Rare pictures 1

Viscountess wrote:

SenorSwanky wrote:Does Sarah Lawrence remind anyone else a little of Jennifer Garner?

There IS that picture of Sarah wearing a red wig and black outfit a la Alias floating around...

I haven't even seen that, but I've always thought their faces, at least when she's not in her natural blond, look quite similar.

Think of me...



1. Rebecca Luker from Broadway, I wanna say 1989. One thing I did wrong in my replica of these costumes, was to have too much black in the tabs. It should barely be seen. I love all the gold in this versions (and others). This photo was first posted at the official Broadway FB site for Phantom. You can find it in the "Christine solo" album. I love her facial expression in this one!

2. From the Japanese 2010 brochure. They had four Christines, and I cannot tell who's in the picture. Her Elissa skirt is a Frankensteined version of the original Japanese ones, with a plain hem and alternate green and red tabs, and the newer US-inspired ones, with those ribbons and tassels hanging from the apron. The "gem" trims on the bodice is also picked up from the US costumes. To be honest, I liked their previous costumes more.

3. Also from the FB site. This might be the cutest picture I've ever seen of Brightman in the role. She looks radiant. Many comment on the original skirt being blue. It's not. It's just a bright greenish hue, with the swirling pattern in a shiny weave. The backdrapes, however, definitely have the PURPLE stripes. Interesting to see the golden stripes of the pleated hem is continued all the way up. And the original tiara = cuteness! It's spot-on what Maria Bjørnson suggested in the design. I think there's a hint of the campy Egyptian costume from the original title song video (used in the cadenza). Not sure if that is a compliment or not, but it IS cute.

The Gina Beck pic is a screen cap from a bootleg.

Callie Daae wrote:The Gina Beck pic is a screen cap from a bootleg.

It is? There seems to be some kind of watermark on it, so I assumed it was legitimate. Better remove it...


Here's more from Japan - all from the recent brochures:


1. All the Japanese brochures I have includes one or more pictures of this kind. Some kind of slavegirl fetish... Like me! Haha. The collars of the new Japanese slavegirl costumes are peculiar. The belts are also rather different, going horizontally around the hips.



2. Another Elissa picture.
3. "Christine Daaé can sing, it sir".



4. Monkey music box from rehearsals.
5. You need to see this in full size. It's eerie.
6. Auction scene.

Some from the World Tour (Aussie stop, I think) and the original Aussie production (though not necessarily the original cast):



This one was placed under an article about (or was it presentation of?) Gillian Lynne. Nice nod.



This one was under what Maria Bjørnson wrote about the rumours of an opera ghost in the Parisian Opera. Another nice nod.



The Aussie chandelier. It survived many speedy drops!



First is of course the Aussie monkey musical box. Second is Rob Guest (long live his memory) as Don Juan. You can really see parts of the deformity there. Kinda cool. Second picture is Danielle Everett from "Notes 2". I've always loved the light design in this one. And I think the Aussie wigs is the prettiest ones to date.

this is more related to the production rather than the pictures themselves--but it was mostly inspired by the last one of the "notes 2" you have.

All the productions have the same lighting designs, right? (save Las Vegas for the most part from what I can recall) I'm thinking more along the lines of the international productions (Japan, Australia, etc).

As far as I know they have the same lighting design, but I've seen some minor differences. The lake scene in London for example is very turqoise in its blueness. I think it looks like some kind of "enchantement under the sea". The Hamburg production was more yellow. As far as I remember the Stockholm version was more blue and Denmark perhaps something in between the blue in Stockholm and the yellow in Hamburg. Now, of course, when I write yellow, I don't mean that the lake was actually yellow, but that the lighting had a kind of yellow effect.

Does anyone have anymore Hannibal pictures from The Aussie, London, World Tour, or any Asian productions?

Were the Warlow brochure pictures ever posted. I find it incredibly sad that the only promotional pictures taken of him during the role (for the press) were the later half of Phantom and Music of the Night. I wanted to see more of him!

http://musicaisbr.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/5649_237380655267_237375875267_7809488_507654_n.jpg
Saulo Vasconcelos Brasil Phantom

Sarah Brightman, Micheal Crawford, and Nancy Reagan

https://2img.net/h/i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/musicofthenight1/SarahBrightman/Phantom/mcnancyreagansb.jpg

ladygodiva wrote:Sarah Brightman, Micheal Crawford, and Nancy Reagan

https://2img.net/h/i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/musicofthenight1/SarahBrightman/Phantom/mcnancyreagansb.jpg

And of course, the first thing I notice is that "wow, that wedding dress bodice is very different from newer US versions!"

Eta: very nice collection of those autograph cards they used in the German productions. Basically, each principal and alternate (and some understudies) got these cards with a picture of them in the respective roles. These are meant to be signed and handed out to people at the stage door. There's a Phantom picture of David Gaschen and one of Dale Tracy which I had never seen before.

http://www.musical-cast.de/musicals/karten/phantom_hamburg.html

The original London cast with princess Diana, I think this is 1987.

operafantomet wrote:
The original London cast with princess Diana, I think this is 1987.

Michael Crawford was the favorite performer of Princess Diana, in fact Princess Diana would sneak back to Her Majestys every chance that she could get, she got to see Phantom of the Opera many times,

just another fun fact

Gaschen's almost unrecognizeable that young.

operafantomet wrote:

ladygodiva wrote:Sarah Brightman, Micheal Crawford, and Nancy Reagan

https://2img.net/h/i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/musicofthenight1/SarahBrightman/Phantom/mcnancyreagansb.jpg

And of course, the first thing I notice is that "wow, that wedding dress bodice is very different from newer US versions!"

Eta: very nice collection of those autograph cards they used in the German productions. Basically, each principal and alternate (and some understudies) got these cards with a picture of them in the respective roles. These are meant to be signed and handed out to people at the stage door. There's a Phantom picture of David Gaschen and one of Dale Tracy which I had never seen before.

http://www.musical-cast.de/musicals/karten/phantom_hamburg.html

Yes the wedding bodice was very different as well as the sleeves, when I got to see Sarah and Michael in New York in 1988 her wedding dresses sleeves seemed three or four sizes to big for her, (I guess because of the quick change,) but still the sleeves in London were nicely crafted, compared to the New York sleeves at the time.

ladygodiva wrote:Yes the wedding bodice was very different as well as the sleeves, when I got to see Sarah and Michael in New York in 1988 her wedding dresses sleeves seemed three or four sizes to big for her, (I guess because of the quick change,) but still the sleeves in London were nicely crafted, compared to the New York sleeves at the time.

That's very interesting to hear, thank you for that tidbit of info. There's also something about that extremely generous lace/ruffle in the neck opening, and the decorations in front of the bodice. Everything seems bigger and looser in a way - but not necessarily in a negative way. I just found it interesting.

Gaschen's almost unrecognizeable that young.

Swanky, I agree. I would never have guessed it was him, had the card not stated so.

Discussing a Karen Culliver photo over at the official Broadway POTO FB site made me dig out the Chicago brochure from 1990. And it struck me that it must be one of the prettiest ones from the early US days. For one, it contains pictures of the actual cast. Secondly, the photos are of good quality. They might be small, but they're not nearly as dim as in other brochures of the early 90s. All but one (not included here) is by Joan Marcus.

Here are almost all pictures included. The cast list is in the second photo.

Wow, I never knew there was such a lovely shot of the proscenium out so long ago. great pics.

I won't guarantee the proscenium ones shows the proscenium used in Chicago, but it's from the Chicago brochure, and apart from a boat scene one, all are called "production photos" and are by Joan Marcus. And yes, it's pretty detailed and large for such an early brochure. That's what I love about the Chicago one. It's a much better documentation of a specific production than for example the Los Angeles one.

Here's a batch from Copenhagen. I have shared several of these before, but these are better quality:


1. Eva Malmgren and Fernando Concha.
2. Steen Springborg, Morten Staugaard and (I think) Eva Malmgren.
3. Tomas Kofod, Steen Springborg, Morten Staugaard and ?



4. Teresia Bokor. Never fancied this Elissa skirt.
5. Eva Malmgren. THIS Elissa skirt, on the other hand...
6. Tomas Kofod and Mia Karlsson.
7. Teresia Bokor and either Peter Jorde or Flemming Enevold, I really can't tell. I think it's Jorde.



8. Teresia Bokor and (I think) Flemming Enevold. Love the mirror bride here!



9. Jørgen Brorsen and corps de ballet.
10. Jennifer Wagstaffe.
11. Steen Springborg, Tomas Kofod, Eva Malmgren and Morten Staugaard.
12. Malin Landing and Morten Staugaard.
13. Steen Springborg and Morten Staugaard.



14. I only recognize Kim Hammelsvang and Jennifer Wagstaffe to the right. Confidante might be Birgit Lyngholm.
15. Malin Landing and Mia Karlsson.
16. Mia Karlsson and Tomas Kofod.



17. Teresia Bokor.
18. Marie Bo.
19. Kofod, Bo, Malmgren and Wagstaffe.
20. Lon Chaney!!
21. Red Death, either Jorde or Enevold.



22. ...but who can name the face?
23. Mia Karlsson and (I think) Flemming Enevold.
24. I LOVE these boots. Viktoria Krantz used the same kind.



25. Marie Bo, Jennifer Wagstaffe, Mia Karlsson, Fernando Concha and Malin Landing.

Not sure these have been online before? 't is Brianne Kelly Morgan, from the Vegas brochure.

Set model and costumes up on the FB page

I could just die.


But reagarding the proscenium pic in the Chicago brochure, It probably is from Chicago. It isnt the NYC or London one and I think the only other US version around at that time may have been LA. But it is the touring version one (with only one pair and extra fabric on the vertical section) the sit down's had 2 pairs of creatures.

justin-from-barbados wrote:But reagarding the proscenium pic in the Chicago brochure, It probably is from Chicago. It isnt the NYC or London one and I think the only other US version around at that time may have been LA. But it is the touring version one (with only one pair and extra fabric on the vertical section) the sit down's had 2 pairs of creatures.

It would actually be fun if you posted a couple of proscenium pics and explained the differences occuring in various productions. I know there's been big variations, but apart from a few I don't really know what separates them. And I'm sure that goes for others too. It would be interesting!

ETA: last batch of pictures for a while... These are from the newest South Korean brochure, courtesy of Loettchen. There were several pictures I would have loved to post, but they are placed under articles, often as dim shadows, and they are difficult to reproduce. Many are also two-page spreads, with the actual motif in the fold... That goes for a drop dead gorgeous "Christine and Raoul in boat after Final Lair", but I have to pick the brochure apart to be able to scan or photograph it... So here are the ones that turned out fairly well:


1. Embossed in the back of the brochure. The front has embossed mask and logo.
2. Golden angel WITH the wreath, as it should be...
3. Chandelier. This one has survived many speedy drops...



4. Rare pose to be captured in a photograph.
5. Choi Hyun-ju. European slavegirl costume with Aussie collar meets Aussie Elissa skirt...
6. Yang Joon-mo and Choi Hyun-ju. I simply love mirror shots.
7. Yoon Young-seok and Kim So-huyn. This is from a four-page spread in the middle of the brochure.



8. Jung Dan-young as the jeweller's maid.
9. Choi Hyun-ju as Serafimo/maid.
10. Son Jun-ho and Choi Hyun-ju. I think that rooftop cloak is new, or have been decorated anew.



11. Kim So-hyun. I think this skirt is new too, or have gotten a new glittering layer on top.
12. Triangle girl! And most likely the South Korean Christine understudy Kim Hyung-hee.
13. Quite awesome Red Death photo, don't know who the actor is.
14. Red Death loooooooves bows.

Pictures from the original Hamburg brochure:



1. Anna Maria Kaufmann i "Think of Me".
2. Peter Hoffman in the "misty pose" all early Phantoms were photographed in. I love 'em!
3. Alas this came out very dark... The boat scene, with Anna Maria Kaufmann and Peter Hoffman.
4. Peter Hoffman in MOTN.
5. Original Red Death in Hamburg.
6. Anna Maria Kaufmann i WYWSHA.


7. Original "Prima Donna".
8. Original "Il Muto". The costume work of the early Hamburg production =
9. Backstage. Hartwig Rudolz (Raoul) both looked and sounded a lot like Steve Barton, I think.


Pictures from a 1993 Hamburg brochure, with Thomas Schulze and Colby Thomas.



1. This might be the most perfect dressing gown ever made. The fit is spectacularly good and the lace cuffs have such a nice shape. WANT! Her super long wig ain't bad either... This is from the front cover of the 1993 brochure.
2. This is from the backside of the same brochure.
3. Reyer in STRIPY trousers.
4. Alas I don't know who this Carlotta is, but I love her expression.
5. Colby Thomas wearing a "twin dress" to the one I own.
6. Not from the brochure, just wanted to include it. It's Colby Thomas from the very last Hamburg performance in 1999. She definitely deserves the "slimmest waist" award, along with Sarah Brightman!

Oh here goes.
All the Bjornson prosceniums are similar, but different productions have subtle differences. The first one made was ofcourse London and anyone who has meen to Her Majesty;s knows it is a rather cramped space. So there are a few unique things about the London version.

London only has 3 garlands and 2 lyres and does not end with a lyre. Also the garlands are not made up of solid fruits and flowers but also has a top piece of twisted weaving. (this is also done in the Hamburg production)

If you look at the Broadway production, they have more room so they espanded the top of it to 3 garlands and 3 lyres, ending with a lyre. Also here and with most other productions the garlands are solid with only flowers and fruits, no weaving.


The US Tour aswell as the asian/world tour used a modular version that needed to expand or contract to suit different houses. but usually kept it to 3 lyres and 2 garlands with a lyre next to the angel and at the end of the row. Depending on the room they had they could drop one of the lyres but sometimes they just spaced them out more and it resulted in a strange looking thing


The upright statues too are another thing. The pic above is the US tour with the miminum use of statues on the vertical section. Here they just used one pair of figures. Japan also uses this on their recent production. The pic below shows the usual configuation of one pair with added drapery.
Same is done with the asian / world tour.
On the most of the permanent productions, they used the full set of 5 figures, shown here in London
and on Broadway


The only other really odd ones would be the Swedish and Danish ones that have no side statues at all, only a garland.

Vienna had a really bizare proscenium because the theatre there was set up more like an opera house so there was very little room for one. It was split up into 3 sections and looked truly strange.

Canada went overboard with the garlands and lyers. Sadly I dont have any pics but at the time the Pantages was a very wide stage that was not very tall. It had the full set of side statues but had 4 garlands and 3 lyres, ending like london at a garland. Hamburg was similar and it was noted in an interview with Bjornson that she thought she got it wrong and believed those 2 prosceniums were too large for the space and made the productions look top heavy and vowed never to go that large again.

That's very interesting, Justin. Like, really interesting.

Cramped or not, Her Majesty's Theatre is still the one that seems most "right" to me. The main reason is that the proscenium is a natural continuation of the lines and details of the theatre. The false boxes on stage match up with the real ones in the auditorium, for example. And the way the proscenium extend at the sides makes it a natural part of the theatre. The proscenium was designed with HMT in mind, which I think shows.

That's not to say it's THE pretties one out there. There are versions I find more striking. But I saw other production previous to the London one, and when I entered the HMT auditorium it just felt right. I "understood" the proscenium in a whole different way, if that makes sense.

I agree about the Vienna proscenium, at least in the Raimund Theater. I mean, the solution isn't too bad, and again the boxes on stage lines up with the real ones. But it still feels a bit chopped up. Was it like this in the original location too (Teater am der Wien)?


The false proscenium in Raimund Theater am der Wien in Vienna.

And then there's the proscenium used in Stockholm and Copenhagen. Maria Bjørnson remodeled the proscenium for the Stockholm production, because the Oscarsteatern stage is rather low. The side figues were completely removed, and a big wreath was put in its place. It only had two lyres and two garlands at each side of the golden angel as well. The sets and costumes from Stockholm was later shipped to Copenhagen, and although the stage of Det Ny Teater is taller, they didn't add the side statues. The original Danish production was supervised by Maria Bjørnson, so I assume it was skipped with her consent.

I got to take a wonderful picture of the Det Ny Teater stage in 2009. There were something wrong with the curtains, so during intermission they did a couple of test runs. At one point the stage was all blank, the red drapes was up, and the chandelier was still on stage. So cool a sight. You get to see the proportions well here. I think you've said before you find the Swedish/Danish set a bit top heavy (or was it someone else?), but I think the lines are quite elegant still.


The false proscenium at Det Ny Teater in Copenhagen.

Thanks for the all the research, Justin!

Operfantomet- That proscenium is not from the Raimund...that is indeed Theater an der Wien.

Those Hamburg shots are lush! Thank you!

MajesticPhantom wrote:Operfantomet- That proscenium is not from the Raimund...that is indeed Theater an der Wien.

Those Hamburg shots are lush! Thank you!

Deep within I knew... I just didn't know I knew... The picture is from the Viennese "Complete POTO" book, which means it's of course from the original location.

Glad you enjoyed the Hamburg shots. The brochure is pretty much identical to the contemporary London ones, with white cover, red tassels, and about the same picture selection. But the paper used is very glossy, so it was hard to photograph well. Therefore I'm glad you enjoyed those who turned out fairly well.

the only other wierd think I have noticed is seen in some of the german brochures but seen better in things we should not see on youtube, but it seemed that in the german productions (Hamburg and Stutgard only I think) the vertical sections, rather than being at the usuak 45degree angle seemed to be flat and facing the audience.

Back to those noce Korea pics, to anyone who has seen it, did Korea (in both productions) use the 'aussie' deformity or the standard one?
The Korean productions seem to have used the set from the aussie, later wlrod / asian tour sets and odd looking mask, so was wondering if they also used the strange looking deformity in Korea.

Here is a shot found on flikr. the location was not stated but based on the new lighting design and the funky candelabras and date taken, I am pretty sure it is from the more recent Korean production

It has the single pair with no added drepery. I;ve also never noticed that the mirror and organ have their own funky gobo light shining on them.

I was wondering, I am able to use my friends digital camera, with XD card, if anyone can download or upload from an XD card I would gladly send them the card with some pics, and they could post them, (if the xd card gets lost, I would still have the pics)