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A true classic Review by: matthew.halpin@bigpond.com, Mar 12, 2012 |
It has been a few years since I have seen The Phantom of the Opera, and particularly longer since seeting it on Broadway.
The first thing I noticed was the type of audience was not the sort of person that you often see at a Broadway show, the audience were full of tourists, who were ticking off the "see a Broadway show" on the must-do list, and bought tickets to the only show that they had heard of. This is the beauty of The Phantom, it ... read more attracts so many people who are not regular theatre goers and gives them that experience, and a desire to come back for more.
Hugh Panaro does not have the classic deep Phantom voice, his voice puts a different angle to the character of the Phantom, and slightly more like The Phantom is in Love Never Dies.
Overall, after a few years, it was like visiting an old friend and catching up, as beautiful as the first time, and the magic is still there |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 2 |
Great show Review by: Gerard, Jan 4, 2012 |
An amazing show. The sets were amazing, everything was absolutely perfect to me, except, that is, for one actor: Raoul. As he rushed through All I Ask of You, choked through every other word, and disgraced anyone who has ever played the part. I saw the matinee Christine, and thought she did an excellent job. Meg Giry was sub-par, Andre and Firmin were great, as were Piangi and Carlotta. The phantom was absolutely astounding, he captured the role ... read more perfectly.
What're you waiting for? Get out there and see it! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Tourists
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| 3 |
A Classic for Everybody Review by: Musical Theater Girl, Dec 26, 2011 |
The Phantom of the Opera is a classic for everybody of all ages. Even for me, someone who despises classical opera, I really loved this from the moment I saw the show; it was life-changing. During the Overture, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I was freaked out when the chandelier crashed, and I cried in the final scene. This was the first time I saw it. The second time I saw it, the Overture was even more electrifying, I was ... read more more frightened during the Act 1 Finale, and I bawled like a baby in the last scene.
The Phantom of the Opera is a tale of seduction, romance, revenge and unrequited love. The acting was phenomenal. If you're a parent, don't fear, you can take the whole family with you. There is really no profanity, although some sensual movement. The operatic arias may bore them a little, but the title song's 80's drum-beat will surely give them a retro thrill. It also gives your a good opportunity to talk with your kids about judging by looks and accepting people for who they are.
Isn't this enough for you? The Phantom of the Opera is a spectacular classic that never gets old. Go out and get tickets already! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Tourists
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| 4 |
Just Go See it Review by: Chubby Theater Goer, Oct 27, 2011 |
| Seriously? You're reading a review for The Phantom of the Opera? Fuhgetaboutit! Three words for you: Andrew Lloyd Webber. Three more words: Go see it (already)! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 5 |
Definitely stays "inside your mind" Review by: phaaaaantom, Aug 31, 2011 |
Went to see Phantom - for the 6th time!!!!! and it was as amazing as ever! - they do not make them like this anymore, adn you can understand why andrew lloyd webber is a cut above all the other composers of our age!
A must see for first time musical watchers, a true classic - I can't stress this enough - go see it! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 6 |
Overrated Review by: Marc, Aug 7, 2011 |
I've been going to Broadway shows for 40+ years, and have to say that this is one of the most overrated shows in Broadway history. First of all, I could count on two fingers the songs that are memorable. Andrew Lloyd Weber seems to confuse loud and over the top music with melody. A loud, headache-inducing, forgettable score. Secondly, there is absolutely no heart to the show--I didn't care about one character, and that's because the show ... read more is overly concerned with pagentry and production, rather than true emotion. Thirdly, except for a few scenes, the show is pretty boring--a lot of yakking without much being said, and very slow moving.
I've had to sit through this show twice, and had the same reaction both times. A big, overbloated show that stays alive with tourist dollars. It's time for it to close. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Tourists
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| 7 |
Still one of the best on Broadway Review by: merlin53, Aug 4, 2011 |
| Have seen this production 6 times over the run of the show and I'm still left breathless and exhausted by the sheer emotional impact of the Phantom of the Opera. There is not one thing to complain about in this timeless classic. All aspects of the Broadway musical are showcased at the Majestic Theatre on a daily basis with this bittersweet beautiful love story. The entire cast is stellar and the orchestra transports you effortlessly to the Paris ... read more Opera House where you sit in box 5 (sic) and soak in the majesty of this stunning musical. Again, the Orchestra just blew everyone away with their performance,so much that a crowd of at least 100 or more people surrounded the pit as the audience exited the theatre, and saluted the orchestra with thunderous applause following the final strains of their performance. OUTSTANDING !!! I will make sure I see this at least one more time before its historical Broadway run comes to an end. And no, I'm not a 12 year old teen age girl or an investor or even a minor relative of anyone related to the show. I'm a 58 year old married man who just happens to immensely enjoy the Broadway musical in all its forms and conceptions who just happens to think Phantom is by far one of the best musicals ever. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| 8 |
Spectacular, but not for everyone Review by: Rjriento, Jul 28, 2011 |
This was my second time seeing the show on Broadway, and I had great expectations coming into it. The first time I sat in the rear mezzanine (which I don't recommend), so I decided to splurge on a better seat for this performance (8 rows from the stage). It was well worth the money, in my opinion. Seeing everything up close, from the costumes to the little quirks of the actors, was such an experience.
Everything about the show was great,... read more, and Hugh Panaro is the real star of the show. He really had the entrancing voice necessary to fill the role, and his performance of "Music of the Night" is outstanding. Hugh is a must-see. Sara Jean Ford was very good also, and I was so-so about Kyle Barisich. Good voice, but has some trouble controlling it. I saw Kimilee Bryant play Carlotta, and while I liked her voice for it, her accent was a little weird.
I will say, however, that the show is not for everyone. If you don't know the general plot of the story going in, you could get lost. I also know that the music is not everyone's cup of tea. There are some people who do not like the classical and opera influences, and if you aren't a fan of this, you probably won't like the show.
Overall, the production is still amazing. I think it's a good show for tourists and adults, but definitely not for younger kids. And even though I knew certain parts of the show were coming, it still got a "wow" out of me. The music is still divine. Worth the money if your a fan, and it's a show that I think everyone should see at least once. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 9 |
Absolutely Amazing Review by: Robin, Jul 19, 2011 |
| Definitely a hit. I've gone back to see this show numerous times, and it never fails to wow me. Absolutely a thrill every time. It looks and sounds amazing. A little rough on getting the story across sometimes, but if you know the basic gist of the plot ahead of time, it's fine. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 10 |
Just can't figure out what it was lacking... Review by: bandguy231, Jul 11, 2011 |
| Great performances, AMAZING production, but something just felt like it was missing and I just can't put my finger on it! The cast was phenomenal; they were all great actors and singers/dancers. The set changes left me in awe. Yet.. there was something I found boring about it. I think it was some of the music. Some of the music felt long and drawn out, thus dragging the story. Maybe that was it.. but it's strange because other songs were ... read more absolutely amazing! |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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Review by: Chey Chey, Jul 7, 2011 |
| The Phantom of the Opera was a magnifisant production! It was an experience of a life time i had to go back stage and meet Hugh Panaro!!! I was overcome with excitement! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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Phantominal show. Review by: parker, Jul 2, 2011 |
| Absoultely amazing show, it is as good today as it was when we first saw it 22 years ago. Truley a classic of all times. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Anyone
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Phantom of the Opera - June 24 2011 Review by: Domenico Zelano Jr, Jun 26, 2011 |
| It was perfect. I saw the broadway show on June 24th, 2011. I've seen a couple traveling performances of the Phantom of the Opera, and in my mind those shows were wonderful. But, a casting director told me this "new" broadway adaptation of the Phantom was different, so I became sceptical. First of all, seated inside the Majestic, where it all started, was great and intimate. From the talent that had graced the stage to it's intricate ... read more interior design, the Majestic is mysterious, yet comfrotable. Secondly, the cast. Yes, is not the original and maybe strys from the orginal story, but Hugh Panaro is an excellent Phantom; powerful, delicate, graceful and fearful, his interpretations of the orginal soundtrack is creative and his performance of "Music of the Night" was brillient! The audience seemed to anticiapte Panaro's every breathe throughout the show with earnest and excitment. Together, with Marni Raab as Christine Daae; petite, sweet and suttle, both her acting and singing excited, uplifted and motivated the audience. Her rendition of "Think of Me" was unforgettable, and I dare to say on par with every note, nostalgic. Panaro and Rabb are great combination. I haven't seen a better duo. The role of Raul, played by Kyle Barisich, was different than I had seen. Barisich's melody seems to "talk" more than sing. Interesting for my ear, but I can appreciate it. His presence on stage was indeed charming. The entire leading cast were all amusing, each bringing there own personality and strengths to the stage. I enjoyed my time at the Majestic. It's history, presence, acoustics, casts, etc. Best seats are Orchestra either row K or L seats 106, 107 and 108. You are at eye level with the cast, center stage, and 75 to 80 feet away from the stage. Because of the design the sound from the stage simply rains down on you. Again, seeing the show at the Majestic was one thing I've always wanted to do, check! The cast IS excellent and don't fear the adaptation. I am sure it is quite like the original, but the story is still quite there. And if you love stories, as I do, you'll love this Phantom of the Opera. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
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good to sleep Review by: , May 26, 2011 |
hopefully anybody giving a good review to this play
is not giving a bad review to spiderman because .i went out from the phamtom show at the intermition because i catch my self sleeping 3 times during the show. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Seniors
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Disappointing Vocals by leads Review by: Larry, Apr 18, 2011 |
| Saw the show on April 17, 2011 on Broadway. Based on the movie version and recordings I went into the show with high expectations but came away disappointed. The techies did a great job. However, the vocals were weak. The two male leads did not have the power that I felt the roles required. The female lead sung in a stilted overly operatic fashion. Look at the movie version and compare how Think of me... is sung by Carlota and Christine. ... read more Ms. Ford brought the overly stiff style used by Carlota in the movie to the part of Christine in the Broadway show. I'm not sure if it was because of the vocal performances but the show did not emotionally engage me until the final scene. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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