Phantom of the Opera

[Princess Hermione]

What do you think about it? I love it! I think it is one of the best Operas that I have seen.

[Dru Malfoy]

Erm... what are you talking about <i>exactly</i>?

There are 2 musicals of that name I know (one by Andrew Lloyd Webber and one by Maury Yeston)... I don't know an opera - would be interested to hear about it, however, if there was one... and there a rather big number of films with and without singing in it... so, could you maybe be a bit more specific about you want to talk about?

[HollywoodBob]

She's probably talking about the ALW musical. Opera is the term for any dramatic musical or the theatre in which musicals are performed, it's a misconception that only italian musicals can be called operas.

As for Phantom, I've seen it twice and it's amazing. I can't wait to see how well it transfers to screen in the motion picture due out later this year.

-HollywoodBob

[leenielou]

I didn't know there was a motion picture. Or did I? It isn't CZJ is it? *inner groan*

As for the musical, I think it is simply amazing. It was the first musical that I ever went to see, and I still hanker after seeing it again. The songs, the story, everything about it is brilliant. I have no bad words for it.

[Liselle]

Its fantastic! I saw it on Broadway last year...but I've known the music most of my life as my sister is a phantom fanatic and used to make me sing all the parts!

I've read the book too, which is good if not a little mean. There's a movie out of it? ugh I think I might be giving that one a skip...they never really translate well do they especially when you're looking forward to it.

[Pegasus]

The legend of the Phantom of the Opera is so old and varied that everyone has their own take on it. There are at least three movies in existence (at least one of which is in black and white--in fact there might be a silent one), each with a different ending and explanation of the mask, and the book is yet another take on the legend, this taking an "earlier" approach.
As for the Broadway musical--which is the topic of the thread--I got to go when I was 19, and I get to go again next month! I'm so excited.

[SiriuslyBria]

I absolutely love ALW's musical of Phantom. The musical is just stunning. There are parts that literally give me chills. I love listening to the soundtrack.

In fact... I think I will. :tu:

[Dru Malfoy]

She's probably talking about the ALW musical. Opera is the term for any dramatic musical or the theatre in which musicals are performed, it's a misconception that only italian musicals can be called operas.


Thanks for telling me. I never knew... even though I've studied both opera and musical I've never heard that before...

Anyway, I've seen The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber once and thought it was really well done. The singing was great and the effects were nice too. I do prefer other musicals, however. Andrew Lloyd Webber is a bit boring in my opinion as he's always using the same melodies again and again in very slight variations. Even so, he succeeds in producing some songs that always stand out.

[HollywoodBob]

Thanks for telling me. I never knew... even though I've studied both opera and musical I've never heard that before...Was that sarcasm, I can't tell anymore? :)

Anyway, I've seen The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber once and thought it was really well done. The singing was great and the effects were nice too. I do prefer other musicals, however. Andrew Lloyd Webber is a bit boring in my opinion as he's always using the same melodies again and again in very slight variations. Even so, he succeeds in producing some songs that always stand out.I've seen Phantom, Cats, Evita, and Starlight Express, and your'e right, ALW is the Korn of the musical theatre. A lot of his songs are similar. But his productions are still quite impressive. :)

-HollywoodBob

[tarnole]

I saw Phantom in London, and it gave me chills. I know most of the score (or at least the first act) by heart as Gus (3.5) loves to listen to it in the car.

Cheers, K

[Dru Malfoy]

I tiny bit, maybe. No bad intentions, though... :) (And it is obvious now what this thread is about ;) )

Yes, you're right. The shows are quite impressive. I've seen all the shows you mentioned, too, and loved them. I didn't like Evita all that much, though, which might have had to do with the fact that the singer playing Evita was quite fat and quite unconvincing. I also saw Whistle Down the Wind and was not impressed at all. Most songs were just recycled and the plot was quite... well, actually, I don't even remember what it was about... I also liked Aspects of Love - though the music is not really great. The staging was just so impressive.

I'm a huge musical fan. Actually, it was Andrew Lloyd Webber's works that I loved first. I saw a production of Jesus Christ Superstar first and loved it completely. It's just when you know some ALW's shows, you start thinking: haven't I heard that bit in that other show of his??

[Princess Hermione]

Sorry, I was a little vague. Yes, I mean the ALW musical. I saw it last summer in San Francisco, California, and I loved it! I thought it was amazing! I was just curious(SP?) to see how many people had seen it.

[Princess Hermione]

I absolutely love ALW's musical of Phantom. The musical is just stunning. There are parts that literally give me chills. I love listening to the soundtrack.

In fact... I think I will. :tu:
I know what you mean. One of the songs, I think it is when the Phantom is singing to Christine about choosing her love, Raul or him, the way he bangs on the paino, creepy and a wonderful piece of work.

[HollywoodBob]

I tought myself to play the piano just so that I could play "Music of the Night" :D

-HollywoodBob

[Wab]

ALW hasn't done anything decent since he split with Tim Rice.

[Princess Hermione]

I tought myself to play the piano just so that I could play "Music of the Night" :D

-HollywoodBob
LOL!

[HannahStarr]

Once again, I show my ignorance. :lol: I've only read a translated, abridged version of the book. In fact, I had no idea until about half an hour ago that there was an opera. Or movies. Are any of the movies recent?

[MSLupin]

I've seen Phantom of the Opera three times on Broadway. Adrienne McEwan as Christine is blissfully phenomenal. And the lyrics are hair-raising.
Anyone feel like opening a Broadway/theater thread?

[HollywoodBob]

Once again, I show my ignorance. :lol: I've only read a translated, abridged version of the book. In fact, I had no idea until about half an hour ago that there was an opera. Or movies. Are any of the movies recent?None of the good ones, but there is a film version of the ALW musical due out near the end of this year.

-HollywoodBob

[Princess Hermione]

None of the good ones, but there is a film version of the ALW musical due out near the end of this year.

-HollywoodBob
YEAY! :clap: I can't wait! I hope it is as good as the broadway opera!

[Dru Malfoy]

Ooh, that should be good. Really have to see that! :)

Did anyone by any chance see the Cats-DVD and can tell me if it's worth buying (add a few details please :) ) as it is impossible to rent it over here?

[dorcasderr]

Seeing ALW's Phantom was a highlight of my last trip to London. A film version is exciting news!

[Phoenix4211]

I'm kinda worried about whether or not the movie is going to come out well. I saw ALW's Phantom in Conneticut a few years ago with Ted Keegan as Erik, and it was simply amazing. I'm worried that some of that might be lost in a movie version...but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Has anyone else read the Susan Kay adaptation of it? I love that book.

~Phoenix

[Princess Hermione]

I know, I really hope the movie is as good as the play/opera. It would be very disappointing if it isn't. :sad:

[SilverStar]

Whoa wait; I haven't heard anything about a movie!! I saw the play when it toured. It was really good.

[Sirius Potter]

I saw the musical on Broadway two years ago. I actually enjoyed it. Two weeks ago was my sister's sweet sixteen and her theme was Phantom of the Opera. As people walked in she had the DJ play the music. It was rather cool.
~Sirius Potter

[Princess Hermione]

I saw the musical on Broadway two years ago. I actually enjoyed it. Two weeks ago was my sister's sweet sixteen and her theme was Phantom of the Opera. As people walked in she had the DJ play the music. It was rather cool.
~Sirius Potter
That is really cool! I just had my Sweet Sixteen party, too. Yeah me. :clap: Okay, back to the Opera... :p If the movie comes out soon, I will be going! Lol

[Princess Hermione]

BTW, Sirius Potter, :welcome:

[angelite]

Phantom of the Opera is quite nice and is definitely the best work of Andrew Lloyd Webber. His other shows just totally flopped. Although Phantom is quite good, there are lots of other musicals which are much better.

Btw, opera is not musical. Opera is a totally different style of music- e.g the singers tend to be less articulate, etc. Shows like Madame Butterfuly are operas but Phantom of the Opera is definitely not.

[Princess Hermione]

Phantom of the Opera is quite nice and is definitely the best work of Andrew Lloyd Webber. His other shows just totally flopped. Although Phantom is quite good, there are lots of other musicals which are much better.

Btw, opera is not musical. Opera is a totally different style of music- e.g the singers tend to be less articulate, etc. Shows like Madame Butterfuly are operas but Phantom of the Opera is definitely not.
:huh: :nc:

[Sirius Potter]

Thank you for the welcome. Phantom of the Opera has about 2 peices that are seen as an Opera, but the title is based on the Opera House in France that a "ghost" haunts...the Opera House never really showed Operas, but more the Russian Ballet and dance. Well, that information was thanks to my French teacher when we were studying Paris this year.
~Sirius Potter

[Earendil]

There have been quite a few film adaptations of The Phantom of the Opera. The most recent will be out sometime this holiday season, I believe.

From the IMDb (http://imdb.com/title/tt0293508/):

Phantom of the Opera, The (2004)

Directed by
Joel Schumacher

Writing credits
Gaston Leroux (novel)
Andrew Lloyd Webber (musical libretto)


Genre: Musical / Drama / Romance

Tagline: The world's biggest musical!

Plot Outline: A disfigured musical genius hides away in the Paris Opera House, longing for the love of a beautiful, young singer.

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gerard Butler .... The Phantom
Emmy Rossum .... Christine
Patrick Wilson .... Raoul
Miranda Richardson .... Madame Giry
Minnie Driver .... Carlotta
Ciarán Hinds .... Firmin
Simon Callow .... Andre

I'll definitely be seeing this when it comes out. I'm a big fan of musical theater, though not so optimistic, generally speaking, about film adaptations. Nor am I terribly impressed with what I've seen of Gerard Butler's acting so far. However, I love The Phantom's score and it's definitely my fave of ALW's work.

[Princess Hermione]

Wow! That sounds great! I can't wait for that to come out!

[Tane]

ALW's Phantom of the Opera is my favorite musical ever, I've seen it three times and never get board with this musical.

[Princess Hermione]

ALW's Phantom of the Opera is my favorite musical ever, I've seen it three times and never get board with this musical.
LOL! I don't know how someone could get bored! With all the wonderful music and the fireworks... Hmmm, how could you get bored? LOL

[roz]

Phantom of the Opera is quite nice and is definitely the best work of Andrew Lloyd Webber. His other shows just totally flopped. Although Phantom is quite good, there are lots of other musicals which are much better.


You are classing the longest running stage musical ever as a flop (I am right in thinking that Cats still holds that title aren't I?). I would not class Cats, Evita, Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express or even Sunset Boulevard as flops.

I like Phantom. It is some of ALWs best music. However as if I am given the option I would rather see the new production of Jesus Christ Superstar. It is more my style. I cry every time and I have only seen it 8 times...

Roz (the musicals freak who has seen RENT 27 times and counting)

[Lanya Celebrian]

I laughed when I heard about it ^_^! Everyone's producing old works and making them 2000th century-like. When I was only 8 years old I watch Phantom more than 4 times at the Opera house in San Fransico. I was kinda sad they decided to stop the performances for Phantom... I can't wait to see it out.

[Pegasus]

Fourteen more days until I get to see Phantom again!
Phantom is arguably the most recognized and most popular musical. Cats is the longest running. Andrew Lloyd Weber doesn't write flops. I have to wonder where that information came from. There are other Broadway musicals I would like to see (Les Mis being no. 1), but Phantom is the only one I have cared enough about to purchase the expensive tickets, get a babysitter, and use as both my birthday and anniversary presents. I first saw it one week before my wedding--and I scheduled my wedding around it!

[doadpadfoot]

phantom of the opera rox! i went to go see it with my friends and theater arts teacher at U.T., and it was awesome! this might make me sound like a wimp, but it was also kind of scary! :scared: ;)

[Millie]

I recently saw Phantom of the Opera on June 2nd. Sung through musicals aren't necessarily my thing (although there was some dialogue, but more in the first act). I do believe some parts were boring, especially in the second act. However, overall, it was a very beautful show with wonderful set design and special effects. I wouldn't mind seeing it again. Because I went with school, we sat in the mezzanine, and I prefer better orchestra seats.

[Millie]

I recently saw Phantom of the Opera on June 2nd. Sung through musicals aren't necessarily my thing (although there was some dialogue, but more in the first act). I do believe some parts were boring, especially in the second act. However, overall, it was a very beautful show with wonderful set design and special effects. I wouldn't mind seeing it again. Because I went with school, we sat in the mezzanine, and I prefer better orchestra seats.

[MadMuggle]

I'm seeing Phantom when I go to London on my honeymoon in October!! Can't wait! I'm seeing the Lion King too. I hope they're great! I saw Les Miserable when I was in London for my 21st in 2001 and it was soooooooo amazing!

[AcrylicDrama]

I hate Phantom passionately. I generally despise Webber, but Phantom in particular (almost as much as *shudder* Cats). Most of his music bores me to tears.

With the exception of Aspects of Love.

[Princess Hermione]

I'm seeing Phantom when I go to London on my honeymoon in October!! Can't wait! I'm seeing the Lion King too. I hope they're great! I saw Les Miserable when I was in London for my 21st in 2001 and it was soooooooo amazing!
Congrats! I want to see Lion King, but my sisters get to go see it. I hope you have a great time and a great wedding!

[Hyrmynie]

I think I know what you're talking about. The play? I saw it three times with my grandmother and my cousins and we all loved it...very well done. That chandellier was about to give me a heart attack though lol. :eyebrows:

[raven_myth]

I've seen the Phantom on stage twice and at least two (old) movie adaptations of the book. If you are a real fanatic about Phantom and haven't already, I suggest reading the book by Gaston Leroux. It helps explain some of the more obscure references in the musical (i.e. there's a lyric during the final scenes where the mob and Raoul are descending into the sewers that goes something like "hand at the level of you eye"). I always preferred the Phantom (yes I know he's psychotic) to Raoul, and after reading the book that didn't change; Raoul's a pansy.

[Safia]

I went to see it last year on stage in London as part of my 18th birthday present. It was breath taking to say the least and I absalutely enjoyed it. I'd like to see it again too. My Dad's seen it twice, after he read the book (by some French author). It's apparently pretty good.

[Fullmooncycle]

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[PotionsPet]

I've seen the musical four times. It's a beautiful adaptation of the story, but I must admit I'm a wee bit of a purist.

Having said that, I'm sure I'll be first in line when the movie comes out. heh.. It's just too bad that Michael Crawford isn't in the lead role. :upset:

[Shauna]

I know it, PotionsPet! Michael Crawford as Phantom and Michael Ball as Raoul...that would have made my decade. You know, with makeup nowadays, they can do some cool stuff.

Shauna

[Kneazle]

I love Phantom! I grew up with it. I remember being 6 years old and squabbling with my sister and cousins over who got to play Christine for a home production which never came to be since we couldn't settle amicably. I got to see it when it came on tour a few years ago. The sets were lovely, and the cast was really good! Raoul, especially, was done well. I can't wait for the movie to come out. The trailer blew me away. It's good that they chose to use AWL's music-- I was surprised, but happy, when I saw that it was the musical, and not the book, that they were making into a film. The score is beautiful.

[starutena]

The reason I fear for the movie version is this: it's directed by Joel Schumacher!! I am not a fan of his movies, they tend to be overstylized and/or just really bad. I love the ALW musical and have seen it three times. I think that this is one musical that requires trained singers, not actors who can carry a tune, to pull off. I am very nervous about the quality of the movie compared to the stage production.

[Pegasus]

That's true. The music is very demanding. Few people can pull it off. I was noticing in the credits (I saw it again recently) that the entire cast are trained opera singers, and the have to be. Do you realize the kind of range the music requires?
Anyone who has qualms with Andrew Lloyd Weber needs to hear his Requiem. Charlotte Church uses his Pie Jesu as her signature piece.

[freakynewt]

Phantom of the Opera...yeah, I saw that a few Christmases ago on Broadway. Awesome. And, plus, I saw a trailer describing a PotO movie :) Neat, eh?

[Desi_the_Ditz]

Yeah I also saw it on Broadway and it was awesome. I love the music and the girl who Played Christinne had an awesome voice!

[moose]

Phantom of the Opera is an operetta. Its like an opera but shorter and has some spoken dialoge and dance. Its different from just a musical because most of it is sung. If you've ever seen Les Miserables, that is also an operetta.

I love Phantom though. I love to sing those songs for performances! My favorite is Angel of Music! I'm happy to see it coming out as a movie. It seems to be the big thing now with musicals turned into movie like with Chicago or even Moulin Rouge.

[Bleikli]

I was so excited when I finally got to see PotO! It was what really got me interested in opera. It takes so much talent to sing good opera. I was very impressed!

[emerald eyes]

I do love the book but I get really creeped out by it! That could be due the fact that I had a WILD experience the first time I read the book by Gaston Leroux. And I will never forget it!!!

I was in 7th or 8th grade at the time and I was home alone sitting on the couch reading it and I had the funniest feeling I was being watched. I was at least half way through the book, so I just kept telling myself it was the book just making me imagine things. Finally I couldn't stand it anymore and I turned around to look out the bay window behind me and there parked in front of our house was a blue truck. And in the truck, I saw a man sitting with a nylon sock pulled down over his face!!!!

I don't remember how I kept from screaming bloody murder. I then remembered that I had overheard my parents and brother (who is a police office) talking the night or 2 before about someone who was robbing houses in our area and they knew the robber had a blue truck!!! Somehow I calmly got up and went to the phone. I don't know why I didn't call 911 but I called the neighbor. Nobody was home. Then I started to get really panicy. Right about then he drove away and I saw my dad come driving down the road. Instead of pulling in the drive, my dad followed the guy til he got his plate #. My dad had been able to see the truck from the hill on his way home and got suspicious so since the guy was leaving dad decided to follow!!! VERY, very, brave dad, ex-Marine!!! GO DAD!!

The police were able to get the guy soon after and they figure that he was casing out our house at the time and trying to figure out when we wouldn't be home so he could rob us. :upset:

To this day, I can not read or sit with my back to windows!! I have since been able to read through the book a few more times, though only in very bright sunlight. :tu:

My parents took me to see the Phantom on broadway a few years later. I loved every second of it!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Evelien19]

I've never read the book but I am completely obsessed with the music! Music of the Night just gives me goosebumps!

[Shauna]

As far as range and the demands of the role go, Christine must be able to hit and sustain an e3 (the third E above middle C) with precise opera training. I know she goes down to at least an A or A flat; it might even be lower. She also has to dance en pointe or at least fake it really well; Christine is very distracted during that scene as it is but she can't move like a lumbering elephant.

Oh, and don't forget having your opera technique get progressively better as the show goes on. It's an insanely tough role.

Shauna

[agpotter]

Yes, I am rather looking forward to it, especially to see how Emmy Rossum, Gerard Butler and Minnie Driver fare. I really do like the music, and for a long time I LOVED it, but it is a bit overplayed (I mean, every person who claims to love musical theater knows it, and some of them know ONLY it, and maybe Les Miserables, so I always kind of scoff that they only know the most generic ones... :)). Michael Crawford, while an excellent Phantom, is a little bit... er.... Cornelius Heckle-ish for me. His voice is a little wheezy sometimes I think. Don't get me wrong, I think he's great and all, and I used to really love Sarah Brightman, although she's started to wear on me too. All in all, I'm looking forward to seeing a fresh interpretation and new cast. I thought Evita was well-done and I'm thrilled to see more and more stage musicals finding their way into the cinema.

[StephyJ_83]

If you have never read the book, I highly recommend it. If you think the musical is great, you need to read what inspired it. It is absolutely incredible. I wore out two copies (it was one of my favorites growing up, and it still is today) and I am now on my third copy. It is very interesting, and it has great satire, IMHO. :) I'm gonna re-read it before the movie comes out. I recommend the translation by Lowell Bair from Bantam Books (it's A Bantam Classic ;)).

(btw, this is my 100th post!!!! Woot!:clap: )

[AsKPeeVes]

If you have never read the book, I highly recommend it. If you think the musical is great, you need to read what inspired it. It is absolutely incredible. I wore out two copies (it was one of my favorites growing up, and it still is today) and I am now on my third copy. It is very interesting, and it has great satire, IMHO. :) I'm gonna re-read it before the movie comes out. I recommend the translation by Lowell Bair from Bantam Books (it's A Bantam Classic ;)).

(btw, this is my 100th post!!!! Woot!:clap: )
I cant find the book anywhere ive tryed my local libary and i looked a bit online do you know where to find a copy?

[StephyJ_83]

I cant find the book anywhere ive tryed my local libary and i looked a bit online do you know where to find a copy?
Try Barnes and Noble. Here is the ISBN number. Type this in any book search engine (amazon, barnes, whatever) and it should come up. If not, let me know and I'll send you the link I have.
ISBN 0-553-21376-8

[AsKPeeVes]

Try Barnes and Noble. Here is the ISBN number. Type this in any book search engine (amazon, barnes, whatever) and it should come up. If not, let me know and I'll send you the link I have.
ISBN 0-553-21376-8
okay thanks i'll try it..:)it worked thanks

[TxMagnolia]

I love Phantom!!! The first time I saw it, was for my 14th Birthday, and I fell in love. I've only been to see it Six times, I try to go to the shows whenever I can, but sometimes it can get a bit Pricey$$$ Oh well. Opera? Musical? Who really cares, it's still great.:)

*PeeVes- Love the new sig, gotta love Labyrinth!

[Tane]

Phantom of the Opera is one of my favourite theatre musicals of all time and after seeing the trailer for a film release of this at Christmas time I was impressed so far with its brief screen shots. Very vibrant and colourful sets and the dancing were different to that seen on the stage and seemed to work better in the film clip. This film adaption will not be as good as the theatre musical but still for a film it looks amazing.

[Crouch]

I saw the musical for the first time about two years ago and it was simply amazing! I saw it at the last day of a one-week schooltrip to London, but I hardly even remember the rest of the week. After the show we were supposed to go straight back to the bus that would be waiting, but I simply couldn't leave without buying a copy of the score. The bus had already wanted to drive off when the realized somebody was missing, and some people weren't really happy about me turning up late, but I really couldn't care.

I still want to see it for a second (and third, and fourth, and...) time, but it's a bit too expensive for me to go to the UK just to watch it (and the tickets don't come cheap either).

What I've seen of the trailers of the movie, it is going to be good. Not as good as the musical, but still worth a trip to the cinema.
What I've heard of the trailers, I don't know. The clip in which you hear Butler singing (the mirror-scene), makes me a bit scared of watching the movie. It might destroy my good memories of the musical.

[StephyJ_83]

My first experience with PotO came when I was eight. My parents went to NYC for a trip and saw it while they were there. They brought back the cds, and were playing some of the songs for my neighbors and I heard it and thought, "Hmmm, that sounds kinda interesting." So, my parents went out one night, and I snuck in and got their cd's, then snuck into my brother's old room and put it in his stereo. I was only going to listen to the first couple of songs that my parents played before. Well, I ended up laying there for the entire time, and I listened to it start to finish without stopping. When the last song was ending, I was in tears. I totally reached catharsis! I had understood the story and what was happening just from listening to the music. It was a big moment for me, and it really started me on the path of being a broadway lover. That was twelve years ago. I have seen it twice in San Francisco, twice in Salt Lake City, and once in London. I also saw Michael Crawford's concert in Salt Lake City when I was fourteen. I am most definitely a Phantom Phan. This musical will always hold a special place in my heart.

(ahhhh, I've gotten all schmoopy!)

[petruchio]

Well, if you really want my opinion (yeah, I know, nobody asked), the Webber POTO is musically superior but literarily inferior to the Kopit/Yeston Phantom. Check the link here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003FGT/qid=1100276471/sr=2-2/ref=pd_ka_b_2_2/103-9177056-8415849).

[StephyJ_83]

What do you mean by 'literarily?'

[popstarsarah]

Whoa wait; I haven't heard anything about a movie!! I saw the play when it toured. It was really good.
It's coming out this Christmas!!! I'm going to see it on opening night! I'm so excited! I am totally and completely obsessed with Phantom, I saw it on Broadway in NYC last April, it was amazing! The Phantom is my idol - I know all of the songs by heart, and I just melt when I hear 'Music of the Night'. :cool: :eyebrows:

Rock on.
Sarah

[Crouch]

Did anybody see the musical in different countries? If so, where was it the best?

I know all of the songs by heart
So do I, or at least the songs of the 'highlight of the phantom of the opera', for I only own that disc. I think I should purchase the complete edition though.

[Theatre Diva]

I love Phantom of the Opera! I can't wait to see the movie! Christine is one of my favourite musical theatre roles and I'd love to sing her part in a production of it someday...

[agpotter]

Okay, I just got the Special Edition film soundtrack today, and I've been listening to it. My review in a nutshell:

I've always loved this musical, even though the music is a tad formulaic, and I'm not terribly fond of the original cast recording, probably mostly just because I've listened to it so darn many times. Listening to the new cast recording, however, made me realize why I started to love the music in the first place. As a new genre and medium, they were able to make the music much more lush and the orchestration much more expanded. The cast is great (if you don't like them at first, they'll certainly grow on you, even though I was pretty much impressed with everyone at the start), and the Special Edition has lots of dialogue from the film even (Minnie Driver's Carlotta is hilarious! True, she doesn't do the opera singing, but the speaking is her). Anyway, it's excellent and at times electrifying.

[agpotter]

Yeah, so okay, like I said, I got the Special Edition soundtrack... I would really like to continue listening to the music, but not the dialogue so much right now, or there won't be any surprises when I go see the film. I was wondering if anyone on here had the one-disc soundtrack and could they possibly (I would be ever so grateful) send me the songs or something? That way I could continue listening to the music on my computer without the dialogue before or after, just the songs, and keep building up the hype for myself... I mean, I don't want to have the whole script memorized before I see the film, eh? That wouldn't be nearly as much fun as seeing the film fresh and new. Like I said, I already own the soundtrack, so it's not really illegal anyway, as I already own the rights to listen to the music... And as I'm a college student, I can't really afford to buy two versions of one soundtrack... :)

Thanks all, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday (or if you're not American, a great week anyway... :)).

[Crouch]

I'm sorry, I don't have the one-disc soundtrack. By the way, is it allowed to make such requests at this site? (topics involving illegal music)

[agpotter]

I wondered about that... Still, since I own the CD as it is, I imagined it's not illegal music sharing. Besides, the copyright laws on such things are among the most misinterpreted poilicies in the entertainment industry. It's not illegal to share music unless you're making a profit on someone else's product. In any case, if the mods here feel it's inappropriate to make such a request, I'll be happy to disregard it .

[AsKPeeVes]

Has anyone heard Nightwish's version of the Phantom of the Opera song?
Tis great!!!:tu:

[genesis]

I saw the musical earlier this year in Chicago, and it was good. I want to see the movie, but I hope that they did not change too much of it. Sometimes, movie versions tend to ruin the original work.

[Princess Hermione]

Has anyone heard Nightwish's version of the Phantom of the Opera song?
Tis great!!!:tu:
No, do you have the link to the lyrics? Is it satire?

[whizbang121]

I'm kinda worried about whether or not the movie is going to come out well. I saw ALW's Phantom in Conneticut a few years ago with Ted Keegan as Erik, and it was simply amazing. I'm worried that some of that might be lost in a movie version...but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Has anyone else read the Susan Kay adaptation of it? I love that book.

~PhoenixI didn't put it down or answer the phone until I finished it. I was working in a bookstore when Phantom came to town a few years ago and I recommended the book to everyone I knew was going, which was just about everyone. No one came back without raving about the book.
What I loved was that she didn't just retell the story. She treated the Phantom as a historical character, then researched and wrote the book as a biography. Amazing. Turn up the stereo and while reading. :agree:

[SilverStar]

I hope the movie doesn't get so absorbed in the visuals that it forgets to tell the story and get the songs right. From the look of the trailer, it's visually stunning.

[true_heir_of_slyth]

I've never had the chance to see the PotO at a theatre, although it's always interested me, so I'll probably be going to see the film :)