Phantom 35th

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 12:25pm

I was at last night's 35th anniversary performance, and what an extraordinary night of theater.  Some audience members came dressed as phantoms while many came well-dressed to the nines.  The extended applause after the musical numbers were genuine without becoming annoying with hooting and hollering.  I was surprised that there were no giveaways this time - no programs or masks.

As for the performances... The last time I saw the show was on the 30th anniversary.  The show is in still fine shape, however, the two lead actors were my least favorite of all time.  Emilie (Christine) sang like she was sucking on helium, and Ben Crawford sounded cartoonish.  The standout for me was Paul Adam Schaefer as Raoul.  I was disappointed when I saw John Riddle was out, but I was pleased with Schaefer.

ALW was in attendance but did not come on stage to address the audience. Ben Crawford gave a speech with a long list of thank yous. They brought out a cake, and we all sang Happy Birthday.  I will miss this show.

Anyone else there?

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 1:12pm

I was very pleased that the audience didn't do exaggerated applause after almost every line, or song, or anything like that. For the most part, very well behaved! I thought Ben and Emilie were absolutely fantastic. Just beautiful 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 1:26pm

bwaylyric said: "I was surprised that there were no giveaways this time - no programs or masks.

Me, too.

As for the performances... The last time I saw the show was on the 30th anniversary. The show is in still fine shape, however, the two lead actors were my least favorite of all time. Emilie (Christine) sang like she was sucking on helium, and Ben Crawford sounded cartoonish. 

I thought Emilie was fine.  But OMG is Ben Crawford horrible. He sings almost as if he is mocking the role. Cartoonish villain for sure.

Updated On: 1/27/23 at 01:26 PM

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 1:37pm

I personally adore Emilie when she’s actually able to sing out, but there are parts of the show you can tell it’s been directed a certain way. She’s one of my favorite Christines. I would gladly never see Ben again, but I’m not minority on that apparently. 

[FabalaYero85]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 2:47pm

Was there last night. Surprised by the lack of acknowledgement that this was a special occasion. A milestone anniversary that Chicago will apparently beat in 8 years. Both the 25th and 30th at least had special Encores. The show was still fantastic. They’re still strong even though we’re inching closer to closing.

Ben was great the other 2 times I saw him but there was something about him last night that I didn’t like. His voice sounded a bit nasally. But he’s not one of my favorites.
 

I’ll be there for the 8pm final public performance on 15 April. Hoping they’ll do something special for the Phans, but it’s wishful thinking.

Updated On: 1/27/23 at 02:47 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 3:41pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "I personally adore Emilie when she’s actually able to sing out, but there are parts of the show you can tell it’s been directed a certain way. She’s one of my favorite Christines. I would gladly never see Ben again, but I’m not minority on that apparently."

I think she's so great! I just noticed in the first act...the accent seems to come and go...was that just me?

[defenses]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 7:49pm

I was there too! The audience’s energy was amazing. It felt like being at a Phantom convention (or a postseason sporting event)!

This is my third time seeing Ben/Emilie/Paul. Emilie isn’t my favorite, but she’s overall pleasant. Ben’s Phantom is (clearly) quite divisive but I love him. His voice is heavenly (although he sounded better Wednesday IMO), and his portrayal is dramatic and enjoyable. As a younger person, I find it refreshing. (I avoided seeing Phantom until recently because it can take itself way too seriously.) Paul is fine on the stage, but I found him to be forgettable afterward.

I don’t think they planned a blowout celebration because they’re saving everything for the last show(s) before closing.

[bwaylyric]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 10:14pm

It was great to be surrounded by many first-timers and to hear their reactions during the surprise scenes and  on-stage trickery.  Also lots of sobbing heard during the final scenes.

[eponine88]

Posted: 1/27/23 at 11:10pm

Twas quite a treat to be there last night!  Having attending the record breaking performance as well as most of the other major anniversary performances it felt like last night was my chance to come full circle since I don't think I'll be able to afford a resale ticket to the final public performance.   In spite of not having as much pomp and circumstance as some of the past "event" performances, last night truly felt like a gift.  The energy was electric and I was so grateful to be there!

 

This wasn't my first time seeing Ben and while I did enjoy him more last night than I did the last time I saw him in the role, he remains once of my least favorite Phantoms vocally.  There's a part of his register that sounds to me like listening to Shrek sing Phantom and once I got that in my head I was never able to get it out...

[Phantour]

Posted: 1/28/23 at 1:14pm

eponine88 said: "Twas quite a treat to be there last night! Having attending the record breaking performance as well as most of the other major anniversary performances it felt like last night was my chance to come full circle since I don't think I'll be able to afford a resale ticket to the final public performance. In spite of not having as much pomp and circumstance as some of the past "event" performances, last night truly felt like a gift. The energy was electric and I was so grateful to be there!



This wasn't my first time seeing Ben and while I did enjoy him more last night than I did the last time I saw him in the role, he remains once of my least favorite Phantoms vocally. There's a part of his register that sounds to me like listening to Shrek sing Phantom and once I got that in my head I was never able to get it out..."

100% agree with you about the Shrek voice!! He understudied the role on Broadway and part of me feels he never got rid of the accent when using parts of his voice. His quiet moments in Music of the Night are beautiful, but yes then he goes into that part of his voice or does an odd vowel placement and I'm thrown off again. Acting wise I feel he's not sincere with his emotions in certain scenes, but when it comes down to the last minutes of the Final lair, he's always authentic and then I appreciate his acting. 

I'm one who absolutely adores Emilie Kouatchou as Christine. I really love her nuanced acting. I watched her over a three day span although she made similar acting choices each performance, it came from a true place and seemed in the moment and authentic. I also think she has a beautiful voice. Her "Wishing" was the best for the 35th anniversary performance and I was thrilled she got a 30 second applause for it. 

[PanaroFan111]

Posted: 1/29/23 at 9:05am

Im really surprised how many people have so many reviews of Ben recently, i usually see the show once a month with my wife and the past 2 times we saw Ted and Jeremy go on.

The times i did see Ben i do enjoy his portrayal of the Phantom, but it does seem like from what i heard in audios he does sound different.

Im not the biggest fan of Emelie, i think Julia is a much better Christine.

John Riddle is a great Raoul one of def the better ones in recent years.

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/29/23 at 3:45pm

Although I can't say it was unexpected, I was disappointed that there was little about the 35th anniversary performance that felt truly celebratory. The previous milestone anniversaries featured special guests and much pomp and circumstance, but the only notable attendee this time was ALW, who couldn't even be bothered to come on stage and say a few words. The audience was definitely there for it, and they responded passionately and appreciatively, but giving Ben Crawford a few note cards to read at the curtain call didn't generate the same gala feeling as experienced on similar evenings in the past.

Regarding Ben Crawford's performances of late, I'm beginning to agree with those who do not care for him. When he first started in the role, I was awed by the power of his voice (that "...where you long to BE!" line in MotN was breathtaking) and considered him one of the finest Phantoms I'd ever seen. However, since the post-pandemic reopening, he has littered his vocals with strange inflections and odd pronunciations. For example, he pronounces the word "you" like "yewh" and the word "purpose" as "perpuss". He also seems rather rushed in certain parts, as if he's hurrying to get through his lines.

I had seen Paul Schaefer as the Phantom once before, several years ago, and found him somewhat underwhelming. His performance this past Friday evening was notably improved, but he still has moments when he seems to become distracted and drifts in and out of character (this also happens when he plays Raoul). It doesn't help that, although he has a lovely voice, there are a few key parts of the role that require a strong, smooth transition from lower register to upper, and he loses power in those moments. For example, he struggles to go from "help me make the music of the..." into that high, sustained "...night" note (this is something Ben Crawford does effortlessly).

I must say that Bronson Norris Murphy was absolutely superb as Raoul on Friday evening. This young man is present, purposeful, and 100% invested from his first scene to his last (I had seen him twice before as the Phantom in the US touring production of Love Never Dies, and was very impressed by him then as well). He has a very powerful voice that delivers all of Raoul's lines with complete clarity, which is such a joy in the scenes in the managers' office when multiple actors are singing different lyrics at once. Raoul's vocals often get buried in those scenes, but not when Bronson is on the stage. Unfortunately, when performing opposite Paul as the Phantom, Bronson makes Paul's weaknesses even more apparent. 

At this time, I think the best Phantoms in the Broadway production are Greg Mills and Jeremy Stolle. It really is a shame that neither of these gentlemen were ever given their own run in the title role.

[defenses]

Posted: 1/29/23 at 4:31pm

Lot666 said: "Regarding Ben Crawford's performances of late, I'm beginning to agree with those who do not care for him. When he first started in the role, I was awed by the power of his voice (that "...where you long to BE!" line in MotN was breathtaking) and considered him one of the finest Phantoms I'd ever seen. However, since the post-pandemic reopening, he has littered his vocals with strange inflections and odd pronunciations. For example, he pronounces the word "you" like "yewh" and the word "purpose" as "perpuss". He also seems rather rushed in certain parts, as if he's hurrying to get through his lines."

While I like him currently, his pre-pandemic boots are absolutely feral, particularly with Ali Ewoldt. I think he's a lot softer now. 

As for his pronunciation, other people have mentioned his strange "accent." I always assumed those were due to "opera vowels" (like mask/mosque for Christine in the title song). I am not a musician so take me with a grain of salt. Hopefully, someone who knows opera can provide better insight. :)

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 1/29/23 at 8:42pm

I saw the Wednesday night performance from front row center orchestra, and the 35th anniversary performance from the center of row C, mezzanine.  Loved both, although I, too, was a little disappointed Andrew Lloyd Webber was present but didn't even appear on stage. I couldn't see him from my seat. 

Fantastic cover image on the 35th Anniversary Playbill. I saw it as a poster in Shubert Alley and am happy to have a copy of it!

I can't help but chuckle at Ben's vowel placement on words like "do" and "you." It reminds me of the Marcia Brady "skule" meme. 

It was great to see the Brilliant Original two final (for me) times, with its glowing angel/demon faces and set design intact.  I will miss it!

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/30/23 at 11:14am

sbflyfan said: "I saw...the 35th anniversary performance from the center of row C, mezzanine."

Darn, I forgot to look for you - we were in the same place in row B!

 

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 1/30/23 at 12:26pm

Lot666 said: "sbflyfan said: "I saw...the 35th anniversary performance from the center of row C, mezzanine."

Darn, I forgot to look for you - we were in the same place in row B!"

Not a problem... I think we were all a little excited and distracted that night!  I was so happy to be in an auditorium of enthusiastic Phans. Glad you enjoyed, as well!

 

[The Scorpion]

Posted: 1/30/23 at 5:59pm

Lot666 said: "Although I can't say it was unexpected, I was disappointed that there was little about the 35th anniversary performance that felt truly celebratory. The previous milestone anniversaries featured special guests and muchpomp and circumstance, but the only notable attendee this time was ALW, who couldn't even be bothered to come on stage and say a few words. The audience was definitely there for it, and they responded passionately and appreciatively, but giving Ben Crawford a few note cards to read at the curtain call didn't generate the same gala feeling as experienced on similar evenings in the past.

Regarding Ben Crawford's performances of late, I'm beginning to agree with those who do not care for him. When he first started in the role, I was awed by the power of his voice (that "...where you long to BE!" line in MotN was breathtaking) and considered him one of the finest Phantoms I'd ever seen. However, since the post-pandemic reopening, he has littered his vocals with strange inflections and odd pronunciations. For example, he pronounces the word "you" like "yewh" and the word "purpose" as "perpuss". He also seems rather rushed in certain parts, as if he's hurrying to get through his lines.

I liked Ben Crawford when I first saw him in 2019; this time I definitely noticed the weird vowels and some of the clumsy mistakes ('...benied me and betrayed me.'

But all in all neither that nor any of the performances bothered me much. Even Seth's unnecessary blocking changes didn't ruin the evening. I was just glad to be in that gorgeous theatre seeing that gorgeous set with Hal Prince's direction and a beautiful orchestra. And I think it was my first time seeing the orchestra conducted by David Caddick, so that was a bonus.

I heard an usher say to a patron that she had heard a rumour the Shubert-planned renovation may be postponed, but I think it's unlikely. Cameron clearly wants this show gone.

I dread to think in what state Phantom will return to Broadway. Assuming it is something like either the Laurence Connor mess or the reduced London version, then I'd rather pass and keep my memories. In which case, this may well have been my final time seeing the show after more than 3 decades of following it around the world.

[Listener]

Posted: 1/30/23 at 9:21pm

...I'm about fifteen minutes into an audio of the 35th anniversary performance and it sounds to me like people are applauding all over the place! It's annoying and rude and deliberate, like someone decided they were going to slobber all over the show to prove their enthusiasm by cuing everyone to cheer like freaks every 30 seconds.

The first lines from the auctioneer get applause, the start of the overture gets applause, the chandelier rising get applause, the key change gets applause...

...Carlotta's entrance gets applause, Piangi's entrance gets applause, Christine appearing gets applause...

...and it just goes on and on and on and on.

 

No offense to the current company, but imagine if today's rowdy audiences could see the originals. Their heads would explode! Those of us who saw the incredible casts of the first few years were blown away and wiping tears from our eyes...without screaming and shouting throughout the show. Imagine that!

 

I'm all for showing the production some love in its closing weeks, but turning the night into a rock concert atmosphere is disrespectful. There's a story playing out, actors trying hard to bring it all to life and the people who have paid good money to be there to experience it should get to enjoy it without having to block out the sounds of attention-seeking baffoons.

If the final performances on the closing weekend are going to have this atmosphere, it'll be awful.

[Lot666]

Posted: 1/31/23 at 8:52am

Listener said: "...I'm about fifteen minutes into an audio of the 35th anniversary performance and it sounds to me like people are applauding all over the place! "

This is not new; the audience reacted like this at all of the milestone performances I've attended over the years. For better or for worse, these nights are more about history-making than the actual performance.