Phantom of the Opera?

[RickinNYC]

Mike--Thanks for pointing me to such an amusing discussion/vent!

Rick--As a vegetarian myself, I usually make sure I know something about the food before I'm willing to pay for it. But, I rarely encounter it listed on the information about the event. And, I wouldn't think it was insensitive to leave off information about whether or not you were providing celiac-safe food, etc. Perhaps, next time, you could send out a special version of the information to her alone that includes every possible contingency, concern, special need, etc. Then, she'd have to work to come up with something to complain about.

Or I could just hit her on the noggin with a big stick and be done with it.

The party is free by the way.

 

[hematite153]

The party is free by the way.

Hence why I would have just expected to show up and eat if I could.

 

[BarleyJack]

As a fan of theatre, I must say I was excited to see Phantom when it came to chicago while I was in H.S. years ago (how many years ago is a secret). I guess as I've aged my tastes have changed. Sure it was entertaining, but looking back I think I was more excited to see a "Broadway" show that I was actually excited about Phantom. All I really remember is a giant chandelier, candles rising from the stage, loads of fog and an "echo" voice machine every time the phantom spoke/sang. Oh yeah, there was a fireball in a cemetery. Given a choice there are loads of other shows I'd rather see. Andrew Loyd Whatever...ooops I mean Weber has a formula he sticks to: put pretty people in pretty costumes and set it all to the same music with different words and they will come. Take Cats for example; put the kitties on wheels and you have Starlight Express. The only Andrew Loyd Whatever....Weber (oops did it again) show that I feel has some merit from a musical theatre point of view is Jesus Christ Superstar; which is also one of the few that come to mind that doesn't follow the above formula. Flame away if you will, just my opinion!

 

[timben]

As a fan of theatre, I must say I was excited to see Phantom when it came to chicago while I was in H.S. years ago (how many years ago is a secret). I guess as I've aged my tastes have changed. Sure it was entertaining, but looking back I think I was more excited to see a "Broadway" show that I was actually excited about Phantom. All I really remember is a giant chandelier, candles rising from the stage, loads of fog and an "echo" voice machine every time the phantom spoke/sang. Oh yeah, there was a fireball in a cemetery. Given a choice there are loads of other shows I'd rather see. Andrew Loyd Whatever...ooops I mean Weber has a formula he sticks to: put pretty people in pretty costumes and set it all to the same music with different words and they will come. Take Cats for example; put the kitties on wheels and you have Starlight Express. The only Andrew Loyd Whatever....Weber (oops did it again) show that I feel has some merit from a musical theatre point of view is Jesus Christ Superstar; which is also one of the few that come to mind that doesn't follow the above formula. Flame away if you will, just my opinion!

Somehow you are right, but I think there is a certain pattern in his musicals. There is always a package of three plays which sound somehow the same. Starting with the double pack of, Evita and Jesus, followed by Cats and Starlight, then you have Phantom, Sunset and then Whistle down the wind and Woman in White. Even samesome parts of the score are used in more than one show, which makes him more a musical recycler. If this is brilliant or just boring, who knows, he sure made a lof of money, and people obviously like it.

 

[Rence]

I am a Broadway musical fanatic. My iPod is full of original cast albums. I adore almost all musicals - however Phantom isn't one of them.

I remember when it first opened and I rushed out to get the CD - I listened and thought it was OK, I liked a few numbers but for the most part I was somewhat indifferent. Saw a touring company years later. Liked it, sort of, but didn't love it. Saw the movie, liked it but didn't love it. Would still say that I was mostly indifferent to the show.

Just got back from Vegas where we went to see Phantom - the Las Vegas spectacular - well that did in fact change my opinion of Phantom once and for all - and it is now official - I have moved from indifferent - to dislike.

I was so bored through the show - I really could care less about the Phantom, Christine and all the others. The Phantom seems more a pest than a true menace. Christine is a whiny little girl who more or less brings everything on herself. Raoul seems rather pointless - out of no where he suddenly developes feelings for Christine.

I wish I had gone to see Spamalot instead.

 

[Sully72]

Exactly.