The London production 2

starryeyed wrote:I've literally heard nothing bar the Simon Bowman rumours about who is to play The Phantom after September. We shall see!

I saw Hadley Fraser in Les Mis this week and I think he could actually take on the role of The Phantom but perhaps in a few years time. I'm not entirely sure he'd be ready quite yet but you never know, he could be surprising. I was pleasantly surprised with his Javert (bar a few minor quibbles.)

Please no to Simon Bowman...people may have forgotten but he didn't do great the first time around at Her Majesty's. He wasn't popular with the audience.

And just because I'm childishly biased after the RAH event, but I want Hadley kept away from Phantom. He's supposed to be a lovely guy and a great actor, but I hated his Raoul SO much. It may be Laurence Connor's fault more than Hadley's, but then Simon Bailey was fantastic in the touring production and that was also under Connor.

What are people's thoughts on Sofia staying? Personally I'm disappointed. She doesn't do that much for me in the part. She's not bad, but her acting leaves a lot to be desired IMHO. Oh well, at least she's better than Marni Raab.

starryeyed wrote:Helen, this may sound crazy but the reviews of Hadley as Javert seem to have shifted a little since the days of Alfie/Hadley and Ramin/Hadley. I'm wondering if perhaps since David joined that he has altered his portrayal to fit more with his slightly and it has done him so good. That or he's just settling in towards the end of his run. I didn't find him perfect as Javert by a long shot (he seems to sing every single line in exactly the same tone never ever changing it...you get the picture) and don't think he'd be perfect as The Phantom but I could see it happening.

I get the picture. You might be onto something about him changing to fit with David's Valjean, or maybe David's Valjean just compliments his Javert better. I'm sure he will end up as Phantom at some point. I'd love Matthew Cammelle or Stephen John Davis to get the role full time, I didn't get to see them when they were standby/understudy. They were both in the South Pacific tour when I saw it a few months ago, but I'm not sure if they'll still be in it come cast change.

What are people's thoughts on Sofia staying? Personally I'm disappointed. She doesn't do that much for me in the part. She's not bad, but her acting leaves a lot to be desired IMHO.

I'm quite pleased. There's something about her portrayal I rather like.

Current contract ends on September 1st, so the new one will begin September 3rd.

Re: those politics from the David Shannon year... Yes, I remember Rebecca Locke rather publicly complaining on her Twitter about a rather daft Assistant Music Director... The end of the contract saw almost all the principals leave... that was a huge cast change.

There was a lot of rather daft people that year! But yes I remember the assistant MD too, he conducted ridiculously slow and it was a pain for the actors.

Scorp, I see what you're saying about Hadley but I think perhaps Simon Bailey still being okay under Laurence Connor is more to do with the fact he has played the role before. JOJ has also said that the tour principals were given a lot of freedom to put their own stamp on the roles as well so perhaps that's why JOJ/Simon/Katie still seem to be doing rather well under his direction. Wasn't Lauren Connor one of the resident directors the David Shannon year though or have I made that up? If he was I can see him being behind a lot of that "lecture on music" stuff especially as it has worked its way into the tour now.

In regards to Sofia I'm neither here nor there on it. I won't rush to see her don't get me wrong (if they pull something amazing out the bag in regards to the alternate I'd probably go one of those days) as her portrayal personally doesn't do it for me (though I do like her Wishing.) I do think it would have been nice to get some new blood into the role however.

starryeyed wrote:
In regards to Sofia I'm neither here nor there on it. I won't rush to see her don't get me wrong (if they pull something amazing out the bag in regards to the alternate I'd probably go one of those days) as her portrayal personally doesn't do it for me (though I do like her Wishing.) I do think it would have been nice to get some new blood into the role however.

Yeah Sofia isn't terrible by any means (she's no Marni Raab...) but I wouldn't rush to see her either. The last truly formidable Christine we had in the West End IMHO was Gina Beck.

Speaking of Sofia, I don't really understand what actually has happened, but it appears that a Japanese fan of the show who's a regular poster on WOS tweeted to someone that s/he didn't like Sofia's portrayal (in terms of something like "I can't stand Sofia") and if I've understood correctly, this tweet was not even directed at Sofia, who was not tagged in the tweet. However, apparently she and her boyfriend must have searched Twitter for tweets about her, found this one, and took major offence to what was said. Sofia then tweeted to this user that they were a cyber-bully (?!?!?!) and that she couldn't stand them either and her boyfriend tweeted to them "Lack of taste is ok, lack of education is just sad, something to think about cause u've already got some years behind u ". Now if this user had actually directed the tweet and Sofia and said some harsh things, I could understand this reaction...but this doesn't seem to have been the case from what I understand. Seems a tad unprofessional...

Scorp wrote:
Speaking of Sofia, I don't really understand what actually has happened, but it appears that a Japanese fan of the show who's a regular poster on WOS tweeted to someone that s/he didn't like Sofia's portrayal (in terms of something like "I can't stand Sofia") and if I've understood correctly, this tweet was not even directed at Sofia, who was not tagged in the tweet. However, apparently she and her boyfriend must have searched Twitter for tweets about her, found this one, and took major offence to what was said. Sofia then tweeted to this user that they were a cyber-bully (?!?!?!) and that she couldn't stand them either and her boyfriend tweeted to them "Lack of taste is ok, lack of education is just sad, something to think about cause u've already got some years behind u ". Now if this user had actually directed the tweet and Sofia and said some harsh things, I could understand this reaction...but this doesn't seem to have been the case from what I understand. Seems a tad unprofessional...

Is this sort of behavior becoming something of a trend? Aussie director criticizing anti-LND fans, UK tour actor blasting someone who reviewed the show during previews, etc?

R.

Raphael wrote:
Is this sort of behavior becoming something of a trend? Aussie director criticizing anti-LND fans, UK tour actor blasting someone who reviewed the show during previews, etc?

R.

Apparently it would seem so, wouldn't it? Escobar probably might want to delete the tweets in question because they certainly don't do her any favours. The more I've read up on this, the more it appears that she and her boyfriend literally spent time trawling through Twitter and then found one comment where a user said they "couldn't stand" Sofia and went to town with it. Surely the irony is that sending abusive tweets to the person who made that comment is more a case of so-called "cyber-bullying" since those were actually directed at the user in question?

The tweet that started it all: https://twitter.com/SHkiyolove/status/211043317998288896

Sofia to the user who posted the above tweet:

https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211514920519479297
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724724311556096
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724749364137985
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724789658816512
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724813226618883
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724863046549504
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724891978862592

Sofia's bf to that user (a rather uncalled for remark, IMHO):

https://twitter.com/gonzalorams/status/211516560962105346

Seems Sofia would have preferred for the user to say they couldn't stand her portrayal rather than her herself, though surely in the context that would have been clear. But I think that's where the 'misunderstanding', as it were, comes from.

As for that Aussie director, by chance I came across an interview a week ago dating back from last year where he calls LSD "a travesty". LOL! What does he think his show was?

I'm not sure if Google Alerts reads Twitter feeds, but that's a potential way for actors to easily find anything written about them on the internet.

With how uncensored and blunt people can be due to the anonymity of the internet, the fact that many actors I've spoken to say they avoid reading reviews of their work is probably a good thing.

R.

Looks like Wendy Ferguson is leaving at the cast change, so that's a new Phantom, Christine alternate, Raoul and Carlotta so far. Not sure who else is leaving?

Raphael wrote:I'm not sure if Google Alerts reads Twitter feeds, but that's a potential way for actors to easily find anything written about them on the internet.

That, plus loyal fans/friends being eager to update them on what's going on in cyber land. Or gossip backstage getting out of proportions. Still, I agree that it doesn't look good as long as it was not directed at Sofia Escobar but rather a general musical theatre board.

Looks like Wendy Ferguson is leaving at the cast change, so that's a new Phantom, Christine alternate, Raoul and Carlotta so far. Not sure who else is leaving?

It'll be an interesting cast change for sure, having so many new (or maybe "new") people for the lead roles. I don't know who else is leaving (didn't even know Wendy Ferguson was leaving), but I think these cast changes keeps the London production vital. Just hope it'll not be too experimental.

operafantomet wrote:

Looks like Wendy Ferguson is leaving at the cast change, so that's a new Phantom, Christine alternate, Raoul and Carlotta so far. Not sure who else is leaving?

It'll be an interesting cast change for sure, having so many new (or maybe "new") people for the lead roles. I don't know who else is leaving (didn't even know Wendy Ferguson was leaving), but I think these cast changes keeps the London production vital. Just hope it'll not be too experimental.

I didn't realise Wendy Ferguson was leaving either. I've begun to really enjoy her portrayal again lately. I hope it's not too long before we find out who the new cast members are.

I'm looking forward to seeing such a different cast from last year when I'm back in London this winter. It's not secret that I thought the world of Wendy Ferguson's work in this production, but look forward to seeing a new tackle on the role.

Scorp wrote:

Raphael wrote:
Is this sort of behavior becoming something of a trend? Aussie director criticizing anti-LND fans, UK tour actor blasting someone who reviewed the show during previews, etc?

R.

Apparently it would seem so, wouldn't it? Escobar probably might want to delete the tweets in question because they certainly don't do her any favours. The more I've read up on this, the more it appears that she and her boyfriend literally spent time trawling through Twitter and then found one comment where a user said they "couldn't stand" Sofia and went to town with it. Surely the irony is that sending abusive tweets to the person who made that comment is more a case of so-called "cyber-bullying" since those were actually directed at the user in question?

The tweet that started it all: https://twitter.com/SHkiyolove/status/211043317998288896

Sofia to the user who posted the above tweet:

https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211514920519479297
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724724311556096
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724749364137985
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724789658816512
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724813226618883
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724863046549504
https://twitter.com/sofia_escobar/status/211724891978862592

Sofia's bf to that user (a rather uncalled for remark, IMHO):

https://twitter.com/gonzalorams/status/211516560962105346

Seems Sofia would have preferred for the user to say they couldn't stand her portrayal rather than her herself, though surely in the context that would have been clear. But I think that's where the 'misunderstanding', as it were, comes from.

As for that Aussie director, by chance I came across an interview a week ago dating back from last year where he calls LSD "a travesty". LOL! What does he think his show was?

I was wondering how long it would take before journalists took interest in this story.

The answer is: not long at all.

The whole thing has done neither Sofia nor her boyfriend any favours: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/tantrum-of-the-opera-thinskinned-musical-star-all-atwitter-over-criticism-from-twickenham-housewife-7847918.html

Scorp wrote:I was wondering how long it would take before journalists took interest in this story.

The answer is: not long at all.

The whole thing has done neither Sofia nor her boyfriend any favours: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/tantrum-of-the-opera-thinskinned-musical-star-all-atwitter-over-criticism-from-twickenham-housewife-7847918.html

My thought? Why is it SOOOO important for British press to label anyone as a housewife? Seriously?

"Criticism from Twickenham housewife", "48-year-old housewife", "the housewife, who has asked us not to reveal her name", "The housewife immediately apologised" and "The housewife also received a series of insulting tweets",

What about.... Woman? Lady? Fan? Twickenham-born? Person? Tweeter?

I think the reason why it bothers me is that it's used as a way to lessen a person in one way or another; in this case to make her seem all innocent compared to the gruesome actress, and in other cases to insinuate how unimportant people are. Bad taste.

operafantomet wrote:

Scorp wrote:I was wondering how long it would take before journalists took interest in this story.

The answer is: not long at all.

The whole thing has done neither Sofia nor her boyfriend any favours: http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/tantrum-of-the-opera-thinskinned-musical-star-all-atwitter-over-criticism-from-twickenham-housewife-7847918.html

My thought? Why is it SOOOO important for British press to label anyone as a housewife? Seriously?

"Criticism from Twickenham housewife", "48-year-old housewife", "the housewife, who has asked us not to reveal her name", "The housewife immediately apologised" and "The housewife also received a series of insulting tweets",

What about.... Woman? Lady? Fan? Twickenham-born? Person? Tweeter?

I think the reason why it bothers me is that it's used as a way to lessen a person in one way or another; in this case to make her seem all innocent compared to the gruesome actress, and in other cases to insinuate how unimportant people are. Grrrrr.

I'm not sure. Maybe it's because the British press usually describe people first or foremost by their occupation, or because it's still in some way rather misogynistic. I have a feeling in this case it's not a lie as it was when that very dodgy article in The Telegraph wrote about Josefine.

While I do think the fault in this whole situation lies with Sofia and her boyfriend rather than the original tweeter, I feel a bit sorry for her as since the publication of the article she's getting a lot of nasty comments directed at her by people who must have read the Standard and are now delighting in telling her how they allegedly found her performance terrible, which she doesn't deserve (even if personally I wasn't a fan either). Hopefully the whole thing blows over soon.

This reminds me of my friend who posted a journal entry/review on livejournal during the last two years of the US Tour. She made a comment that she did not enjoy Trista Moldovan's Christine. Trista found her entry and told her to 'remove it' and 'change it' to the other Christine that was on the tour, because she was certain my friend was 'mistaken and that it was not her who performed that night', But it was, and there was an insert in the playbill stating so... and my friend took a picture of the board outside. (But she didn't share that in her reply to Trista.)

Anyway, this is crazy shit and these actors need to realize that for as many people that they DON'T have liking them they have as many people liking them.

And that story about Trista reminds me of an incident a few years ago with the Walnut Street Les Miz.

I did a very casual and strictly personal review of the show...personal as in it was not part of the News section of Hugh's site, but a personal post on the message board we had at the time. The next day, the producer gave Hugh holy hell about something I said and wanted the whole review removed.

Well, I never saved a copy when I lost the old board format, but I had said that I thought the boy playing Gavroche was very good in the performance department, but just did not look convincingly like a street urchin. Which was the truth and my comment wasn't even based on the boy's physical build, but on his make-up and costume. Nothing about him gave the visual impression of a boy living in an old Paris slum. It was half a sentence and more than balanced by the fact that I said he sang and acted quite well.

It turned out the producer was the boy's father...something I had no way of knowing since the last names were different.

Part of me wanted to stand my ground and leave the review as it was...I don't like having to censor myself and I didn't like the fact that the producer was raking Hugh over the coals when he could've just approached me directly. But for the sake of keeping the peace and not causing Hugh any problems, I compromised and cut out the few words about Gavroche.

Anyhow, I think Sofia was out of line here. The original tweet was an opinion, however negative...and not a personal attack. I could understand reacting if it was a direct comment and if it was a false, damaging statement. Even then, getting into on Twitter wouldn't be the way to handle it.

She made a silly tiff on Twitter, and now I feel bad that everyone in London was reading this story on the Tube this evening...

MajesticPhantom wrote:She made a silly tiff on Twitter, and now I feel bad that everyone in London was reading this story on the Tube this evening...

I keep flip-flopping about the way I feel about this. I still think she and her boyfriend were wrong to take a tweet that was not addressed to them and that they could not have found without considerable searching and call it 'cyberbullying' and then get their followers to back them up, leaving the original tweeter to be flamed. However, earlier today I felt sympathy for Sofia as the backlash resulting from the press coverage took effect. Yet to see Sofia thank followers of hers who say that the original tweeter should be ashamed of herself and that the blame lies with her is disheartening, and makes me lose the sympathy for her situation that I'd developed. The Telegraph has now picked up on the story and so it will go nationwide in print tomorrow, so even more reason to start thinking seriously about acting professionally.

Thanks for that further information, Scorp.

The national papers Daily Mail (awful paper), The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph have now run pretty much the same article. All a bit of a storm in a teacup...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2158949/Sofia-Escobar-starts-Twitter-row-housewife-criticised-performance.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/london-shows/9330172/Phantom-star-launches-Twitter-rant-at-fan-over-online-criticism.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2012/jun/14/phantom-opera-star-twitter

Scorp wrote:The national papers Daily Mail (awful paper)...

Awful indeed, they can't even get things right. Christina instead of Christine...

Peter Jöback had a sad announcement today - he lost his mother last week. Because of this he will not be performing:

July 9th and 10th
July 19th and 21st
August 13th and 14th.

There might also be other unforeseen changes.

https://www.facebook.com/peterjoback/posts/420079314690146

I´see the show on Monday next week.

I'm going next Saturday.

Peter is appearing at West End Live tomorrow, at twelve o'clock in Trafalgar Square.

I'm going on Thursday! I bet Peter is even more settled in and confident in the role now. The last time I saw him was still only around his 10th show and he had settled in to it since his first show but I think by now he'll really be into the swing of things. I'm still really eager to hear about the new cast members there must be an announcement soon because I think rehearsals should start around beginning of august?

Peter singing Music of Night at west end live.
http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=GB#/watch?v=DO5b8f060zE

The view of him isn't that great but you can hear him very well. He has improved so much, I thought he was brilliant before but he sounds even better now.

Oh, wow. I'd only heard the bootleg that was around of his first performance, and the change is incredible.

I'm really looking forward to seeing him on Saturday.

Still think he sounds terrible.

SenorSwanky wrote:Still think he sounds terrible.

Terrible? Do you really think it's that bad? I've definitely heard worse. I'm not knocking your opinion or anything.