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The Phantom of the Opera Reviews
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Review by: daverp1913, May 8, 2013 |
| born and raised in nyc seen 20 plus bway shows--and without a doubt ---best play i every saw---seen it 5 times god willing see it 5 more times---NOT a kids play---but my word its AWESUM---but just my opinion |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 2 |
The world's most magical musical, I cried 5 times. Review by: Phantomreviewer, Jan 26, 2013 |
| This musical is obviously excellent, it's the longest running show on broadway for a reason. Stunning sets, beautiful music, and SIERRA BOGGESS AND HUGH PANARO ARE PERFECT. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Kids
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 3 |
Can't wait to see it again. Review by: ., Nov 13, 2012 |
I absolutely adore this show. It is such a great piece of entertainment...no wonder it is the longest running show on Broadway.
First, eye candy abounds in this entire show...everything in it is great to look at, from the costumes to the sets to choreography to the blocking to the lighting...it all looks amazing. Some may scoff at all the spectacle and pass it off as just a way to get money, but the truth is that is isn't glamorous ... read more just because it wants to be, it's glamorous because the time period calls for it...I mean, it takes place in the late Victorian era, in the beginnings of the Gilded Age...people wanted big, fancy dresses and spectacular operas, and that's what Phantom has to and sets out to deliver, and it does that in spades.
The music is so lush and compelling that you're practically guaranteed to go out humming. So many beautiful melodies make up the score, such as "All I Ask of You", "Think of Me", "The Music of the Night", and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again". Sure, the score is a tad repetitious at times, but it's repetitious with good reason (most of the time).
The story, while sometimes dragging along a bit, is one that really draws you into an emotional journey with the characters. More likely than not, you will feel empathy with the Phantom, and see him not just as a "ghost", or a man with monstrous power, but as just a man who simply wants to be loved, like all of us. All the romance and passion that flies around will draw you in and keep you there for the entire show. It's a little sappy sometimes, but it's never (too) overly sentimental, like SOME movies out there...
Phantom isn't without its flaws though. Again, the story sometimes drags along, and sometimes melodies pop up in some rather random places. The music, with its classical and operatic influences, isn't quite as accessible sometimes, and you may end up wondering what's going on due the sometimes dragging story and sometimes inaccessible music. But I think the pros outweigh the cons here, especially if you have a strong cast, which I got to see when I saw it.
Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend this show to anyone. Great music, great story, great production values - what more could one wish for? And don't let the few who hate the show ruin it for you - sure, some people will see it and inevitably and honestly dislike the show, but there are those who hate it so much that will always try to bring it down with no good reason. And there are haters out there who haven't even seen the show...how does that make sense?
Again, go watch this show. More likely than not, you will be swept away by this power of The Phantom of the Opera - the longest running show in Broadway's history. |
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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, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 4 |
Absolutely perfectly amazing Review by: Becky, Oct 11, 2012 |
The reviewer who said it was creepy doesn't know what they're talking about.
Yes, it is an odd situation. But that is the point of the story!!!!! It is a story about a man in love with a girl and is so out of touch with reality that he does things to get her to love him back that a sane person would never do. It is the story of his torment, his personal hell, and the people entering and in some cases changing that hell. ... read more It's a beautiful story of what love is and how the absence or presence of it affects people.
Anyway.
I've been listening to the OBC album since I was 7. Saw the movie (hated it except for Emmy Rossum). And I've been dying to see the show ever since. This past summer I finally got the chance to see the broadway show.
I loved it. It was everything I thought it would be and more and I was not disappointed.
The music is of course incredible (Andrew Lloyd Webber should not be allowed to die ever).The staging is incredible. During the overture (after the auction scene), a real chandelier is unveiled on the stage and is lifted up to swing over the orchestra pit and audience. I can only imagine what effect this had on the people sitting in the first few rows. It was incredible even from the mezzanine.
The actors were amazing. The Phantom was not entirely up to Michael Crawford or Ramin Karimloo standards but he was still really fantastic. I loved the actresses playing Christine and Carlotta. Raoul was amazing. The one downside was Madame Giry, whose voice was good, but I didn't care for her acting choices.
I don't know if it would be good for younger kids. The story is fairly complicated and more adult in nature, so while in my opinion it's appropriate, I'm not sure a younger child would appreciate or enjoy the show.
All in all I totally recommend seeing this no matter what. It's a classic. |
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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, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 5 |
Call me the odd duck but I didn't like it Review by: Product of the 80s, Sep 1, 2012 |
Yes, I know this show has been around forever. Yes, I know it's highly acclaimed and it is an award winner. My question is WHY? I see anywhere between 6 to 12 Broadway shows per year, and, I always avoided Phantom because I just didn't think I would care for it. Well, turns out I was right.
As a treat for my date who has been dying to see the show we went, and, all I can do is keep thinking about how creepy the show is from start ... read more to finish. And, not a good creepy...
If you enjoy seeing someone getting kidnapped and held against their will and trying to be tricked into loving someone then this show is for you. Otherwise, stay away.
It's boring. It's dark - both in the physical sense as well as the metaphorical sense. It isn't even "arty". Again -- just plain creepy.
Honestly, I just don't get it. And, how this show has stayed on Broadway just escapes me. I know I am in the minority here, but, if I can save one person some $$ by steering them away to another show then I feel like my review has added some worth and value to someone else. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Spouse/Partner
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| 6 |
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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| 7 |
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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| 8 |
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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| 9 |
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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Anyone
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| 10 |
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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Anyone
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| 11 |
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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| 12 |
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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| 13 |
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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| Acting: |
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 14 |
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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| 15 |
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 is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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