Cooper--beautiful vocals and wtf acting. Favorite part: Christine uncovers black shroud...phantom panics...looks to escape....and chooses the top of table in middle of set lol lmao!!
+Gracie Galahad To each his/her own. I give props where props are due--his baritone is lush. His acting--sorry to say--is laughable . I wish they'd go back to the Brad Little/Gary Mauer/John Cudioa caliber performers.
+Gracie Galahad Just saw Chris last night in Louisville. He started off strong but got worse through the night. He ran on top of the damn table too. SMH!!!!!
Chloe so I saw a similar tour, the way the stage is it that the whole thing moves that’s one of the less put together of them because it’s a tour cast but this big circle thing comes around and moves and they change it but it looks really cool
People don’t like this version, but I personally LOVE this. The Spanish dancing scene is beautiful, and I love the characters and the choreography, and the use of the table was beautiful
An excerpt of the Phantom’s thoughts during this scene: “How do I quickly escape from the police forces that are about to *shoot* me? I know! I’ll just hop up on the table!”
I like the parts when she danced on the table and stomped her feet to the rhythm of the song, but it just isn't the same. like, the original when they held hands at that one part, it just isn't the same without it.
I know. I just really love exploring and finding other versions, because sometimes I stick to a particular actor whi played a scene the best (in my opinnion of course) and it's good to see sth new
The opera the Phantom wrote was a Spanish opera- thus the costumes- maybe they just went with that theme a little more here. The original still has Spanish elements to the music as well.
I hate how she just runs away and he chased her instead of dragging her. In fact I hate everything about this tour. I hate how the phantoms younger and he loses his commanding older mysterious guy persona.
peculiar_violinist idk why people hate it so much. I’ve seen both the tour and broadway and I think broadway focuses on the romance and grandeur, and the tour focuses more on the horror of what was happening and pain of the phantom
Ummm what? I have seen many versions of point of no return but I have never seen one like this before. Especially never have seen Christine or the Phantom dancing together or on the table that's just weird in my opnion.
The song is about seduction if you listen to the lyrics. I personally prefer this one because it actually has something to do with the song and she ahs an idea that its the Phantom but she isnt sure so thats why she takes the cloak off his face. Like I said, the song is generally about men seducting women or its the other way around and it shows both sides, like when shes on the table.. he has control and has seducted her and when she lowers her hand and he sits.. she has control of him. Look man.
I think everyone knows this song is about seduction, really. And in all fairness, your comment about control is something that's present in the song in the original blocking: at first, the Phantom is the one touching Christine and compelling her to do things, but then Christine takes control and starts being the one touching the Phantom back. I find this version to be much less about seduction, because the Phantom and Christine seem far less intimate - half the time, they're dancing (and not really in a sensual way, in a way that looks contrived), or barely touching. It feels far less like a seduction in the restaged version, IMO.
The blocking is so overwrought that in several scenes Christine just pointlessly as to march around the table, taking away opportunity for her to, ya know, REACT to the lyrics. In an effort to make this "more sexy" (which I THINK is what they were going for?) it ends up feeling less so because they have to constantly re-position themselves (vs. just FEELING the music). What a shame. Cooper's voice is lovely.
Okay I know I'm way behind on all the indignation for the restaged tour but WHAT IS HAPPENING WHAT IS THIS. I can barely watch. It's so embarrassing. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the performers are embarrassed doing this...it's just so painful. Why. Why. Why.
When you see it live it’s really amazing and magical I got to see it earlier this year and it was amazing, also actors have done way more “embarrassing” things I mean I was the spotlight operator for Spring Awakening and if you know the show it went about as week as it could considering people have sex on stage and also was in spots for Carnival and the main character had to pretend that the puppets where real people
I was so exited about the new US tour ....and then I saw the new production. Christine is supposed to be terrified at times throughout this scene and we don't get that quite as much here. No matter how gorgeous the new sets are they just pale in comparison to the originals.
selenite1 I disagree that she’s supposed to be terrified the whole time, even though she is scared of him she is also incredibly attracted to him, hence the whole Phantom vs. Raoul debate. Plus depending on the actor playing her / direction, she learns it’s the phantom under the cloak at a different point in the song, here I think it was when he put his hands over her eyes
I saw the show twice on Broadway (I want to say in 98 and again in 2002 or 2003) and I agree in those stagings she was scared even going so far as to have him grab her in the middle of singing and her trying to break free. This ones seems more like she is knows its him and she is trying to seduce him (Or let him think she wants to seduce him so she can take his mask off). Also the police don't come on in the middle of the song: the managers due and point and she nods to them because they are putting two and two together that the phantom is on stage. They don't want the audience to freak out so why the hell would they let the cops run on stage?
Wait this is broadway staging now? I saw it in the 90s in Rhode Island and 2000 in New York the year before the towers fell. I don’t remember a buffet table. Thought it was more like the movie with Gerard butler.
as everyone else has stated, this is painfully awkward and unnecessary... But I do love the times in which the phantom mirrors Christine's movements/vice versa..
I feel like that sums up the re-staged tour perfectly. Completely pointless and stupid changes to things that didnt need to be changed for no other reason other than "lets change this!' and ultimately making it jarringly terrible and distracting.
Damn I didn’t know that many people hated it. The phantom was more of the one being seduced and the victim in this. I liked the change just not the Phantom’s voice
While I believe Grace was who I saw as Christine, I had a different Phantom. As much as I always prefer the original staging, they didn't have the tango bits when I saw it, and instead had an interesting moment half-way through where Christine realizes that, as much power as the Phantom holds over her, she holds the same power over him. She flips the dynamic and takes the lead in any further choreographing, going so far as to bend him back over the table. I still prefer the original, but I didn't mind that take on things.
It’s such a shame, because PONR in my opinion is the most beautiful and pivotal moment of the show. This new version is just... absurd in the worst way. It extracts all the sensuality and transparent sexual energy and EXTREME cathartic nature of self that is evoked in this song. This just feels so staged and robotic. It’s really fucking horrible. There is no heart in this. It makes me really sad because this is my favorite part of the show and it’s being thrown away.
There are few parts I really like, though I much prefer the other version. I like when she kicks him off, when he carries her, and when he holds her. Though, I found it really awkward. And she's supposed to be dragged and terrified. That seemed like a really important part to add, so what a shame that they took it off
Well, I was very, very entertained... Not in the way I classically like to be smitten with this scene. There's no sensuality or mystique...but damn did I laugh out loud! Like, what the actual fuck kind of blocking was that?!?! Why the fuck was the Phantom on the table? And why did Christine snatch his hair and run? Freaking hilarious. It felt like satire. But to be fair, the actor playing the Phantom has a gorgeous, buttery voice. I'm going to blindfold myself and play this again, but imagine old school West End or Broadway choreography. 😂
5:44 all I can hear is bobsheaux in his phantom review at this very point. His 'he is right there, why aren't you shooting your guns at him?' And then his fake gun firing.
I thought it a lovely and moving performance. Confused on all the negativity. So the choreography was changed a bit, big deal? Their voices are amazing, and scene still evokes the strange mixture of fear/attraction/curiosity that Christine feels towards the phantom. Very well done.
When Christine started lying back on the table I was shouting at my laptop "Get a room!" And what is with the tangoing on the stage?????? Sorry......Cooper your voice is beautiful......but that acting is just......there are no words to describe it :/
Personally, this tour seems to have invested less in the production of stage designs, costumes and choreography, compared with West End or Broadway Productions.
My best friend and I caught the tour at the Kennedy Center when we were in DC and though I don't enjoy the blocking in this video, watching live she and I both really loved this scene. The leads we saw were actually different understudies but in my opinion here at least they were much much better. The scene brought a touch of dark humour and larger-than-life feel for the production within the production while still being seductive and desperate. The Christine we saw was also much more languid in movement, which made the leg lifts, twirls, ect more pleasing to watch.
I actually don t understand the negative comments. Im obessed with Phanthom of the Opera, i have watched hours of this song, and this is in my opinion the absolutne best version! The voices are incredible, the emotions from dancing. I can feel more from the moves, the erotic tension. I absolutely love this version.
+Tsumi Megami It's a trick, that's what it is. Christine (the female lead) was told that she'd be performing with someone, and they switched him out for the Phantom while she wasn't looking. You can see she realizes what happened but not until the middle of the song. So basically, what was supposed to be a seduction scene of an opera performance turned into the Phantom's plead to Christine.
That's not what i meant by this I know thus scene i know what it is I've seen it more than a thousand times because it's in my absolute favorite in The Phantom of The Opera I said this because i am absolutely insulted by this new staging and choreography.
Just making sure. It truly doesn't make sense though... Under 15 seconds after freaking out because the hood was removed, he's in the exact center of where everyone would look, up on a table no less! It would have made more sense for him to try and drag Christine in the direction he vanished, making sure to sing the All I Ask of You reprise along the way. Maybe she stops struggling for a moment in shock when he does? I also would've liked more of a struggle during the song, once Christine realizes what's going on... It's like she realizes, but then keeps completely playing along with zero sign of distress until it's almost time to reveal him...
Bubbles Bubbly Everything about this restaging feels extremely awkward and in now way gives off the tremendously beautiful feelings the original does.... This makes me sad....
This production is in no comparison to the REAL production. The cheap looking sets, the horrible new staging, the "updated" (downgraded) costumes and wigs. There is a reason this show has been running for 30 years in London. The fact that they felt it necessary to make such horribly unnecessary changes to the show really disturbs me. I cringe at the people who see this production as legit.
@5:38 Christine: *reveals his hood and hops backwards like a kid* Phantom holding out a long note: reeeeeeeeee-TURN! *Short gasp and Scurries off but then hops on the table*
Even though this is from at least 3 years ago, i just saw the us tour today and knew i was in for a treat when i saw the same table + chairs set up and immediately remembered this video. I can’t believe they are actually STILL using this horrible blocking-and that i had the (pleasure? Displeasure??) of seeing it live 😂 yikes
bizarre. it's like the directing tried to infuse some of the motif from the 2004 film.... not a fan... maybe i'm just set in my ways. though i laughed my ass off around 4:25 when after she hands him the chalice he "drinks" from it... even though his face is entirely shrouded. i guess it goes with the characters "acting" the Phantom's Don Juan... but still... im trying to imagine that the staging is wtf because it's the Phantom's interpretation in his creation but for some reason i don't think the directing of this production was going *that deep* with it.
angeltheya12. Yeah I saw it live in cinncinati , as our yearly band musical trip and everyone wasnt ready for that scene,(our director was like OK.....that happened) plus i was sitting next to only guys😂😂
What in the hell have they done to this show? I was going to get tix for it in Oct, but I'm seriously reconsidering after seeing this hot mess of a choreography job.
+maggie tsang Interestingly, I *think* it might be a callback to when the Phantom blindfolded Christine in 'Music of the Night' (yes, he blindfolds her in the restaged tour). I think that's why Christine gets so frightened when it happens, and it's possibly the moment when she guesses it's the Phantom, not Piangi, onstage with her. (IMO, it's also the only time anything in the song makes sense...)
No, I think the blindfold in MOTN is pretty silly too - it completely lacks in subtlety, like the director was going, "Hmm, we want the audience to know that the Phantom wants Christine to focus on the music and not what she sees. How shall we show that? I know, let's use a LITERAL BLINDFOLD." But I was talking about that one bit of blocking in PONR. At least they tried to do a callback.
+Glass Prism What I see of it just from this song is that maybe she knows the difference between Piangi's and the Phantom's hands. She would've rehearsed with Piangi, right? And the Phantom's hands might have seemed more... Insistent? Urgent? than her usual partner's. Just another thought on it, I didn't see the Music of the Night from this production. ~S
omg this was so weird to watch , what the hell was she doing at the table dancing like that? lmao? and him jumping i the table when the guards came in ahahahha
So here we have one of the greatest Phantoms, John Owen Jones, doing his awesome thing as Erik. Notice the sensuality and tasteful eroticism of the blocking: ruclips.net/video/UcnRL4N_baE/видео.html.
Was this tour after the movie? (I see it was uploaded after the movie not sure when it was recorded) If so maybe they were mimicking the movie? I agree the tango is weird. I like the older staging better but I guess after over 20 years...they have to change it up..
I saw Cooper Grodin in my city almost two years ago. I thought he was long gone? I could write an essay on the tragedy this tour is, but Grodin takes it to a bizarre new level. :38 - is he singing "preeey" in that horribly off-key way to intentionally sound eerie, or edgy? Or is that a mistake? That and countless other weird ways he sings/rushes through the songs made me want to crawl under my chair when I saw him live.On a more positive note, I saw this Christine live and I adore her clear, innocent voice. I saw Julia Udine as well, who is now on Broadway (the proper production) but I prefer this Christine (Grace).
Glass Prism Oh! Ok-I was thrown by the "published" date. I should have looked closer, thanks! Btw, I had no idea this was your video, either! (I REALLY wasn't paying attention!) I'm a subscriber and am forever grateful that you share your treasure trove of videos with us. :) I always respect your opinion on anything Phantom, so I am curious...what is your take on Cooper G? And this tour?
+keelieak I am not a fan of this tour at all. The sets are cool and there are some nice effects, but the blocking is really strange and un-subtle, while at the same time providing no interaction between characters. (Look at this scene, for example - it's like the director was practically yelling, "THIS IS ABOUT SEX" and tries to show it by cutting a massive slit up the Aminta dress so that you can see Christine's leg, but then they have Christine dancing on the table and not even touching the Phantom? It's so contradictory.) I think the actors do their best, which is why even though I'm really not a fan of Cooper Grodin's Phantom here, I'd still be willing to give him a chance in the original. Good blocking and directing can do wonders.
Policeman 1: "We've got him in trapped! Shoot him!" Policeman 2: "No, don't do it!" Policeman 1: "Why the heck not?!" Policeman 2: "I want to see how this ends."
Since the last thing we see from this scene is of him chasing her offstage, presumably he ran fast enough to catch up to her and then dragged her off to his lair.
@@PrismsofGlass makes sense. I remember another production in different country with a blonde Christine and she runs off but he doesn't run after her as quickly as in this version. I do like seeing Christine actually trying to run away rather than standing around shocked lol
Ok this staging, while a bit odd at times, is way better then how this is traditionally plays out. There's much more interaction between these two, more physical expression and passion , and they are both looking at each other a lot more. Not perfect but this is much better staging imo for this song.
Ok. Uncommon opinion. Don't hate me for that. I am also not a fan of the touring version. But I did like this scene. In fact, I thought it was very sensual. I don't think the video translates well the beauty of watching it live. AGAIN, I HATE THE TOURING VERSION. I thought they destroyed every single cool aspect from the original Phantom. No rising candles, no rising of the chandelier , nothing... Even Music of the Night they managed to butcher. I just didn't think this scene was bad.
O my God, this is horrible. Especially the part where Christine sings "when will the blood begin to race....." the original was beautiful already and they ruined it with this new choreography
Cooper--beautiful vocals and wtf acting. Favorite part: Christine uncovers black shroud...phantom panics...looks to escape....and chooses the top of table in middle of set lol lmao!!
Cooper I think has better acting. I personally don't like his voice that much. He has a nice vocal timbre
+Gracie Galahad
To each his/her own. I give props where props are due--his baritone is lush. His acting--sorry to say--is laughable . I wish they'd go back to the Brad Little/Gary Mauer/John Cudioa caliber performers.
+alanshore17 at least he was replaced by Chris Mann. He's a LOT better. They have recordings if you look around of him.
+Gracie Galahad Just saw Chris last night in Louisville. He started off strong but got worse through the night. He ran on top of the damn table too. SMH!!!!!
Alan, that's probably a directing thing. They likely have pretty strict blocking on the tour.
Well... I can say one good thing about this- Their voices are fantastic!
The voices are stunning, its too bad the staging couldn't have been better, but that was out of control of the actors.
Chloe so I saw a similar tour, the way the stage is it that the whole thing moves that’s one of the less put together of them because it’s a tour cast but this big circle thing comes around and moves and they change it but it looks really cool
People don’t like this version, but I personally LOVE this. The Spanish dancing scene is beautiful, and I love the characters and the choreography, and the use of the table was beautiful
An excerpt of the Phantom’s thoughts during this scene:
“How do I quickly escape from the police forces that are about to *shoot* me? I know! I’ll just hop up on the table!”
this Christine sounds like she she should be playing meg. but she's not bad at all. I actually like the power of the vocals on this version
Ikr
I actually love the dancing, it finally emphasises the rhythm, The voices are phenomenal
I like the parts when she danced on the table and stomped her feet to the rhythm of the song, but it just isn't the same. like, the original when they held hands at that one part, it just isn't the same without it.
I know. I just really love exploring and finding other versions, because sometimes I stick to a particular actor whi played a scene the best (in my opinnion of course) and it's good to see sth new
THE VOICES😱🙌🏻 christines is so light and girly it’s PERFECT!!!
wait..why are they tying to make it a tango?? and like she just snatched his weave and ran lmao
The opera the Phantom wrote was a Spanish opera- thus the costumes- maybe they just went with that theme a little more here. The original still has Spanish elements to the music as well.
Mmm flamenco, I believe... Not sure
It's flamenco. Erik's play 'Don Juan' takes place in Spain.
It would be interesting to see this as a tango.
I hate how she just runs away and he chased her instead of dragging her. In fact I hate everything about this tour. I hate how the phantoms younger and he loses his commanding older mysterious guy persona.
Ice Cream Yes, the whole restaged show was just a sin upon the musical theatre and humanity in itself...
peculiar_violinist idk why people hate it so much. I’ve seen both the tour and broadway and I think broadway focuses on the romance and grandeur, and the tour focuses more on the horror of what was happening and pain of the phantom
@@LittleLotteWandersit’s little lotte wanders herself!!!! Hi!
Christine's part at around 4:20 is one of the best of the versions I've heard.
Ummm what? I have seen many versions of point of no return but I have never seen one like this before. Especially never have seen Christine or the Phantom dancing together or on the table that's just weird in my opnion.
It's like they turned this song into a weird tango.
Agree, this is odd.
Kathryn D'Angelo ikr
It's a restaged version from recent yesrs
There are so many things wrong with this.. First they are dancing, and then she pretty much invites him to take her on the table! I mean, why?!
Well inviting him to do that doesn't seem outside of the realm of Don Juan Triumphant.
The song is about seduction if you listen to the lyrics. I personally prefer this one because it actually has something to do with the song and she ahs an idea that its the Phantom but she isnt sure so thats why she takes the cloak off his face. Like I said, the song is generally about men seducting women or its the other way around and it shows both sides, like when shes on the table.. he has control and has seducted her and when she lowers her hand and he sits.. she has control of him. Look man.
I think everyone knows this song is about seduction, really. And in all fairness, your comment about control is something that's present in the song in the original blocking: at first, the Phantom is the one touching Christine and compelling her to do things, but then Christine takes control and starts being the one touching the Phantom back. I find this version to be much less about seduction, because the Phantom and Christine seem far less intimate - half the time, they're dancing (and not really in a sensual way, in a way that looks contrived), or barely touching. It feels far less like a seduction in the restaged version, IMO.
True. But I stick to my opinion.
The point of return is a seduction-
Restaging the show was an absolute sin... I was so disappointed. But in this performance, I enjoy both of their voices.
LittleLotteWanders you totally need to make a video comparing the restaged version to the classic version
@@amandac9894 yesss I agree
Please do!
The blocking is so overwrought that in several scenes Christine just pointlessly as to march around the table, taking away opportunity for her to, ya know, REACT to the lyrics.
In an effort to make this "more sexy" (which I THINK is what they were going for?) it ends up feeling less so because they have to constantly re-position themselves (vs. just FEELING the music). What a shame. Cooper's voice is lovely.
Okay I know I'm way behind on all the indignation for the restaged tour but WHAT IS HAPPENING WHAT IS THIS. I can barely watch. It's so embarrassing. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the performers are embarrassed doing this...it's just so painful. Why. Why. Why.
I'm lost, too
Same. I feel like they HAVE to feel silly. I feel bad for them, giving their all just to have it overshadowed by this garbage "restaging"
When you see it live it’s really amazing and magical I got to see it earlier this year and it was amazing, also actors have done way more “embarrassing” things I mean I was the spotlight operator for Spring Awakening and if you know the show it went about as week as it could considering people have sex on stage and also was in spots for Carnival and the main character had to pretend that the puppets where real people
I was so exited about the new US tour ....and then I saw the new production. Christine is supposed to be terrified at times throughout this scene and we don't get that quite as much here. No matter how gorgeous the new sets are they just pale in comparison to the originals.
selenite1 I disagree that she’s supposed to be terrified the whole time, even though she is scared of him she is also incredibly attracted to him, hence the whole Phantom vs. Raoul debate. Plus depending on the actor playing her / direction, she learns it’s the phantom under the cloak at a different point in the song, here I think it was when he put his hands over her eyes
I saw the show twice on Broadway (I want to say in 98 and again in 2002 or 2003) and I agree in those stagings she was scared even going so far as to have him grab her in the middle of singing and her trying to break free. This ones seems more like she is knows its him and she is trying to seduce him (Or let him think she wants to seduce him so she can take his mask off). Also the police don't come on in the middle of the song: the managers due and point and she nods to them because they are putting two and two together that the phantom is on stage. They don't want the audience to freak out so why the hell would they let the cops run on stage?
Wait this is broadway staging now? I saw it in the 90s in Rhode Island and 2000 in New York the year before the towers fell. I don’t remember a buffet table. Thought it was more like the movie with Gerard butler.
I’m actually loving it ! I mean I wouldn’t want this version to be on broadway and west end but it’s nice to see something new :)
as everyone else has stated, this is painfully awkward and unnecessary... But I do love the times in which the phantom mirrors Christine's movements/vice versa..
exactly!!!
Why does Cooper sing a completely different note for "prey?" It's jarring.
I feel like that sums up the re-staged tour perfectly. Completely pointless and stupid changes to things that didnt need to be changed for no other reason other than "lets change this!' and ultimately making it jarringly terrible and distracting.
She took the Phantom's wig and made a break for it. Lol
SavvyDea WIG SNATCHED 👨🏼🦲
Damn I didn’t know that many people hated it. The phantom was more of the one being seduced and the victim in this. I liked the change just not the Phantom’s voice
Well... this was an interesting version...
The chemistry between them isn't there, in my opinion. Which is sad, because their voices are alright
also,when i was a kid my mom taught me NEVER to play on the kitchen table.
While I believe Grace was who I saw as Christine, I had a different Phantom. As much as I always prefer the original staging, they didn't have the tango bits when I saw it, and instead had an interesting moment half-way through where Christine realizes that, as much power as the Phantom holds over her, she holds the same power over him. She flips the dynamic and takes the lead in any further choreographing, going so far as to bend him back over the table. I still prefer the original, but I didn't mind that take on things.
The voices are really good but i don't understand the dance part still i love it
It’s such a shame, because PONR in my opinion is the most beautiful and pivotal moment of the show. This new version is just... absurd in the worst way. It extracts all the sensuality and transparent sexual energy and EXTREME cathartic nature of self that is evoked in this song. This just feels so staged and robotic. It’s really fucking horrible. There is no heart in this. It makes me really sad because this is my favorite part of the show and it’s being thrown away.
ERIK’S WIG WAS LITERALLY SNATCHED IM FCUDKKD HOWLING
There are few parts I really like, though I much prefer the other version. I like when she kicks him off, when he carries her, and when he holds her. Though, I found it really awkward. And she's supposed to be dragged and terrified. That seemed like a really important part to add, so what a shame that they took it off
Yeah, Erik. Proposing her on top of a table is really gentleman of you.
although it’s different than the usual i think it’s really cool and i love it
Maria Bjornson will be spinning in her grave at this. Absolutely dreadful. I've seen better amateur version than this travesty.
British?
flickymcbean She’s the one who designed this though?
Not this staging. I believe this one's (the restaged tour) directed by Cameron Mackintosh.
Ana Sofía A lot of the sets are based on some of her designs
Ryan Yes, it is based on her original designs, but this tour takes many liberties with them as well. The directing is what makes it suck.
I love Grace’s voice and her acting.
This blocking! OMG, it's laughable! None of the sophistication, sensuality and beauty of the original. I hate this.
Bonnie Anne Pinard agreed
I saw this on opening night in st louis us, and same blocking :( Was still good but yea, that and the chandelier non fall
Me too. I do not feel any sensation, any.
StephanieSTL I’ve seen the tour twice and it fell both times. That’s odd.
I know this is old but, I think that the movie and this version kept trying to turn this song into a weird tango. It’s not
Well, I was very, very entertained... Not in the way I classically like to be smitten with this scene. There's no sensuality or mystique...but damn did I laugh out loud! Like, what the actual fuck kind of blocking was that?!?! Why the fuck was the Phantom on the table? And why did Christine snatch his hair and run? Freaking hilarious. It felt like satire. But to be fair, the actor playing the Phantom has a gorgeous, buttery voice. I'm going to blindfold myself and play this again, but imagine old school West End or Broadway choreography. 😂
That lyric with the "and waits for it's prey" sound a little off doesn't it? At 0:35
Alexandria Canderand I believe he was so flat it was a half step lower
5:44 all I can hear is bobsheaux in his phantom review at this very point. His 'he is right there, why aren't you shooting your guns at him?' And then his fake gun firing.
I thought it a lovely and moving performance. Confused on all the negativity. So the choreography was changed a bit, big deal? Their voices are amazing, and scene still evokes the strange mixture of fear/attraction/curiosity that Christine feels towards the phantom. Very well done.
Ben Jacoby's voice is incredible
this choreography was just intense
The phantom rolled a nat 20 on his performance and persuasion checks.
When Christine started lying back on the table I was shouting at my laptop "Get a room!" And what is with the tangoing on the stage?????? Sorry......Cooper your voice is beautiful......but that acting is just......there are no words to describe it :/
“Get a room” BEST. COMMENT. EVER😂😂😂
This is such a joy to listen to.
Personally, this tour seems to have invested less in the production of stage designs, costumes and choreography, compared with West End or Broadway Productions.
Ok i like the table action its different and honestly needed
Wow this is pure passion
My best friend and I caught the tour at the Kennedy Center when we were in DC and though I don't enjoy the blocking in this video, watching live she and I both really loved this scene. The leads we saw were actually different understudies but in my opinion here at least they were much much better. The scene brought a touch of dark humour and larger-than-life feel for the production within the production while still being seductive and desperate. The Christine we saw was also much more languid in movement, which made the leg lifts, twirls, ect more pleasing to watch.
I actually don t understand the negative comments. Im obessed with Phanthom of the Opera, i have watched hours of this song, and this is in my opinion the absolutne best version! The voices are incredible, the emotions from dancing. I can feel more from the moves, the erotic tension. I absolutely love this version.
Is this official? Like, for real?! 'Cause this is ridiculously amateur.
I love their voices! Both are amazing singers. Too bad the blocking is deplorable.
This was uploaded 1 year and 364 days before my second time seeing Phantom, and 2 years before my 15th bday :P
Beautiful voices, but the performance is too erotic and partially ridiculous.
wh.... what the fuck is this
+Tsumi Megami It's a trick, that's what it is. Christine (the female lead) was told that she'd be performing with someone, and they switched him out for the Phantom while she wasn't looking. You can see she realizes what happened but not until the middle of the song. So basically, what was supposed to be a seduction scene of an opera performance turned into the Phantom's plead to Christine.
That's not what i meant by this
I know thus scene i know what it is
I've seen it more than a thousand times because it's in my absolute favorite in The Phantom of The Opera
I said this because i am absolutely insulted by this new staging and choreography.
Just making sure. It truly doesn't make sense though... Under 15 seconds after freaking out because the hood was removed, he's in the exact center of where everyone would look, up on a table no less!
It would have made more sense for him to try and drag Christine in the direction he vanished, making sure to sing the All I Ask of You reprise along the way. Maybe she stops struggling for a moment in shock when he does?
I also would've liked more of a struggle during the song, once Christine realizes what's going on... It's like she realizes, but then keeps completely playing along with zero sign of distress until it's almost time to reveal him...
Bubbles Bubbly Everything about this restaging feels extremely awkward and in now way gives off the tremendously beautiful feelings the original does....
This makes me sad....
Once they get it right, I see no reason they should revert to something like this :/
This production is in no comparison to the REAL production. The cheap looking sets, the horrible new staging, the "updated" (downgraded) costumes and wigs. There is a reason this show has been running for 30 years in London. The fact that they felt it necessary to make such horribly unnecessary changes to the show really disturbs me. I cringe at the people who see this production as legit.
@5:38
Christine: *reveals his hood and hops backwards like a kid*
Phantom holding out a long note: reeeeeeeeee-TURN! *Short gasp and Scurries off but then hops on the table*
Do you have the other videos of PONR from the restaged UK or US tour ?
+smile smile I do. I might post a bit from one of them, but we'll see; I know the master is pretty strict about the videos.
+Glass Prism Thank you!
Even though this is from at least 3 years ago, i just saw the us tour today and knew i was in for a treat when i saw the same table + chairs set up and immediately remembered this video. I can’t believe they are actually STILL using this horrible blocking-and that i had the (pleasure? Displeasure??) of seeing it live 😂 yikes
bizarre. it's like the directing tried to infuse some of the motif from the 2004 film.... not a fan... maybe i'm just set in my ways. though i laughed my ass off around 4:25 when after she hands him the chalice he "drinks" from it... even though his face is entirely shrouded. i guess it goes with the characters "acting" the Phantom's Don Juan... but still... im trying to imagine that the staging is wtf because it's the Phantom's interpretation in his creation but for some reason i don't think the directing of this production was going *that deep* with it.
A very good phantom
That was awkward...
angeltheya12. Yeah I saw it live in cinncinati , as our yearly band musical trip and everyone wasnt ready for that scene,(our director was like OK.....that happened) plus i was sitting next to only guys😂😂
omg Erik! I did'nt know you could dance? ;)
What in the hell have they done to this show? I was going to get tix for it in Oct, but I'm seriously reconsidering after seeing this hot mess of a choreography job.
Could you upload Grace Morgan, and Ben Jacoby singing All I Ask of You and Cooper Gordin singing the reprise if you can?
Even the movie better than this
Jessica Catalan LOLLLL
I've seen phantom wayyyyy too many times to not be criticizing this
This is a horrible joke. What it's lacking is good choreography, which the original staging has.
What's up with that hand covering eyes thing
+maggie tsang Interestingly, I *think* it might be a callback to when the Phantom blindfolded Christine in 'Music of the Night' (yes, he blindfolds her in the restaged tour). I think that's why Christine gets so frightened when it happens, and it's possibly the moment when she guesses it's the Phantom, not Piangi, onstage with her. (IMO, it's also the only time anything in the song makes sense...)
woah thanks for the detail:) i think blindfolding in the music of the night is not the best choice tho but i cant explain why
No, I think the blindfold in MOTN is pretty silly too - it completely lacks in subtlety, like the director was going, "Hmm, we want the audience to know that the Phantom wants Christine to focus on the music and not what she sees. How shall we show that? I know, let's use a LITERAL BLINDFOLD." But I was talking about that one bit of blocking in PONR. At least they tried to do a callback.
exactly!
+Glass Prism What I see of it just from this song is that maybe she knows the difference between Piangi's and the Phantom's hands. She would've rehearsed with Piangi, right? And the Phantom's hands might have seemed more... Insistent? Urgent? than her usual partner's. Just another thought on it, I didn't see the Music of the Night from this production.
~S
omg this was so weird to watch , what the hell was she doing at the table dancing like that? lmao? and him jumping i the table when the guards came in ahahahha
Hooooorrriiibbble. God, my heart is breaking. Make it stop.
What the f**k were they thinking wit this blocking?
Well, the blocking isn't great.. but I am kinda digging the loose flowy hair of the phantom. It's a different take that looks really cool honestly
So here we have one of the greatest Phantoms, John Owen Jones, doing his awesome thing as Erik. Notice the sensuality and tasteful eroticism of the blocking: ruclips.net/video/UcnRL4N_baE/видео.html.
Was this tour after the movie? (I see it was uploaded after the movie not sure when it was recorded) If so maybe they were mimicking the movie? I agree the tango is weird. I like the older staging better but I guess after over 20 years...they have to change it up..
can you get the rest of the video and the rest of the songs
+Brayan Arias I have the rest of the video, but I do not post full ones.
+Glass Prism thanks
oh my god. it's my frist time seeing this version and i can't help but laugh, so many awkward moments sdkjfhsjdkf. lovely voices and acting though.
I love the choreography in this version
The dancing goes so well
I believe the chemistry w these two (:
Not like in love but as actors
Its so great
2:47 SHE'S ON THE GODDAMN TABLE
I saw Cooper Grodin in my city almost two years ago. I thought he was long gone? I could write an essay on the tragedy this tour is, but Grodin takes it to a bizarre new level. :38 - is he singing "preeey" in that horribly off-key way to intentionally sound eerie, or edgy? Or is that a mistake? That and countless other weird ways he sings/rushes through the songs made me want to crawl under my chair when I saw him live.On a more positive note, I saw this Christine live and I adore her clear, innocent voice. I saw Julia Udine as well, who is now on Broadway (the proper production) but I prefer this Christine (Grace).
+keelieak Yes, Cooper Grodin's been gone for a while. This video was shot in July 2014.
Glass Prism Oh! Ok-I was thrown by the "published" date. I should have looked closer, thanks! Btw, I had no idea this was your video, either! (I REALLY wasn't paying attention!) I'm a subscriber and am forever grateful that you share your treasure trove of videos with us. :) I always respect your opinion on anything Phantom, so I am curious...what is your take on Cooper G? And this tour?
+keelieak I am not a fan of this tour at all. The sets are cool and there are some nice effects, but the blocking is really strange and un-subtle, while at the same time providing no interaction between characters. (Look at this scene, for example - it's like the director was practically yelling, "THIS IS ABOUT SEX" and tries to show it by cutting a massive slit up the Aminta dress so that you can see Christine's leg, but then they have Christine dancing on the table and not even touching the Phantom? It's so contradictory.) I think the actors do their best, which is why even though I'm really not a fan of Cooper Grodin's Phantom here, I'd still be willing to give him a chance in the original. Good blocking and directing can do wonders.
what did I just watch
oh wow this is intense
everything is just kinda "meh" with the new tour and idk how I feel about it
I never understood this: The police come. He sings, they leave. Why didn't they arrest him? Did they thought it was still show?
Policeman 1: "We've got him in trapped! Shoot him!"
Policeman 2: "No, don't do it!"
Policeman 1: "Why the heck not?!"
Policeman 2: "I want to see how this ends."
Wow just wow I felt that. 5:14
Wow 😱😍
How does the phantom catch Christine ?
Since the last thing we see from this scene is of him chasing her offstage, presumably he ran fast enough to catch up to her and then dragged her off to his lair.
@@PrismsofGlass makes sense. I remember another production in different country with a blonde Christine and she runs off but he doesn't run after her as quickly as in this version. I do like seeing Christine actually trying to run away rather than standing around shocked lol
Where is the apple she should be rubbing?
Restaged Christine doesn't get an apple. She just gets strawberries and the opportunity to table dance.
So what will she rub and then it is taken by the phantom replacing it with a cup?
Lol this was just meant to be a joke
It looks like at 6:43 a bullet accidentally got into one of the other soldiers in a failed attempt to stop the Phantom in his tracks.
Oh, I just watched that part and see it now!! I cannot stop laughing!!
Yeah this tour was pretty laughable. So many pointless changes.
Quick! Quick cast Expecto Patronum! The Phantom is a Dementor! Seriously in that costume he looks like a dementor.
I'll see myself out.
Where is this from !!
The restaged US tour.
3:05 WhAT was thAT?
Ok this staging, while a bit odd at times, is way better then how this is traditionally plays out. There's much more interaction between these two, more physical expression and passion , and they are both looking at each other a lot more. Not perfect but this is much better staging imo for this song.
What’s the story they are telling?
05:50
Ok.
Uncommon opinion. Don't hate me for that.
I am also not a fan of the touring version.
But I did like this scene. In fact, I thought it was very sensual.
I don't think the video translates well the beauty of watching it live.
AGAIN, I HATE THE TOURING VERSION. I thought they destroyed every single cool aspect from the original Phantom. No rising candles, no rising of the chandelier , nothing... Even Music of the Night they managed to butcher.
I just didn't think this scene was bad.
its so akward but I like it?
I came here for the fruit crown.
*[dissapointment intemsifies as if I wasn't disappointed enough]*
Do you have the full show
Yes.
O my God, this is horrible. Especially the part where Christine sings "when will the blood begin to race....."
the original was beautiful already and they ruined it with this new choreography
Prey???