AnOperaGhost

The continued diverse casting that we have seen since 2021 has been great to see (even if it took decades to get there). But seeing as London has had five Christine’s of color in three years and not one Phantom, manager, or Piangi of color in the same time, one starts to wonder if there is a limit to how much diversity they are looking for.

Hello again! With the Broadway production closing, I thought it time to give some love to the original and some of those who have helped it last so long. We start off with my phavorite Broadway Phantoms.

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A look at the different replica ‘Point of Bo Return’ staging’s.

A sequel to my analysis on Christine’s costumes, this time with the Phantom’s!

After an unexpected break (including a couple weeks with Covid) I am back with another episode! A pretty long one that includes the upcoming London cast change, another Broadway first, news about the Australian Tour, and a talk about online comments in recent weeks.

Almost an entire company (current and incoming) found out through social media that the show they were in would be closing a year earlier than expected. Without me telling you which show, this situation could apply to many. Because sadly, this is still an issue since social media became the way of communicating with a lot of people at once. But when a lot of dreams and paychecks are being affected, it’s perhaps best to let your company know first before strangers on the internet.

The first outdoor production of Phantom is here!

The Restaged Tours often get a lot of criticism, which I think is warranted to an extent. However, I do think there were parts that deserve some recognition. Even if they didn’t surpass the original, there are several aspects that I want to toss some appreciation to!

What do you get when you mix Maria Bjornson costumes with a brain that analyzes everything? This weeks episode!

Phantom will always be my #1, ride or die, all time favorite musical. But there are a lot of other shows that I enjoy. Let’s see how our favorite lists line up!

Madame Giry is a character that often isn’t talked about, most likely because she is such a mysterious one. To me, that is what makes her such an interesting one. This week, I discuss the subtle changes to her character between some adaptations and also analyze the importance of ‘Madame Giry’s Tale’.

Been meaning to do this since December! A short list of actors that have been in Phantom and Sondheim musicals, in honor of the late composer and lyricist.

If Covid had to exist, one thing it has given us is a new level of appreciation for what understudies, standbys, etc. go through to ‘make the show go on’. With the newest variant, understudies have been more than overworked due to the amount of actors that have had to call out after getting sick. Here are 20 understudies (out of many) that I personally love!

Between both flagship productions, we currently have 8 Christine’s and 9 Phantom’s. That’s a lot of Erikstine! So who’s my favorite?

Merry Christmas! Apologies for not posting; the holidays, personal things, and a little not-Covid cold has kept me busy. This week, I wanted to have a little talk and get some things off of my chest.

A look at the parallels between the Phantom and Raoul’s lines in the show.

A little discussion about the change made to the mirror bride.

If a pandemic had to happen, I think a bright spot has been real steps forward in making theatre more inclusive. The diversity in casting we’ve seen in shows like Phantom has brought myself and others so much joy. Overdue joy, but joy nevertheless. But while people like Norm Lewis, Ali Ewoldt, and Lucy St. Louis have gotten (well deserved) recognition, there are many other people of color who have been in Phantom over the years who haven’t. For this week’s episode, I talk about 10 POC that have been in Phantom over the years.

October 22, 2021— the return of Broadway’s longest running show! Phantom is officially back on Broadway where it belongs. This week, I go over some changes that have been implemented to the production, what celebrations happened on reopening night, the Christine schedule for November, and include a little clip of Broadway’s first black Christine!

Bit of a different format this week; let me know how you like it! Going over 10 of the longest running Phantom’s, along with some audio of them!

A list that changes up a bit on a pretty consistent basis. See if you can guess who some of them are!

A bit of a different topic! I mostly see Phantom in New York, which can be a very hectic and unfamiliar place. Having some tips can be very helpful for your day of fun!

My favorite (and least favorite) casts I have seen live!

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This week, I look at the 2004 movie and what I think are the strongest, weakest, and ugliest parts.

If nothing else, I have finally been able to listen to most of the POTO soundtracks during the pandemic. Have you listened to all of them as well?

Which Phantom songs make my top 10 list?!

This past Tuesday (July 27, 2021), the London production reopened! It’s been a long 16 months without Phantom on the West End. What stayed the same and what changes were made? Listen to find out!

The very beginnings of the show were first performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sydmonton estate in 1985. How was it different from what we know now? Who was the very first trio? Come find out!

Christine Daae’s wardrobe in the ALW musical is iconic. This week, I thought it might be fun to give my personal ranking of her costumes!

10 of the many Christine’s that don’t get enough love. There is also a companion post to this on my Tumblr, marleneoftheopera. Check it out!

We’ve reached 10 episodes! This week I talk about the now fully announced Australian production cast and my thoughts on them!

Looking at the Christine’s who did the show without an alternate!

A reminder that theatre is an industry, and every industry has its problems. Hopefully, this story and others will start making theatre the safe space it should be on and off the stage.

A look at both sides of some of the biggest debates between ‘phans’ and my opinions on them.

A longer episode with our first guest! A fellow phan talks with me about their favorite Masquerade costumes and the differences and details in them!

About 2 weeks late, but better late than never! Celebrating the Japanese production, which has reached 33 years!

The Broadway production has announced its opening and released tickets! Going over the Broadway, talking about the other upcoming productions, and the new schedule changes!

Lucy St. Louis makes history as London’s first black Christine!

Theatre is an industry. And like any industry, it has its issues. Many of which have been brought to light in the last year with the pandemic. Let’s talk about theatre and diversity. Or perhaps, a lack of it.