There are so many wonderful performers that have had roles in this musical, but I will focus on those that I have seen or that have particularly appealed to me in some way.
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First is Michael Crawford…I couldn’t leave out the original Phantom! He was the first one I ever heard sing the Music of the Night, and it helped to solidify my obsession with that song. I never had the good fortune to see him in the role of the Phantom, but I can imagine that it was amazing! For a great site on Michael, try: Michael Crawford Online. |
Ethan Freeman. I’ve seen him more than any other Phantom, and he is my favorite Phantom that I have seen live so far. His singing is wonderful, and his acting is even more amazing. The way he plays Erik is exactly the way I imagine Erik to be. And to top it all off, he’s a really nice guy! 🙂 Find much more about Ethan at The Ethan Freeman Website! |
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Anthony Warlow. I have never had the opportunity to see this man’s Phantom, but what I have heard has just been incredible. His vocal ability is beyond compare. I’ve heard he was brilliant when he performed it, and I’m sure that his performance would be even better if he were to do it again now!! Check out the Official Anthony Warlow Site for much more. |
Peter Karrie. A Phantom I travelled a few kilometres to see. 😉 He was incredible!! His voice is wonderful, and there were so many extra touches that he brought to the role that I just loved!! Please visit the Peter Karrie Home Page for lots more! |
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Thomas James O’Leary. Another Phantom that I had to travel quite a distance to see…and it was well worth it! He is probably my second favourite Phantom out of the many wonderful ones I’ve seen. His voice was great, and his acting was just incredible! His angel scene was simply the best one I’ve ever seen…I was crying well into the intermission. 🙂 I actually learned about him through his fan club, so if you’re interested in knowing more, visit the Thomas James O’Leary Shrine! |
Ciaran Sheehan. Another of my favorite Phantoms! (Yes, there are quite a few of them! 🙂 I did get to see him live as well, and his performance was really wonderful. He is a fabulous singer, so I was surprised to learn that he didn’t consider himself one!! Visit Chloe’s Ciaran Sheehan page for another fan’s perspective! |
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Sarah Brightman (with Anthony Warlow in picture). She was my favorite Christine for a long time, and although she no longer is, I still think that she was important in the development of the role. You know, ’cause the role was written for her and everything. 😉 Her voice is very distinctive and pretty. And you have to admire anyone who can hit that note at the end of the song Phantom of the Opera like that!! For Sarah sites, visit the official Sarah Brightman Website. |
Teresa de Zarn. She was one of the very first Christines I saw, and I just had the pleasure of seeing her again. I think I like her more everytime I hear her!! She is really fabulous, and has such a lovely voice. |
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Sylvia Rhyne. She was part of the best overall cast I’ve seen to date, and I loved her Christine! Her voice was very pretty, but it was her acting that really made her stand out for me. You could see that her Christine really did love Erik, and that made the choice at the end that much more difficult and touching. Visit the Official Sylvia Rhyne Home Page for more info! |
Doug LaBrecque. Yup, I’m talking about him again! 🙂 I haven’t been lucky enough to see him as the Phantom, although I’ve heard from people who have that it is fabulous! I DID see him as Raoul, (4 times now!!) and his performance was incredible, so I can only imagine what his Phantom would be like!! I hope that I will have the chance to see him perform it sometime soon! Please visit my Official Doug LaBrecque Website for more information about this wonderful performer! |
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Michael Ball. I can’t resist the chance to talk about this man! 🙂 He was, of course, Raoul in the London production, and I think I would have been compelled to give Raoul a chance had I seen Michael in the role! Check out my Michael Ball page, with links to other great sites. |
Kim Stengel. I’ve seen her as Carlotta 4 times (plus once as Madame Firmin, a long time ago! :-), and she is by far my favourite Carlotta! Her Carlotta is almost innocently arrogant, if such a thing is possible. 🙂 There are so many little individual characteristics she brings to the character, and it’s always fun to watch her! For more about Kim, visit her section in the Carlotta Shrine! |
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