The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall was a treat for the eyes and ears, a magnificent production starring Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess, who played opposite one another in the Phantom sequel "Love Never Dies." They not only sang beautifully but were emotional and passionate in their portrayals.
The stars were surrounded by a top-notch cast which included Hadley Fraser, Wendy Ferguson, Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, and Wynne Evans.
The role of the Phantom has evolved over the years, in one sense influenced by the film starring Gerard Butler. A friend of mine played the role on stage for many years in Germany. When he tried to return to the role some time later, he was told he was not "the Phantom type." This was the first he'd heard of it. Though he's a good-looking man, he's not tall, he's not particularly young, and his portrayal probably lacked the element of overt sex that was suddenly a requirement.
At the end of the show, four Phantoms were brought out on stage. The only one I really knew was Colm Wilkinson. There was a young man on the end, very handsome, and I thought, "If this guy is playing the Phantom, who the heck is playing Raoul?" I mean, I would have taken off with this guy in a second. I should add that Michael Crawford made an appearance but was unable to sing anything but the last note of Music of the Night, which was done by the ensemble, because he is also performing Wizard of Oz and had to save his voice.
We come now to the music itself. To be fair, Lloyd Webber has written some glorious tunes, no question. He's ripped off some good ones as well. I suggest you check out youtube and put Andrew Lloyd Webber Plagarist in the search box and listen to the first video that comes up. You'll be astonished. Who knew he listened to so much Pink Floyd.
The stars were surrounded by a top-notch cast which included Hadley Fraser, Wendy Ferguson, Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, and Wynne Evans.
The role of the Phantom has evolved over the years, in one sense influenced by the film starring Gerard Butler. A friend of mine played the role on stage for many years in Germany. When he tried to return to the role some time later, he was told he was not "the Phantom type." This was the first he'd heard of it. Though he's a good-looking man, he's not tall, he's not particularly young, and his portrayal probably lacked the element of overt sex that was suddenly a requirement.
At the end of the show, four Phantoms were brought out on stage. The only one I really knew was Colm Wilkinson. There was a young man on the end, very handsome, and I thought, "If this guy is playing the Phantom, who the heck is playing Raoul?" I mean, I would have taken off with this guy in a second. I should add that Michael Crawford made an appearance but was unable to sing anything but the last note of Music of the Night, which was done by the ensemble, because he is also performing Wizard of Oz and had to save his voice.
We come now to the music itself. To be fair, Lloyd Webber has written some glorious tunes, no question. He's ripped off some good ones as well. I suggest you check out youtube and put Andrew Lloyd Webber Plagarist in the search box and listen to the first video that comes up. You'll be astonished. Who knew he listened to so much Pink Floyd.