Norm came as a keystone speaker to a theatre conference a little while ago, and I asked him what his dream role was. He chuckled and said "You know it probably will never happen, but I would love to be the phantom." One of the nicest, most humble people I've ever met. Congrats, Norm.
@@b.d6642 Yes. But we are not blood related to each other. His mother’s mother was my paternal grandmother’s first cousin. His father’s father is my husbands grandmother’s brother.
I love sierra so much and norm of course but her answer when he asked how it felt to be sexy with norm "awesome have you seen him even in the makeup... hot" lol the way she said it I was dieing
I suppose the next you know is there will be an first Asian-American performer portraying Erik. Or a first African-American actress to portray Christine. Imagine that.
EmilyGreene1984 Why should it make a difference the color of the performer? You can bring words to action through anyone ethnicity, all you have to do is have an open mind.
Anita Davis I think the point is that its a milestone in theater history with such an iconic role. I agree though, the voice and acting skill is what should matter!
Wow. Just from this interview, Norm seems really nice. I love how he talked about energies of past Phantoms in the theater. It's true. There's a spirituality to theater that sometimes gets forgotten, but it shouldn't be. After all, what were actors, originally, in the Grecian theater? Priests. We shouldn't forget those who've played roles before us, whether they're still with us or have passed on, and with that in mind, I've love for an in-depth interview with Norm on his thoughts about not just Phantoms from the ALW show's long history, but the history of the story of "Phantom" as well. What does he think of Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, Herbert Lom? What does he think of the novel? Does he believe "the Opera Ghost really existed"?
I can't say I blame the audience for freaking out. I'd totally would be to and embarrassing myself by yelling out at the top of my lungs "I love you Norm, woo!!!"
Norm is of high quality indeed. Get over yer disgusting discrminition, people; I can't believe that's still going on in this day and age. Get used to seeing Phantom of different colors already. If you can't, just close your eyes then. Maybe you'll get to enjoy his beautiful voice. Or just keep it to your high and mighty selves.
I understand that to some people having a black phantom is not "accurate." However not everything in the musical is accurate. Like Christine's masquerade dress
Maria A. Saraswati He made a similar joke about casting Alex Brightman in the lead role of _School Of Rock_ , it maybe his standard joke about all his leading actors.
Robert Guillaume was the first African-American to play the role, people! Get that straight! Did he play Broadway? No, but he took over for Michael Crawford in LA and that should be noted.
What bothers me is why people still make a big deal about an african american playing a major role in broadway. I thought in America we've gotten passed focusing on color. I get it he's the first black phantom but as far as I'm concerned he's a great performer who should have no judgement based on his skin color. Lets celebrate his talent not color.
there was another one called robert guillaume, to be honest i don't care what skin color they are as long as they can act, sing and are nice people i mean norm did great as javert having seen the 25th anniversary of les mis and he,s done great as the phantom.
The one true phantom is Ramin and I would love him to join Sierra again. Hugh Panaro was a great phantom for my first experience watching! By the way Ramin is Iranian so technically he was the first non Caucasian phantom. But a great break in scene for Norm £B
does this mean that I have a chance of playing porgy in porgy and bess!? that has some of my favorite songs in it. there is no hate or racism in this comment by the way; it is a mere jest with a hint of hopefulness.
. It is a stipulation of the Gershwin estate that the opera only be performed with a black cast. Although in this age of non-traditional casting, maybe they could be persuaded to change that directive.
I'm an English baritone living in Ireland. I'd be grateful for any feedback on my RUclips recital of MUSIC OF THE NIGHT. Other musical theatre recitals include BRING HIM HOME, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, and others. Thank you. Andrew Hawcroft.
Norm came as a keystone speaker to a theatre conference a little while ago, and I asked him what his dream role was. He chuckled and said "You know it probably will never happen, but I would love to be the phantom." One of the nicest, most humble people I've ever met. Congrats, Norm.
Norm had humble beginnings and came from a humble family. Both my husband and I are both related to Norm. He is a great person.
@@almd8673 you don't mean that both of you are blood related to him right?
@@b.d6642 Yes. But we are not blood related to each other. His mother’s mother was my paternal grandmother’s first cousin. His father’s father is my husbands grandmother’s brother.
I love Sierra and norm. They are so fun to watch and have such a great friendship.
I love sierra so much and norm of course but her answer when he asked how it felt to be sexy with norm "awesome have you seen him even in the makeup... hot" lol the way she said it I was dieing
I suppose the next you know is there will be an first Asian-American performer portraying Erik. Or a first African-American actress to portray Christine. Imagine that.
Actually, in the recent Long Island high school production in Bay Shore (look it up on RUclips), they DID have an African-American Christine.
EmilyGreene1984 Why should it make a difference the color of the performer? You can bring words to action through anyone ethnicity, all you have to do is have an open mind.
Anita Davis I think the point is that its a milestone in theater history with such an iconic role. I agree though, the voice and acting skill is what should matter!
I love Norm and Sierra! They are so talented!
Wow. Just from this interview, Norm seems really nice. I love how he talked about energies of past Phantoms in the theater. It's true. There's a spirituality to theater that sometimes gets forgotten, but it shouldn't be. After all, what were actors, originally, in the Grecian theater? Priests. We shouldn't forget those who've played roles before us, whether they're still with us or have passed on, and with that in mind, I've love for an in-depth interview with Norm on his thoughts about not just Phantoms from the ALW show's long history, but the history of the story of "Phantom" as well. What does he think of Lon Chaney, Claude Rains, Herbert Lom? What does he think of the novel? Does he believe "the Opera Ghost really existed"?
you cant trust alw to not make it weird for 10 secs
I agree Serria Norm is hottt even in the makeup he is still hot.
I can't say I blame the audience for freaking out. I'd totally would be to and embarrassing myself by yelling out at the top of my lungs "I love you Norm, woo!!!"
Norm has been really inspiring for me. As a Hispanic/Latino/Indian girl it gives me hope that maybe I would have a chance to play Christine!
I love Norm so so much. His smile could cure cancer.
Did anyone else kind of tear up watching this? No? Just me? Okay :)
Norm is of high quality indeed. Get over yer disgusting discrminition, people; I can't believe that's still going on in this day and age. Get used to seeing Phantom of different colors already. If you can't, just close your eyes then. Maybe you'll get to enjoy his beautiful voice. Or just keep it to your high and mighty selves.
I understand that to some people having a black phantom is not "accurate." However not everything in the musical is accurate. Like Christine's masquerade dress
I thought you would bring up a bigger example like the absence of daroga (which is fine)
Norm Lewis has a fabulous voice!
I saw Norm perform in his first week
I am so happy for Norm! I think its amazing! I also like the white on black, I think it gives it a cool effect.
"i'm too old to propose to Sierra, but otherwise i would...." not creepy at all....
I do think he is joking he got a blooming wife we
L I think so anyway I am a girl and I would propose no kidding I fancy michael c
Well that explains why he casts her so much 😒
Maria A. Saraswati He made a similar joke about casting Alex Brightman in the lead role of _School Of Rock_ , it maybe his standard joke about all his leading actors.
@@TheBeautifulDisaster well he did actually ended up getting married to sara brightman
LOVE LOVE!
Robert Guillaume was the first African-American to play the role, people! Get that straight! Did he play Broadway? No, but he took over for Michael Crawford in LA and that should be noted.
Somebody who actually knows something yay!!
Yeah, it was Benson!
"Awesome. Have you seen him? Even in the makeup. Hot" Yes, Sierra, yes!
Esses dois são fantásticos! !
What bothers me is why people still make a big deal about an african american playing a major role in broadway. I thought in America we've gotten passed focusing on color. I get it he's the first black phantom but as far as I'm concerned he's a great performer who should have no judgement based on his skin color. Lets celebrate his talent not color.
there was another one called robert guillaume, to be honest i don't care what skin color they are as long as they can act, sing and are nice people i mean norm did great as javert having seen the 25th anniversary of les mis and he,s done great as the phantom.
I love Sierra
Anyone know where I can hear him sing? I really want to hear him
Norm is handsome and he also played Javert in Les Mis
Saw this guy in June. I don't think the Phantom has ever made me cry that much. I now prefer a black Phantom haha.
well he isn't the first ever black phantom ever, on broadway yes but not in US.Take Robert Guillaume for example so why all the fuss
Maybe it was a large gap between the last one and norm
The one true phantom is Ramin and I would love him to join Sierra again. Hugh Panaro was a great phantom for my first experience watching! By the way Ramin is Iranian so technically he was the first non Caucasian phantom. But a great break in scene for Norm £B
Ramin is so very far from being the first non-Caucasian Phantom. This show had a long and varied history before he took on the role.
Really?interesting
Phantasma98 Yes, really.
Ramin is White. He's not Iranian either. He's Canadian but born in Iran.
Ok informative many thanx
Why did they keep Sierra?
Because she is the Goddess of this role
@@klc4023 true
Javert too
does this mean that I have a chance of playing porgy in porgy and bess!? that has some of my favorite songs in it. there is no hate or racism in this comment by the way; it is a mere jest with a hint of hopefulness.
. It is a stipulation of the Gershwin estate that the opera only be performed with a black cast. Although in this age of non-traditional casting, maybe they could be persuaded to change that directive.
*starts singing O' I got plenty oh nothin!"
:)
I thought there already was a black Phantom???
Not on broadway.
I'm an English baritone living in Ireland. I'd be grateful for any feedback on my RUclips recital of MUSIC OF THE NIGHT. Other musical theatre recitals include BRING HIM HOME, SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, and others. Thank you. Andrew Hawcroft.
It must be weird kissing her Dad...lol
Ramin better
I love Norm, but I didn't like his Erik. When compared to JOJ, Ramin, Hugh, etc., I thought he fell a little flat.
He is new to the role. give him a bit of time and I believe that he will come into things more :)
I liked how he tried to take the character in a new direction