“Do you remember your first time?”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” is without a doubt, my number 1 favorite musical, why, I have seen it 4 times on stage, (and dont even ask me about the film version, I love you Gerry!) own 2 original soundtracks and can sing all songs by heart. If I was a soprano, I’d make the perfect Christine. Since 2006, it has officially become the longest running West End musical having been on stage for 20 years.
During my sister’s recent London visit, we just couldnt pass up the chance to watch it together, or at least make sure that she gets to watch at least one West End musical, and the Phantom has to be it, or else that’s just wrong! We called it our Gerry Butler Day. In the course of 5 years, I have seen the Phantom performed by 3 different actors- Welsh stage actor John Owen-Jones who was the longest-running London Phantom, and he played the Phantom all the 3 times I saw it at the Her Majesty’s Theater in Haymarket and Mr Jones didnt disappoint, Scotsman Gerard Butler on the film version (there are no words to describe his performance), and the latest Phantom playing the London production, Earl Carpenter.
The first time I saw it in 2001, John Owen-Jones’ vocals was perfect, I heard some people who have seen the production several times, who even saw it when Michael Crawford did it, that Mr Jones was the best Phantom. I had to agree. I saw him again twice and was just as impressed.Then in 2004 a film version was released much to my surprise, and I was like, “who is this Gerry Butler playing the Phantom?” Never even heard of the bloke. Can he sing? Can he make me cry? Can he make me fall in love with his Phantom? I really dont want to answer that, you just have to guess, I am weak, I am only human!
And then Earl Carpenter. On this cold Thursday evening, after admiring works of art at the National Gallery, we psyched ourselves to remember our first time. Tonight will be the first Phantom I have seen on stage since I saw the film in 2004, and I was still as mesmerized, as moved, as heartbroken. I really was thinking Mr Butler was behind that mask, that I was Christine, his beloved. Carpenter’s “Music of the Night” was as emotional as Butler’s and totally did it for me. Watching it again rekindled my love for the doomed, the passion for my true love, my Gerry, my Phantom.
“You alone can make my song take flight, it’s over now the music of the night.”
Feigned Mischief 
there is only one phantom.
My Phantom. *winks*
I heard Michael Crawford is the best, a mythycal one. Is that true?
michael crawford is an amazing singer, that much is true, but he does not embody the magnetism and mysticism that monsieur butler has. butler’s phantom is tragic and dangerous and dead sexy. crawford’s phantom is kinda fruity. 😉
Fruity????
LOLOLOLOL
I’ve only heard Crawford sing not perform, I wouldnt be able to give a fair judgment.
But Monsieur Butler….ehr, did I just say I love him?
yeah, yeah, whatever!
I’m pleased Simone, you enjoyed Earl Carpenter’s ’emotional’ performance. I loved his playing of the Phantom when I went to see him at Chrismas as well. 🙂
Richard, was that your first time? *winks*
Ever seen the film version?
Nooooooooooooo! Hmmm, 2nd actually…and no I haven’t seen the film version.
Who played the Phantom the first time you saw it?
Oh please watch the film version, you will be surprised how very good it is!
The boyo from the valley, Mr John Owen-Jones himself.
And what did you think of his performance? He was brilliant wasnt he? 😉
He was good, but Earl Carpenter was better. I think the problem was that I went to see John Owen-Jones during a matinee performance. To play that role twice in one day has got to be demanding. I think as a result, to me it seemed like he was holding back, knowing he had another performance later on. But, then what do I know? I’m not a singer. He was still good, just not as good as Earl Carpenter. Anyway, I thought we went through all this when I came round your house! 😉
Are you sure we had that conversation? Cause now that you mentioned it, when you did come over, I couldnt remember that we talked about the performances, I remember Andrew moaning about Lloyd Webber supposed ripping off somebody’s melody for the Phantom theme music, but I cant remember anything else, talk about old age! LOL