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Post by BVM on Feb 24, 2024 16:51:04 GMT
I disagree with this. Speaking up against injustices is important (such as the use of COVID as an excuse to sack long serving cast members/musicians/technical crew and cut costs). Having a long term memory is important in calling out future controversies. We learn from our successes and our failures. Phans, such as myself, have two choices: either accept it and continue to see the show, or don’t accept it and don’t go and see the show. It has no bearing on the new show’s success or failure. I know people personally who were treated appallingly by the production. But I still gave the new show a try, and thought it had its soul ripped out with the small orchestra, new lighting and replaced set pieces/costumes. I haven’t been back and that’s my choice. If people choose to go that’s their choice. There is no positive way to spin it for the consumer; regardless of one’s opinion of the artistic merit of the new show, it is brazen shrinkflation in theatre form. Less than half size orchestra, cheaper effects, underwhelming casts in return for higher prices. Pay more, get less. It was the plan all along - in a show which has made hundreds of millions. So yes, I say people are entitled to continue speaking out in a democratic and constructive way and attempts to silence critics as “negative” or “living in the past” is simply an attempt to shut down debate. People will keep bringing it up whether you permit that or not. Permit it??? Lol! I preferred the older version too by the way and agree with you about the lighting and orchestra size being detrimental to the show but the new version isn’t as bad as I expected.I didn’t try to shut down any debate all I said is that they are running a business and attendance is good and costs generally are rising so why wouldn’t they raise prices and also mentioned that moaning about the changes isn’t going to change anything for Phantom now. Of course people can continue speaking out but for me it becomes boring and tedious when it is every other comment from the same people. Agree. It's exhausting. Always the same people. I too was sad and mourned for what was lost but fully understood why they did it. (And the proof of the pudding was in the eating. Broadway did nothing to mitigate for the post Covid financial climate and promptly closed). The balance of a one person one vote poll puts 4 stars as the most popular experience with 5 in second. And TB is wayyyyyy to the negative side of the GBP/average theatregoer so I think it's fair to conclude that the show remains a hit. |
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Post by anthony on Feb 24, 2024 18:34:09 GMT
To be honest, the more I think about it, the more I begin to believe most of the changes have been positive. The set for the auction scene is better - as is the transformation of the Opera House during the overture, I genuinely think the Pegasus is superior to the old-style of AIAOY Reprise. In terms of the orchestra, if I'm completely being truthful, I don't notice much difference - the only moments are during Masquerade...
The only think that annoyed me about the changes was the decision not to invite Phillip Griffiths back - now, I don't have any feelings towards him as an actor, but when someone has been playing a role for 30 years, at the very least, you have a conversation with them! On the subject of the auctioneer, I don't like that the actor then takes part in Hannibal wearing a suit when everyone else is in costume. It's off-putting. As are the Piangi changes - why they decided to insert him randomly into Il Muto, or have him eye of the Slave Master is beyond me, but oh well.
As a whole, I genuinely do think the changes have been mostly positive. Went to a mid-week evening show recently and the stalls was completely sold out. It seems to be doing very well.
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Post by pianowithsam on Feb 29, 2024 14:51:33 GMT
Does anyone have the most recent orchestra list from the programme?
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Post by bobbievanhusen on Feb 29, 2024 18:09:28 GMT
. Speaking up against injustices is important (such as the use of COVID as an excuse to sack long serving cast members/musicians/technical crew and cut costs). Covid wasn't an excuse. It was the cause. The show hadn't been making enough money to cover running costs for a while. It was either cut it back or close it completely. Yes the orchestra was cut back, but that was where a huge chunk of money was going. Being with the show for many years doesn't entitle you to anything. It was the plan all along - in a show which has made hundreds of millions. What they show has made is irrelevent. Why should they have to put their own money into it? The original creative team all still get royalties, granted some of them at a lower rate, but they're still getting the income.The London production has only recently been making money again, but nothing like it used to, even with the smaller orchestra. No doubt you also thought that Broadway Phantom was closed to make way for the revised London version, just so CM and ALW could make more money... |
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Post by BVM on Feb 29, 2024 18:56:24 GMT
. Speaking up against injustices is important (such as the use of COVID as an excuse to sack long serving cast members/musicians/technical crew and cut costs). Covid wasn't an excuse. It was the cause. The show hadn't been making enough money to cover running costs for a while. It was either cut it back or close it completely. Yes the orchestra was cut back, but that was where a huge chunk of money was going. Being with the show for many years doesn't entitle you to anything. It was the plan all along - in a show which has made hundreds of millions. What they show has made is irrelevent. Why should they have to put their own money into it? The original creative team all still get royalties, granted some of them at a lower rate, but they're still getting the income.The London production has only recently been making money again, but nothing like it used to, even with the smaller orchestra. No doubt you also thought that Broadway Phantom was closed to make way for the revised London version, just so CM and ALW could make more money... Agree on all, and the point re what it's made in the past I concur, it is indeed totally irrelevant. Any show, anywhere has to be profitable day to day NOW to keep running. Shows going into a daily continuous loss but creatives making up the shortfall with their own money because it used to be highly profitable simply is not a thing. At all! (I mean some producers may take a hit for a discreet time if they think it's for the greater good but this is days and weeks, not months and years). Even more bonkers to think producers might pour their own money in to appease 10 ish Phans (who are nothing but rude about them)! And I'm afraid it does show how emotion has overruled fact for some on this matter. The fact that people involved in the industry don't understand this concept of ongoing profitability is, well, bizarre. You can have the most profitable thing in the world. But when it stops being profitable, it's over. |
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Post by elfman1 on Mar 2, 2024 21:07:48 GMT
The rumour going around based in recent instagram follows by cast members suggests a former Evita may be the new alternate Christine
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Post by danb on Mar 2, 2024 22:14:13 GMT
Oooh, is it Marti Webb?
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Post by elfman1 on Mar 2, 2024 22:17:38 GMT
A bit more recent than that 😂😂😂😂 |
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Post by erik24601 on Mar 2, 2024 22:48:01 GMT
A bit more recent than that 😂😂😂😂 And there was me thinking we were going to finally get the long-awaited Patti LuPone's Christine. |
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Post by longinthetooth on Mar 2, 2024 23:11:09 GMT
I was expecting an exclusive from EP on tomorrow's radio show .......
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Post by richey on Mar 3, 2024 12:28:41 GMT
I was expecting an exclusive from EP on tomorrow's radio show ....... EP is usually about 3 weeks behind everyone else so I wouldn't bank on that. |
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Post by Alejo on Mar 3, 2024 17:23:23 GMT
I was expecting an exclusive from EP on tomorrow's radio show ....... EP is usually about 3 weeks behind everyone else so I wouldn't bank on that. I think the joke was Elaine Paige, being a former Evita, announcing it was her. |
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Post by elfman1 on Mar 11, 2024 10:34:50 GMT
The rumour going around based in recent instagram follows by cast members suggests a former Evita may be the new alternate Christine Told y’all it was a bit more recent then Marti Webb |
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Post by topaz on Mar 11, 2024 10:40:28 GMT
Chumisa Dornford-May announced, first performance this Friday 15th - not clear yet if she's doing just Fridays or Fridays and Tuesdays.
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Post by basicbroadwaybitch on Mar 12, 2024 20:45:12 GMT
Hi! I was wondering if you can go into the theatre to buy merch without having tickets. I know some theatres don't scan tickets until after the lobby so was wondering if this is the case here. Thanks!
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Post by BVM on Mar 12, 2024 20:48:00 GMT
Hi! I was wondering if you can go into the theatre to buy merch without having tickets. I know some theatres don't scan tickets until after the lobby so was wondering if this is the case here. Thanks! Scanning at the door unfortunately. I miss the days where you could (fairly easily) wonder into theatres to buy merch and immediately leave again. If you ask nicely they may let you, but I’ve been turned down trying this in last 5-10 years…. |
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Post by basicbroadwaybitch on Mar 12, 2024 20:54:18 GMT
Hi! I was wondering if you can go into the theatre to buy merch without having tickets. I know some theatres don't scan tickets until after the lobby so was wondering if this is the case here. Thanks! Scanning at the door unfortunately. I miss the days where you could (fairly easily) wonder into theatres to buy merch and immediately leave again. If you ask nicely they may let you, but I’ve been turned down trying this in last 5-10 years…. Aw bummer!! Thanks for letting me know. Was trying to snag a bear for a friend. |
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Post by ceebee on Mar 12, 2024 21:27:35 GMT
Scanning at the door unfortunately. I miss the days where you could (fairly easily) wonder into theatres to buy merch and immediately leave again. If you ask nicely they may let you, but I’ve been turned down trying this in last 5-10 years…. Aw bummer!! Thanks for letting me know. Was trying to snag a bear for a friend. I'm going with my daughters on 3rd May if you can wait that long? Happy to get what you need. |
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Post by azuraathena on Mar 15, 2024 23:01:21 GMT
Hi! I was wondering if you can go into the theatre to buy merch without having tickets. I know some theatres don't scan tickets until after the lobby so was wondering if this is the case here. Thanks! They may let you in if you go early enough before the show (the doors will be open as the box office is open) but I don’t know if anyone will be on the souvenir stand. It could also be worth emailing the theatre/box office as they could tell you for certain if you can go in or they may be willing to send you what you want if you pay postage and for the item over the phone. |
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Post by dm913 on Mar 16, 2024 0:55:08 GMT
Scanning at the door unfortunately. I miss the days where you could (fairly easily) wonder into theatres to buy merch and immediately leave again. If you ask nicely they may let you, but I’ve been turned down trying this in last 5-10 years…. Aw bummer!! Thanks for letting me know. Was trying to snag a bear for a friend. You can buy the bear online at store.playbill.co.uk/phantom/all |
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Post by anthony on Mar 17, 2024 12:49:32 GMT
Steve Harley, the person who was originally due to play Phantom before being replaced by Michael Crawford, has passed away.
Their was a single released of the title song with himself and Brightman:
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Post by StageyBrum on Apr 4, 2024 9:17:48 GMT
Has phantom stopped doing day tickets? I’ve been going on every day at 10 o’clock and the link just doesn’t work. I’ve even re-registered my email to get a new link and that still doesn’t work.
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Post by lotster on Apr 4, 2024 23:06:15 GMT
Chumisa Dornford-May was on for Christine tonight and I think she was wonderful. Admittedly I'm not a Phantom regular, but for somebody relatively new to the role (and so young) I thought she gave a fantastic performance and she has a stunning voice.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 5, 2024 7:26:30 GMT
Scanning at the door unfortunately. I miss the days where you could (fairly easily) wonder into theatres to buy merch and immediately leave again. If you ask nicely they may let you, but I’ve been turned down trying this in last 5-10 years…. Aw bummer!! Thanks for letting me know. Was trying to snag a bear for a friend. You can get the teddy bear on line store.playbill.co.uk/phantom/products/the-phantom-of-the-opera-bear |
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Post by anthony on Apr 27, 2024 9:49:40 GMT
So the £12.50 price rise in day tickets (42.50, up to 30) and it seems the quality of the seats available have decreased massively too.
Disappointing.
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