Re: Phantom World Tour

justin-from-barbados Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:25 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNE-bYD2MOA&feature=g-hist

what wonderful vocals, reminds me of Anthony in Vagas

MajesticPhantom Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:02 am

Holy cow! Looks like a really exciting Phantom. So pleased to see some substantial footage of him. He does not seem like a young Phantom (yay for transformational acting).

justin-from-barbados Wed Aug 29, 2012 12:11 pm

I find his story too quite fascinating, the whole 'principal guy gets sick, understudy finished run and goes on to open another production'

and like I said, I love his vocals.

Scorp Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:25 pm

MajesticPhantom wrote:Holy cow! Looks like a really exciting Phantom. So pleased to see some substantial footage of him. He does not seem like a young Phantom (yay for transformational acting).

Yes, he's a lot better than Ramin Karimloo at 'concealing' his age behind his acting.

charleygirl Wed Aug 29, 2012 5:04 pm

Stunning!

justin-from-barbados Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:37 pm

Charleygirl, who is that in your avatar?

SenorSwanky Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:40 pm

Peter Joback, I believe.

justin-from-barbados Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:41 pm

was thinking that, but i dont remember seeing that photo of him before

Madame Giry Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:12 pm

justin-from-barbados wrote:was thinking that, but i dont remember seeing that photo of him before

I believe it's taken from his West End Live performance of MotN.

~Madame~

charleygirl Thu Aug 30, 2012 4:58 am

Madame Giry wrote:
justin-from-barbados wrote:was thinking that, but i dont remember seeing that photo of him before

I believe it's taken from his West End Live performance of MotN.

~Madame~

It is. There are some photos at the official Facebook page Smile

And speaking of photos, there are some of Claire Lyon and Jonathan Roxmouth in Manilla here, here and here.

AlwaysChristine Thu Aug 30, 2012 10:10 am

I´ve seen the photos and the clip. I don´t like the wigs and costumes in the Tour. Christine looks older as she is.
Claire´s wigs and dresses fits her well in LND. I think the London costumes and wigs would be better.

TheFinnishPhantom Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:37 pm

Am I the last one to find out that Ian Jon Bourg is the alternate Phantom in Manila? Damn.

SenorSwanky Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:46 pm

No, I was also unaware of this. Did he leave Vegas early?

TheFinnishPhantom Sat Sep 01, 2012 7:52 pm

SenorSwanky wrote:No, I was also unaware of this. Did he leave Vegas early?

Apparently he did. I heard a few days ago that Ian performed on the 28th, and I assumed it's just a mistake, but I saw the cast lists just a few minutes ago. Strange.

MajesticPhantom Mon Sep 03, 2012 1:31 am

Curve ball! Laughing

operafantomet Wed Sep 05, 2012 12:29 am

TheFinnishPhantom wrote:Am I the last one to find out that Ian Jon Bourg is the alternate Phantom in Manila? Damn.

He left approximately two weeks before the closing, I believe. But his name was still on the cast board at the souvenir stand, and it was also in the Playbill. However, I thought he understudied the Phantom instead of alternating in the role. Does he do the Sunday performances, then, as the previous World Tour alternate did?

**Raphael** Wed Sep 05, 2012 10:51 pm

I knew he left Vegas Company early, but wasn't aware he was joining the World Tour. They may have printed the Playbills just before his planned departure and that's why he was still included in it (something similar happened when they were transitioning Christine alternates on Broadway a few years ago, and when there was a merry-go-round of holiday Christines in Vegas as well). Leaving him up on the cast board was probably just an oversight.

R.

operafantomet Sun Sep 09, 2012 10:49 am

Oh Raphael, you'll enjoy this one! When Ian Jon Bourg plays Reyer in Manila, his Reyer doesn't leave for Frankfurt (which, to be frank, is a joke which should be limited to Northern Europe). Instead they've added one of the main holiday locations of The Philippines:

"If you need me... I shall be in Boracay!"

So... When do we get to see a tan Reyer in Borat-tanga? Laughing

ianjonbourgandethanfreema Sun Sep 09, 2012 7:20 pm

I was really happy/upset to find out Ian went and joined the World Tour.
Happy because he gets to continue his legacy of playing the Phantom for 18 or so years now.
Upset because I was hoping he was going to join the Broadway cast as maybe an u/s Phantom or something.

Why does he never get principle in the US??

Has anyone seen him in the tour yet?

*oh by the way, I'm new. Hi there!*

operafantomet Sun Sep 09, 2012 7:41 pm

ianjonbourgandethanfreema wrote:I was really happy/upset to find out Ian went and joined the World Tour.
Happy because he gets to continue his legacy of playing the Phantom for 18 or so years now.
Upset because I was hoping he was going to join the Broadway cast as maybe an u/s Phantom or something.

Why does he never get principle in the US??

Has anyone seen him in the tour yet?

*oh by the way, I'm new. Hi there!*

Welcome! I take it you like Ian Jon Bourg and Ethan Freeman? Wink

I hear conflicting things on Ian's exact role in the World Tour. Some claim he's the alternate Phantom and performs either Thursdays or Sundays. Other say he's understudying the Phantom, and does other roles (apparently Reyer) in the cast when not playing the Phantom. Not sure what is correct, but I would think the latter.

As to why Ian Jon Bourg has not been principal in the US? I dunno. He was principal manager for a while, but never the Phantom. He was however principal Phantom in both Hamburg, Stuttgart and Essen in Germany, it's not a bad track record!

ianjonbourgandethanfreema Sun Sep 09, 2012 7:49 pm

operafantomet wrote:
ianjonbourgandethanfreema wrote:I was really happy/upset to find out Ian went and joined the World Tour.
Happy because he gets to continue his legacy of playing the Phantom for 18 or so years now.
Upset because I was hoping he was going to join the Broadway cast as maybe an u/s Phantom or something.

Why does he never get principle in the US??

Has anyone seen him in the tour yet?

*oh by the way, I'm new. Hi there!*
Welcome! I take it you like Ian Jon Bourg and Ethan Freeman?

I hear conflicting things on Ian's exact role in the World Tour. Some claim he's the alternate Phantom and performs either Thursdays or Sundays. Other say he's understudying the Phantom, and does other roles (apparently Reyer) in the cast when not playing the Phantom. Not sure what is correct, but I would think the latter.

As to why Ian Jon Bourg has not been principal in the US? I dunno. He was principal manager for a while, but never the Phantom. He was however principal Phantom in both Hamburg, Stuttgart and Essen in Germany, it's not a bad track record!

Absolutely, my two favorites Wink

Ethan for his dead-on Leroux accuracy back when he was in London, and Ian for his eargasm voice and INCREDIBLE acting skills.

Yeah the latter sounds more likely, but I heard he does the auctioneer and Monsieur LeFevre. I'll have a...."source" I guess I should say to help confirm what roles he does shortly.

Oh yes, his track record in Germany was why I was confused he hadn't gotten principle down here yet. I just think it has something to do with timing. I mean back when he was u/s Phantom in the 90's I can understand why he was never bumped up to principle as he was currently playing Andre, but when he went to Vegas Tony Crivello was still there so I guess he couldn't become principle, same deal with the World Tour. He needs to work on timing, lol. I need to see him live someday!

operafantomet Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:22 pm

According to this article Brad Little is going to be the Phantom in the upcoming Seoul stop of the World Tour:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2012/09/145_120642.html

Claire Lyon stays on as Christine, ditto for Anthony Downing as Raoul. I don't know if current principal Jonathan Roxmouth stays on with the cast or not. Kinda surprised he's not gonna be the principal Phantom, as he seems immensely popular. But he might have other projects up his sleeve.

Opening night in Seoul is set to December 7. It's the second time the World Tour visits Seoul. They've also had two Korean languaged production in the past. Four runs in 11 years. Not bad, not bad.

justin-from-barbados Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:48 pm

and apparently Brad is HUGE in the korean market

operafantomet Sun Oct 14, 2012 7:52 pm

justin-from-barbados wrote:and apparently Brad is HUGE in the korean market

He totally is. He's a star there. So I'm not surprised he'll be the Phantom for the upcoming World Tour stop in Seoul. And I think he'll be great.

That said, I'm sad to see Jonathan Roxmouth go. I've seen lots of clips from his career on YouTube, and the man is immensely talented. I can't believe he's just 25. Also, he's revitalized the role in a good way. Honouring the past, looking forward, keeping it old-school, but adding his own flair. I have tons of respect for him, and I really hope he'll get a crack on the role in either West End or Broadway. He would be good for both productions.

Speaking of which, the Manila stop of Phantom had its last performance today. Next stop is Seoul in South Korea, opening December 7th and playing a couple of months. No stop announced after that so far, just lots of rumours. Anyone have anything solid to add?

littlemissM Tue Oct 16, 2012 12:52 pm

I'm elated to share that I've seen Ian Jon Bourg perform as Phantom (Sept 25). I was also fortunate enough to watch Jonathan Roxmouth (Oct 3). I even met him after the show! Very Happy

Ian was astonishing, no doubt. But Jonathan... his characterization just bruised my heart with joy. (Since I'm new here, I still can't post links re: Phantom in Manila. But once the restriction is lifted, I'd share some amazing blogs/videos/audios.) Smile

Anyway, the production was really a HUGE success. The musical gained new Phans. And the mood was quite somber yesterday as one by one the cast twitted about their respective going-back-home messages to their Filipino fans. #phantominmanila is sorely missed.

P.S. Claire Lyon played Christine Daae on both shows - enthralling voice. I met her, too. Smile

Regrettably, I didn't catch Emilie Lynn as Christine, but my friends who were able to watch both actresses thought Emilie played a better Christine because she'd shown more emotions.

operafantomet Tue Oct 16, 2012 4:06 pm

littlemissM wrote:I'm elated to share that I've seen Ian Jon Bourg perform as Phantom (Sept 25). I was also fortunate enough to watch Jonathan Roxmouth (Oct 3). I even met him after the show! Ian was astonishing, no doubt. But Jonathan... his characterization just bruised my heart with joy. (Since I'm new here, I still can't post links re: Phantom in Manila. But once the restriction is lifted, I'd share some amazing blogs/videos/audios.)

Anyway, the production was really a HUGE success. The musical gained new Phans. And the mood was quite somber yesterday as one by one the cast twitted about their respective going-back-home messages to their Filipino fans. #phantominmanila is sorely missed.

P.S. Claire Lyon played Christine Daae on both shows - enthralling voice. I met her, too. Regrettably, I didn't catch Emilie Lynn as Christine, but my friends who were able to watch both actresses thought Emilie played a better Christine because she'd shown more emotions.

Welcome to the forum! I'm mighty jealous you got to see both Jonathan Roxmouth and Ian Jon Bourg. Just so you know! I've also understood Phantom has been very well received and well loved in Manila. The response on the web has been enormous, no doubt thanks to a cast willing to communicate with the audience.

I understood the souvenir brochures sold out quickly. Or so I was told. I was desperately looking for one. Do you know if the brochures featured the Manila cast or the previous South African one?

(PS - so-called bootlegs, audios and videos filmed illegally, is not allowed in this forum. LEGAL stuff, however, is very welcome!)

littlemissM Tue Oct 16, 2012 4:30 pm

operafantomet wrote:
Welcome to the forum! I'm mighty jealous you got to see both Jonathan Roxmouth and Ian Jon Bourg. Just so you know! I've also understood Phantom has been very well received and well loved in Manila. The response on the web has been enormous, no doubt thanks to a cast willing to communicate with the audience.

I understood the souvenir brochures sold out quickly. Or so I was told. I was desperately looking for one. Do you know if the brochures featured the Manila cast or the previous South African one?

(PS - so-called bootlegs, audios and videos filmed illegally, is not allowed in this forum. LEGAL stuff, however, is very welcome!)

Thanks for the warm welcome! Smile

As fiercely loyal as I am to Ramin, Jonathan just blew my mind away. I really, really hope he wears the mask again soon so everyone can experience how ridiculously good he is.

The reception was unbelievable, perhaps because twas the first POTO production in the Philippines. I personally waited for it half of my life (14 years!). Plus the fact that the principal characters really went out of their way to connect with the audience. Most of them created Twitter accounts so they can easily communicate with everyone. (I seriously think half of the Filipinas are a bit in love with Jrox right now. Very Happy

)

As for the souvenirs, you've got that right. I was only able to buy the phantom necklace as the playbill was sold out every night. I was told it featured the S. African cast, with additional photo of Claire Lyon at the back.

(P.S. Thanks for the heads-up re: links.)

**Raphael** Wed Oct 17, 2012 1:37 am

And may I also welcome you to Deserted Phans, littlemissM. I'm also very pleased that Phantom finally made it to the Philippines - I'm rather curious to know if any of my relatives had a chance to go see it!

Looking forward to more of your thoughts on the production Very Happy

R.

littlemissM Wed Oct 17, 2012 8:29 am

Raphael wrote:And may I also welcome you to Deserted Phans, littlemissM. I'm also very pleased that Phantom finally made it to the Philippines - I'm rather curious to know if any of my relatives had a chance to go see it!

Looking forward to more of your thoughts on the production

R.

Cool! Thanks for the welcome! cheers

I checked your blog last night and what epic talent you have! I sure hope your relatives experienced the Phantom high. As I've said to my own loved ones, I don't know why anybody does drugs when watching musicals can give you such a high. Very Happy

And Phantom high it was. The production wasn't flawless due to minor glitches (mic issues during Ian's performance) but that was just like a speck of flaw in an altogether brilliant staging/performance.

Just one personal nitpick:

- M. Lefevre's now infamous "If you need me, I'll be in Boracay." Don't get me wrong, it was cute and impeccably delivered. The inserted Filipino humor garnered a collective chuckle from the audience. But my mind was like, "Huh! Really??" 'Guess I was just so into the scene that I couldn't quite connect the amazing setting in front of me to the waves of the beach. :p

As for the cheers

, pretty much everything else. The chandelier scene was resplendent but I was more dazzled with the lake scene. The way the candles started floating and the candelabras begin to move from the side AND the Phantom's voice -- it was all so hypnotizing.

Mad props to Anthony Downing (Raoul), too. His stage presence was undeniable and I must say, with his portrayal, you'd really feel that he and Christine truly had this chemistry.

Claire Lyon, on the other hand, played a rather good Christine. I've been a Phan since I was 14 and over the years, while watching videos and reading articles about the character, I've come to realize that being Christine is a monumental task because it isn't just about the voice, it's also about how she acts what she's singing about. From what I've seen, Claire's focus was more on her singing than her acting. Still darn good, though. Smile

As I've previously stated, Ian Jon Bourge was astonishing. The distinct timbre in his voice can give you chills. But allow me to give the center stage to Jonathan Roxmouth because REALLY... when it comes to his performance, I've got no words, just feelings. I blogged about my experience after watching him, so I think I'd just post part of my entry here since, again, he rendered me speechless...

October 3 came – sun all hiding, birds all shivering, rainbow (in my mind) appearing – and I was BEYOND nervous. You can say that Jonathan made quite impression on me and I was just looking forward to FINALLY hear him sing. Dressing up for the musical that night became a production of my own – several costume (dresses) change, an a capella version of Music of the Night, and a number of palpitations! But it was a good a feeling, like knowing you’re going to receive a wonderful gift but you just don’t know yet HOW wonderful it’s gonna be.

So, amidst the heavy downpour of rain and the fever plaguing me all week, I met with Phantom-Junkie-Friend and with bated breath, waited for the clock to turn 8.

Heightens Each Sensation

TPOPO started. The spectacular chandelier was revealed. The singing commenced. So far, so good. But by the end of Little Lottie, I was fidgeting on my seat, twisting the hem of my dress, anxiously awaiting for the mask’s reflection in the mirror. When I heard the Phantom raged,“Insolent boy, This slave of fashion, Basking in your glory!” I never stood a chance. I sat there, heart wildly beating, transfixed with the Phantom’s voice. Jonathan’s characterization of the Phantom heightened each of my sensation. By the time he sang Music of the Night, I reckon everyone in the audience was “floating, falling, (to) sweet intoxication.”

I tried so hard not to tear up because I knew that if I start, it would be difficult for me to control the sobs from coming. However, when the Phantom started singing All I Ask Of You, I gave up. Hearing the ache in his voice, seeing him covering his ears, left me raw inside.

I was pretty much a human livewire, all feelings, raw emotions, knees shaking, until the very end of the show. And that was even BEFORE Phantom-Junkie-Friend and I met Claire and Jonathan up close!

Echo In This Whisper

‘Know that overwhelming feeling you get when you want to express something but you're just too emotionally invested to form words? That I am after my second night with the Phantom. The thing is I’m not trying to be melo-or-overly dramatic. On the contrary, I’m simply happy. Writing this down, I realized why my Phantom experience has this profound effect on me that leaves me blindly grasping for words.

The Phantom vibrates such a life force. And although it belonged to him and him alone, it has the kind of force that surges to those who hear him sing… a force that ripples to my being. To finally fulfill a dream to see the whole production and hear the Phantom sing brought me immense joy. And pain. Because after a year and ten months of losing Dad, I can finally say that even for a night, I was completely, utterly and peacefully happy. The Phantom’s voice bruised my heart with joy. And ‘know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

And YAY to Filipino tenor Dondi Ong who played (alternate) Ubaldo Piangi. cheers

operafantomet Fri Oct 19, 2012 6:15 am

littlemissM wrote:
Cool! Thanks for the welcome! I checked your blog last night and what epic talent you have! I sure hope your relatives experienced the Phantom high. As I've said to my own loved ones, I don't know why anybody does drugs when watching musicals can give you such a high.

THIS!!!

I see what you mean about that Boracay line. On the other hand, I don't think too many have any too clear idea of Frankfurt, well if you're not Northern European anyway. So changing where Lefevre goes so the local audience will understand is something I think more places should do. Liked the 2004 movie's "Australia" too.

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