The New Phantom of the Opera – David Shannon

David Shannon is the actor who replaces Ramin Karimloo as the Phantom Of The Opera on November 9th 2009. Ramin Karimloo will do his last show as the Phantom on the 7th, until he plays another phantom role next year in Love Never Dies.

David Shannon from Les Miserables

David Shannon recently completed a run in Les Misérables as Jean Valjean.

( audio only )

From the evening show of the 10th October, which was the last day of David Shannon (Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert) and Katie Hall (Cosette) in the 09/10 West End cast, so some passages might be a bit emotional.

Spine tingling stuff and a great choice for the Phantom I think!

His other stage credits include Miss Saigon, Whistle Down The Wind, Cats, Martin Guerre and The Beautiful Game.

Other Cast Changes in the Phantom of the Opera

Other new faces to The Phantom Of The Opera cast include Rebecca Lock, Nicky Adams and Tabitha Webb.
Rebecca Lock, most recently of Avenue Q who takes over as the awful Carlotta. Nicky Adams, joins as Madame Giry and Tabitha Webb will alternate in the role of Christine with Gina Beck.

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Love Never Dies Theatre Breaks

October 8th was the press launch for Love Never Dies which meant that tickets were released to agencies and so now we can show you how to get top seats at the Adelphi Theatre for performances of the new musical from as early as February 2010.

Theatre breaks to see Love Never Dies include top tickets for the date of your choice with a central London hotel for the same night. There’s a wide choice of hotels and you can add extra nights hotel stay at the time of booking, as well as taking advantage of optional discount rail travel. This always works out to be the best way to get good seats and be reassured that you’ll have a fantastic night out in London without having to worry about getting back after the show.

** Book Love Never Dies Theatre Breaks **

Love Never Dies is the first West End musical sequel, following characters from The Phantom of The Opea from Paris to New York. More details emerging from the build up to the opening of Love Never Dies in the West End are being covered on the Love Never Dies blog.

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Sierra Boggess will play the leading role for Love Never Dies, the long awaited Phantom sequel. The new musical opens in London at the Adelphi Theatre on March 9th 2010 with previews starting on February 20th.

** Book Love Never Dies Theatre Breaks **

Sierra Boggess

Sierra  played the title role of The Little Mermaid on Broadway. She is no stranger to the role of Christine and played her for 2 years in The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sierra Sings Think of Me

I found a good video of Sierra which gives a sample of her vocal range. She has a very fine voice and it should combine beautifully with her co-star Ramin Karimloo.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Love Never Dies – the casting process starts

The ‘breakdown’ has been posted for the casting of Love Never Dies. It gives us a few clues about the plot of Phantom 2.
Set in 1907 in New York, the mysterious “Maestro” (no prizes for guessing who he is!) runs the theatre at Coney Island. He arranges a special concert by Parisian soprano Christine Daaé. Christine arrives in New York with Raoul (now her husband) and their son Gustave.Victome de Chagny comes along too.   Their encounters with the “Maestro”, bring the mysterious events of 10 years earlier at the Paris Opera back to haunt them.
There’s no dates or theatres confirmed as yet but they are expecting to do a try-out in Toronto first.

Casting Phantom, Christine and Raoul.

Here’s the game – we’ll tell you what they are looking for and you tell us who you’d cast

Phantom:
Caucasian man, 35 – 40. As mysterious as ever, but thanks to his new surroundings and the private assistance of old supporters, he now enjoys the seeming freedom to walk among “the normal” as an entrepreneur in Coney Island, of all places! In fact, over the past 10 years, he’s achieved a place of power and success. But he is haunted by a creative passion that once filled his heart. Must possess effortless gravitas and sexuality. Powerful rock tenor singing voice. Must be able to sing to top B flat. STARRING ROLE.

Christine:
Caucasian woman, mid – late 20s. Now a semi-retired opera superstar and a mother, Christine is still gorgeous, iconic, elegant, every inch a star. Although she has a curious echo of sadness and distance about her, she must possess an equal blend of technical superiority and raw emotionality. Glorious soprano singing voice. Must be able to sing to top B flat. STARRING ROLE.

Raoul:
Caucasian man, 35 – 40. Christine’s husband. Now a functioning, stoic alcoholic with more than a glimmer of his previous self as an affluent and handsome aristocrat. A

beauty on the turn. Must possess domineering gravitas and sexuality. Powerful tenor singing voice, with an instinct for lyricism. Must be able to sing effortlessly to A flat.

So who would you cast? I’ll tell you mine in a couple of days but I’ll let you have first pick! Love Never Dies as cast by LTB readers:

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Ramin Karimloo – the man behind that famous Phantom mask

ramin

Ramin Karimloo currently plays The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. Ramin is originally from Iran but he grew up in Peterborough, Canada. Although he started out playing in rock bands in his home town playing part of the Phantom is a boyhood ambition come true for him. He’s been playing the part for almost two years and plans to continue through to September 2009. Ramin says that he first told a friend when he was only 12 that some day he’d play the part of the Phantom.

And now in Phantom: Love Never Dies

Phantom: Love Never Dies is a sequel to The Phantom Of The Opera, set not in Paris but in New York, and Ramin Karimloo has been cast in the part of the Phantom alongside Sierra Boggess as Christine for the previews that may take place over a long period at the Adelphi Theatre this autumn, and possibly simultaneously in Broadway.

Other Parts Ramin Karimloo has played.

Enjolras in Les Misérables (Queen’s)

Chris in Miss Saigon (UK tour).

Aladdin in Aladdin (Chatham Theatre),

Pirate/Policeman in The Pirates of Penzance (Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, and UK tour),

Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance (Theatre Royal, Bath),

Artie Green and understudy Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard (UK tour)

Feuilly and understudy Marius in Les Misérables (Palace).

Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera

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Arriving at Phantom of the Opera

We arrived at Her Majesty’s Theatre at around 7 p.m. The foyer was already buzzing with early arrivals, programme sellers and theatre staff selling glasses of chilled champagne.We resisted the temptation (just!) and picked up our tickets. It was just lovely not to have to queue.

In the Bar of the Theatre

Then we headed for a pre-show drink in the bar. The bars are bright and attractive with a varied range of drinks available. I was greedy and opted for a “large”, actually huge, glass of pinot noir. We enjoyed the bustle as more people arrived, enough to be a crowd but not so many as to be a crush. The doors to the auditorium opened about ten minutes before the show was due to start. The theatre quickly filled and even on a Monday night there were very few empty seats.

** Book Phantom of The Opera Theatre Breaks via Superbreak **

A Lovely Old Theatre and a New Sound System

We made our way to our seats and began to look around. It really is a lovely, old fashioned theatre. There’s something much more intimate about the older West End theatres. Here we really felt we were close to the stage rather than watching everything happening in the distance.
I’d been a bit concerned with all the talk of the Phantom’s new sound system but I needn’t have worried. The amplification was just about right for the space and the suitably spooky sound effects weren’t too intrusive.

Very Special Effects

There are some super effects in Phantom of the Opera. I must admit I was a bit worried when I realised I was sitting directly underneath that famous Phantom chandelier ! There are some quite magical moments but I’m not going to go into too much detail in case you’ve not been yet. The production has been around for over 20 years and yet it still works and seems quite fresh.

The Music of the Night

Much of the music of Phantom of the Opera is quite familiar. There was some quite wonderful singing from the principals and from the ensemble. I did find it hard at first not to make comparisons with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. They both have such distinctive voices. Once I was swept up in the live performance though, I suspended my disbelief and lost myself in the story, the spectacle and the glory of the music.

The Costumes

I thought the costume designs were stunning. I loved all the opera costumes and make-up. It was like watching a period theatre print or one of those paper toy theatres come to life. I thought Masquerade scene was also a particular joy but my partner was not so sure and thought it was ‘a bit garish’. And indeed, it was garish. I thought that just added to the nightmare quality of the scene.

The Story of Phantom of the Opera

I’m sure there are people who don’t know the story of Phantom of the Opera. For that reason I’m not going to give the plot away here.
I will tell you that the story centres on a rather dreamy, fragile young woman. Christine is a member of the chorus of the Paris Opera sometime in the 19th century.Her father was a famous musician and before he died he promised he would send her ‘the angel of music’ to take care of her. Suffice to say what she believes to be the angel turns out not to be quite what she thinks. Drawn to the Phantom yet repulsed by him Christine has to make a choice.
The story is full of sweeping romantic emotions and gothic fantasy. Tragedy and pathos intertwine as we see what formed the monster that the Phantom has become.
I think the Paris setting works well because it is the ultimate, romantic city. I don’t mean the soft romantic comedy sort of romance. I mean Romantic with a capital R, gothic trappings and plenty of angst! The production taps into that idea of Paris, making me think of those overgrown cemeteries and pale, doomed young women who are half in love with death.
I love the idea that below the Paris Opera there’s might be a vast subterranean lake. It is like something from a fairy tale.

Phantom of the Opera is a Classic

It was a glorious night of extravagant musical theatre. We came out of the theatre into the London night with that lovely feeling that only comes from seeing a good show. I wasn’t alone either. All around me people were talking about what a great evening it had been and how much they’d enjoyed it. The chap next to me certainly had as I’d gradually noticed he was very quietly singing along through the whole show! (He had a nice voice and it was very quiet so not a bit annoying!)
Even on a cold Monday evening in January the West End is buzzing as people come out of the shows. I felt quite envious of those who weren’t off to catch a train but were heading for their hotels. Too hyped up to go straight home, we wandered off in search of an after-theatre supper and a chance to talk over the evening. A couple of days later I’m still humming The Music of the Night and remembering The Phantom Of The Opera.

** Book Phantom of The Opera Theatre Breaks via Superbreak **

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Five things you didn’t know about Phantom of the Opera

1. Some of Phantom of the Opera’s lyrics were written by Richard Stilgoe. Yes, that’s right, the clever, funny bloke that used to be in That’s Life! and in Dictionary Corner on Countdown. By the by, he also wrote all the lyrics for Starlight Express!
2. Phantom is the second longest-running West End musical in history (on since 1986) and is the longest running musical on Broadway.
3. When Gaston Leroux first published Le Fantôme de l’Opéra, (the book Phantom is based on) in 1911 it was a bit of a flop. It wasn’t really thought much of until it was made into a film in 1925.
4. The replica of the Paris Opera House chandelier has 6,000 beads, 35 beads to each string. It is 3 metres wide and weighs one ton.
5. There are 230 costumes, 14 dressers, 120 automated cues and 22 scene changes in every performance of Phantom of the Opera!

Your Favourite Memory from Phantom of the Opera?

We are off to see Phantom of The Opera very soon so I expect I’ll be writing quite a bit more about it over the next few days. Meanwhile, if you’ve seen Phantom of the Opera at any time during the last 23 years what was your favourite memory of the show?

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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical, known till now as Phantom 2, will be provisionally called Once Upon Another Time. In an interview with the BBC today ALW revealed that the show will open in November 2009, if all goes well.

Ben Elton has already been suggested as the writer of the book for the new show, rather than Frederick Forsyth who was involved in the early stages. Glen Slater (Little Mermaid) will be the lyricist and Andrew Lloyd Webber himself will write the score.

It seems likely that Jack O’Brian (lately of Hairspray) will direct.

No further news yet of which theatre or confirmed dates.

No BBC Link Up

Lloyd Webber also said that it was unlikely that he would do a fourth BBC show in the near future, making it unlikely that Once Upon Another Time will be cast in quite such a high profile way. In fact he suggested that he might do some US television and “give Britain a year off.”

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After 22 years in the West End The Phantom of the Opera is closing, but only for four performances. This planned closure will allow the installation of a new digital sound system. Planned months in advance and built into the current booking schedule the 4 day closure was the only way the producers felt they could make the changes without causing major disruption to advance bookings As the curtain falls on Saturday 3 May technicians will work around the clock to ensure the installation is complete in time.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said:

“The most recent productions of “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” around the world from Vegas to China have the most fantastic sound systems and it is wonderful that the flagship London production will now have the newest and best of them all to get the best out of our huge cast and the largest orchestra in the West End.”

The new digital system will consist of double the amount of microphones. The new surround sound system will include over 10 kilometres of cable, 120 speakers placed throughout the auditorium and a digital sound desk.

This will give the cast the rare pleasure of an extended Bank Holiday weekend and should mean that future Phantom audiences are treated to one of the best sound systems in the world.

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** book Phantom of the Opera breaks **

The Phantom of the Opera

Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm
Tuesday and Saturday also at 2.30pm

Her Majesty’s Theatre
Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4QL

CURRENT CAST:
RAMIN KARIMLOO The Phantom
LEILA BENN HARIS Christine
ROBYN NORTH Christine
ALEX RATHBERGER Raoul
WENDY FERGUSON Carlotta
JAMES BARRON Firmin
SAM HILLER Andre
HEATHER JACKSON Madame Giry
BENJAMIN LAKE Piangi
LINDSEY WISE Meg
NIC GREENSHIELDS Alternate Phantom

JOHN ADDISON Solider (Hannibal) / Policeman in the Pit
ANNA CERVANTES Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire
NAOMI COBBY Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire
ALISON CONNELL Swing
ALISON CROFT Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire
LISA DOWSETT Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire
SOFIA ESCOBAR Princess (Hannibal)
HELEN FRENCH Page (Don Juan Triumphant)
KATHERINE GLASSON Madam Firmin
MELANIE GOWIE Wild Woman (Hannibal)
PHILIP GRIFFITHS Monsieur Reyer / Auctioneer
ALISON GUILL Confidante (Il Muto)
ELLEN JACKSON Wardrobe Mistress
JIMMY JOHNSTON Joseph Buquet
DAVID KRISTOPHER-BROWN Slave (Hannibal) / Monk
TIM LAURENTI Swing
DAVID LAWRENCE Monsieur LeFévre / Don Atilio (Il Muto)
ADAM LINSTEAD Swing
BRIAN MCCANN Passarino / Hairdresser
STEPHEN MCCARTHY Swing
MATTHEW MCKENNA Jeweller (Il Muto)
FIONA MORLEY Dance Captain / Ballet Swing
CRAIG NICHOLLS Fire Chief
EMMA NORTHMORE Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire
SIMON RACKLEY Slave Master (Hannibal)
RACHEL SPURRELL Swing
DANIEL TANNER Porter / Lion Man
CLAIRE TILLING Ballet Chorus of the Opera Populaire

** book Phantom of the Opera breaks **

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