The London production 2

auctioneer wrote:My suggestion is that if you are short, sit a few rows back - maybe around F or G - in the middle. That will also allow you to see the action on the proscenium and all that other stuff.

I'd agree with that, the middle of row F was probably the best seat I've had. It's far enough away to have a good overall view, but still close enough to see the actors' expressions. I like the front row too. In the front row is that I can't see the very back of the stage but it's OK, because I've seen it before, so I know what's going on. There's very little legroom in the front row, but apart from that it's fine.

It was the fabulous Anthony Gabrielle's last show as MD on Saturday. A highly emotional curtain call as he wiped away tears as each cast member blew him kisses and Sofia in particular was distraught. Even after the show she just seemed dazed, bless her.

Other than that it was a pretty good show, I preferred JOJ this time but I still don't like all the growling. Why does he do it? I really don't like his "Mirror" but apart from that I quite liked everything else he did. My mum said he was her favourite Phantom, she was really impressed with him. I still don't see why everyone doesn't like Sofia, she cracked on the "soar" but I thought it was a good show from her apart from that. She definitely isn't my favourite but she's not the worst I've seen either. Will really is fantastic these days. We've been lucky with our past two Raoul's I'd say.

As an aside, I had the u/s Giry Kate Batter, she is young and she looks it on stage, she looked like Meg's sister, I couldn't take the mother/daughter thing seriously. She was however one of the best Giry's I've heard vocally, quite similar to Cheryl and you could hear almost every single one of her lines.

The directors are at it again, stopping actors doing things that are actually in character. Not naming names but someone told me he was sad he had to stop doing something for being "OTT" and that he complied as he didn't want to lose his job! It seems SD is the only one with the courage to just ignore them

Also, after my initial excitement at a different brochure with a more interesting layout (inserts of Shephard! Doll! Ellen!) I've actually realised I'm pretty disappointed with it and it gets the award for worst AIAOY picture ever. It's been truncated by the looks of things from Gina and Simon's and you can only see one of Will's eyes, his nose and his hair. They can't possibly use that outside but they probably will I guess. And there's the awful MOTN picture, clearly with Sofia's head on I'm guessing Gina's body. Why do they insist on the photoshop? Why?

Oh nooo! Another Photoshop Disaster Brochure? I just don't get it. I feared it would be, when they by mistake put out a half-edited Sofia Escobar picture in the official FB site. It didn't look too bad, but you can clearly tell it's been edited. What I don't get is WHY they edit the pictures so much. Good-looking cast, new pictures... why not just use them as they are? I think the Karimloo/North/Benn-Harris one is the best of recent years, the pictures looked natural.

Interesting about the cast notes and someone being a bit eager again... Bless Scott Davies.

Thank you for keeping us updated on the London production!

I'll clarify incase I worded it badly, the cast note was given to someone else not SD. I just know that SD is open about the fact he basically ignores notes!

And yes, it's a very badly photoshopped brochure. I suspect the Prima Donna one of being photoshopped, Wendy and Will look rather out of place, also I don't mind this too much but the Hannibal one is from last year. It definitely is an interesting brochure, I do like the inserts, though I'm not sure why they photographed the doll it's pretty cool, and there's a lot of different shots but they've reduced the Final Lair trio to a right hand corner of the last page? And as I'll say yet again the photoshopping. Honestly, I hate the MOTN one, on first inspection I thought it was just badly put together but then I noticed the difference in skin tone. How do people not pick up on this? Also in my opinion they haven't been very flattering to JOJ in any of his pictures, and I could go on but I'll stop...

starryeyed wrote:I'll clarify incase I worded it badly, the cast note was given to someone else not SD. I just know that SD is open about the fact he basically ignores notes!

Oh, I know! I just phrased it badly. I meant "too bad someone is back at giving those notes, which seems to restrict cast members in an unnecessary way, but bless SD for keeping his original vision and giving us a highly interesting portrayal instead of reading notes". If it is indeed the case such notes was what gave David Shannon is held-back portrayal on stage, I think they should think twice. David Shannon could have done a lot more with the role than what he did. He could have become one of the great ones.

In this aspect it's more fun to see international productions. They're a lot freer to experiment with the roles.

I know! I remember when SD told me about the MOTN notes and then it clicked why I didn't like DS' MOTN. It really did hold him back. However, in his last few weeks he did seem to be more free with his portrayal, I remember being particularly impressed with him on Simon's last show, and also cast change. As an aside, if you want to hear what his MOTN could have sounded like then you should listen to the track he recorded for his album.

It is a shame about the notes, I said to the cast member at the weekend "well just tell them!" and the reply was "you tell them for me, I don't want to lose my job!" I just feel it is a shame as it appears whenever I see someone do something I like they do it a few times and it mysteriously disappears. I've put it down to changing portrayals but the last two times this has happened it's due to them being given a note on it. Of course I'm not advocating letting the performers go crazy with things but some artistic license would be nice.

Thanks for the little review, Starryeyed. I agree with you about Kate Batter. I thought she was excellent when I saw her, but she did look far too young. She's very pretty too. I'm not sure if she's got the right type of voice, but I wonder what she'd be like as Christine.

Is the new brochure worth getting? I like to get the brochures, as I think it's nice to have photos of the cast I've seen, but don't like the idea of a badly photoshopped brochure. I passed Her Majesty's last week and I was quite surprised that the photos outside were still of the old cast.

If it is indeed the case such notes was what gave David Shannon is held-back portrayal on stage, I think they should think twice. David Shannon could have done a lot more with the role than what he did. He could have become one of the great ones.

I agree. It seems like a missed opportunity. His MOTN on his album is fantastic, one of the best I've heard.

I'd say get the brochure, for the sake of having pictures of the cast you've seen. While there is all the bad photoshopping it is a different set up to the last few years so it's a different style of brochure and there's a lot of ensemble snippets etc. Moreso than previous years anyway. Also there are some really nice pictures in it, I like Will's picture in the box (I think even in picture you can feel his acting) except you can really tell the amount of make-up he had on, and there's a really nice Little Lotte one of him and Sofia. There's also some odd ones and some badly photoshopped ones.

So, I'd say get the brochure, but I'll be honest it's not my favourite but I do hope they keep up the current style and hopefully over the next few years add some better pictures.

ETA: Did we not used to have an ex-cast members what are they up to thread? Anyway if anyone is near Shreveport, Louisiana they can see ex-Raoul Simon Bailey performing with his band on Saturday 12th February.

starryeyed wrote:Did we not used to have an ex-cast members what are they up to thread?

We still do, but for some reason it's in the random section, not this one.

https://desertedphans.forumotion.net/t21-past-poto-actors-what-are-they-doing-now

Woops! *Learn to search the full board* Thanks, Senor!

starryeyed wrote:I know, it confused me too. But I've heard it from various people. It could be hear'say but I guess everything starts somewhere. Rather odd.

Reminds me of Eva Malmgren in Copenhagen. She started out as Christine understudy, but just didn't like playing Christine. She was bumped up to Carlotta some months after, and was utterly fantastic as la diva. In fact the best I've seen. I guess sometimes a role just isn't right, leading role or not.

Sofia Escobar is off Tuesday and Wednesday this week, according to her official FB site:

Will be performing tomorrow, Monday and won't be performing Wednesday and Thursday. Slight change to the usual, only this week. Lots of love to all!

starryeyed wrote:Other than that it was a pretty good show, I preferred JOJ this time but I still don't like all the growling. Why does he do it? I really don't like his "Mirror" but apart from that I quite liked everything else he did. My mum said he was her favourite Phantom, she was really impressed with him. I still don't see why everyone doesn't like Sofia, she cracked on the "soar" but I thought it was a good show from her apart from that. She definitely isn't my favourite but she's not the worst I've seen either. Will really is fantastic these days. We've been lucky with our past two Raoul's I'd say.

That just goes to show you how different tastes and opinions are. Thank goodness for diversity After having seen the show twice this past weekend, I find JOJ and Sofia absolutely amazing, however I'm not too keen on Will. Still saw two of the best performances ever, out of the 12 times I've seen the show now. Phenomenal really

Looking forward to seeing the show again for the first time since September (have not been over for work since then!) tomorrow night, and equally excited about seeing JOJ returning to the role. I last saw him as Phantom (as many of us did) in 2004.

Went to last night's evening performance. Here are some of my thoughts (condensed, since I'm not in the review section):

What a great pleasure to have JOJ back in the lead role. He is truly a Phantom who does not require adult supervision. His performance is powerful, mature, and sustained. In addition, his vocals are truly golden. We've missed you, big fellow. A tremendous final lair that got the well-deserved applause after the final note (wonder who started that?)

I was underwhelmed by Sofia Escobar. From a somewhat "deer in the headlights" look on her face throughout the performance to faulty pronunciation, I was surprised at the weakness of this particular performance. Her voice was fine, but the issue I have is that if other aspects of the performance (visual expressions, energy, etc) are lacking, I would expect the voice to make up for it somewhat. The voice was fine only. Maybe just caught a bad performance. Am going again today so will try again.

I continue to be underwhelmed also by Will Barratt. I last saw him six months ago and see no real difference in his performance. Again, maybe just this show. Wendy Ferguson was as great as I remember her. Tight, solid performance complete with facial expressions and the vocal range of a true operatic soprano. Managers were the usual. Cheryl McAvoy appears to have only one expression on her face throughout the performance, and strangely, the expression is one that looks as though she is about to laugh. Her voice is clear and crystal enough (from the Jackson range of Girys), but the facial expressions were strange. Mark Vastenavondt was on for Piangi. I was surprisingly impressed by him. He's a small person but did great in the role. His "your army haaaaaaas" was strong and impressive. Didn't miss a cue and had good interaction with his leading lady.

Ensemble (with Philip and Ellen) present were fine. Mishap was when a portion of the cloth from the prologue remained stuck to the proscenium for the length of the first act, and one of the porters came out at interval to remove it. That pesky scaffolding!

auctioneer wrote:I continue to be underwhelmed also by Will Barratt. I last saw him six months ago and see no real difference in his performance. Again, maybe just this show. Wendy Ferguson was as great as I remember her. Tight, solid performance complete with facial expressions and the vocal range of a true operatic soprano.

I feel quite the opposite in this matter. I loved what I saw of Will Barratt as Raoul, while I prefer not seeing Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta ever again... But I would love to see JOJ back in action! Looking forward to hear your thoughts after performance number two, especially in terms of Sofia Escobar. Some adore her in the role, some think she is more understudy material. I haven't seen her live myself, so I don't really have an opinion. But I keep reading highly different things.

I love reading such balanced reviews that fully admit they could have caught bad performances. I once saw Will give the most amazing performance ever (it was literally faultless) and afterwards he said he wished he could always give a performance like that but it's just not possible, I thought it was a very honest viewpoint to have. I've never been underwhelmed by him particularly, though I thought when he was understudy I could see why he was understudy and not principal, but since he has been principal, I believe, he's grown into the role.

Someone I have mixed views on and I'm not sure if it's down to catching him on a bad day the first time I saw him is JOJ. There's definitely some things that I don't like about his performance, I find him quite an overbearing Phantom, very in your face but I do see why people like him. I fully admit I didn't particularly care for his performance as Valjean either, I believe I'm extremely in the minority.

I do feel sorry for Sofia, people seem to be particularly scathing about her on WOS. I've never quite understood why people could refer to her as being terrible but I admit she isn't my favourite. I actually like some of the acting choices she makes, I know there's a bit in particular Scorp hates and I love! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I love hearing different viewpoints and how different people can
take different things from each performance. Sofia however, for me, has never matched her opening night performance, something about that night she just shone and since then I've felt a bit let down. Last time I saw her though she was emotional about Antony leaving and it showed (cracked notes etc.)

Looking forward to hearing what you thought of today's performance.

Went to yesterday's matinee performance, and to be honest, the performance was a near carbon copy of the previous evening's show. I found JOJ to be solid as usual (I get it when people think he's overbearing in his performance - but to be honest, I really prefer that over the more recent 'transfixed/young and sexy' theme we've had going), nailing the notes, and commanding the stage with his presence. He's very old school Phantom and reminds me of the earlier days of the show when the Phantom would transfix the audiences.

Sofia Escobar was about the same. There's nothing 'wrong' with her performance in that she hits the notes, goes through the expressions, and has a presence, but it all seems very underwhelming. I've mentioned the pronunciation already. I know that this is not her fault, but it just seems so odd to me to hear "angel of mooooo-sic" when JOJ is singing "muuuuuusic." There are many other examples like this. I still found that she maintained the 'deer in the headlights' look about her. I just get the feeling that we're not getting her best at every performance. I may have the chance to see the show again before returning home, and if I do, I look forward to seeing what she does.

I find Will Barratt to be ho-hum. There's nothing wrong with the performance. One nice thing I will say is that he is the first Raoul in many years whom I could actually HEAR above the others in Prima Donna. On the flipside of that, I found that he was lost in the shuffle with Phantom and Christine in Wandering Child. Firmin and Andre were fine - they have their routines worked out. Same comment on Cheryl McAvoy as yesterday. It's as though she's channeling Heather Jackson, but it doesn't work with her facial features as well. I love Wendy Ferguson's performance, but if you're not into the real 'attitude' portrayal of Carlotta, then I can see why you wouldn't like it. I've always enjoyed her performance - particularly her facials during Prima Donna.

A quick word on the overall ensemble. I was troubled to read recently that the Les Mis orchestra musicians are being made to re-audition to keep their parts (under the guise that there are some new orchestrations.) This is a great shame and underscores the need for producers and audience members to recognize the good, solid work of the "unseen" performers like our pit musicians and stage crew. Hats off to them.

auctioneer wrote:Went to yesterday's matinee performance, and to be honest, the performance was a near carbon copy of the previous evening's show. (...) I love Wendy Ferguson's performance, but if you're not into the real 'attitude' portrayal of Carlotta, then I can see why you wouldn't like it. I've always enjoyed her performance - particularly her facials during Prima Donna.

Hmmm, too bad there weren't any noticeable changes in portrayals or the performance overall. I love it when the chemistry changes a bit from one performance to another. But as long as there were two solid performances and not two bad ones, I guess that's a good thing.

As for Wendy Ferguson, I know that she's good, technically. I know she has a solid fan base as well. And it's not her attitude performance per se I dislike. It's more the total lack of any humor and charm (note that this is based on her last run and not her current one, I have no idea whether it's changed or not). I find her too tantrum, with a piercing voice and too serious approach to the character. Carlotta is the first lady of the Parisian opera house. She's gotten there because she has the little extra. She's sung, flirted and probably slept her way to the top. I don't see Wendy Ferguson's Carlotta actually being the first lady of a major opera house, if "all" she is is a ragoholic with a good singing voice. But this is of course based on how I view the role as much as how Wendy F. is on stage. Her portrayal just don't match how I envision Carlotta.

I totally agree about Les Mis. I don't think CamMack is treating the original production (hereunder current cast, original cast and longtime orchestra) well. The 25th anniversary was bogus. Yeah, the revamped tour version was more or less the celebration, but the fact that the original production got nothing and the original cast had to arrange a private party to get to celebrate at all - without a nod or thank you from the producer/company - is kinda rotten. And an announcement and applause at the Queens instead of bananas celebration is just too dull. And now the whole orchestration issue. Do they want to close/totally revamp the original production, well then say so, and do it. Don't let it die a slow death in its original form before being replaced.

For those interested, Scott Davies is scheduled to be on as the Phantom 3rd - 5th March 2011.



ETA: Sorry guys, I have no idea why this forum suddenly decides to lock an old thread (now the London topic) and split it into two when it's getting too long. I haven't found any settings to fix this. I'll look into it again, in the mean time I can only apologize and/or at the silly system.

He's also on the 11th - 18th April And Katy is on this Monday and Thursday and also four performances in June which have gone out my mind at the moment.

It's a shame to read that the performance was pretty much the shame I know you weren't directing your comment about young/ sexy Phantom's towards me but I'll point out Scott is my favourite, I agree that I prefer both him and JOJ to the recent younger Phantom's.

You're right - my comment about the young/sexy Phantoms was not directed toward you, starryeyed - it's moreso directed toward the producers for going for that look (particularly ALW). And I say this as a fan of Ramin Karimloo. I just enjoy having a solid, strong Phantom back on stage at Her Majesty's. One thing I'm dissapointed about is that it looks as though I still won't see Scott Davies, whom I last saw in 2000 on stage. I will probably miss him again this trip. Ah well - maybe next time.

auctioneer wrote:You're right - my comment about the young/sexy Phantoms was not directed toward you, starryeyed - it's moreso directed toward the producers for going for that look (particularly ALW). And I say this as a fan of Ramin Karimloo. I just enjoy having a solid, strong Phantom back on stage at Her Majesty's.

I agree about that. I just don't click with the whole "young and sexy Phantom" idea, from Schumacher's film to the new promo in the USA and to the younger casting. Although many of them has had fine voices and has been good actors and all on stage, I have neither as my favourite. I think the main reason is that... well, they're too young. They don't seem to have lived the long and painful life they tell about, they're not close to the Phantom Leroux wrote about, and they push the sexy buttons more than the scary buttons. I don't MIND someone coming off as seducing on stage, but it shouldn't be because of a muscular body and pretty face. It should be in the body language, the voice and the stage presence.

This might be contradicting me digging JOJ in the role. I might be a hypocrite. But when I've seen JOJ in the role he's lived and breathed the role, and he's never given me the feeling of being "JOJ playing the Phantom". He's BEEN the Phantom. I never got those vibes from Uwe Kröger, Ramin Karimloo or even Thomas Borchert (fine as he was).

I managed to say this to Danish Phantom Flemming Enevold. That was when Ramin Karimloo had just left to do "Love Never Dies", and David Shannon taken over the mask at HMT. I lamented that the London Phantoms seemed so bloody young (I might have said sexy too), and I was happy the same wasn't the case in Copenhagen. "Thank you for calling me old and unattractive", was the response from the 57 year old Phantom in front of me.... But he understood - and agreed with - my point of view, and had noticed himself that the worldwide casting seemed to prefer younger dudes behind the mask.

I so wanna see Scott Davies too! I love the dangerous edge his Phantom has, and I love that he's a true "old school" Phantom. When I have the money, I don't have the time. When I have the time, I don't have the money.

Flemming's comment is funny, but it does remind me of something that baffles me: so many women early on in Phantom's run gushed over MC and PK and other Phantoms as being so sexy (their hands! ). They had legions of groupies, haha. An older Phantom clearly has sex appeal, or the dynamic of seduction in MOTN wouldn't work. Young does not necessarily equal sexy, nor does old equal unsexy.

SenorSwanky wrote:Young does not necessarily equal sexy, nor does old equal unsexy.

Very well put. And yes, the HANDS!

This is an interesting discussion. I agree with others in that I personally don't think it's fair to say that any particular 'type' of Phantom is better than any other. I get irritated when people who never saw Michael Crawford as Phantom on stage say that he was the 'best ever Phantom' or when someone picks another actor as giving the definitive portrayal of the character. There's room for lots of interpretations. What I like about JOJ is that he is "old school" in that he is a powerful Phantom, but at the same time, he shows a lot of vulnerability during the final scenes. What I liked about Karimloo was the way that, particularly early in his run, he paid close attention to nuances of the character (mimicry of the Masquerade box, etc). Mark Jacoby in New York was great because of his 'smoothness' and the way that he portrayed the Phantom as a disturbed 'gentleman.' There's a danger in preferring a Phantom simply because he's "old" or because he's "young and sexy," as has been suggested above. The more interpretations, the merrier, I say!

auctioneer wrote:The more interpretations, the merrier, I say!

A-freaking-men!!!!

Yeah, I definitely agree with that. There is no definitive Phantom because there have been many great takes on the role. There are an infinite number of interpretations. I do, however, have a hard time seeing how someone could prefer a Phantom who is clearly quite young and doesn't have the wisdom and gravitas that the role requires. JOJ was pretty young when he began the role, but his Phantom has always carried himself as if he were older. You don't question that he has gone through the experiences that vaguely are mentioned, or that he he has lived a life of solitude without requited love or sexual desire. Same, even more so, for Kevin Gray, who was about JOJ's age, if not a bit younger, when they each first did the role, or Steve Barton, who I believe was only 36 at the time, if not quite (born 1954, so if he were still with us, he'd still be of age to play the role even 20 years later).

I've seen JOJ many times and I have to say I never thought of him as a young Phantom. He doesn't come off as young on stage for me (and this is good obviously).

Operafantomet: I thought Flemming said "in Copenhagen they only put the old guys on the stage" to you? "Thank you for calling me old and unattractive" haha. He is one hell of a Phantom.

Going into the "old doesn't necessarily mean unsexy" debate I actually get a bit of an "ohhhh" moment with something Scott Davies does at the end of the title song, and I wouldn't call him sexy at all, so I'd agree with that statement.

Also, with different interpretations come different opinions and I'd assume that hardly anyone would claim to hold any one Phantom up there as the "ultimate" or "perfect" Phantom. I don't think in anything there's such a thing as perfect to begin with but with The Phantom there are so many opinions on what The Phantom should be that you couldn't realistically class any Phantom old, young or otherwise as being a "perfect" Phantom. I agree that the more interpretations the better, that way everyone at some point is bound to find a Phantom they take to.

I also find that for me, my "favourite" can change depending on what sort of mood I'm in at the time but it for the most part remains to be Scott. I don't like to make judgements on Phantom's I haven't actually seen live so I might not have seen as many to make a clear judgement on what I actually like in a Phantom but as long as he can make me feel sympathy for him whilst not thinking he should have got Christine (if that makes sense) then for me, it is a job well done.

ETA: I don't particularly like classing Scott as "old" for the record I just mean compared to someone of Ramin's age/ early 30's. If anyone on here has met Scott in person, he does not in anyway act old! Nor should he, he's a right hoot.

Also, operafantomet your comment to Flemming Enevold reminds me of something I said to David Shannon (about his time in Les Mis) "Your Epilogue just took my breath away, so well done." to which he replied "So it was good when I died then?"