I have tickets to see Phantom on Broadway next week. I just saw that Norm Lewis will not be performing. Does anyone know who is taking his place? Thanks
Laird Macintosh, Paul Schaefer, Jeremy Stolle, and Greg Mills are the covers, per Playbill. Searches on Twitter make It seem that Laird is far and away the first cover. So probably him.
I saw Greg Mills, standing in for Hugh Panaro. Mills was top-notch, and could easily play the Phantom full-time. The only spot in which he seemed a bit unsure was in the graveyard scene -- standing on top of the hedge (or whatever it's supposed to be), he balanced himself by putting his hand out and touching a grave. I can't say I blame him for being slightly off-balance in that scene -- only a cat or a mountain goat could be completely sure of standing without steadying oneself in that scene.
Frankly, I liked his interpretation better than Hugh Panaro's.
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
I saw Paul Schaefer as the Phantom once, years ago. It was the weirdest, angriest, most incoherent performance I've ever seen. Maybe he was having an off night?
I saw Laird as the phantom this past Thursday Matinee, I overall liked his performance, I just thought his final lair was a bit weak. Kaley was great as Christine. I liked Richard Poole as Andre and I think Michelle McConnell is one of the best Carlotta's in recent years. I cant wait to see James Barbour this month I think he's going to be a fantastic Phantom!
I wish Phantom producers get Ramin Karimloo as the next Phantom after his gig as Les Miz JVJ is done at the end of the summer!! He has played Phantom in the West End! He will make one awesome and respected Phantom (unlike Norm's successor!) In the meantime I am staying away from this show! Just my opinion
I agree with PanaroFan111. I saw the show Thursday night and I thought Laird was weak during the final lair also. I was 2nd row center. I loved being under the chandelier!!!!
Rob McClure's understudy went on for the first time yesterday, Zachary Prince. His delivery appeared to be far more understate than that of McClure, and considering the fact he only had a couple of days' rehearsal, he did an excellent job in the evening show.