Should Phantom close?

[Broadwayeveryday2]

Hey everyone. I know you have probably seen boards like this before, but I am trying to get information for a blog I am writing. I have created a google form for people to fill out on these opinions. If there are any questions or people would like to go more in depth on their thoughts than please do! 

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJOsqtMg5fBLZfNaCJLkOFoS3lKGJLO79CL-9g8R6kzcFOiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

[BroadwayConcierge]

No. It’s a great show that has held up mostly well over the years. I think it’s wonderful to have one long-running Broadway production to connect generations upon generations of theatregoers.

[BroadwayRox3588]

BroadwayConcierge said: "No. It’s a great show that has held up mostly well over the years. I think it’s wonderful to have one long-running Broadway production to connect generations upon generations of theatregoers."

Everything Concierge said. Plus why would it close? It's still doing great business.

[Bwayfan292]

No. Im not a fan of phantom, but It’s the introduction to theatre for alot of people, and it gets people to come to NY to support the arts.

[Call_me_jorge]

The only reason I see for the phantom to close is so the Majestic can be rehabbed.

[Phantom4ever]

I am shocked you took the time to make a Google Form asking people if Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera should close.  Seems rather unnecessary? If the show was legendary for being sloppy, the creatives were not maintaining it well, or it was doing terrible business, then MAYBE I could see the point of this Google Form and this thread, but the show is well-maintained, popular, and profitable. Are you going to make another Google Form about if Hamilton should close?  I am open to the possibility that the OP has a legit need to even discuss this topic, but I am doubtful. 

[raddersons]

Phantom4ever said: "I am shocked you took the time to make a Google Form asking people if Broadway's The Phantom of the Opera should close. Seems rather unnecessary? If the show was legendary for being sloppy, the creatives were not maintaining it well, or it was doing terrible business, then MAYBE I could see the point of this Google Form and this thread, but the show is well-maintained, popular, and profitable. Are you going to make another Google Form about if Hamilton should close? I am open to the possibility that the OP has a legit need to even discuss this topic, but I am doubtful."

Phantom4ever... Seems like a biased source but okay.

[labellaragazza1]

BroadwayRox3588 said: "BroadwayConcierge said: "No. It’s a great show that has held up mostly well over the years. I think it’s wonderful to have one long-running Broadway production to connect generations upon generations of theatregoers."

Everything Concierge said. Plus why would it close? It's still doing great business."

These are my two main points as well. I am a totally biased huge fan, but whenever this question comes up, I find it slightly... ridiculous...? 

 

Why would a show that still makes around $1 million a week after 30 years close? To make way for something that may/may not be a financial success?  It's so lovely to have a show that generations can share, and I think it has held up remarkably well over the years, allowing for many to add their spin to the roles. 

 

 

[morosco]

Broadwayeveryday2, can you provide a link to your blog? 

[SomethingPeculiar]

No, it shouldn't close. It is still making big money, it's now a New York institution, and it employs 35 actors, 28 musicians, and dozens of other crew/production staff/managers/marketing people, etc.

I understand where your poll is coming from, but I think the thread and subject of the poll are both poorly worded.

[morosco]

SomethingPeculiar said: 
"I understand where your poll is coming from, but I think the thread and subject of the poll are both poorly worded."

Can you explain it to me SomethingPeculiar? I can't grasp where the poster's poll is coming from. I mean.. it seems so random yet so specific. Why would a show that is financially successful need a poll as to whether anyone thinks it should close or not?

 

[yankeefan7]

The better question is why should it close. It seems to still be making money and from accounts I have read here it is still in pretty good shape so why close.

[2019planning]

I hated phantom but should it close? um no

[Jarethan]

Why would you even ask?  Is this for school project?  I suspect that many on this board, me included, will close before Phantom does (and I at least am 68 and in good health).  

I am actually beginning to think that Phantom, Chicago, The Lion King, and Hamilton will still be open in a decade.   Not sure re Mormon, which is clearly a monster hit and not sure if Wicked will benefit a little, a lot or not at all from the eventual movie, but -- if I had to bet $$, I would bet that Wicked will still be open as well. (Only Chicago is in slight doubt...it depends how they can keep the weekly nut down; Chicago is actually going to close 2018 as its highest grossing year ever...not sure how well its grosses are keeping up with its nut growth.

[bwaylyric]

There would be no more jobs for the chandelier. 

[veronicamae]

I'm so confused as to the need to quantify public opinion on such a matter that is not controlled by public opinion (well, not in this way, anyway).

Is a petition going to come next to close it and make way for the Wild Party revival?

[MichelleCraig]

To OP: No. 

[chewy5000]

Maybe it (and all the other long running shows) should close, if only to spare us threads like this every other month?

[GhostXmasPast]

Seems an odd question.

There is a perennial cadre of very long running shows. They are an anchor of sorts for the industry / offering some stability and opportunity new and established cast and crew. They draw new fans to Broadway, keep the district lively, and also offer some safe bets for the tourist industry.

Eventually the laws of economics will cull one or two super long runners, while others fill the void. But Phantom still has legs, generates a profit, and draws a crowd. Why would it close?

[Lot666]

labellaragazza1 said: "Why would a show that still makes around $1 million a week after 30 years close?"

Indeed, and should the day ever come, I doubt it will have anything to do with the OP's "poll".

[SomethingPeculiar]

morosco said: "SomethingPeculiar said: "Can you explain it to me SomethingPeculiar? I can't grasp where the poster's poll is coming from. I mean.. it seems so random yet so specific. Why would a show that is financially successful need a poll as to whether anyone thinks it should close or not?"

I think a better way to phrase the question is, "Do frequent theatergoers feel that Phantom of the Opera still has vitality after 30 years?" That's a compelling thesis, and it allows for real opinions, unlike "Should Phantom Close?" TBH, I don't really care what the answer is, nor should the show. This poll is superficial and just makes the original poster sound ignorant and catty. But maybe that's what they're going for. 

The Broadway production will continue to run (and run and run).

[Fosse76]

Personally, I think much of the problem with Phantom (or any long running show) is the weak development of the characters, which can lead to broad portrayals that wildly deviate from what was originally created. While the show's book contributes to this, the lack of direction is truly to blame. Most Christines and Rauls are as bland as you can get, and many Phantoms are too aggressive. And the supporting roles are more interested in laughs than character development. Of course, Phantom isn't the only long-running show to suffer from this type of deterioration. None of the roles in Wicked even resemble the characters created by the original cast.  
 

[haterobics]

Yes, once their weekly ticket sales bring in less money than their weekly operating costs, I think they should pack it in.

[bryan32]

yes it should colesd because it is to long on broadway new shows need a place to get in 

 

[JustReviewingOkay]

After 30 years, Phantom is still one of the best shows on Broadway. No reason to close.