Favourite Raoul

I've seen:

Andrew Ragone x2 (my favorite)
Sean MacLaughlin x2

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Steve Barton

Steve Barton for me too. Hardly surprising.

Aside from Steve: Tomas (!!!) A. Kofod, Björn Olsson (though never saw him live, but I love his AIAOY on the Swiss cast single -- such a warm voice), Niklas Andersson, Alex Rathgeber, Yuichiro Yamaguchi (never saw him live either) and Matt Cammelle, in that order.

I also am really warming to Simon Bailey's Raoul. He does an excellent AIAOY and succeeds in *not* making the scene boring and his chemistry with Gina Beck is great.

Have never liked Tim Martin Gleason's Raoul. Whichever poor girl ends up playing Christine opposite him just gets shouted and spat at during the whole show!

Worst recorded Raouls IMHO are José Joel (Mexico) and Alfred Pfeiffer (Austria).

Scorp wrote:Steve Barton for me too. Hardly surprising.

Aside from Steve: Tomas (!!!) A. Kofod, Björn Olsson (though never saw him live), Niklas Andersson, Alex Rathgeber and Matt Cammelle (in that order).

<------- Tomas!

operafantomet wrote:

Scorp wrote:Steve Barton for me too. Hardly surprising.

Aside from Steve: Tomas (!!!) A. Kofod, Björn Olsson (though never saw him live), Niklas Andersson, Alex Rathgeber and Matt Cammelle (in that order).

<------- Tomas!

I assume a fake tattoo?

Pretty cool if it wasn't though...it would mean his Christine tattoo would be showing during every Final Lair!

Scorp wrote:
I assume a fake tattoo?

Pretty cool if it wasn't though...it would mean his Christine tattoo would be showing during every Final Lair!

Ha-ha! It looks a bit smeared out at the beginning of the name (and I definitely don't see him getting a tatto), so yeah, it's a fake. I think it was for the final performance in 2009. But I love the look of it, so o'hoy sailor! And Raoul WAS in the navy, after all (Leroux Raoul, at least).

After this weekend Ryan Silverman is definitely my second favourite Raoul! His "Orders. Warnings. Lunatic demands." was just so good, he really dragged out the "orders." I was a bit disappointed with him in other parts of Prima Donna and the Final Lair. His voice was lost at times and he had such a beautiful voice. (I think it may have been because the rest of the cast were so strong though.) I also think I've become so accustomed to Simon Bailey's really powerful voice I've never really had to actively try listen out for Raoul.

Will Barrat has a strong, deep voice but just isn't Raoul in my opinion. But give him his due, I only saw his Act 2 but he still moves to become my third favourite Raoul.

My revised list goes like this:

1. Simon Bailey
2. Ryan Silverman
3. Will Barrat
4. Alex Rathgeber

ETA: I feel awful bumping Alex below someone I saw half a show of...

Updating my list, cause I saw two excellent Raouls in London in December:

!!!!
Tomas "Tomas!" Kofod (Copenhagen)
Simon Bailey (London)

R-r-r-r-AOUL:
Ramin Karimloo (London)
Will Barratt (u/s London)
Emil Ritter (u/s Copenhagen)
Björn Olsson (Copenhagen)

OK:
Robert Finlayson (London)
David Shannon (London)

NOT REALLY:
Oliver Thornton (London)
Christopher Morandi (u/s Essen)

I also saw a guy in Hamburg in the early 90's, but I don't remember name nor details....

You should have saw Simon's performance last night. It was finally, perfect, I thought he would never be perfect because no one is perfect right but he was. Also agree with where you put Will, and he impressed me even seeing half a show - must see a full show of his one time, he was really nice at the SD last night while I was waiting.

ruthy wrote:You should have saw Simon's performance last night. It was finally, perfect, I thought he would never be perfect because no one is perfect right but he was.

Yeah Simon's really become an excellent Raoul; I'm so impressed by him now (and thrilled operafantomet thinks that both he and Gina Beck are top-notch!). So funny because I never liked his Enjolras in Les Mis and was fearing what his Raoul would be like, yet he's just totally blown me away. If I had to make a top 3 now, it'd probably be Steve Barton, Tomas (!) A Kofod and Simon Bailey...he's that good. And I can't believe AIAOY has become SO much more enjoyable to watch as well.

BTW Ruthy, you hit the nail on the head in your sig with the ad libs -- he put in so many last week! I particularly liked his little addition of a comforting "I know" when Christine says "Well, Father is dead, Raoul..." in 'Little Lotte' and his hilarious but appropriate growls of frustration and anger at the Phantom during the final lair! He still shouts it up at certain parts, though, esp. in the backstage scene with Mme Giry, which I find really funny for childish reasons since I don't care for Nicky Adams as Giry (though it's considerably better than her Christine was, ugh).

I'm hearing lots of good things about Ryan Silverman. Would love to see what he's like. What did you think of the Broadway production in general, Ruthy? It's been ages since we've had a review from New York on this board.

I feared what his Raoul would be like too Scorp and must admit the first time I saw him (October 2008) my fears were practically confirmed. I have always rated his voice (although it has even more power now) but it was his acting plus the shoutiness just were completely wrong. He slowly got better and better but since August this year has just completely blown me away too. I don't know how he can DO so much with the role, it doesn't really lend itself to that. He was also doing some crazily powerful notes in Prima Donna on Wednesday, that I actually thought was Rohan but then properly looked and listened and realised it was Simon, it was really something else. I totally agree about All I Ask of You, the scene used to bore me to be honest.

Oh yes his ad libs are great. I love the really comforting "I know" and another (more recent) addition I have become fond of is when the Portcullis raises to let him in he puts his hand underneath to check for spikes before going under, i love that. His Final Lair, is always varied and he never does two the same, kudos! His Mme Giry's Tale on Wednesday was so angry I was actually laughing too, but like you I was thinking "go on! I hate her!" Okay hates a strong word...

I will post my thoughts about the Broadway production in the appropriate thread when I get a minute. I was really impressed with it though, and I thought each performer was of equal standard, but as I mentioned... such a strong cast meant Ryan was unfortunately lost at points. He was extremely good thoughm and another good All I Ask of You.

Scorp wrote:

BTW Ruthy, you hit the nail on the head in your sig with the ad libs -- he put in so many last week! I particularly liked his little addition of a comforting "I know" when Christine says "Well, Father is dead, Raoul..." in 'Little Lotte' and his hilarious but appropriate growls of frustration and anger at the Phantom during the final lair! He still shouts it up at certain parts, though, esp. in the backstage scene with Mme Giry, which I find really funny for childish reasons since I don't care for Nicky Adams as Giry (though it's considerably better than her Christine was, ugh).

I loved the bit where he whispered "I know." I'd never noticed that before. He wasn't too shouty at the backstage bit with Madame Giry last night, but I kind of switched off at that part, as I wasn't particularly enjoying Nicky's performance as Mme Giry. I'm very glad I didn't see her as Christine. Back on topic, and from the Raouls I've seen my favourites are John Addison and Michael Xavier.

Scorp wrote:It's been ages since we've had a review from New York on this board.

I think about that from time to time. Back on the old PFN, when we had a larger community of diehards, we had several people who regularly saw the show in NY either because they lived and worked there or were such huge fans of Hugh Panaro that they saw it a lot (*ahem*Paula and Cape Twirl*ahem*), or both. We had more reviews and discussion of London and the tour as well. Those were the days.

After seeing Sean MacLaughlin last week, I would definitely put him in my second tier of Raouls (Steve Barton will eternally be in a league of his own), along with Michael Ball and Jim Weitzer.

Scorp wrote:It's been ages since we've had a review from New York on this board.

I've got a couple from '08 and '09 that I'll be reposting in a few weeks. But it would be nice to have more coming in, particularly with Cudia on Broadway.

R.

I would love to see more Broadway reviews as well. I adore what I've heard and seen of John Cudia so far, and the Broadway production is one of the major ones - surely SOME must have seen it these last couple of months?

Yes, yes, yes I WILL get my Broadway review done ASAP. I'm on a train at the moment though and got lots to do, perhaps I'll get it done between Christmas and New Year.

Yay! *claps gleefully* When it comes to Raoul, is quite obviously that I agree with Senior Swanky (on the exact reasons he stated) that Steve Barton will always be uncomparable and untouchable. Not only that, I'm really a die-hard fangirl of his in general. But I have Phantom to thank to get me into his other works. So Steve will always be FAR past the rest.

Michael Shawn Lewis: His Raoul is very, very kind. But he can be determined, too. I like his Raoul because he has played in two different versions of Phantom as Raoul: English and German. I tend to favorite bi-lingual Raoul's because different casts have different way of 'picking out lines' to add something new to the foreign speaking audience. His Raoul is adorable in All I Ask of You and Masquerade.

Christian Alexander Bruecker: I love his Raoul because it reminds me a younger version of the two written above. Also, he is insanely concerned about Christine in the final liar. Oh, his All I Ask of You is quite cute! I think he's a good, young Raoul.

Ramin Karimloo: I actually prefer his Raoul over his Phantom, not many do nowadways. But I remember when he was playing Raoul, and his outrageous 'leap/dive' off the catwalk/bridge. Not only that, his Wandering Child was awesome alongside JoJ!



I'm waiting for Jesper Tyden to be Raoul next, since he's been Marius in Sweden.

ML6 wrote:Ramin Karimloo: I actually prefer his Raoul over his Phantom, not many do nowadways. But I remember when he was playing Raoul, and his outrageous 'leap/dive' off the catwalk/bridge. Not only that, his Wandering Child was awesome alongside JoJ!

I do, I do, I do (agree, that is)! His Raoul was so full of life, so energetic, and so charming. Whereas he was technically good as the Phantom, I just never got that... feeling for his performance as I did with his Raoul.

operafantomet wrote:

ML6 wrote:Ramin Karimloo: I actually prefer his Raoul over his Phantom, not many do nowadways. But I remember when he was playing Raoul, and his outrageous 'leap/dive' off the catwalk/bridge. Not only that, his Wandering Child was awesome alongside JoJ!

I do, I do, I do (agree, that is)! His Raoul was so full of life, so energetic, and so charming. Whereas he was technically good as the Phantom, I just never got that... feeling for his performance as I did with his Raoul.

Yay! I am not alone. Operafantomet, you and I are going to be good friends.

1. Michael Xavier (His Raoul is so tender and loving)
2. Tim Martin Gleason (ANGRY, angry dude. I like it.)
3. Steve Barton (I love him, but I've never seen him live so I really have no idea what to think about his acting.)

Sadly, I can remember only six actors I've seen in the role. I'm sure there are more but six is all I can recall at the moment. Out of these six, two jump out for me.

Gary Mauer
Michael Shawn Lewis

ML6 wrote:

operafantomet wrote:

ML6 wrote:Ramin Karimloo: I actually prefer his Raoul over his Phantom, not many do nowadways. But I remember when he was playing Raoul, and his outrageous 'leap/dive' off the catwalk/bridge. Not only that, his Wandering Child was awesome alongside JoJ!

I do, I do, I do (agree, that is)! His Raoul was so full of life, so energetic, and so charming. Whereas he was technically good as the Phantom, I just never got that... feeling for his performance as I did with his Raoul.

Yay! I am not alone. Operafantomet, you and I are going to be good friends.

Best friends.

operafantomet wrote:

ML6 wrote:

operafantomet wrote:

ML6 wrote:Ramin Karimloo: I actually prefer his Raoul over his Phantom, not many do nowadways. But I remember when he was playing Raoul, and his outrageous 'leap/dive' off the catwalk/bridge. Not only that, his Wandering Child was awesome alongside JoJ!

I do, I do, I do (agree, that is)! His Raoul was so full of life, so energetic, and so charming. Whereas he was technically good as the Phantom, I just never got that... feeling for his performance as I did with his Raoul.

Yay! I am not alone. Operafantomet, you and I are going to be good friends.

Best friends.

Yay!

Finally I've found a Raoul who does begin to approach Steve Barton's greatness, and part of it is that he reminds me of Barton. Brad Little has a nice, warm lyric baritone voice and a strong presence. Ciaran Sheehan is also better than I originally thought; he improved on Broadway over his performance in the 3NT.

operafantomet wrote:

ML6 wrote:Ramin Karimloo: I actually prefer his Raoul over his Phantom, not many do nowadways. But I remember when he was playing Raoul, and his outrageous 'leap/dive' off the catwalk/bridge. Not only that, his Wandering Child was awesome alongside JoJ!

I do, I do, I do (agree, that is)! His Raoul was so full of life, so energetic, and so charming. Whereas he was technically good as the Phantom, I just never got that... feeling for his performance as I did with his Raoul.

I never undestood the fuss over his Raoul. It was good but it wasn't the best thing since sliced bread. And I don't understand that 'leap' thing everyone kept going on about, I've seen other Raouls do the same...

SenorSwanky wrote:Finally I've found a Raoul who does begin to approach Steve Barton's greatness, and part of it is that he reminds me of Barton. Brad Little has a nice, warm lyric baritone voice and a strong presence. Ciaran Sheehan is also better than I originally thought; he improved on Broadway over his performance in the 3NT.

Brad Little as Raoul? Ooh. This sounds promising. And Ciaran Sheehan I have heard of. And I do love people that sound like Steve Barton.

Scorp: I was told that a couple times he actually did a dive. Or a run and leap, instead of falling in. I thought that was pretty impressive.

ML6 wrote:
Scorp: I was told that a couple times he actually did a dive. Or a run and leap, instead of falling in. I thought that was pretty impressive.

It looked normal to me. Maybe I just didn't care about his Raoul enough.

Scorp wrote:

ML6 wrote:
Scorp: I was told that a couple times he actually did a dive. Or a run and leap, instead of falling in. I thought that was pretty impressive.

It looked normal to me. Maybe I just didn't care about his Raoul enough.

I think he varied his leap, he was quite a daredevil at some performances, while he did the "normal" jump at other performances. A bit like Earl Carpenter, for a time he did this giant leap towards the end of "Wandering Child" (and I was always sure he would end up in the wings...), but it wasn't a constant feature.

operafantomet wrote:

Scorp wrote:

ML6 wrote:
Scorp: I was told that a couple times he actually did a dive. Or a run and leap, instead of falling in. I thought that was pretty impressive.

It looked normal to me. Maybe I just didn't care about his Raoul enough.

I think he varied his leap, he was quite a daredevil at some performances, while he did the "normal" jump at other performances. A bit like Earl Carpenter, for a time he did this giant leap towards the end of "Wandering Child" (and I was always sure he would end up in the wings...), but it wasn't a constant feature.

Yeah! That's what people told me and I was like, "Holy crap, he has guts"! Anyway, I think he's so cute as Raoul - I wish he didn't have to cover his face.

I found his vibratto sort of grated with me, but kudos for the jump he sometimes did. I've saw Simon Bailey a couple of times jump up off the traveltor and down which I thought was pretty impressive (quite similar to David Thaxton's leap off the barricade in Les Mis) and Will Barratt did quite an impressive jump apart from he seemed to really flail his arms as if attempting to fly so... that was not so good.

ML6 wrote:Brad Little as Raoul? Ooh. This sounds promising.

Yeah, like many US Phantoms, Little started in the Broadway ensemble, graduated to Raoul/Phantom understudy, then moved out on tour as the Phantom (Little also did a brief fill-in on Broadway as pseudo-principal Phantom either shortly before or after he became Phantom on tour, possibly between Gaines and O'Leary in 1996 or O'Leary and Panaro in 1999).

And Ciaran Sheehan I have heard of.

Yeah, you probably know him better as the Phantom in Toronto, but he began as the first Raoul on the 3NT in December '92, then shortly after, went on with fellow 3NT Christine Tracy Shayne to Broadway in '94.

And I do love people that sound like Steve Barton.

Me too. I'm not looking for a carbon copy on purpose, but it's just something about the standard Barton set, vocally and acting-wise, that just feels right for the role.