594 posts
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Post by og on Jan 21, 2023 8:26:12 GMT
I think Earl Carpenter might be the bait that finally tempts me to visit Phantom again! Not even a maybe for me. I'm getting right on it. Without wanting to return discussion to the obvious, my gut feeling on seeing that casting with Earl spoke to me of a deliberate move to bring back the "phans" who haven't returned since the refit. Looks to be working too.
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Post by sukhavati on Jan 24, 2023 2:33:08 GMT
Not even a maybe for me. I'm getting right on it. Without wanting to return discussion to the obvious, my gut feeling on seeing that casting with Earl spoke to me of a deliberate move to bring back the "phans" who haven't returned since the refit. Looks to be working too. If they really want the Phans back, they'll bring back the full orchestra, as well as the angel and original costumes. Shouldn't have to pay West End prices for the cheaper touring version at the mothership. I wouldn't mind seeing Hal Prince's original black box concept restored, even if they resort to scrims/tarps to cover up the paint job around the proscenium.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 24, 2023 3:25:04 GMT
What would they want the Phans to come back for? to fill an extra couple of seats a month?
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594 posts
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Post by og on Jan 24, 2023 9:23:07 GMT
Without wanting to return discussion to the obvious, my gut feeling on seeing that casting with Earl spoke to me of a deliberate move to bring back the "phans" who haven't returned since the refit. Looks to be working too. If they really want the Phans back, they'll bring back the full orchestra, as well as the angel and original costumes. Shouldn't have to pay West End prices for the cheaper touring version at the mothership. I wouldn't mind seeing Hal Prince's original black box concept restored, even if they resort to scrims/tarps to cover up the paint job around the proscenium. That isnt going to happen. As I said this is not an attempt to bring the conversation back to an area of discussion thats been done to death. There is a market is repeat visits and Phantom has taken reportedly taken hit in sales; bringing back an old favourite cast member to presumably cover some holiday is a low risk, high reward strategy to alleviate some of that. They could have just put a dep/understudy on for a fortnight, brought Scott Davies back in to cover etc, but Earl Carpenter is quite obviously a name in the phantom landscape and a very deliberate choice.
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Post by dan28 on Jan 24, 2023 22:51:39 GMT
I saw her as Cosette on the Les Mis tour in October, I can only assume I caught her on a bad day as she barely sang a note in tune Does anyone know much about Paige Blankson? I found this video where she sang in a sort of cabaret announcement. I don't think her vocals are suitable for Christine. But I'm glad that (personality wise, when speaking) she reads a bit younger and more innocent than Lucy St. Louis who did not fit the role at all.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 26, 2023 0:45:49 GMT
There is a market is repeat visits and Phantom has taken reportedly taken hit in sales; bringing back an old favourite cast member to presumably cover some holiday is a low risk, high reward strategy to alleviate some of that. They could have just put a dep/understudy on for a fortnight, brought Scott Davies back in to cover etc, but Earl Carpenter is quite obviously a name in the phantom landscape and a very deliberate choice. The show has taken a hit in sales, but its not because of the Phans. What you're suggesting makes little sense to me. Why would people who havent seen a show because of the various changes made, suddenly go and see that same show just because Earl Carpenter is in it? Do these Phans have no morals or principles??
Also, If it were for that reason, surely you would get a bigger name and announce it more than 3 weeks in advance.
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Post by sukhavati on Jan 26, 2023 1:54:47 GMT
There is a market is repeat visits and Phantom has taken reportedly taken hit in sales; bringing back an old favourite cast member to presumably cover some holiday is a low risk, high reward strategy to alleviate some of that. They could have just put a dep/understudy on for a fortnight, brought Scott Davies back in to cover etc, but Earl Carpenter is quite obviously a name in the phantom landscape and a very deliberate choice. The show has taken a hit in sales, but its not because of the Phans. What you're suggesting makes little sense to me. Why would people who havent seen a show because of the various changes made, suddenly go and see that same show just because Earl Carpenter is in it? Do these Phans have no morals or principles??
Also, If it were for that reason, surely you would get a bigger name and announce it more than 3 weeks in advance. There certainly is a segment of the Phans who have no principles. All the outrage over the closure, then the changes, but then some go to the show anyway repeatedly (there's one guy in particular I'm thinking of), praise it to the skies (despite damning the changes), all to feed their addiction. I get that it's a lot easier to get your stagey fix in town than it is elsewhere, but I don't see the point in supporting something you were angry or unhappy about in 2021.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 26, 2023 5:58:59 GMT
When people are seeing the same show over and over, do they pay full price for a certain seat or get what is available on the day?
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594 posts
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Post by og on Jan 26, 2023 10:03:36 GMT
There is a market is repeat visits and Phantom has taken reportedly taken hit in sales; bringing back an old favourite cast member to presumably cover some holiday is a low risk, high reward strategy to alleviate some of that. They could have just put a dep/understudy on for a fortnight, brought Scott Davies back in to cover etc, but Earl Carpenter is quite obviously a name in the phantom landscape and a very deliberate choice. The show has taken a hit in sales, but its not because of the Phans. What you're suggesting makes little sense to me. Why would people who havent seen a show because of the various changes made, suddenly go and see that same show just because Earl Carpenter is in it? Do these Phans have no morals or principles?? Also, If it were for that reason, surely you would get a bigger name and announce it more than 3 weeks in advance.
I think Earl Carpenter might be the bait that finally tempts me to visit Phantom again! Not even a maybe for me. I'm getting right on it.
Case in point.
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Post by jgblunners on Jan 26, 2023 11:08:43 GMT
What you're suggesting makes little sense to me. Why would people who havent seen a show because of the various changes made, suddenly go and see that same show just because Earl Carpenter is in it? Because a brilliant performance can lift a mediocre production. The reverse is not true. I’ve always wanted to see Earl as The Phantom after hearing people rave about his performance, but assumed that I would never again get the chance. Now that I have the chance, I’m going to take it, and I believe that I’m more likely to enjoy this new version of the production if I’m also seeing a performer I’m excited about.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 26, 2023 12:48:49 GMT
If I may ask jgblunners Do you consider yourself a Phan? How often do you see the show? I've been 3 times. 1st was to see Martin Smith in it, up to Manchester with the Manager of Her Majesty's to see the 1st tour and again in London when a friend was in it briefly. How do you know its a mediocre productio when you havent seen it yet?
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Post by 141920grm on Jan 26, 2023 16:13:51 GMT
What you're suggesting makes little sense to me. Why would people who havent seen a show because of the various changes made, suddenly go and see that same show just because Earl Carpenter is in it? Because a brilliant performance can lift a mediocre production. The reverse is not true. I’ve always wanted to see Earl as The Phantom after hearing people rave about his performance, but assumed that I would never again get the chance. Now that I have the chance, I’m going to take it, and I believe that I’m more likely to enjoy this new version of the production if I’m also seeing a performer I’m excited about. ^ yup, exactly that. Guess I'm also part of that 'segment of the Phans who have no principles' sukhavati mentioned, lol! But always have been a big fan of Earl. If anyone were to restore some of the magic from the original production/bring a level of depth much missed among recent principals, it would be him... merely IMO, of course.
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Post by jgblunners on Jan 26, 2023 18:14:31 GMT
If I may ask jgblunners Do you consider yourself a Phan? How often do you see the show? I've been 3 times. 1st was to see Martin Smith in it, up to Manchester with the Manager of Her Majesty's to see the 1st tour and again in London when a friend was in it briefly. How do you know its a mediocre productio when you havent seen it yet? No I wouldn’t say I’m a Phan, but I’ve seen the show 4 times over 10 years. I don’t know for sure that the new production is mediocre but based on the changes that have been described, I don’t think it will be as good as the original.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 26, 2023 19:43:22 GMT
Not really. Someone who has been a few times isn't really a Phan. Just a return punter who likes Earl Carpenter. Still, Earl sold at least 1 extra seat for when he's there. Though given Earl will be on a much bigger salary than an understudy or cover for the role, will these few extra sales make up the difference? Phans could fill a row or 3 if they all went on the same night, but it wouldnt be noticeable in the takings.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 26, 2023 19:49:12 GMT
I’d go and see Earl Carpenter as the Phantom if I could get there while he’s on!
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Post by 141920grm on Jan 26, 2023 20:17:54 GMT
Not really. Someone who has been a few times isn't really a Phan. Just a return punter who likes Earl Carpenter. Still, Earl sold at least 1 extra seat for when he's there. Though given Earl will be on a much bigger salary than an understudy or cover for the role, will these few extra sales make up the difference? Phans could fill a row or 3 if they all went on the same night, but it wouldnt be noticeable in the takings. As always, isn't it not just about seats sold but the buzz/reviews/publicity generated after as well? Sure a few extra 'Phans' in each night won't make a huge difference, but the casual visitor seeing a stellar performance who might just be convinced to recommend it further along, etc etc.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 27, 2023 2:32:45 GMT
As always, isn't it not just about seats sold but the buzz/reviews/publicity generated after as well? Sure a few extra 'Phans' in each night won't make a huge difference, but the casual visitor seeing a stellar performance who might just be convinced to recommend it further along, etc etc. It's totally all of those things, but my response was regarding the original poster felt that Earl was coming in specifically to bring the Phans back because of lost box office revenue.
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Post by PhantomLesmisSaigon on Jan 27, 2023 9:10:30 GMT
Though given Earl will be on a much bigger salary than an understudy or cover for the role, will these few extra sales make up the difference? Bearing in mind, this is the guy who only recently finished as 2nd understudy for Javert on the UK tour of Les Miserables...I'm not convinced this would be true! 😂
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594 posts
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Post by og on Jan 27, 2023 15:55:12 GMT
Not really. Someone who has been a few times isn't really a Phan. Just a return punter who likes Earl Carpenter. Still, Earl sold at least 1 extra seat for when he's there. Though given Earl will be on a much bigger salary than an understudy or cover for the role, will these few extra sales make up the difference? Phans could fill a row or 3 if they all went on the same night, but it wouldnt be noticeable in the takings. I think you're underestimating Earl's association with Phantom and choosing to see things your own way but thats your prerogative
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Post by sukhavati on Jan 28, 2023 6:00:55 GMT
Because a brilliant performance can lift a mediocre production. The reverse is not true. I’ve always wanted to see Earl as The Phantom after hearing people rave about his performance, but assumed that I would never again get the chance. Now that I have the chance, I’m going to take it, and I believe that I’m more likely to enjoy this new version of the production if I’m also seeing a performer I’m excited about. ^ yup, exactly that. Guess I'm also part of that 'segment of the Phans who have no principles' sukhavati mentioned, lol! But always have been a big fan of Earl. If anyone were to restore some of the magic from the original production/bring a level of depth much missed among recent principals, it would be him... merely IMO, of course. Lol - NEVER you! I've never known you to gush repeatedly over e v e r y last middling performer as if it were the second coming of Elaine Page. Or sadfish for that matter. Besides, I know how you REALLY feel about the horse.
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Jan 28, 2023 16:03:29 GMT
I think you're underestimating Earl's association with Phantom and choosing to see things your own way but thats your prerogative i'm not entirely sure what you mean, but you're thoughts on Earl coming in to bring the 'Phans' back doesn't add up. Have you seen how few tickets have been sold for Mon-Friday performances? Some performances have barely sold about 200 seats. If that is Earl bringing in the punters, god help them. It will probably close by the end of the year.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Feb 8, 2023 13:15:35 GMT
Barring last minute changes, you'll get James Gant who is covering for the week between Killian leaving and Earl starting. edit: you'll get Anouk as Christine, too, who's on the Tuesdays-and-Fridays alternate schedule between January 23rd and February 13th. Thanks! Am annoyed with myself that I didn't go a week earlier or a week later - must polish up that crystal ball . I enjoyed Phantom enormously last night. It's been blooming years* since I've been but I swear Masquerade still gives me goosebumps. James Gant was vocally excellent! Nit-picking I thought him a bit young, but nevertheless an excellent performance. I had a great time. *Went to Leicester Curve to see Killian start the UK tour in 2020. Of course, 2020 had different plans.
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Post by theatremiss on Feb 9, 2023 9:26:24 GMT
Thanks! Am annoyed with myself that I didn't go a week earlier or a week later - must polish up that crystal ball . I enjoyed Phantom enormously last night. It's been blooming years* since I've been but I swear Masquerade still gives me goosebumps. James Gant was vocally excellent! Nit-picking I thought him a bit young, but nevertheless an excellent performance. I had a great time. *Went to Leicester Curve to see Killian start the UK tour in 2020. Of course, 2020 had different plans. He’s only 3.5 years younger than Killian Donnelly. I do think Phantoms on the whole see. Younger now
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Post by PhantomLesmisSaigon on Feb 9, 2023 17:37:04 GMT
I enjoyed Phantom enormously last night. It's been blooming years* since I've been but I swear Masquerade still gives me goosebumps. James Gant was vocally excellent! Nit-picking I thought him a bit young, but nevertheless an excellent performance. I had a great time. *Went to Leicester Curve to see Killian start the UK tour in 2020. Of course, 2020 had different plans. He’s only 3.5 years younger than Killian Donnelly. I do think Phantoms on the whole see. Younger now Gants Wikipedia says he is 34. I seem to remember a young John Owen Jones playing the role at 29 back in 2000/2001 ish. Maybe the Phantoms aren't getting younger....maybe we are just getting...OLDER?! :-O
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Post by sukhavati on Feb 10, 2023 5:10:29 GMT
He’s only 3.5 years younger than Killian Donnelly. I do think Phantoms on the whole see. Younger now Gants Wikipedia says he is 34. I seem to remember a young John Owen Jones playing the role at 29 back in 2000/2001 ish. Maybe the Phantoms aren't getting younger....maybe we are just getting...OLDER?! :-O Bite your tongue!!!
I think that if an actor has the gravitas to carry off the role, age "shouldn't" have anything to do with it, but in truth, it does occasionally bother me to see fresh faced boys who look more like a Raoul-type trying to play the Phantom. *cough*Josh*cough* Crawford was 44 when the show opened. The character is supposed to be 50ish in the source material, and with that kind of lifetime of rejection and yearning for connection behind him, it's not always a bridge that some of the younger actors cross successfully. This is where Hollywood ruined the interpretation with Butler. Erik is not sad boi or pretty boi with scars. The role is truly a disturbed character part that happens to own the big, romantic leading man number of the piece. For me, it works better with a 40ish/50ish man wearing the mask.
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Post by og on Feb 10, 2023 8:30:36 GMT
Gants Wikipedia says he is 34. I seem to remember a young John Owen Jones playing the role at 29 back in 2000/2001 ish. Maybe the Phantoms aren't getting younger....maybe we are just getting...OLDER?! :-O Bite your tongue!!!
I think that if an actor has the gravitas to carry off the role, age "shouldn't" have anything to do with it, but in truth, it does occasionally bother me to see fresh faced boys who look more like a Raoul-type trying to play the Phantom. *cough*Josh*cough* Crawford was 44 when the show opened. The character is supposed to be 50ish in the source material, and with that kind of lifetime of rejection and yearning for connection behind him, it's not always a bridge that some of the younger actors cross successfully. This is where Hollywood ruined the interpretation with Butler. Erik is not sad boi or pretty boi with scars. The role is truly a disturbed character part that happens to own the big, romantic leading man number of the piece. For me, it works better with a 40ish/50ish man wearing the mask.
Really? Life expectancy of the French around 1900 was 45. As well as being a virtuoso composer, architect, magician and illusionist he had above average health stats after living in a squalid conditions for the majority of his life? What a guy.
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Post by fiyero on Feb 10, 2023 9:22:12 GMT
Bite your tongue!!!
I think that if an actor has the gravitas to carry off the role, age "shouldn't" have anything to do with it, but in truth, it does occasionally bother me to see fresh faced boys who look more like a Raoul-type trying to play the Phantom. *cough*Josh*cough* Crawford was 44 when the show opened. The character is supposed to be 50ish in the source material, and with that kind of lifetime of rejection and yearning for connection behind him, it's not always a bridge that some of the younger actors cross successfully. This is where Hollywood ruined the interpretation with Butler. Erik is not sad boi or pretty boi with scars. The role is truly a disturbed character part that happens to own the big, romantic leading man number of the piece. For me, it works better with a 40ish/50ish man wearing the mask.
Really? Life expectancy of the French around 1900 was 45. As well as being a virtuoso composer, architect, magician and illusionist he had above average health stats after living in a squalid conditions for the majority of his life? What a guy. Aren't old life expectancies skewed by infant mortality rates? As I understand it if you made it to adulthood then life expectancy wasn't dramatically lower than now.
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Post by pb on Feb 10, 2023 12:05:14 GMT
Really? Life expectancy of the French around 1900 was 45. As well as being a virtuoso composer, architect, magician and illusionist he had above average health stats after living in a squalid conditions for the majority of his life? What a guy. Aren't old life expectancies skewed by infant mortality rates? As I understand it if you made it to adulthood then life expectancy wasn't dramatically lower than now. Correct. Life expectancy of 45 didn’t mean everyone was dead by 45. Lots of people lived into their 80s, it’s just there was a lot more people that died young especially during childhood. If you managed to dodge disease and major infections when young there was a good chance of living long.
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Post by anthony on Feb 11, 2023 22:14:22 GMT
He’s only 3.5 years younger than Killian Donnelly. I do think Phantoms on the whole see. Younger now Gants Wikipedia says he is 34. I seem to remember a young John Owen Jones playing the role at 29 back in 2000/2001 ish. Maybe the Phantoms aren't getting younger....maybe we are just getting...OLDER?! :-O 100% this. Christian Alexander Muller was 25 when he took over the role in the mid-2000s. Anthony Warlow was also in his 20s when he first donned the mask. The original Korean Phantom was even younger, in his early twenties! Ramin Karimloo was 27 when he donned the mask for the first time. Kevin Gray, the man who replaced Barton as Phantom on Broadway was 31 when he took over the role (in 1990). His replacement, Marcus Lovett, was only 28 when he donned the mask in '93. Phantoms aren't getting younger.
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Post by talkstageytome on Feb 12, 2023 13:27:40 GMT
My friend and I saw Jon Robyns' JVJ yesterday and thought he was outstanding. We're already planning a trip to see Phantom in hopes of seeing his performance now. After seeing the excellent JOJ / Nadim Naaman / Celinde Schoenmaker trio a few years ago, I wasn't planning to see this show again, but there you go!
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