.
Robert Guillaume doesn't have the vocal chops for a role like Phantom. His voice doesn't have enough of a range, and not enough power. At best, he's a very very good karaoke singer.
Samchipman, go kill yourself you racist piece of shit. Its called COLOR BLIND CASTING. DUH!!! Norm Lewis played Javert and King Triton, now where's your argument. PUSSY.
Beautiful. Then again, next to that trainwreck of a mistake that is Michael Crawford, anything with even the barest hint of a Y-chromosome is going to sound like genius.
@BenevolentClicktator Guillaume > Crawford?? Don't know how you quite worked that one out. Each to their own, I suppose, but I reckon you need to clean your ears out.
This is fantastic. There is something about his voice that is broken and strong at the same time. I think it also appropriately fits the phantom's age. Of course I am not downplaying Crawford's original work as the phantom, but there is something so alluring in this version that is all its own.
This is excellent and the first rendition where you can feel the tortured soul of the Phantom through the music. I like both the Butler and Crawford cuts, too, but they don't compare to this one.
It's not the fact of racism because he's black, it's historical accuracy, Just as it would be incorrect to have a white person playing Seaweed in Hairspray for example
Seriously, what's the deal??? A black guy playing the Phantom, SO WHAT??? I don't care about appearance or skin color, I care about how well they play the role and their voice!!! Personally, I think he's a pretty darn good Phantom! Not my favorite, but definitely better than a lot of other Phantoms I've seen! Stop paying attention to the skin and pay attention to how he does the role! Is that what we've come to? Judging the character by appearance rather than talent? Pathetic.
Although it's not a terrible version, it is not the best. I like him though, however I think he is just too told for the kind of Phantom I enjoy. He must have been mid-50's when he did this, I guess?
This has nothing to do with skin colour, I just don't feel his voice is strong enough in some parts of the song. I'd love to see Norm Lewis don the mask :)
I've got to admit: I was very, very surprised when I saw a black actor playing Erik. However, that was just because I didn't know that a black man had never played Erik until right now.
Tim Martin Gleason played Erik when I saw the musical two times last year, but Guillaume's voice is great.
Th big casting controversy at the time was that actors equity was not going to let Jonathan Price wear prosethetics to make him look asian in Miss Siagon. So Andrew Lloyd Webber Cast a black man as the phantom to prove his point that the integrity of the shows don't change with race.
I was fortunate enough to see his performance at the Pantages in the 1980's; I saw Phantom again there with Davis Gaines as the Phantom, and to be honest, I was happier with Gilleaume's performance, although the poor guy is afraid of heights. He was a more animated and menacing Phantom, especially in the graveyard scene, and he definitely added dimension to the age-old story that made it a significant memory for me. Thank you for posting this. It's hard to find this version anywhere anymore.
Is it true that Robert Guillaume, besides being the only African American to play this role, is he also the oldest actor to have played the Phantom as well? Because I believe he was in his sixties when he did this....someone please correct me if I'm wrong!
So there's a problem with the Phantom being played by a black man. Hmm, I thought Erik was French, but hey, obviously I was wrong and he spoke fluent English in an American accent.
YOU MORONS!!!
He's a good singer and he put in just the right amount of emotion into the song.
The Phantom's race doesn't come into the plot so it why does his ethnic origin even matter?
I just find it sad we are arguing over whether or not Phantom should be black, this is 2010, shut the fuck up and listen to the man sing. Personally, I think he's brilliant, but guess what? I *AM* Black, and If you don't like a black Phantom, then why the fuck are you watching this?
@MaskedLion actually in the book the phantom was supposed to be 'dark complected' now in french - as i read the book in its original language... it is unclear because for example french people refer to slavs as 'dark complected' so it was never the point what race the guy was... i think Guillaume was possibly the best phantom... he got better as he went, if you notice he hurries this a bit too much.... but him and Michael Crawford are the two best in my opinion....
I can't believe they would choose this guy to replace the great Michael Crawford!He completely rushed through this song and actually broke the final note in half because of his inability to hold it. Michael Crawford on the other hand could put an audience under a spell when he sang and made long notes seem effortless. It's bad enough that they chose someone like Robert to play the Phantom at all, but the fact that he was chosen to replace Crawford makes it even worse.
Well, it doesn't hold a candle(no pun intended)to Crawford's Phantom. Poor breath control, slides on the high note, breaks and resumes the last note etc. But I knew he could sing long before he did Benson and I like Guillaume, but this isn't for him. Unfortunately, the box office starting dropping off when he took over, and when Michael came back after having to rest up for several months, the seats were filled again.
What??? An affirmative action Phantom? What's next, a black Hamlet or Asian Porgy? Cum on, there's a wealth of stories from the black experience waiting to be told instead of hitching rides on established hits. IMO, this is integration turned on it's head. There used to be a vibrant black entertainment world, sadly, now we think of profanity-laden rap as THE black musical expression. We need to see the gansta crowd put up the money for major musical re Josephine Baker, for example.
Not sure that I agree with your "affirmative action Phantom" comment... I actually enjoy seeing actors play roles of people entirely unlike themselves... especially when the character is FICTIONAL as is the case with the Phantom of the Opera. Under your line of thinking, perhaps Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone nor Madonna should have portrayed Eva Peron in Evita. Afterall, Eva Peron was a Latina woman...
He's more than just Benson...What many don't know is that Robert Guillaume left St. Louis years ago to pursue a career in singing. He had a long career on stage in New York before arriving to Hollywood. So, he was well prepared & qualified to play the role of The Phantom. His strong tenor voice was a no brainer to replace Micheal Crawford. Thank God that all of hollywood don't think like invaderphantomstar.
I had the good fortune to see RG in "Phantom" back in '90 in L.A. I had never gone to a musical before and just fell in love with this. I watched RG on "Benson" as a little girl and knew he could sing but not like this!
A fine version of the song. Does anyone have a recording of Robert Guillaume's appearance on WOGAN in 1990 (when he was interviewed by Joanna Lumley to publicize his role in Phantom of the Opera)? If so, I would appreciate it greatly if he or she could post it here.
You know, I like this version! Does anyone know how long he was in the role? I'm surprised that he wasn't done over in white make-up like they did when Diahann Carrol played Norma Desmond in the Toronto cast of Sunset Boulevard... People sure seem pissy about the idea of a black man playing the Phantom as though black people didn't exist in Paris at the time this story took place...
It is like the debate as to what color God is... Subject to debate. Michael Jackson was white, too...
mxb125, I think you missed by point by indirectly reiterating my point... I was arguing that whether or not the Phantom could have been black is LIKE debating the color of God's skin... There is no winning because it is all subject to debate and there's no definitive proof.
Sure, it is pointless to debate the color of God's skin... I never even suggested a color for God... I just pointed out that the debate over the Phantom's skin color is just as questionable.
@oneworldguy the book obviously describes the Phantom as pale. And he has unknown origins. If he was African-American I doubt he would have problems guessing... as for the stage version, Michael Crawford set the example.
DarthxErik, Michael Jackson was also pale as are many others of African descent. Why are we so anal about the color of the Phantom's skin in the production when there are tons of differences between any movie or stage production based upon the book? Just a couple of examples... where is the Rat Catcher in the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage production? Where are the grasshopper and scorpion to be turned by Christine has she was being forced to choose in the book? Why can't the Phantom be black?
DarthxErik, I just want to point out that I am half-white, half-latino. It isn't like I have a personal stake as to whether or not African Americans have "equal access" to the big roles or anything like that. I prefer to see the best performers possible.
Michael Crawford sets the example in your opinion, but I was more impressed when I saw Colm Wilkinson in the production in Toronto and John Cudia on Broadway. We all have different tastes. For me, race is absolutely irrelevant.
@oneworldguy As am I. My parents come from Mexico. I'm not racist and I'm totally like "if it works, do it!" but as you said, don't we all prefer the best performances possible? I think physique and race does matter, actually. You can't have a little person play the Phantom, nor can you have a guy play Christine. (btw I totally love Colm Wilkinson and John Cudia). I'm speaking as a big Phantom fan. I'd rather the performances be the least distracting and the closest to the story as possible.
DarthxErik, but then by your standard of "physique and race," should Carlotta not be played by a black woman as is currently being done on Broadway much to critical acclaim? Granted that she is actually half-Italian herself, she still very much has black features but very pale skin.
I'd hate for her to not be in that role when she's the best I've ever seen do it because she looks black...
@oneworldguy No. I think it depends on what character is being played. For example, most characters in Wicked can be played by black men and women, but I would be more than slightly miffed if I bought tickets to see it and found out last minute that it would be the case for Elphaba or Glinda. This doesn't mean I think black people should only get "side-characters" or "extras." Actually, as you mentioned re: Carlotta, If a man with black features but pale skin played the Phantom, I'd go for it.
DarthxErik, I'm a little confused. I can understand that you would personally prefer the Glinda was white since the original portrayal of her in the Wizard of Oz was done by a white woman (even in the film production of The Wiz as well)... but why does it matter what race the actor playing Elphaba is? I mean, she's covered in green paint on her face, neck, ears and hands (the rest is covered by costume)...
@oneworldguy ahhh you caught me. A little lapse in judgement. I agree with you, perhaps that wouldn't matter at all. Great point. Besides, if someone can belt good, it's going to be African Americans. :D
DarthxErik, it wasn't a challenge. I was just wondering. I was like, "What if it was Jennifer Holliday (original Effie in Dreamgirls) who was cast as Elphaba during her prime days if the two were aligned at the same time? You gonna' turn down seeing her belt out Defying Gravity's climax?" LOL
Why not, Invaderphantomstar? There is an AWESOME black woman playing Carlotta on Broadway now (Patricia Phillips) who actually has light/white skin. There has also been a black Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast (National Tour), a black Norma Desmond (Diahann Carrol in original Canadian cast), etc. Then there are Asian Phantoms over in Asia...
Black people were present in France at the time this story takes place. It isn't unbelievable that the Phantom could be black.
Well,Oneworldguy, Im not against black people on broadway, I actualy thought a black Mrs.Potts seemed pretty fitting and the plant in little shop of horrors is prety cool. It's just, well, for one in the book it describes him being like really, really pale. Also, when it comes to stage Phantom it seems to me that he's ment a very strange almost feminin character and I just dont feel a black person can pull that off. It can go the other way, thouhg, I cant see a whit person doing Mufassa justice
Speaking of "almost feminine," I always thought that Michael Jackson could have made a great Phantom for a film cast... Gerard Butler sure is a good actor and quite the hunk, but his voice really disappointed me for the part.
My friend said the same thing...I dont know, MJ can certainly pull off the character, but the voice is too weak for my taste. Ugh, Gerard B. he's not terrible but it they could've gottrn someone A LOT better. I always thought is was a good thing I seen the movie first then the play, because if it was visa-versa I would've been verry disapointed.
@Invaderphantomstar11 The book says he's pale but how do you get feminine from that? I'm not trying to snarky, I just don't get that. He lifts up the fat guy and kills him by strangulation. He falls in love with and is obsessed with a woman who he wants to marry. He physically takes on male after male. Granted he can be down right @itchy but he's not feminine at all it seems to me.
@jadedwhite1 good lord, I never said he was homosexual. All I said was, he strikes me as a bit feminine and I gathered that from the stage play not the book. I mean he's always well dressed, qute emotional and one can't over look the amount of make up he sports :P
@nestersg, you raise a good point, but I only mentioned that black people were present in France... I do like his singing voice for this... Very romantic. Maybe the older guys DO know what they're doing. LOL
I saw this show in LA when i was about 12. Do you think many 12 year-olds enjoy this?! Robert Guillaume made a lasting impression with me. He was awesome! Love these songs now.
Why did they make the music all more jazzy-like? And not sure how much I like him mixing up the rhythm so much. He has/had the potential to be decent though...just make it Phantom of the OPERA, not Phantom of Whichever Jazz Club You Wanted to Debut Your Own Mix of This Song At.
BeWiL0991 5 days ago
@RKcousin625 You know your kind of right haha. But I was just making a valid point, you know? I'm just happy that people could understand what I was saying without criticizing me.
KudaranaiXXjumyo 4 weeks ago
did you know that Seal was going to be given the role in the 2004 movie? true ....
mihaeltomasovic 1 month ago
I saw Robert Guillaume as the Phantom in Los Angeles in 1990, HE WAS WONDERFUL!
dsand616 1 month ago
@dsand616 I was so glad that someone posted this. I could never explain just what a great job he did with the role. He made it his own.
lisaannejane2 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
I remember Robert Guillaume from Benson many years ago and had no idea he could sing so beautifully or that he had played the Phantom. He sings beautifully.
mrscnln 1 month ago
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agroash 1 month ago
I like his voice, I think it's very nice and relaxing, but I don't think it's right for the Phantom, not because of his race (just wanted to make that clear) but I don't hear the Phantom when he sings, it's probably because he doesn't have much of an operatic style. But yeah, don't think his voice is right for Phantom, but he's a very good singer.
TheJacksForAllTrades 2 months ago
Who, what, when, where, why.
For 5:11 couldn't we just listen and enjoy the music?
Lansdenc 2 months ago
I'm very torn about Robert as the Phantom. His voice has a wonderfully mysterious quality to it, but it's also a bit more clearly in the vein of rock than I typically see/prefer in Erik. In some ways he reminds me a tiny bit of Steve Harley. Overall, nice voice, but just not my favorite.
KatyHallow 2 months ago
hey dad, congrats on all the comments.
vadersucksass 2 months ago
You all realize that Guillaume was cast as the phantom by Cameron Mackintosh's orders to make a point because actors equity wouldn't let Jonathan Pryce play the Eurasian "Engineer" in Miss Siagon. So they cast Guillaume and then argued to the actors equity a double standard that they would let Guillaume play a traditionally white Phantom but a British actor couldn't play an asian. Equity relented and when guillaume's six month contract was over Michael Crawford came back for a short time.
egamer25 2 months ago
On a more immature note, I totally just saw Raoul showing up in the final scene and Guillaume turning to Christine with a sour look going "You want me to get that?"
bobthebackwardsock 3 months ago
Even though it doesn't really matter that what the Phantom should be, but we have to remember that he's under the opera house because of his face. It ruins the character when we remember that civil rights didn't exist back then, so he could be hated by the French because of his skin and not his face! Racism ruins the magic of the mask!!!! So, maybe casting a different nationality is not a good idea considering the true history of humanity! (SORRY Robert. I really am!) =^(((
2010Wilde 3 months ago
A true lover of broadway knows that colour does not EVER define talent. Anyone who thinks that it does is an imbicile. Having to even glance at these preposterous, racist comments leaves me to believe that none of you have any idea what Phantom is about. If you did, colour would not even cross your dim-witted minds. Thank you to those who like (or dislike) Guillaume in this role because of talent or lack thereof instead of biast or racial discrmination.
KudaranaiXXjumyo 4 months ago 2
@KudaranaiXXjumyo Just read your comments Sir and in my opinion: You are a Damn Fine Human Being. My hats off to you Sir,As I've said many times that Racism is the Malignant Cancer to the Human Endeavor,Perhaps there is some hope after all again Bravo Bravo. Merry Christmas,and Happy New Year to you and yours
masonfssr 2 months ago
@KudaranaiXXjumyo what I find strange is, why is there negative opinions about a black man being the Phantom, when the (arguably) most popular Phantom at the moment is Iranian
TheJacksForAllTrades 2 months ago
@KudaranaiXXjumyo you sound like the riddler from batman callinf people imbiciles and stuff. no offense, just saying
RKcousins625 4 weeks ago
Congradulations, you're not colour blind! Yes, Guillaume is black, so what? I'm so sick of people thinking that only a white person can play this role. Honestly, does it really matter? Last time I checked, melanin is the only thing thing that sets the difference between black or white, so what is all of this idiocracy about? And what does white supremacy have ANYTHING to do with the beloved story of "The Phantom of the Opera?" Nothing, that's what.
KudaranaiXXjumyo 4 months ago 2
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I don't give a damn what anybody else thinks. HEIL HITLER!! WHITE POWER!!
operazanotaijin 4 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Why is a nigger playing a white man's role? Especially this one. No where near the capability of playing this part properly. The Phantom is Rock, not rap.
operazanotaijin 5 months ago
@operazanotaijin How about you listen to the man sing before you spout off racial epithets and make yourself look like a relic of bygone bigotry. Chuck Berry, one of the first performers of rock and roll, was black. Guillaume can obviously pull this off; he got the part in major production, which is extremely difficult.
VideoMask93 5 months ago
@operazanotaijin HEY YOU HAVE NO REASON TO TALK THAT WAY ESPECIALLY NOT ON MY DAD'S VIDEO!
vadersucksass 2 months ago
Robert Guillaume doesn't have the vocal chops for a role like Phantom. His voice doesn't have enough of a range, and not enough power. At best, he's a very very good karaoke singer.
kissmybrownass 5 months ago
Samchipman, go kill yourself you racist piece of shit. Its called COLOR BLIND CASTING. DUH!!! Norm Lewis played Javert and King Triton, now where's your argument. PUSSY.
MrMusicman25 5 months ago
He adds a very spooky quality to the role, gives me chills. Great work. All of you racist pricks need to shut the fuck up, fucking faggots
MrMusicman25 5 months ago
Beautiful. Then again, next to that trainwreck of a mistake that is Michael Crawford, anything with even the barest hint of a Y-chromosome is going to sound like genius.
BenevolentClicktator 5 months ago
@BenevolentClicktator Guillaume > Crawford?? Don't know how you quite worked that one out. Each to their own, I suppose, but I reckon you need to clean your ears out.
dansfc31 4 months ago
This is fantastic. There is something about his voice that is broken and strong at the same time. I think it also appropriately fits the phantom's age. Of course I am not downplaying Crawford's original work as the phantom, but there is something so alluring in this version that is all its own.
EpicFaerietale 6 months ago
Rafiki can sing AMAZING!! :)
Love his phantom!! :D
phantomphan4ever1 6 months ago 2
This is excellent and the first rendition where you can feel the tortured soul of the Phantom through the music. I like both the Butler and Crawford cuts, too, but they don't compare to this one.
1shyflower 7 months ago
Uh....he's black?? Gee, I guess I just don't notice the color of people's skin anymore, because IT DOES NOT MATTER.
Platypusmann 7 months ago
It's not the fact of racism because he's black, it's historical accuracy, Just as it would be incorrect to have a white person playing Seaweed in Hairspray for example
samchipman 7 months ago
@samchipman
Right, because there were no black people in France in the 1800's. Idiot.
RussianPhantom24601 7 months ago
I love Robert Guillaume to death, but this role is not for him, sorry. And no, it's not because he's a black guy.
jemmabond 7 months ago
Seriously, what's the deal??? A black guy playing the Phantom, SO WHAT??? I don't care about appearance or skin color, I care about how well they play the role and their voice!!! Personally, I think he's a pretty darn good Phantom! Not my favorite, but definitely better than a lot of other Phantoms I've seen! Stop paying attention to the skin and pay attention to how he does the role! Is that what we've come to? Judging the character by appearance rather than talent? Pathetic.
spiderpigc 8 months ago 2
I don't like his voice.
scumblejack 8 months ago
it's beautiful
mona0303 8 months ago
I just cried
screechingsoul 9 months ago
Although it's not a terrible version, it is not the best. I like him though, however I think he is just too told for the kind of Phantom I enjoy. He must have been mid-50's when he did this, I guess?
This has nothing to do with skin colour, I just don't feel his voice is strong enough in some parts of the song. I'd love to see Norm Lewis don the mask :)
Faragon89 11 months ago
I've got to admit: I was very, very surprised when I saw a black actor playing Erik. However, that was just because I didn't know that a black man had never played Erik until right now.
Tim Martin Gleason played Erik when I saw the musical two times last year, but Guillaume's voice is great.
Phantom <3
MalleableMadness 11 months ago
His voice isn't my cup of tea, its a bit too raspy. But he does a great job. :)
EmilyGreene1984 11 months ago
Go Benson!
XxSTAR1977WARSxX 11 months ago
Th big casting controversy at the time was that actors equity was not going to let Jonathan Price wear prosethetics to make him look asian in Miss Siagon. So Andrew Lloyd Webber Cast a black man as the phantom to prove his point that the integrity of the shows don't change with race.
egamer25 1 year ago
Woah....I just realized that this is Rafiki from the Lion King. He has an awesome voice!
xxSunsetSagexx 1 year ago
I was fortunate enough to see his performance at the Pantages in the 1980's; I saw Phantom again there with Davis Gaines as the Phantom, and to be honest, I was happier with Gilleaume's performance, although the poor guy is afraid of heights. He was a more animated and menacing Phantom, especially in the graveyard scene, and he definitely added dimension to the age-old story that made it a significant memory for me. Thank you for posting this. It's hard to find this version anywhere anymore.
2xMakina 1 year ago 2
I have a love hate relationship with this version. I know he does quite a few things badly, but I still love listening to it. >.<
RaWrZzZz 1 year ago
I had the pleasure of seeing Robert as the Phantom years and years ago. =)
Rachtheangel 1 year ago
amazing voice,would have loved to see him in the role.
PhantomOftheOpera25 1 year ago
Is it true that Robert Guillaume, besides being the only African American to play this role, is he also the oldest actor to have played the Phantom as well? Because I believe he was in his sixties when he did this....someone please correct me if I'm wrong!
71crm 1 year ago
@71crm Yes he is.
EmilyGreene1984 11 months ago
So there's a problem with the Phantom being played by a black man. Hmm, I thought Erik was French, but hey, obviously I was wrong and he spoke fluent English in an American accent.
YOU MORONS!!!
He's a good singer and he put in just the right amount of emotion into the song.
The Phantom's race doesn't come into the plot so it why does his ethnic origin even matter?
powergirl07 1 year ago 2
I just find it sad we are arguing over whether or not Phantom should be black, this is 2010, shut the fuck up and listen to the man sing. Personally, I think he's brilliant, but guess what? I *AM* Black, and If you don't like a black Phantom, then why the fuck are you watching this?
MaskedLion 1 year ago 21
@MaskedLion actually in the book the phantom was supposed to be 'dark complected' now in french - as i read the book in its original language... it is unclear because for example french people refer to slavs as 'dark complected' so it was never the point what race the guy was... i think Guillaume was possibly the best phantom... he got better as he went, if you notice he hurries this a bit too much.... but him and Michael Crawford are the two best in my opinion....
mihaeltomasovic 1 month ago
Guillaume is a great actor but my God was he atrocious as the Phantom. Who's idea was it to cast him in this anyway? Webber's??
I remember this whole episode just being so odd.
haroof 1 year ago
I can't believe they would choose this guy to replace the great Michael Crawford!He completely rushed through this song and actually broke the final note in half because of his inability to hold it. Michael Crawford on the other hand could put an audience under a spell when he sang and made long notes seem effortless. It's bad enough that they chose someone like Robert to play the Phantom at all, but the fact that he was chosen to replace Crawford makes it even worse.
LincTownCarFan 1 year ago
Well, it doesn't hold a candle(no pun intended)to Crawford's Phantom. Poor breath control, slides on the high note, breaks and resumes the last note etc. But I knew he could sing long before he did Benson and I like Guillaume, but this isn't for him. Unfortunately, the box office starting dropping off when he took over, and when Michael came back after having to rest up for several months, the seats were filled again.
thephantom1946 1 year ago
What??? An affirmative action Phantom? What's next, a black Hamlet or Asian Porgy? Cum on, there's a wealth of stories from the black experience waiting to be told instead of hitching rides on established hits. IMO, this is integration turned on it's head. There used to be a vibrant black entertainment world, sadly, now we think of profanity-laden rap as THE black musical expression. We need to see the gansta crowd put up the money for major musical re Josephine Baker, for example.
audiesgirl 1 year ago
Not sure that I agree with your "affirmative action Phantom" comment... I actually enjoy seeing actors play roles of people entirely unlike themselves... especially when the character is FICTIONAL as is the case with the Phantom of the Opera. Under your line of thinking, perhaps Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone nor Madonna should have portrayed Eva Peron in Evita. Afterall, Eva Peron was a Latina woman...
oneworldguy 1 year ago
He's more than just Benson...What many don't know is that Robert Guillaume left St. Louis years ago to pursue a career in singing. He had a long career on stage in New York before arriving to Hollywood. So, he was well prepared & qualified to play the role of The Phantom. His strong tenor voice was a no brainer to replace Micheal Crawford. Thank God that all of hollywood don't think like invaderphantomstar.
chazingram 1 year ago
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chazingram 1 year ago
Dude... this guy played RAFIKI!
Wicked! Has there ever been a black Christine, I wonder?
BeautyxinChains 1 year ago
I had the good fortune to see RG in "Phantom" back in '90 in L.A. I had never gone to a musical before and just fell in love with this. I watched RG on "Benson" as a little girl and knew he could sing but not like this!
wiccanlove1 1 year ago
A fine version of the song. Does anyone have a recording of Robert Guillaume's appearance on WOGAN in 1990 (when he was interviewed by Joanna Lumley to publicize his role in Phantom of the Opera)? If so, I would appreciate it greatly if he or she could post it here.
MegaPablo333 1 year ago
hkhkh
RunescapeWarriorOwn 1 year ago
You know, I like this version! Does anyone know how long he was in the role? I'm surprised that he wasn't done over in white make-up like they did when Diahann Carrol played Norma Desmond in the Toronto cast of Sunset Boulevard... People sure seem pissy about the idea of a black man playing the Phantom as though black people didn't exist in Paris at the time this story took place...
It is like the debate as to what color God is... Subject to debate. Michael Jackson was white, too...
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy to think that God might be a certain color is a waste of time and does not make sense
mxb125 1 year ago
mxb125, I think you missed by point by indirectly reiterating my point... I was arguing that whether or not the Phantom could have been black is LIKE debating the color of God's skin... There is no winning because it is all subject to debate and there's no definitive proof.
Sure, it is pointless to debate the color of God's skin... I never even suggested a color for God... I just pointed out that the debate over the Phantom's skin color is just as questionable.
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy the book obviously describes the Phantom as pale. And he has unknown origins. If he was African-American I doubt he would have problems guessing... as for the stage version, Michael Crawford set the example.
DarthxErik 1 year ago
DarthxErik, Michael Jackson was also pale as are many others of African descent. Why are we so anal about the color of the Phantom's skin in the production when there are tons of differences between any movie or stage production based upon the book? Just a couple of examples... where is the Rat Catcher in the Andrew Lloyd Webber stage production? Where are the grasshopper and scorpion to be turned by Christine has she was being forced to choose in the book? Why can't the Phantom be black?
oneworldguy 1 year ago
DarthxErik, I just want to point out that I am half-white, half-latino. It isn't like I have a personal stake as to whether or not African Americans have "equal access" to the big roles or anything like that. I prefer to see the best performers possible.
Michael Crawford sets the example in your opinion, but I was more impressed when I saw Colm Wilkinson in the production in Toronto and John Cudia on Broadway. We all have different tastes. For me, race is absolutely irrelevant.
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy As am I. My parents come from Mexico. I'm not racist and I'm totally like "if it works, do it!" but as you said, don't we all prefer the best performances possible? I think physique and race does matter, actually. You can't have a little person play the Phantom, nor can you have a guy play Christine. (btw I totally love Colm Wilkinson and John Cudia). I'm speaking as a big Phantom fan. I'd rather the performances be the least distracting and the closest to the story as possible.
DarthxErik 1 year ago
DarthxErik, but then by your standard of "physique and race," should Carlotta not be played by a black woman as is currently being done on Broadway much to critical acclaim? Granted that she is actually half-Italian herself, she still very much has black features but very pale skin.
I'd hate for her to not be in that role when she's the best I've ever seen do it because she looks black...
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy No. I think it depends on what character is being played. For example, most characters in Wicked can be played by black men and women, but I would be more than slightly miffed if I bought tickets to see it and found out last minute that it would be the case for Elphaba or Glinda. This doesn't mean I think black people should only get "side-characters" or "extras." Actually, as you mentioned re: Carlotta, If a man with black features but pale skin played the Phantom, I'd go for it.
DarthxErik 1 year ago
DarthxErik, I'm a little confused. I can understand that you would personally prefer the Glinda was white since the original portrayal of her in the Wizard of Oz was done by a white woman (even in the film production of The Wiz as well)... but why does it matter what race the actor playing Elphaba is? I mean, she's covered in green paint on her face, neck, ears and hands (the rest is covered by costume)...
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy ahhh you caught me. A little lapse in judgement. I agree with you, perhaps that wouldn't matter at all. Great point. Besides, if someone can belt good, it's going to be African Americans. :D
DarthxErik 1 year ago
DarthxErik, it wasn't a challenge. I was just wondering. I was like, "What if it was Jennifer Holliday (original Effie in Dreamgirls) who was cast as Elphaba during her prime days if the two were aligned at the same time? You gonna' turn down seeing her belt out Defying Gravity's climax?" LOL
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy yeah, no, that would be totally awesome.
DarthxErik 1 year ago
Im not racest but, A BLACK PHANTOM????? D:
Invaderphantomstar11 1 year ago
Why not, Invaderphantomstar? There is an AWESOME black woman playing Carlotta on Broadway now (Patricia Phillips) who actually has light/white skin. There has also been a black Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast (National Tour), a black Norma Desmond (Diahann Carrol in original Canadian cast), etc. Then there are Asian Phantoms over in Asia...
Black people were present in France at the time this story takes place. It isn't unbelievable that the Phantom could be black.
oneworldguy 1 year ago 10
Well,Oneworldguy, Im not against black people on broadway, I actualy thought a black Mrs.Potts seemed pretty fitting and the plant in little shop of horrors is prety cool. It's just, well, for one in the book it describes him being like really, really pale. Also, when it comes to stage Phantom it seems to me that he's ment a very strange almost feminin character and I just dont feel a black person can pull that off. It can go the other way, thouhg, I cant see a whit person doing Mufassa justice
Invaderphantomstar11 1 year ago
Speaking of "almost feminine," I always thought that Michael Jackson could have made a great Phantom for a film cast... Gerard Butler sure is a good actor and quite the hunk, but his voice really disappointed me for the part.
oneworldguy 1 year ago
My friend said the same thing...I dont know, MJ can certainly pull off the character, but the voice is too weak for my taste. Ugh, Gerard B. he's not terrible but it they could've gottrn someone A LOT better. I always thought is was a good thing I seen the movie first then the play, because if it was visa-versa I would've been verry disapointed.
Invaderphantomstar11 1 year ago
@Invaderphantomstar11 The book says he's pale but how do you get feminine from that? I'm not trying to snarky, I just don't get that. He lifts up the fat guy and kills him by strangulation. He falls in love with and is obsessed with a woman who he wants to marry. He physically takes on male after male. Granted he can be down right @itchy but he's not feminine at all it seems to me.
jadedwhite1 1 year ago
@jadedwhite1 good lord, I never said he was homosexual. All I said was, he strikes me as a bit feminine and I gathered that from the stage play not the book. I mean he's always well dressed, qute emotional and one can't over look the amount of make up he sports :P
Invaderphantomstar11 1 year ago
@oneworldguy
The Phantom wan't french. He was Scandinavian. Not that I care what color the Phantom is. As long as he can sing.
nestersg 1 year ago
@nestersg, you raise a good point, but I only mentioned that black people were present in France... I do like his singing voice for this... Very romantic. Maybe the older guys DO know what they're doing. LOL
oneworldguy 1 year ago
@oneworldguy And they were even better accepted in show biz in that era. All the way forward to Joshepine Baker and beyond.
tlyoung88 7 months ago
great job
cmiekley 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Totally shitastic. There's a reason why only white guys play the role, blacks can't. Fucking weak-voiced nigger.
operazanotaijin 1 year ago
I saw this show in LA when i was about 12. Do you think many 12 year-olds enjoy this?! Robert Guillaume made a lasting impression with me. He was awesome! Love these songs now.
Triburner1 1 year ago
Amazing that he's still the only black person to play The Phantom! Brian Stokes Mitchell would kill in this role!
smichelle65 1 year ago
oddest, most random casting choice ever, be it stage or film.
goo83 1 year ago
WOW!!!!!...ive been looking for any and all of Roberts performances as the PHANTOM.... thanks for posting......
xWiKKeDx 1 year ago 2
Beautiful. I wish there was more recordings and videos of Robert. He's my favorite.
MaskedLion 1 year ago 2
Technically, the "tour" was really a sit-down production in Los Angeles from 1989 until 1994/1995, which then moved to San Fransisco until 1999.
RastloseJahre 1 year ago