Fantastic Phantom, Finally

[CopleyScott17]

Posted: 2/29/20 at 6:39pm

I hereby apologize to Andrew Lloyd Webber and everyone to whom I haughtily dismissed "Phantom of the Opera" over the years. What a fantastic production! After seeing "Wicked" for the first time a couple of years ago, I feared another tired old warhorse that should be put out if its misery. Had even more trepidation seeing a Saturday matinee. But the cast (all principals except Carlotta, but the understudy was wonderful) was energetic, enthusiastic, and committed. The audience was excited, enthralled, and respectful (except for a few cellphones and cellophane wrappers).  I was thrilled to be so wrong and so pleasantly surprised. Thirty-plus years later, I finally see the attraction One question: Could the Justin Peck performing in the ensemble be the very same Justin Peck who won the choreography Tony for the "Carousel" revival? There is no mention in the Playbill bio, and it would be amazing to see a talent of his magnitude in such an unheralded role.

[LuminousBeing]

Posted: 2/29/20 at 6:56pm

It is not the same Justin Peck.

I saw a Thursday matinee last week and was similarly blown away. Glad you enjoyed it!

[CopleyScott17]

Posted: 2/29/20 at 7:03pm

Thank you for clearing that up! How weird that two Broadway dance professionals would/could share the same name. The Screen Actors Guild would have made the upstart use a stage name. Wouldn't Broadway have similar rules? I mean, it's called a *stage* name for heaven's sake

[UncleCharlie]

Posted: 2/29/20 at 7:53pm

CopleyScott17 said: "Thank you for clearing that up! How weird that two Broadway dance professionals would/could share the same name. The Screen Actors Guild would have made the upstart use a stage name. Wouldn't Broadway have similar rules? I mean, it's called a *stage* name for heaven's sake "

One is a choreographer and one is an actor, two entirely different theater disciplines and only one of those is actually "on stage".

[uncageg]

Posted: 2/29/20 at 10:13pm

Thank you for your post. I am feeling it is time to see it again. The first time I saw it about A year or two after it opened on Broadway and it was a bit of a letdown. The chandelier did not slide smoothly down and the orchestra sounded very slow and off. At intermission a lady who had seen it several times said the same. Saw it again on tour around 2009 and was blown away. I was hoping it is in good shape on Broadway. I love the show. May have to grab a ticket soon.

[MNNiceorIce]

Posted: 3/1/20 at 3:28am

Try the lotto...$40 front row seat. Absolutely amazing view. If you’ve seen the show before it’s the best seat in the house...

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/1/20 at 4:26am

Which is why you don't judge a show without seeing it!

Posted: 3/1/20 at 7:04am

Choreographer Justin Peck recently retired (i think he retired last summer?) as a NYC ballet dancer (he choreographed and danced at the same time) so he's been on stage plenty of times though I don't think on Broadway. Despite forays into Broadway, he has at least up to now not really focused on Broadway/theater but on NYC ballet so "Broadway dance professional" isn't the way I'd introduce him. He was only recruited into the Broadway world once he was recognized as among the best young ballet choreographers in the world, certainly the most acclaimed American one at least.

[CopleyScott17]

Posted: 3/1/20 at 7:26am

Thanks for the additional info. I think part of the confusion is the role the "Phantom" Peck is playing. He's the Slave Master in the "Hannibal" opera-within-the-play, which is all ballet dancing. He is also listed as Assistant Dance Captain. So both Pecks have the ballet cred, for sure. Plus, they are both very handsome. Just sayin'

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/1/20 at 8:08am

Phantom is easily one of the best maintained long-running shows on Broadway. I go at least once a year, and it is always in tip top shape.

Updated On: 3/1/20 at 08:08 AM

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 12:10pm

dramamama611 said: "Which is why you don't judge a show without seeing it!"



Ben Crawford might very well be the best Phantom since Michael Crawford. What a voice!

 

[AlanB3]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 2:02pm

Better than Karimloo?

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 2:54pm

AlanB3 said: "Better than Karimloo?"

Yes, I think so. At the time Mr. Karimloo performed this role, he felt too young and beautiful to me. He has a very nice voice, but I think Mr. Crawford's voice is even more powerful, and clearer, and his portrayal reads as more mature to me.

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 4:05pm

I love taking people to see Phantom at the Majestic for the first time. If you know me, sooner or later we're gonna go lol.  So glad the OP enjoyed his or her first time!

[MannPhan24601]

Posted: 3/3/20 at 4:43pm

Slave Master Peck was in the restaged tour . Glad to see he made it to Broadway !