REVIEW: Happy 25th Birthday PHANTOM!

So today marks a major milestone in Broadway history. It is the 25th anniversary of the opening of Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. While tonight's performance, in honor of the birthday, is "invite only," I was luckily able to see the show last night (obviously with the same cast as tonight's celebration will have).

I had never seen PHANTOM live before, but have had heavy exposure. I knew every word to the cast recording, had seen the movie with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum, and had seen the filmed live version of the London 25th anniversary (w/Sierra Boggess who is Christine on Broadway now).

Seeing it live was an experience unlike any other PHANTOM experience I have had. From the opening chords of the overture through curtain call I was engaged in the magic that was happening on stage, proving how this show survived 25 years on Broadway.

First, I need to start with the performances (because that's the first thing I pay attention to at any show). Sierra Boggess IS Christine. While I've heard her sing Christine before, seeing her play the role was amazing. I wish Tony Awards were given out for replacements still because less than a week into her run with the show, she was flawless. Hugh Panaro as the Phantom was unique. Vocally he sounded phenomenal and he acted the part extremely well, but it was a very different Phantom than I have ever been exposed to. It was not the dark, ominous, deep (vocally) Phantom, but rather a more insecure, almost clown-like (in the classical sense) representation of the Phantom. It was by no means bad, it was just unexpected.

In terms of the supporting roles, I didn't love Kyle Barisch's Raoul. Again, it was vocally flawless (as was everything in this production), but it didn't have that certain spark that I feel the character needs. Based on his representation (SPOILER ALERT) I don't get why Christine chose him over the Phantom. Ellen Harvey (who I have seen in 3 different shows this year, check out my rave for her in INTO THE WOODS here) was phenomenal as Madame Giry. She was in a role in which she could shine as an actress. She fits exactly what Giry needs to be, a strong actress who can play strict well with a gorgeous voice. And lastly, Kara Klein, who plays Meg, was exactly what I always find Meg to be, bland, boring, and annoying. Except that's not the actress' fault, it's just how the character is written.

Now, technically this show is gorgeous. I won't give much away, but the sets and costumes were phenomenal, its hard to think they've looked this good for 25 years. Also, the lighting was great, with some really good aesthetic choices, but not at all over the top.

After seeing this performance, I understand how it has lasted so long and why it is one of the world's favorite musicals, and I look forward to seeing the show again at its 50th anniversary performance.

Here's a video of Sierra singing her opening aria, "Think of Me."

CASTING UPDATE: Readings & Picnics

It's been a quiet few weeks on the Great White Way for all things not REBECCA, but here are some of the recent casting updates of note!!

- PICNIC, opening in January at the American Airlines Theatre, will star Reed Birney as Howard Bevans, Maggie Grace as Madge Owens, Elizabeth Marvel as Rosemary Sydney, Sebastian Stan as Hal Carter, Mare Winningham as Flo Owens, Ellen Burstyn as Helen Potts, Madeleine Martin as Millie Owens, Ben Rappaport as Alan Seymour, Cassie Beck as Christine Schoenwalde, Maddie Corman as Irma Kronkite and Chris Perfetti as Bomber.

- A reading of the new musical SOAP DISH, will star Kristin Chenoweth, Jane Krakowski, Cristin Milioti, John Stamos, Anne L. Nathan, Michael Park, Miriam Shor and Daniel Torres. The musical has no timetable for any future productions.

- The PRINCE OF BROADWAY, based on the career of Hal Prince, held a presentation in NYC starring Sierra Boggess, LaChanze, Josh Girsetti, Emily Skinner, and more. I hope this does well and gets a production in NY soon!

REBECCA Sets (New) Opening Date

After being postponed from this season on Broadway, the new musical REBECCA is officially set to open at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 18th, with previews starting October 30th.

Principal casting has not been announced yet, it was originally scheduled to star Sierra Boggess, who no longer can be attached due to PRINCE OF BROADWAY.

"The cast of REBECCA will feature Karen Mason (Sunset Boulevard, Mamma Mia!) as Mrs. Danvers, two-time Tony Award nominee Howard McGillin (The Phantom of the Opera) as Frank Crawley, James Barbour (Beauty and the Beast, A Tale of Two Cities) as Jack Favell, Donna English (Lend Me A Tenor) as Beatrice de Winter, Nick Wyman (Les Miserables) as Giles and Henry Stram as Ben."

Scott Alan Announces Songs/Singers for Live Album/Concert

Scott Alan has started announcing the upcoming songs and singers for his upcoming live album/concert. The concert will take place on April 30th, with an album release later this fall. Check out the list below.

1. Louise Dearman & Julia Murney - And There It Is/Magic
2. Natalie Weiss - I'm a Star
3. Sierra Boggess & Jane Monheit - Always/Goodnight
4. RJ Helton - Blessing
5. Willemijn Verkaik - Say Goodbye
6. Richard Fleeshman - The Distance You Have Come
7. Caissie Levy - Kiss the Air
8. Laura Osnes - Now
9. Kerry Ellis - Never Neverland (Fly Away)
10. Hadley Fraser & Ramin Karimloo - Take Me Away (Studio Recording)*
11. Raena White - Anymore*
12. Melissa Van Der Schyff - Surrender
13. Stephanie J. Block - Watch Me Soar
14. Pentatonix - Love, Love, Love
15. Marc Broussard - In This Moment*
16. Scott Alan - Ignited By a Dream*
17. Liz Callaway & Ann Hampton Callaway - Home
18. Lea Salonga - Look (A Rainbow)*
19. Christiane Noll - Again
20. Mykail Kilgore - Free*
21. Jeremy Jordan - Please Don't Let Me Go
22. Alexander Sage Oyen & I'm A Star Finalists - I've Already Won*

*Song never previously released on a recording (Not having an asterick does not mean the song was recorded by the person singing it for the concert though)

**This is the order as announced by Scott Alan on Twitter, not necessarily the order of the concert or tracklisting for CD.

Alan also has announced that Ben Fankhauser (Newsies) and Pentatonix will also perform at the concert. These are awesome choices and Pentatonix will be different, but in a good way.

Which are you most excited for? Comment below!

PRINCE OF BROADWAY to Hit Broadway in November

PRINCE OF BROADWAY, the new musical about 21 time Tony Award Winner Harold Prince, will officially hit Broadway in November at an unnamed theatre. Prince will direct the musical and Susan Stroman will choreograph. The book will be written by David Thompson.

Linda Lavin (The Lyons) and Sierra Boggess (Love Never Dies, Master Class) will star. The rest of the cast includes Sebastian Arcelus (Elf, Jersey Boys), Sierra Boggess (Master Class, The Little Mermaid), Tony Award nominee Daniel Breaker (Shrek the Musical, Passing Strange), Josh Grisetti (Enter Laughing, the Musical; After the Ball), Tony Award winner Shuler Hensley (Young Frankenstein, Oklahoma!), Richard Kind (The Producers, “Spin City”), Amanda Kloots-Larsen (Follies – 2011), Tony Award winner LaChanze (The Color Purple, Once on this Island), Caroline O’Connor (Chicago, Moulin Rouge), Tony Award nominee David Pittu (Is He Dead?, Lovemusik) and Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner (Billy Elliot, Side Show). [Broadwayworld.com]

Due to this commitment, Sierra Boggess will no longer star as "I" in the upcoming musical REBECCA, originally set to open this spring, but will now open in the fall after securing the necessary funding.

This is a great cast and is bound to be a great production.

REBECCA Back on Track for Broadway

REBECCA, the new musical that was set to open earlier this spring, but was derailed due to funding is back on track for a fall 2012 opening at the Broadhurst theatre after A Streetcar Named Desire closes this summer.

No casting has been announced yet for the upcoming production, but Sierra Boggess was attached to the project before it got postponed.

We'll see if it actually happens this time...

UPDATE: Sierra Boggess will not be starring as planned due to PRINCE OF BROADWAY. Her replacement will be announced in the coming weeks

Scott Alan Announces Performers for Live CD/Concert

Composer Scott Alan (whom I love) has announced the performers for his April 30th Birdland concert which will be recorded and released as his first ever live CD. The event is already sold out, so there is no hope of getting tickets. Guess we will all have to wait for the live CD due out this fall.

The artists include Shoshana Bean, Stephanie J. Block (Anything Goes, 9 to 5), Sierra Boggess (Love Never Dies, Master Class), Liz Callaway, Ann Hampton Callaway, Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis (Wicked), Christopher Jackson, Jeremy Jordan (Newsies, Bonnie & Clyde), Mykal Kilgore, Caissie Levy (Hair, Ghost), Stuart Matthew Price, Lea Salonga (Les Miserables), Melissa van der Schyff, Oliver Tompsett, Willemijn Verkaik, Natalie Weiss, and Raena White as well as Marc Broussard and RJ Helton. There will also be an unknown as chosen through Alan's I'm a Star Contest.

Songs that I know will be performed will be Natalie Weiss singing "I'm a Star" and Sierra Boggess singing "Always." I'm not sure what else will make the cut.

In addition, there will be a pre-recorded bonus track featuring Ramin Karimloo (Love Never Dies) and Hadley Fraser (Pirate Queen) which I am super excited for.

I love Scott Alan's music and most of the performers announced. I CANNOT wait to hear this live album. It will be AMAZING!!!