The Broadway production + US tour

Yup...Sean MacLaughlin as the Phantom is just a perfect idea...

MajesticPhantom wrote:Yup...Sean MacLaughlin as the Phantom is just a perfect idea...

Yes, I thought that the first time i saw him.

phantom10906 wrote:

MajesticPhantom wrote:Yup...Sean MacLaughlin as the Phantom is just a perfect idea...

Yes, I thought that the first time i saw him.

He's said he'd love to take on the role in interviews, and I think he might've mentioned it to me as well. He's got the vocal and acting chops. I hope he does well in whatever his next career move is, but part of me hopes he doesn't do too well so he'll come back and play the Phantom at some point.

Meant to reply about Sean the other day...but YESSSSS!!!!! to Sean coming back as The Phantom eventually. I've been saying that to a couple of friends since I finally saw him as Raoul.

Anyhow, just heard from Hugh this morning about his schedule: his contract renewal is through December 3 at this point with a vacation in September and two concert obligations in October.

justin-from-barbados wrote:

Hugh and Marni were on, great vioces all round, I've heard people say that Hugh has changed since his last run, I can totally agree, he seems more mature and his voice sounds so much better. (I'm wondering if they made new click tracks for his notes scenes or if they are using the old ones, for those familiar with his voice, the tracks used in the notes scene sound more like how he did back on 2004.

I was pretty sure they were new click tracks...there's a harsher tone to them than before...and Hugh confirmed it that, yes, they made new ones.

Pretty much the cutest thing ever...

http://www.broadway.com/shows/the-phantom-of-the-opera/buzz/156934/phantom-star-hugh-panaro-enjoys-an-ocean-dip-with-his-labradoodle/

Paula74 wrote:Pretty much the cutest thing ever...

http://www.broadway.com/shows/the-phantom-of-the-opera/buzz/156934/phantom-star-hugh-panaro-enjoys-an-ocean-dip-with-his-labradoodle/

Adorable! I love Labradoodles. The expression on the dog has that 'not amused to have my picture took' look. And the cheese thing. That cracks me up. Every summer husband and I take care of two (adorable) yorkies for about a month for husband's boss. They are h.u.g.e. cheese fans. Can't turn around when there's cheese anywhere on a table. They'll conspire together and figure out a way to get it.

Haha, that picture is like the cutest ever. Animals don't care at all how humans look, our friend Erik really should have pet friends instead of stalking Christine. Might have had a happier life.... but then again, the Poodle of the Opera might not have been as exciting for the audience.

Another interview with Hugh...there's quite a bit about Phantom.

http://adaumbellesquest.squarespace.com/interviews/2011/7/7/hugh-panaro.html

picturing him driving down the freeway singing phantom songs at the top of his voice.

Just imagine youre hiking in the woods and in the distance you hear "Insolent fool!"

operafantomet wrote:Haha, that picture is like the cutest ever. Animals don't care at all how humans look, our friend Erik really should have pet friends instead of stalking Christine. Might have had a happier life.... but then again, the Poodle of the Opera might not have been as exciting for the audience.

Such a cute picture!!! LOL, "poodle of the organ"...hahahahaha

Far too short...but very cute...NBC New York's backstage feature with Hugh and Sara.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/shows/newyorklive/New_York_Live__Phantom_of_the_Opera_New_York-125447438.html

I love the clips of Ford and Panaro! They have such great personalities! I wish all the clips were of them.

Unbelievable news this morning. George Lee Andrews will give his final performance on September 3. His son-in-law will take over his part on September 5. A record-breaking run comes to an end.

Aww....George has had an amazing run though.

I'm not sure if he is leaving on his own terms or not.

auctioneer wrote:I'm not sure if he is leaving on his own terms or not.

Why do you say that? Seems if his son-in-law is taking over, there can't be bad blood. Who is his son-in-law, by the way? I'll be seeing George for the second and final time in about a week and a half.

Wow. Thanks and good luck, George. Not many people can boast twenty-three years of consistent employment in the theater.

~LCD

In the same show and more than half of it in the same role too.

SenorSwanky wrote:Who is his son-in-law, by the way?

Aaron Galligan-Stierle

It's so hard for me to picture the show without George. I am so used to seeing him as Andre that, even though I've seen others in the role, I can't even remember them.

Has there been an official announcement? I'd think news like that would make the usual musical theatre website circles but I haven't seen a thing.

TAFKaR

It's on Aaron's website now, but I haven't seen it anywhere else. The Phantom Broadway FB page hasn't posted it as far as I know, and they're pretty good at reposting official news when it's posted on the various sites.

George's departure has not been announced yet, but it will come out before too long.
I hope that George is given a very good and appropriate send-off with the royal treatment. He deserves it.

Raphael wrote:Has there been an official announcement? I'd think news like that would make the usual musical theatre website circles but I haven't seen a thing.

TAFKaR

George posted it on his Facebook page.

Decided to see the show next Wednesday matinee. Gonna get tickets probably tonight.

SenorSwanky wrote:Decided to see the show next Wednesday matinee. Gonna get tickets probably tonight.

Great stuff. Try checking out Travelzoo.com as they usually have promo codes for discounted tickets from the Phantom box office. Last I looked the discount was 40% off. I usually use their codes in Vegas too when seeing the show.

Thanks. I'd only checked BroadwayBox so far.

I found an interesting thread on Broadway World about the recent cast changes, and I came across someone saying that Firmin is being let go, too. Can anybody confirm that?

ML6 wrote:I found an interesting thread on Broadway World about the recent cast changes, and I came across someone saying that Firmin is being let go, too. Can anybody confirm that?

Did they say "too," or were they confused about which manager Andrews most recently played?

SenorSwanky wrote:

ML6 wrote:I found an interesting thread on Broadway World about the recent cast changes, and I came across someone saying that Firmin is being let go, too. Can anybody confirm that?

Did they say "too," or were they confused about which manager Andrews most recently played?

I saw the thread in question and pretty much got the impression they meant Firmin too...they also mentioned Evan being out as Piangi, too.

ETA: For anyone who wants to read through the thread, it's here.

It's always hard to say what's rumor and what's not, especially with BWW.

SenorSwanky wrote:

ML6 wrote:I found an interesting thread on Broadway World about the recent cast changes, and I came across someone saying that Firmin is being let go, too. Can anybody confirm that?

Did they say "too," or were they confused about which manager Andrews most recently played?

Paula74 wrote:I saw the thread in question and pretty much got the impression they meant Firmin too...they also mentioned Evan being out as Piangi, too.

I don't want to start rumors, but usually this board is really good on who's in and who's out that I wanted things confirmed here than there.