Re: 25th anniversary celebrations

**Raphael** Sat Sep 10, 2011 1:26 am

Scorp wrote:I can't decide whether I want it. I couldn't care less about the medallion, and I already have the original West End programme and of course the OLC... I have the music videos on the second disc (the only disc worth using) from the DVD of the filmthatshallnotbenamed, but I DO want to see the interviews and news reports from the 1980s, I DO want the book (does anyone know if it'll be sold separately?) but on other hand I certainly don't want anything to do with Love Never Dies. But the packaging is pretty, and I'm curious as to what this limited edition print thing celebrating the show's artwork is all about. It's not worth £95, but will I spend it anyway? I'm not sure... I really don't want to give RUG any money for LND shit, but I could always eBay off the LND CD and get some ££ back for that. I can't make up my mind! I am a collector, so... I find it very odd though that this boxset is not going to include the CD of the RAH concert. How bizarre. Why not have that instead of the LND CD? Is it too late to suggest this to RUG?

Well, it could be worse... They could've just stuck the movie in the boxset too. DO NOT GET IDEAS YOU PEOPLE FROM RUG READING THIS.

I understand where you're coming from, Scorp. I feel exactly the same way about the Star Wars Saga Blu-ray set. While it has some very intriguing deleted scenes from the Original Trilogy as extras, Lucas has gone back in yet again and made changes to all the films. Some for the better (like a CGI Yoda replacing the puppet in Episode I), some for the worse (like adding a voice-over of Darth Vader screaming "NOOOOOO!!!!!!" as he grabs the Emperor to keep him from killing Luke in Episode VI). I pre-ordered the set months ago and only found out about these changes recently. But I haven't canceled my order and don't intend to. Does this mean I'm a "die-hard" Star Wars fan that I have to have it despite the changes I admit to myself that I hate? Yet in doing so couldn't it be interpreted that I don't really hold the property close enough in my heart that I actually mind constant changes that are a detriment to the story and character arcs?

(wow, that sounds like a familiar argument...)

TAFKaR

IamErik771 Sat Sep 10, 2011 6:51 am

Raphael wrote:I understand where you're coming from, Scorp. I feel exactly the same way about the Star Wars Saga Blu-ray set. While it has some very intriguing deleted scenes from the Original Trilogy as extras, Lucas has gone back in yet again and made changes to all the films. Some for the better (like a CGI Yoda replacing the puppet in Episode I), some for the worse (like adding a voice-over of Darth Vader screaming "NOOOOOO!!!!!!" as he grabs the Emperor to keep him from killing Luke in Episode VI). I pre-ordered the set months ago and only found out about these changes recently. But I haven't canceled my order and don't intend to. Does this mean I'm a "die-hard" Star Wars fan that I have to have it despite the changes I admit to myself that I hate? Yet in doing so couldn't it be interpreted that I don't really hold the property close enough in my heart that I actually mind constant changes that are a detriment to the story and character arcs?

(wow, that sounds like a familiar argument...)

TAFKaR

Hmm, indeed. If it makes you feel any better, I bought the "Jekyll & Hyde" DVD featuring David Hasselhoff in the title role despite similar reservations -- I thought he was awful, and the Broadway production of that show is my least favorite of those I've seen footage from, though I love the show itself. And despite the fact that I have much better translations of Leroux's novel, I still haven't gotten rid of my de Mattos copy. I guess it depends on one's individual priorities -- don't worry about whether your buying habits are seen as "right" or "wrong" by the majority of other Phans. I won't be getting that Phantom gift box, though, for pretty much the same reasons Anea mentioned.

Heh... so. Judging by info I found on Fandango and Moviefone, there is a total of one movie theater in the state of Hawaii that will be showing the concert (both the initial showing on the 2nd and the "encore" performances). That theater happens to be on a different island from the one I live on. Is there any chance that more theaters might be announced as screening it, or is this pretty much all we've got? Much as I'd like to see it on the big screen, I'm definitely not flying to another island just for something that's going to be released on DVD anyway (and with a cast I'm not all that enthusiastic about, though I'm interested to see who the other special guests will be, what they'll all be doing, and how different any of the sets, costumes, and direction might be). I'm also a bit baffled by the fact that they didn't pick a theater on our most populous island to show it... it's all really weird to me.

SenorSwanky Sat Sep 10, 2011 7:51 am

Here's the list of all the theaters that are screening it so far:
http://www.fathomevents.com/performingarts/series/phantomoftheopera.aspx

Looks like there are two in HI on the 2nd, one in Honolulu and another in Hilo.

AlwaysChristine Sat Sep 10, 2011 8:02 am

Yes to buy all these things is not good for my purse Smile

. But I have one problem: I want to order the CD and DVD, but I can only choose CD and Blue Rey Disc. Has someone the same problem. At play.com I can´t order because of the pounds. And on the Phantom of the Opera or RUG Site I have the problem that I can´t choose the DVD.

AlwaysChristine Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:11 pm

Now I have ordered all I want! Play.com was nice to me!

IamErik771 Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:33 pm

SenorSwanky wrote:Here's the list of all the theaters that are screening it so far:
http://www.fathomevents.com/performingarts/series/phantomoftheopera.aspx

Looks like there are two in HI on the 2nd, one in Honolulu and another in Hilo.

Ah, thanks! Guess Fandango and Moviefone can't keep track of everything. Laughing

operafantomet Sun Sep 11, 2011 8:45 pm

So... Hadley Fraser is cast as Raoul in the concert? It's "all over" the internet, but is it confirmed in any way?

Scorp Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:15 pm

operafantomet wrote:So... Hadley Fraser is cast as Raoul in the concert? It's "all over" the internet, but is it confirmed in any way?

Check out the description for the CD on Amazon, it has Hadley's name: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Phantom-Opera-Royal-Albert-Hall/dp/B005M10VBA

Why did it take so long to sign him up? My guess is they were holding out for Lee Mead and couldn't get him.

Miss von Krolock Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:47 pm

operafantomet wrote:So... Hadley Fraser is cast as Raoul in the concert? It's "all over" the internet, but is it confirmed in any way?

Really?? Where can I find these rumours?
I mean... Hadley is great, but I had hoped they would pick someone with a previous connection to the show... It's the Alfie Boe thing all over again... But I'm sure Hadley will do justice to the role.

ifonlyidont Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:53 pm

Hadley as Raoul? I'm liking that idea a lot!

SenorSwanky Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:32 am

Seems to have a nice voice, but I can't believe they're not taking the opportunity to do a dream cast and including one performer in a lead role who hasn't even done that role before, to celebrate a show's 25th anniversary. In fact, you know what they should've done? Not just invite George Lee Andrews and David Cryer to be special guests (which it remains to be seen if they will, but if they aren't, it'll be a crime), but actually cast them as Firmin and Andre. No one more deserving really.

Could've done a lot better in all the roles. Should've had someone like Earl Carpenter or Howard McGillin or Davis Gaines or Anthony Warlow or, even better, Peter Karrie--some Phantom who's actually good and has a longstanding relationship with the role. Plenty of other options in the supporting roles--Heather Jackson or Marilyn Caskey for Mme. Giry, Rohan Tickell for Piangi, John Barrowman or David Shannon or Sean MacLaughlin as Raoul, etc.

IamErik771 Mon Sep 12, 2011 3:34 am

I liked him as Grantaire in the 25th anniversary concert of Les Mis, and I'm told he was also good as Marius and Javert. While I'd have liked to see someone who actually played Raoul on stage previously, I'm just glad they didn't decide to go with someone who had played Raoul in LND. (RUG folks reading this, don't you dare get any ideas.)

tiawhitecat Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:14 pm

I'm getting a bit confused now. I've got tickets for the cinema on 2nd Oct but I thought it was going to be concert style, like Les Mis, but on the official Facebook page so many people are liking and commenting that it is 'fully staged' as in just like Her Majesty's and the subsequent DVD will be the first time it's ever been officially filmed. Apart from Ramin not having my favourite 'Phantom' voice, it would be brilliant if it is staged rather than concert style.

operafantomet Mon Sep 12, 2011 12:24 pm

tiawhitecat wrote:I'm getting a bit confused now. I've got tickets for the cinema on 2nd Oct but I thought it was going to be concert style, like Les Mis, but on the official Facebook page so many people are liking and commenting that it is 'fully staged' as in just like Her Majesty's and the subsequent DVD will be the first time it's ever been officially filmed. Apart from Ramin not having my favourite 'Phantom' voice, it would be brilliant if it is staged rather than concert style.

From stuff previously published, they will have costumes and sets, yes, but the sets are not Bjørnson's. I.E. they are inspired by her work, but not her actual design. not sure exactly what that means. Ihe expanded Vegas one is still credited her, and if they went for something similar in RAH they would still credit her?

So even though they might go for a full theatrical production (which I highly doubt, by the way), it will not be THE actual, original theatre experience you'll get at Her Majesty's, The Majestic and elsewhere. How much it's staged, though, is a good question. As written previously, they're flying in costumes from all over the world to be able to cloth all the extras in the mock operas and Masquerade. They will not be in "civil" clothes, as I think was the case with Les Mis.

ETA: a comment from the original press statement:
"Phantom of the Opera at the Albert Hall" will be directed by Laurence Connor with Musical Staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The Royal Albert Hall will be transformed with a spectacular and unique design by Matt Kinley inspired by Maria Bjorson's original design.

Scorp Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:15 pm

operafantomet wrote:
tiawhitecat wrote:I'm getting a bit confused now. I've got tickets for the cinema on 2nd Oct but I thought it was going to be concert style, like Les Mis, but on the official Facebook page so many people are liking and commenting that it is 'fully staged' as in just like Her Majesty's and the subsequent DVD will be the first time it's ever been officially filmed. Apart from Ramin not having my favourite 'Phantom' voice, it would be brilliant if it is staged rather than concert style.
From stuff previously published, they will have costumes and sets, yes, but the sets are not Bjørnson's. I.E. they are inspired by her work, but not her actual design. not sure exactly what that means. Ihe expanded Vegas one is still credited her, and if they went for something similar in RAH they would still credit her?

So even though they might go for a full theatrical production (which I highly doubt, by the way), it will not be THE actual, original theatre experience you'll get at Her Majesty's, The Majestic and elsewhere. How much it's staged, though, is a good question. As written previously, they're flying in costumes from all over the world to be able to cloth all the extras in the mock operas and Masquerade. They will not be in "civil" clothes, as I think was the case with Les Mis.

ETA: a comment from the original press statement:
"Phantom of the Opera at the Albert Hall" will be directed by Laurence Connor with Musical Staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne. The Royal Albert Hall will be transformed with a spectacular and unique design by Matt Kinley inspired by Maria Bjorson's original design.

Unfortunately the fans of the official FB page are under the delusion they're getting the London production on DVD, saying it's the answer to their prayers and that they'd been hoping for this since time immemorial. Typically, the powers-that-be behind the FB page aren't correcting their delusions. There is NO WAY in any case that what is filmed at the Albert Hall would be what you see at Her Majesty's, never mind the lack of involvement of Prince and the late Björnson, since it doesn't even have a prosc arch, it's an arena! My corrections seemed to fall on deaf ears though. Neutral

PMB1034 Mon Sep 12, 2011 1:27 pm

I think it just means the sets need to be bigger/a different shape to accomodate an odd stage & Matt Kinley has a good agent. I was thinking about the fully staged thing; if you think about it, Phantom has far more subtle physical actions referenced in the score as oppsed to Les Mis (Christine unmasking the Phantom, conveying that Raoul in the final lair is unable to get to Christine etc) I think that may be part of the thinking behind it. I also doubt the staging/set will be radically different since the performers will have v. little rehearsal time to get to grips with anything new. I do think the DVD will be far more representative of the show than the movie & when tickets for the show cost £35 upwards, it's not like you can go everytime you want that Phantom itch scratching - so while certain quarters' excitement should be tempered, it is understandable & not unreasonable.

operafantomet Mon Sep 12, 2011 2:51 pm

PMB1034 wrote:I do think the DVD will be far more representative of the show than the movie & when tickets for the show cost £35 upwards, it's not like you can go everytime you want that Phantom itch scratching - so while certain quarters' excitement should be tempered, it is understandable & not unreasonable.

In London the prices starts at £20.75 - I've sometimes bought those myself, and they're more than decent.

But I do agree with you.

PMB1034 Mon Sep 12, 2011 3:54 pm

operafantomet wrote:
PMB1034 wrote:I do think the DVD will be far more representative of the show than the movie & when tickets for the show cost £35 upwards, it's not like you can go everytime you want that Phantom itch scratching - so while certain quarters' excitement should be tempered, it is understandable & not unreasonable.
In London the prices starts at £20.75 - I've sometimes bought those myself, and they're more than decent.

But I do agree with you.

Damn, I knew I should have checked first Smile

Also I forgot to menton geography aswell, I'm in Manchester for example.

tiawhitecat Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:30 pm

I've just had another look at the Facebook page and they have put up an impression of the 'masquerade' scene up it looks fantastic. I don't know if you can do links from it, it didn't work for me.

Think it is definitely not going to be done like Les Mis, I never could see how concert style would do it justice. I'm happy with it Very Happy

**MasqPhan** Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:35 pm

tiawhitecat wrote:I've just had another look at the Facebook page and they have put up an impression of the 'masquerade' scene up it looks fantastic. I don't know if you can do links from it, it didn't work for me.

Think it is definitely not going to be done like Les Mis, I never could see how concert style would do it justice. I'm happy with it

Hi, I added the link to the photo for you. Smile

Link to FB page

tiawhitecat Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:39 pm

MasqPhan wrote:
tiawhitecat wrote:I've just had another look at the Facebook page and they have put up an impression of the 'masquerade' scene up it looks fantastic. I don't know if you can do links from it, it didn't work for me.

Think it is definitely not going to be done like Les Mis, I never could see how concert style would do it justice. I'm happy with it

Hi, I added the link to the photo for you.

Link to FB page

Thanks, it wouldn't do it for me lol Crying or Very sad

Scorp Mon Sep 12, 2011 7:47 pm

PMB1034 wrote:I do think the DVD will be far more representative of the show than the movie & when tickets for the show cost £35 upwards, it's not like you can go everytime you want that Phantom itch scratching - so while certain quarters' excitement should be tempered, it is understandable & not unreasonable.

Oh, I agree, I'm all for the excitement, it's just that these fans don't seem to realise that what we'll see at the RAH is NOT the same show that can be seen at Her Majesty's and the Majestic. It'll be similar for sure, though how much I obviously can't say yet. I find it slightly misleading to use advertising lines like 'the stage show has never been available on DVD.....until now'.

I am, however, impressed by the Masquerade design they've unveiled. I was sceptical about the use of projections for an old-fashioned show like Phantom whose original concept was to rely principally on Victorian technology, but this could work well if they don't overdo it. I am also delighted that, like that the Vegas production, this is a categorical visual statement that the show is set IN THE PALAIS GARNIER and not in some fictitious garish hellhole of a building as in the film.

25th anniversary celebrations - Page 7 Tn-1000_300536_10150283749662051_53351527050_8385567_1573910297_n

25th anniversary celebrations - Page 7 Tn-1000_300536_10150283749662051_53351527050_8385567_1573910297_n

justin-from-barbados Mon Sep 12, 2011 8:31 pm

So far my only teeny tiny gripe is that I do think they could add in more statues and garlands to hide up some of those trusses. I hope from what is shown that those fake balconies line up with what is actually in the hall.

I'm guessint too that most of the action takes place under that decorative platform where the masquerade chorus are in the photo (unless that will be something similar to the travleator.

We must remember also that is just a rendering of the concept

AlwaysChristine Mon Sep 12, 2011 8:48 pm

Scorp wrote:
PMB1034 wrote:I do think the DVD will be far more representative of the show than the movie & when tickets for the show cost £35 upwards, it's not like you can go everytime you want that Phantom itch scratching - so while certain quarters' excitement should be tempered, it is understandable & not unreasonable.

Oh, I agree, I'm all for the excitement, it's just that these fans don't seem to realise that what we'll see at the RAH is NOT the same show that can be seen at Her Majesty's and the Majestic. It'll be similar for sure, though how much I obviously can't say yet. I find it slightly misleading to use advertising lines like 'the stage show has never been available on DVD.....until now'.

I am, however, impressed by the Masquerade design they've unveiled. I was sceptical about the use of projections for an old-fashioned show like Phantom whose original concept was to rely principally on Victorian technology, but this could work well if they don't overdo it. I am also delighted that, like that the Vegas production, this is a categorical visual statement that the show is set IN THE PALAIS GARNIER and not in some fictitious garish hellhole of a building as in the film.

I am very impressed by the design for the anniversary.
I know what we phans see is not the stage version as well known. But I like it to see something new.

justin-from-barbados Mon Sep 12, 2011 10:00 pm

Gasp, word is they want to use the movie chandelier cause the stage ones that are available are too small. It does make sense, but it is disappointing news if it is true.
But I can understand them not looking to build a new one since that would be quite expensive, and the set already looks very expensive.

Madame Giry Mon Sep 12, 2011 10:26 pm

I've commented elsewhere on how happy I am that they're retaining the spirit of Maria Bjornson's designs and using the projection screen appropriately.

However, after hearing about this Hadley fellow (who, if I'm understanding correctly, has NO history with Phantom whatsoever), I went back and checked who he was. Found this Video Clip of him singing in the second epic Les Miserables Concert thingie and... hey wait... isn't that Ramin Karimloo with him as Enjolras??

Ramin and Hadley get to be featured roles in BOTH the Les Miz Concert and Phantom 25 while Actors who have been with Phantom for years, if not decades get passed over and their performances lost forever?

Something's not right here...

~Madame~

Scorp Mon Sep 12, 2011 11:43 pm

Hadley doesn't have any connection with Phantom. He's got a history with Boublil and Schönberg though. Best mates with Karimloo.

That movie chandelier still exists? I never liked it, it looks nothing like the chandelier in the Garnier.

It may be too much to hope for, but I do hope that one day Hal Prince's original production will be filmed and released for the public to buy for posterity. It is so iconic and so important in the history of the theatre that would be a huge shame to lose it forever.

LadyCDaae Tue Sep 13, 2011 12:15 am

The Masquerade scene looks suitably impressive, and is probably the best argument thus far in favor of my seeing this in theaters. Movie!Chandelier, though...pleh.

~LCD

justin-from-barbados Tue Sep 13, 2011 2:21 am

While I do understand what you're saying about Raoul, I am starting to think (In his case) maybe time is running out and they just couldn't get who they wanted. I for one am happy with the choice and don't mind them throwing in one or 2 new people. I actually would love to see him play Phantom down the line.

Back when they put out new NYC footage for their longest running Broadway milestone with Sandra Joseph and Howard, I got the impression that they filmed ALOT of the show, if not the whole thing as the press reels are very long and touch on every scene. So I would hope one day they may release that, if in deed they did film the whole thing. But sadly I think this concert will put a damper on what the powers at be may feel the demand for seeing the stage show in DVD will be down the line.

I for one am also starting to think that you can't please everyone all of the time, we don't know who has been asked to take part, who had other commitments, whose negotiations fell through, etc etc. We all know that when ALW likes someone he pushes that actor as much as he can. I am just glad that after all this time there will be a new CD and a DVD that is somewhat close to the stage version, since the whole Movie debacle was such a disappointment and thus I am counting my blessings and looking forward to the show. (besides, my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th choices for all of the roles probably would have come from the US companies anyways, lol)

Madame Giry Tue Sep 13, 2011 2:51 am

I didn't mention this earlier but it does seem like Hadley is a very capable actor with a good voice so I have no doubt that he'll be fine as Raoul. You do have a good point about commitments and negotiations that might not have worked out. It just seems strange that they couldn't just pull more people direct from existing productions if there's an issue with previous actors being unavailable.

I've made my opinion about Ramin and Sierra known elsewhere on this thread, so there's no need to repeat that here. Suffice to say their casting has a great deal to do with my reluctance to get really caught up in the excitement.

However, and again I sort of glanced over this earlier, if they manage to do the entire concert with the same level of adherence to Maria Bjornson's work that is hinted at in that mock up shot of Masquerade, I will be very happy. Likewise, I am happy that they are using the original show costumes. I am happy that they haven't resorted to any 'stunt casting' (see: Nick Jonas in Les Miz). Finally, I am happy that we are at last getting something resembling an official videorecording of the show - which is the 2004 film is assuredly NOT.

You make good points, Justin. Thank you for putting things into perspective. I've been wrestling with how I feel about this celebration. I've come around to the idea that I will go to see it at the movie theater if I can. I'll just have to try not to let the things that really bother me get to me and focus on the things that I feel are successful about this staging.

Regards,
~Madame~

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