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It's really real life show on doing live concert in person picture of Michael Crawford phantom of the Opera area gaslight theater in Spanish language arts center spot on stage of spoof episode season of episode story about
That Vegas production was amazing. It was excessive and over-the-top but in a way that absolutely fits this show. It's also where Sierra Boggess first played Christine.
I saw the first national tour and hated the show. BUT I saw it in Vegas and was captivated! The 90 minute production cut the excess and emphasized the opulence. I'll never forget the chandelier drop. OMG!
Just before quarantine hit (December 2019) , my dad took me to see the Phantom of the Opera in Chicago. We had seats right in the middle, not too far, not too close, and right under the chandelier. A core memory of mine is Eric belting “…all that the phantom asked of…. YOUUUUUUU!” Followed by the lights flickering, and the chandelier dropping a few feet above our heads. I wasn’t expecting the chandelier to flicker, let alone DROP. and come SO CLOSE to us. I definitely peed my pants, but that was a formative moment for 16-year-old me. My dad says I screamed bloody mary, but I don’t remember screaming, which is a little funny. Thank you for making such a lovely video that I can share with my dad! ❤️
When I was little, my grandma did the same thing to myself and all my cousins! This is also one of my favorite core memories. I had NO IDEA that chandelier was coming down on top of our very heads!!
it was my first musical, too! I was 3rd row in the middle!! I didn't know that chandelier would fall, but I felt something and saw the ceilling at the right moment!! it was great😂
You must of known beforehand that the chandelier at some point would drop, that is iconic wether you seen it or not always talked/shown in stuff! over the years!
I was 12 when I saw it at Her Majesty’s Theatre and the drop legitimately terrified me. We had seats right under it. My mother had to whisper that it was part of the show. It was absolutely thrilling and made me a musical lover for life! I still cry every time. Thank you for this video!!
Love this!!! The Vegas chandelier reigns supreme in my books. Having four separate pieces come together to form the chandelier is so hypnotizing (and a tech marvel/nightmare). One of the most heart stopping falls I've seen, considering it goes straight down over the audience members instead of towards the stage.
Iirc in the video the chandelier used in the vegas production (which I saw when I was 11.) Was the original concept but west end and broadway theaters were to small for it.
It's absolutely stunning. I was amazingly privileged to have lived in Vegas and be able to have seen it as a kid as one of my first theatre experiences, it's what got me really into musicals! It also sort of got me into spooky stuff but I already liked spooky stuff at that age so Phantom was honestly the perfect show as a gateway haha.
I could swear I've seen that version somewhere, but not in Vegas. Maybe it's the one they took to either San Jose or San Francisco. Both have large theaters.
I got the chance to see it in Vegas and the raising of the chandelier was insane. 3-4 rings of light coming together and rising above the audience. It was spectacular. And then, of course, the very realistic drop.
I love when you interview the designers and engineers and techies. It’s really nice to see the behind the scenes folks get their flowers! And you do a great job interviewing and presenting the history of their work.
Brendon!! The interviews you got for this!! There’s so much incredible information in here, and it’s amazing that you got all these folks who were involved in construction and engineering to talk about it. And honestly… this is a reminder that even though he’s no hero, ALW *did* do shows that changed musical theater, and he *does* have a place in the history of English-language musical theater. Maybe before Bad Cinderella I should revisit what an ALW show looks like when it works. Though did anyone else catch that it looks like, at Sydmonton, Andy was working on a Man in the Iron Mask musical? There’s an alternate 1988 where that debuted on Broadway alongside Carrie, I feel…
I would love a sequel video talking about all thr non replica chandeliers, esp. The Vegas one, and the one from the 2019 Norwegian production(it literally drops straight down but it did it so fast it it sent ppl screaming XD)
@@phAntasyluvr_04it's absolutely stunning. iirc, at the beginning while Phantom Overture is being played, the Chandelier is split into four pieces and slowly come together to form the whole piece (don't quote me on that bc I was very young when I saw it but I remember distinctly seeing them form together) The chandelier also goes over the audience's heads when it falls as well. It's just honestly such a fantastic set piece.
I saw this for a last time last week, and man is it good. There’s something about this show - you can be cynical, and I’ve been cynical about a LOT of theater - but there’s a mastery of stage craft and big, bold storytelling. It doesn’t do subtle, it overwhelms and sweeps you off your feet. It’ll be missed.
@@I_Exist_. April 16th, 2023 marked the final performance of the original Broadway run after 35 years. Certainly it's not the last time anyone will put on The Phantom of the Opera, but it was the last time for that decades-long run.
First off, let me just say that I absolutely love all of the goofy skits you come up with for the sponsorships! They crack me up every time, and I hope you continue to do them as this channel keeps growing! Second, can I say that I appreciate the people you've been choosing to interview for these video essays? Because I think it's so awesome that you're going for the lesser recognized theatre workers that often get overlooked for the bigger names (your Hal Princes, your ALWs, Sondheims, Makintoshes, and the stars of the shows) in the industry! Not that the big names aren't important, but it's nice to see the former assistants, the ensemble cast, the production managers, the head electricians... all get a chance to be in the spotlight when most of the time, the work they do behind the scenes to keep the shows we love running. They absolutely deserve recognition for their hard work and to know that grown-up theatre kids like me appreciate everything to do for us and their casts!
I can't help but think they are closing Phantom in order to drive ticket sales and intending to re-open a slightly less expensive version in the near future... with fresh hype for audiences that felt they "missed" the original. It just seems unlikely to me that they truly are willing to just STOP making money off of a still-profitable show.
Nobody wanted Phantom to close... The Schubert Organization has been desperate to refurbish the Majestic and is basically forcing them to close so changes can be made. And because ALW/Cam Mac never intended on Phantom being closed they are obviously going to reopen the show. If people are disappointed that they bought tickets just for the show to reopen again thats their own weird problem.
I got to see Phantom at Her Majesty's Theatre during my 2 week study abroad class in London. We had to pick 2 plays other than those assigned to see and I'm so glad I chose Phantom as one of them. Seeing the original theatre where everything was designed to fit just right was incredible. The performers were insanely wonderful, even Holly-Ann Hull who seemed to be getting over a sickness absolutely killed it. Some of the notes were lowered in their chords, but you really couldn't tell unless you really knew the music for the musical. But she did also hit the important high notes that help tell the story. And best of all, the chandelier worked that night. I genuinely enjoyed all of it.
I just want to thank, first to you for making this video and mainly to Maria Björnson, the Engineers, Electricians and Sir A. Webber for creating such an Iconic piece of musicals history like is The Phantom's Chandelier. When they brought Phantom to my city Buenos Aires, they used the "Teatro Opera" as a venue. This theater has a very high ceilings and that's why they were able to raise the Chandelier much higher than usual. Needless to say that I cried when the pipe organ played and The Chandelier began to rise. The people applauded and I did it too at such magnificence. I still shed a tear when I remember it.
I saw Phantom on Broadway and it was amazing, but my main memory of that night was that the sofa outside the ladies' bathroom was the comfiest sofa I've ever sat on in my life.
We need a full episode about the Vegas version of Phantom and it’s remarkable chandelier. Not just the crash but the very unique assemblage and mid-show effects.
Brendon, you really have a knack for creating an atmosphere with your scripts and immersing us in your piece. Even though you could never have been there! The way you describe the chandelier falling in that Parisian opera reminded me of Patti Lupone going mad in her dressing room and a few dramatic Spiderman "mishaps." You've found the right tone for your pieces, keep them coming! Excellent interviews here, short but very informative!
As much as I'm not a ALW fan, he was SO formative in musicals history. He changed so much of theatre, it's incredible. and was so influential on so much of the development of other folks involved in musical theatre. I've seen Phantom a few times over the years and man, that chandelier thing, no matter where you see it, is pretty dang incredible. Love ALL the interviews with people who are clearly so in love with their work and did such an unforgettable job.
I had the chance to see The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas as a little kid and it made me a musical theater fan for life. I will never forget the separate pieces of the chandelier swooping up from different parts of the theater at The Venetian. Incredible craft.
When I first saw this musical, I was on the edge of my seat the WHOLE TIME! *like literally barely on my seat* It was incredible, and it was my first broadway play I ever watched. When the chandelier fell to the floor, so did my jaw.
while I knew what was supposed going to happen, my seat was center below the chandelier. when it rose I wept uncontrollably. I have seen it on tour but I will always remember my broadway visit and the awe for the whole spectacle. Thank you ALW, HAL PRINCE And especially Maria Bjornson. this was my first Broadway musical and an experience of a lifetime. The tickets were costly but a great birthday present. THANK YOU
You should have mentioned the vegas version of the show. The Chandelier was In 4 pieces all around the theater and circled above the audience heads to reassemble in midair. It was truly amazing to behold
Thank you for this, I absolutely adore Phantom and am distraught that it is closing on Broadway. This show is what got me back into singing and piano. I can't wait til it comes back ❤
This is really interesting! My best friend did 10 years of research on Phantom of the Opera. But to know like the process and story behind the chandelier is really fantastic! The creators really have severe talent to make this beautiful masterpiece of the musical!
I remember the NY opening so well. They wanted to hate it, they wanted to rip Webber apart. I think we were still miffed about Starlight Express, and we were still suffering CATS because all the tourists wanted to see it. The damned chandelier impressed the hell out of everyone despite themselves, and the reviews were SO WEIRD because of it. :D
I purchased tickets for the second-to-last weekend on Broadway. My girlfriend introduced me to the story after I bought the CD soundtrack - it was her first Broadway show so she had fond memories of it (and didn't expect the chandelier to fall). I had a basic understanding of the set design, so I knew what was going to happen. But, gentle reader, I speak truthfully when I say I couldn't breathe during the overture because the rising chandelier was just so... powerful. I have seen dozens of shows on and off Broadway, but Phantom has been the only one that conjured all my emotions simultaneously. Bravo, monsieur! Side note: foreshortening is a form of selective compression, is it not? I'm familiar with selective compression as a facet of model railroading, as it pertains to reducing object dimensions as well as scene selection.
I saw my first performance of Phantom with Michael Crawford in L.A. in 1989. Having grown up in the theater (both parents were actors), I thought I'd seen everything... but the excitement of the chandelier assembling itself over the Ahmanson was a sight to behold (and to hear)... I will never forget that show. I saw it 5 more times over the years, but the chandelier is etched in my memory.
I saw Phantom at the Shubert in Los Angeles, which is no longer there. When the chandelier swung across the theater and dropped, I knew I was in love with with theatre. Words can't describe the thrill.
I love Phantom dearly and this video is put together so well. Thank you Brendon; The Vegas chandelier that splits into four parts and flies together like a UFO was truly a sight to behold.
If Phantom returns to Broadway, I hope it will be the Vegas production of The Phantom Spectacular - not just the Phantom of the Opera. Its a production with many enhanced effects. There may be a problem in that the Vegas auditorium is much bigger than many Broadway theaters and different safety codes. Those sitting at the back or loge may see a chandelier (actually two) chandeliers already suspended above some of the seats. These and the much larger section on the stage will rise and coalesce into one gigantic chandelier as the overture starts. Those sitting at the front of the auditorium will not know this unless they turn their bodies to look back. The drop curtains covering the entire sides of the auditorium will be pulled away and reveal the many boxes of an opera house with an audience of life sized mannequins dressed in full 19th century evening wear in them. The best seats for this show is IMO not the front of the theater but the center loge. Missed by the audience sitting elsewhere will be the sudden drop of the chandelier straight down at the back of the orchestra section. Also, a little earlier, the chandelier quietly lowers to the loge level and a stunt double of the Phantom will be swinging around on the chandelier before it rises back up, again unseen unless you are in that center loge area. That's just some of the enhancements of the production and that is why I would prefer a revival of the Phantom Spectacular.
I saw Phantom as an eight or nine year old at a traveling production in Boston. The chandelier is definitely what made the biggest impression on me. Just one of those unforgettable theatre effects!
Brendon thank you so much for this video - Phantom is one of my favorite shows, namely because one of my favorite moments to watch in any show is the chandelier coming to life and rising over the audience... I've seen the show 10x (9 in NY and once in London, all prior to COVID) and I always get the same stupid grin on my face when the buildup begins and all the chills when the Overture booms in the theatre with that crystal and metal behemoth coming alive once again (there are times that I will play the Overture with the volume turned up so I can feel that moment again) - so sad that this mainstay is finally leaving Broadway but thank you so much for preserving its story and showing the mechanics behind my favorite theatre moment! I actually had no clue about how the chandelier worked in depth so this was lovely to watch! :)
How many people saw the version with the graveyard scene where the Phantom shoots fire out of his cane? I saw it in Philly c. 1992 and I haven't seen that effect in any other clips of that scene, nor does anyone else mention that effect when they've seen it more recently. PS: our chandelier got stuck halfway down :(
I saw the Toronto version twice in 1993 and 1994, and the Phantom's cane had a skull on top that shot out fireballs out of the mouth. That was very cool!
Phantom was the first show I saw on the West End, I'd been dreaming about seeing it for years before I was able to, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I was genuinely sobbing when the organ hit and the chandelier swung up.
I've been watching your videos for a little over a year now, I think, and I just wanted to say that the production quality of your content has gotten SO good! Keep up the good work!
I gotta throw in a plug for the Phantom run at JJ Pierce High School in Richardson, Texas back in 2012ish. The professional shows are of course fancier and more polished, but those kids killed it. The ballet was crunchy but other than that, they absolutely kept up.
Another great doc that has (what I am now starting to realize) my favorite thing your channel is doing best. Amazing interviews! Between all the people you got here on this one and the all star rosters you had interviews with on the Elf and American Psycho interviews, just spectacular.
So I got the chance to see Phantom of the Opera in New York during Spring Break 2008 with my older sister, our mom, and our grandma. We sat in the balcony seats at the very back, but we got a view of the chandelier rising and falling. Now when Mom and older sister saw it in 2006, both of them described the chandelier's falling as being slow like it's described in the London version. But when I saw it in 2008 with them, the chandelier's fall was FAST at a breakneck speed. I don't know if there was a change in how it fell over the years or if the speed varies, I guess. But the differences were interesting.
There was an annual off-Broadway production satirizing that year's big productions, and one year it featured the chandelier battling the Ms. Saigon helicopter.
I still hold hope that one day she’ll do a nebula video on Phantom the musical. The things she didn’t talk about in her phantom the movie musical video
I saw an old video once of someone involved with the show (Macintosh?) who said he could identify (then) what city the Phantom was playing in by watching the chandelier drop. He said the London show's floated down like a butterfly. His favorite was the Sydney show where their chandelier came down "at 90 miles per hour" and scared the p!ss out of the audience.
I have seen many stage productions in my life, however, nothing will ever come close to the emotions felt when the first chords to the Phantom of the Opera theme begin and the chandelier begins to rise up from its dusty tomb. No matter how it is done around the globe, it is a spectacle that can only be appreciated if seen in person. It truly does leave a lasting impression on theater goers everywhere.
Enjoyable video but I must pull you up on a few facts - Hal Prince did not direct The Pajama Game but he did (co-)produce it. George Abbott directed and co-write the book. And John Napier didn't design Jesus Christ Superstar until the Lyceum revival in 1996. The original London production of 1972 was designed by Brian Thomson.
There's some theories about this that Webber was drawn to this story about a physically unattractive man who pulls women far out of his league through musical genius For SOME reason and yet somehow I think the Phantom is less creep about women
Just got back from the current London production. The new chandelier is circular, which is good as the theatre is very aggressively curved, meaning most seats have a side angle. In fact when it is rising the edge seats of the royal circle (one above the stalls) are pretty much at 90 degrees. Also they still catch it at the bottom. Shut my eyes for the strobe and caught a glimpse of them 😅
What I miss about the older productions of phantom, was the mystery. Less equals more. Sure some of the tour changes and upgrades were great but the mystery kept it alive. I was disappointed with the boat ride on Broadway because there was too much lights where the lair didn't look as magical as it did when I saw it in 2006.
I tried to explain how epic the chandelier scene was to a friend, hopefully this video will help to show how awesome the effect is. I saw the show twice in RL. I also wonder if the video will mention how if you look up at the chandelier during the show the phantom appears inside it/beside it whenever the love interest is on stage (I forgotten her name). Edit: great video, as I said above, I've seen the show live twice before, both in the mid to late 90's. I thought a bit more and I don't think the Phantom is in the Chandelier but he is "in the rafters" which is really cool.
I work for a major performing arts center in the US that hosts Broadway tours all the time. There's a saying that every road house in the US has "Phantom points" in the ceiling. Rigging points that were installed when Phanton first came to that theatre on tour for the chandelier.
The chandelier at a St. Louis production dropped 5 feet then stopped... dropped 10 feet then stopped... another 5 and stopped... and didn't move... and didn't move... then slowly, haltingly, drifted over to the stage.
It's so true though, I've only seen Phantom twice but I always remember the Rise of the Chandelier, I think that was literally the moment I knew I was in love. It captured traveling back in time so we'll, I hope this show returns to Broadway soon 😢 I have so much friends and family I still have to take to see it.
i saw phantom on broadway in october of last year and, being a sound designer and engineer for theatre myself, chatted with the sound operator, george huckins (my standing room ticket spot was right next to him) as well as alan lampel before the show. got my playbill signed by both of them, and both were delighted to talk about their work on the show and geek out with me. absolutely wonderful human beings, man i love designers
I remember seeing Phantom for the first time in Manchester. Maybe it’s the theatre nerd in me, but the clues were there. The chandelier starts on the stage, they tell you it was involved in a mysterious tragedy, then the chandelier lifts above the audience. I remember thinking that crashes back to the stage at some point. My friend didn’t work that out so when it happened (and the chandelier threw out small balls of ice that landed on us) my friend nearly ended up in my lap from the fright it gave her. 😂
The Phantom returns to Madrid and I can only hope that the production, especially the chandelier, lives up to the expectations. I Can't wait to see this in person 🤍🌹
The first time I experienced the drop it felt like it was plummeting straight down on us and then, right at the last second, swung towards the stage and "crashed" onto it. This was at the Saenger in New Orleans. Every time since then, Memphis and New York, it felt like it was the world's slowest conveyor belt as it slowly moved diagonally towards the stage and set itself down gently. SOOO disappointed after having hyped it up for my kids. :(
Ive always been kind of curious about the broadway plays but i live in a place where their is no theater scene. These vids are kind of a great way for me to learn more about a world that otherwise i would have no knowledge whatsoever. You keep making them and ill keep watching dude. Thanks again 😊👍
My wife and I saw the original production of PHANTOM in London in the 80s - I was able to use some connections to get IMPOSSIBLE tickets for the 'stalls'. We were aware of the chandelier moment but nothing prepares you for the pure stagecraft magic if seeing it assemble itself magically over your head and then glid majestically overhead while that Phantom theme plays. it was stunning. A note about the music in relation to the theatre. When the phantom first appears with Christine in the boat, it was STUNNING - punting in from the darkness through the mist. When we saw PHANTOM in LA years later the experience was entirely different. The DEPTH of the stage in London afforded for a longer more dramatic entrance. The depth of the stage in LA was too shallow so the trip of the boat - and the resulting truncated music was anti-climatic in comparison.
Saw phantom in the mid 90’s as a 8 year old. I screamed in the theatre because the chandelier scared me so bad. Phantom was scary to me in person. But I loved the music so much my parents did’t think going would be a problem. Loved Cat’s, and starlight express as well. Been to over a 100 Broadway shows now.
Another killer video! As a scenic designer myself, it is truly fascinating to learn about all the BTS collaboration that was necessary to bring this effect to life. Thank you for this!
If you enjoyed this video, be sure to check out our patreon to get even more behind the scenes stories from the stars who lived them with our monthly speaker series! www.patreon.com/witw
It's really real life show on doing live concert in person picture of Michael Crawford phantom of the Opera area gaslight theater in Spanish language arts center spot on stage of spoof episode season of episode story about
The chandelier in the Las Vegas production was incredible. It was actually in pieces around the theater, and assembled in mid-air.
I guess it symbolizes when the auctioneer says, “Lot 666: A Chandelier In Pieces”
That Vegas production was amazing. It was excessive and over-the-top but in a way that absolutely fits this show. It's also where Sierra Boggess first played Christine.
I saw the first national tour and hated the show. BUT I saw it in Vegas and was captivated! The 90 minute production cut the excess and emphasized the opulence. I'll never forget the chandelier drop. OMG!
That was my favorite phantom production. A theatre built around the show. It was stunning
God that was a good production
Just before quarantine hit (December 2019) , my dad took me to see the Phantom of the Opera in Chicago. We had seats right in the middle, not too far, not too close, and right under the chandelier. A core memory of mine is Eric belting “…all that the phantom asked of…. YOUUUUUUU!” Followed by the lights flickering, and the chandelier dropping a few feet above our heads. I wasn’t expecting the chandelier to flicker, let alone DROP. and come SO CLOSE to us. I definitely peed my pants, but that was a formative moment for 16-year-old me.
My dad says I screamed bloody mary, but I don’t remember screaming, which is a little funny.
Thank you for making such a lovely video that I can share with my dad! ❤️
When I was little, my grandma did the same thing to myself and all my cousins! This is also one of my favorite core memories. I had NO IDEA that chandelier was coming down on top of our very heads!!
@@it_stimefortea shared trauma 😎
it was my first musical, too! I was 3rd row in the middle!! I didn't know that chandelier would fall, but I felt something and saw the ceilling at the right moment!! it was great😂
I have also sat in those seats. Even knowing the chandelier was going to drop, it's still startling to see it happen.
You must of known beforehand that the chandelier at some point would drop, that is iconic wether you seen it or not always talked/shown in stuff! over the years!
I was 12 when I saw it at Her Majesty’s Theatre and the drop legitimately terrified me. We had seats right under it. My mother had to whisper that it was part of the show. It was absolutely thrilling and made me a musical lover for life! I still cry every time. Thank you for this video!!
Love this!!! The Vegas chandelier reigns supreme in my books. Having four separate pieces come together to form the chandelier is so hypnotizing (and a tech marvel/nightmare). One of the most heart stopping falls I've seen, considering it goes straight down over the audience members instead of towards the stage.
Iirc in the video the chandelier used in the vegas production (which I saw when I was 11.) Was the original concept but west end and broadway theaters were to small for it.
It's absolutely stunning. I was amazingly privileged to have lived in Vegas and be able to have seen it as a kid as one of my first theatre experiences, it's what got me really into musicals! It also sort of got me into spooky stuff but I already liked spooky stuff at that age so Phantom was honestly the perfect show as a gateway haha.
I could swear I've seen that version somewhere, but not in Vegas. Maybe it's the one they took to either San Jose or San Francisco. Both have large theaters.
@@courtneym75 it's possible. There's a comp of the Chandeliers rising and falling if you care to look it up, you might find it! :33
I got the chance to see it in Vegas and the raising of the chandelier was insane. 3-4 rings of light coming together and rising above the audience. It was spectacular. And then, of course, the very realistic drop.
I love when you interview the designers and engineers and techies. It’s really nice to see the behind the scenes folks get their flowers! And you do a great job interviewing and presenting the history of their work.
Brendon!! The interviews you got for this!! There’s so much incredible information in here, and it’s amazing that you got all these folks who were involved in construction and engineering to talk about it. And honestly… this is a reminder that even though he’s no hero, ALW *did* do shows that changed musical theater, and he *does* have a place in the history of English-language musical theater. Maybe before Bad Cinderella I should revisit what an ALW show looks like when it works.
Though did anyone else catch that it looks like, at Sydmonton, Andy was working on a Man in the Iron Mask musical? There’s an alternate 1988 where that debuted on Broadway alongside Carrie, I feel…
I would love a sequel video talking about all thr non replica chandeliers, esp. The Vegas one, and the one from the 2019 Norwegian production(it literally drops straight down but it did it so fast it it sent ppl screaming XD)
my mom and dad saw the show in Vegas, and the way they described the chandelier was so cool
@@phAntasyluvr_04it's absolutely stunning. iirc, at the beginning while Phantom Overture is being played, the Chandelier is split into four pieces and slowly come together to form the whole piece (don't quote me on that bc I was very young when I saw it but I remember distinctly seeing them form together) The chandelier also goes over the audience's heads when it falls as well. It's just honestly such a fantastic set piece.
That would be a great video.
The Norwegian one legitimately looks like an accident. I think the descent/crash is 4 seconds from start to finish. It’s terrifying.
I saw this for a last time last week, and man is it good. There’s something about this show - you can be cynical, and I’ve been cynical about a LOT of theater - but there’s a mastery of stage craft and big, bold storytelling. It doesn’t do subtle, it overwhelms and sweeps you off your feet. It’ll be missed.
For a last time?
@@I_Exist_. on Broadway anyway, since it’s closing
@@I_Exist_.the show was taken off broadway
Saw it in the movies but to experience the theatre version, in NYC was absolutely lovely. A masterpiece of stagecraft.
@@I_Exist_. April 16th, 2023 marked the final performance of the original Broadway run after 35 years. Certainly it's not the last time anyone will put on The Phantom of the Opera, but it was the last time for that decades-long run.
First off, let me just say that I absolutely love all of the goofy skits you come up with for the sponsorships! They crack me up every time, and I hope you continue to do them as this channel keeps growing!
Second, can I say that I appreciate the people you've been choosing to interview for these video essays? Because I think it's so awesome that you're going for the lesser recognized theatre workers that often get overlooked for the bigger names (your Hal Princes, your ALWs, Sondheims, Makintoshes, and the stars of the shows) in the industry! Not that the big names aren't important, but it's nice to see the former assistants, the ensemble cast, the production managers, the head electricians... all get a chance to be in the spotlight when most of the time, the work they do behind the scenes to keep the shows we love running. They absolutely deserve recognition for their hard work and to know that grown-up theatre kids like me appreciate everything to do for us and their casts!
YES! I was here to add how funny the sponsorship was! Loved it!!
I usually skip ad reads...but this one was hilarious so I couldn't!
I can't help but think they are closing Phantom in order to drive ticket sales and intending to re-open a slightly less expensive version in the near future... with fresh hype for audiences that felt they "missed" the original. It just seems unlikely to me that they truly are willing to just STOP making money off of a still-profitable show.
Nobody wanted Phantom to close... The Schubert Organization has been desperate to refurbish the Majestic and is basically forcing them to close so changes can be made. And because ALW/Cam Mac never intended on Phantom being closed they are obviously going to reopen the show. If people are disappointed that they bought tickets just for the show to reopen again thats their own weird problem.
Can we appreciate how well put together this video is? This is a heck of a wonderfully done piece. Editing, research, interviews are all top notch!
The chandelier flickering to life as the overture blares out is what I think of when I think of Broadway. Pure spectacle.
I got to see Phantom at Her Majesty's Theatre during my 2 week study abroad class in London. We had to pick 2 plays other than those assigned to see and I'm so glad I chose Phantom as one of them. Seeing the original theatre where everything was designed to fit just right was incredible. The performers were insanely wonderful, even Holly-Ann Hull who seemed to be getting over a sickness absolutely killed it. Some of the notes were lowered in their chords, but you really couldn't tell unless you really knew the music for the musical. But she did also hit the important high notes that help tell the story. And best of all, the chandelier worked that night. I genuinely enjoyed all of it.
I just want to thank, first to you for making this video and mainly to Maria Björnson, the Engineers, Electricians and Sir A. Webber for creating such an Iconic piece of musicals history like is The Phantom's Chandelier. When they brought Phantom to my city Buenos Aires, they used the "Teatro Opera" as a venue. This theater has a very high ceilings and that's why they were able to raise the Chandelier much higher than usual.
Needless to say that I cried when the pipe organ played and The Chandelier began to rise. The people applauded and I did it too at such magnificence. I still shed a tear when I remember it.
Honestly sitting under the chandelier for my first Covid delayed trip to phantom was such a special memory
I saw Phantom on Broadway and it was amazing, but my main memory of that night was that the sofa outside the ladies' bathroom was the comfiest sofa I've ever sat on in my life.
a good sofa always leaves an impact
@@hoo-ra-ahdo you know what me too Derek Llewellyn feel like writing Derek Llewellyn picture awards TCM hollywood I love
We need a full episode about the Vegas version of Phantom and it’s remarkable chandelier. Not just the crash but the very unique assemblage and mid-show effects.
Maybe a sequel could be BAD CHANDELIER! It could come tumbling down like his latest feeble attempt at a musical.
ye and you could also fire your first chandelier and make another in the other side of the world with dimmer lights
Let me know when your musicals get 21 Tony Awards and when you have the longest-running show in Broadway history.
@@PADARMHaving hit musicals doesn’t exempt someone from having shitty ones too.
Or “Chandelier Never Dies”.
@@SherbetAlex ten… Years….OOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLD
Brendon, you really have a knack for creating an atmosphere with your scripts and immersing us in your piece. Even though you could never have been there! The way you describe the chandelier falling in that Parisian opera reminded me of Patti Lupone going mad in her dressing room and a few dramatic Spiderman "mishaps." You've found the right tone for your pieces, keep them coming! Excellent interviews here, short but very informative!
I hope this is only the beginning of videos for the history of Phantom! This was amazing, and I can’t wait too see more on this show!
Same here! More Phantom history videos please! ❤
As a lifelong Phantom of the Opera fan, I really enjoyed this video!
As much as I'm not a ALW fan, he was SO formative in musicals history. He changed so much of theatre, it's incredible. and was so influential on so much of the development of other folks involved in musical theatre. I've seen Phantom a few times over the years and man, that chandelier thing, no matter where you see it, is pretty dang incredible.
Love ALL the interviews with people who are clearly so in love with their work and did such an unforgettable job.
I had the chance to see The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas as a little kid and it made me a musical theater fan for life. I will never forget the separate pieces of the chandelier swooping up from different parts of the theater at The Venetian. Incredible craft.
I will never forget that opening sequence with the chandelier; as a theater nerd in the 90's, it truly inspired me to think bigger about set design.
Love that you snuck in a Phantom of the Paradise clip there.
When I first saw this musical, I was on the edge of my seat the WHOLE TIME! *like literally barely on my seat* It was incredible, and it was my first broadway play I ever watched. When the chandelier fell to the floor, so did my jaw.
The chandelier in the Las Vegas production was incredible. You should do a video on that one.
while I knew what was supposed going to happen, my seat was center below the chandelier. when it rose I wept uncontrollably. I have seen it on tour but I will always remember my broadway visit and the awe for the whole spectacle. Thank you ALW, HAL PRINCE And especially Maria Bjornson. this was my first Broadway musical and an experience of a lifetime. The tickets were costly but a great birthday present. THANK YOU
You should have mentioned the vegas version of the show. The Chandelier was In 4 pieces all around the theater and circled above the audience heads to reassemble in midair. It was truly amazing to behold
Thank you for this, I absolutely adore Phantom and am distraught that it is closing on Broadway. This show is what got me back into singing and piano. I can't wait til it comes back ❤
This is really interesting! My best friend did 10 years of research on Phantom of the Opera. But to know like the process and story behind the chandelier is really fantastic! The creators really have severe talent to make this beautiful masterpiece of the musical!
I remember the NY opening so well. They wanted to hate it, they wanted to rip Webber apart. I think we were still miffed about Starlight Express, and we were still suffering CATS because all the tourists wanted to see it. The damned chandelier impressed the hell out of everyone despite themselves, and the reviews were SO WEIRD because of it. :D
I’m gonna cry I can’t believe this won’t be on Broadway anymore 😭
I purchased tickets for the second-to-last weekend on Broadway. My girlfriend introduced me to the story after I bought the CD soundtrack - it was her first Broadway show so she had fond memories of it (and didn't expect the chandelier to fall).
I had a basic understanding of the set design, so I knew what was going to happen. But, gentle reader, I speak truthfully when I say I couldn't breathe during the overture because the rising chandelier was just so... powerful. I have seen dozens of shows on and off Broadway, but Phantom has been the only one that conjured all my emotions simultaneously. Bravo, monsieur!
Side note: foreshortening is a form of selective compression, is it not? I'm familiar with selective compression as a facet of model railroading, as it pertains to reducing object dimensions as well as scene selection.
I saw my first performance of Phantom with Michael Crawford in L.A. in 1989. Having grown up in the theater (both parents were actors), I thought I'd seen everything... but the excitement of the chandelier assembling itself over the Ahmanson was a sight to behold (and to hear)... I will never forget that show. I saw it 5 more times over the years, but the chandelier is etched in my memory.
I saw Phantom at the Shubert in Los Angeles, which is no longer there. When the chandelier swung across the theater and dropped, I knew I was in love with with theatre. Words can't describe the thrill.
I love Phantom dearly and this video is put together so well. Thank you Brendon; The Vegas chandelier that splits into four parts and flies together like a UFO was truly a sight to behold.
Another amazing video Brendon. Thank you so much for your work. I am so glad you got to interview so many interesting and different people for this 😊
Du schon wieder? :D
@@merlesstorys ist nicht dein Ernst 🤣🤣
@@louyou5667 scheinbar 😂
@@merlesstorys also auch ein Theater Kid 😉
@@louyou5667 Jup, ich liebe Musicals, Konzerte & Bücher 😂
Du?
Dang now I REALLY wished I’d seen Phantom before the closure for the chandelier ALONE!
If Phantom returns to Broadway, I hope it will be the Vegas production of The Phantom Spectacular - not just the Phantom of the Opera. Its a production with many enhanced effects. There may be a problem in that the Vegas auditorium is much bigger than many Broadway theaters and different safety codes. Those sitting at the back or loge may see a chandelier (actually two) chandeliers already suspended above some of the seats. These and the much larger section on the stage will rise and coalesce into one gigantic chandelier as the overture starts. Those sitting at the front of the auditorium will not know this unless they turn their bodies to look back. The drop curtains covering the entire sides of the auditorium will be pulled away and reveal the many boxes of an opera house with an audience of life sized mannequins dressed in full 19th century evening wear in them. The best seats for this show is IMO not the front of the theater but the center loge. Missed by the audience sitting elsewhere will be the sudden drop of the chandelier straight down at the back of the orchestra section. Also, a little earlier, the chandelier quietly lowers to the loge level and a stunt double of the Phantom will be swinging around on the chandelier before it rises back up, again unseen unless you are in that center loge area. That's just some of the enhancements of the production and that is why I would prefer a revival of the Phantom Spectacular.
I saw Phantom as an eight or nine year old at a traveling production in Boston. The chandelier is definitely what made the biggest impression on me. Just one of those unforgettable theatre effects!
Brendon thank you so much for this video - Phantom is one of my favorite shows, namely because one of my favorite moments to watch in any show is the chandelier coming to life and rising over the audience... I've seen the show 10x (9 in NY and once in London, all prior to COVID) and I always get the same stupid grin on my face when the buildup begins and all the chills when the Overture booms in the theatre with that crystal and metal behemoth coming alive once again (there are times that I will play the Overture with the volume turned up so I can feel that moment again) - so sad that this mainstay is finally leaving Broadway but thank you so much for preserving its story and showing the mechanics behind my favorite theatre moment! I actually had no clue about how the chandelier worked in depth so this was lovely to watch! :)
Wow this video and story captivated me so much I was startled when it ended, I just wanted more! Awesome job :D
How many people saw the version with the graveyard scene where the Phantom shoots fire out of his cane? I saw it in Philly c. 1992 and I haven't seen that effect in any other clips of that scene, nor does anyone else mention that effect when they've seen it more recently. PS: our chandelier got stuck halfway down :(
I saw the Toronto version twice in 1993 and 1994, and the Phantom's cane had a skull on top that shot out fireballs out of the mouth. That was very cool!
West End has the cane fireballs currently
West end has cane fireballs and policemen shooting fireballs from their guns as of 2018
Phantom was the first show I saw on the West End, I'd been dreaming about seeing it for years before I was able to, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I was genuinely sobbing when the organ hit and the chandelier swung up.
I've been watching your videos for a little over a year now, I think, and I just wanted to say that the production quality of your content has gotten SO good! Keep up the good work!
RIP Phantom. Loved the video!
LMAO love the "Erik should have used Squarespace" part.
You are such a quality content creator dude
God I just fucking LOVE this channel.
Loved the video, Brendon! So excited for your and Howard’s next project!
I gotta throw in a plug for the Phantom run at JJ Pierce High School in Richardson, Texas back in 2012ish. The professional shows are of course fancier and more polished, but those kids killed it. The ballet was crunchy but other than that, they absolutely kept up.
Another great doc that has (what I am now starting to realize) my favorite thing your channel is doing best. Amazing interviews! Between all the people you got here on this one and the all star rosters you had interviews with on the Elf and American Psycho interviews, just spectacular.
So I got the chance to see Phantom of the Opera in New York during Spring Break 2008 with my older sister, our mom, and our grandma. We sat in the balcony seats at the very back, but we got a view of the chandelier rising and falling. Now when Mom and older sister saw it in 2006, both of them described the chandelier's falling as being slow like it's described in the London version. But when I saw it in 2008 with them, the chandelier's fall was FAST at a breakneck speed. I don't know if there was a change in how it fell over the years or if the speed varies, I guess. But the differences were interesting.
that ad time was SMOOTH
One of the few musicals I've watched was Phantom of the Opera. The chandelier "fall" was VERY impressive!
It's pretty impressive in the West End. Not scary but it does feel like it comes down fast.
i'm glad I got to see this show on Broadway. it was an amazing experience
There was an annual off-Broadway production satirizing that year's big productions, and one year it featured the chandelier battling the Ms. Saigon helicopter.
Oh Brandon...if you could get the Phantom Queen Lindsay Ellis for one of these....
I still hold hope that one day she’ll do a nebula video on Phantom the musical. The things she didn’t talk about in her phantom the movie musical video
Where’s Lindsey Ellis at?
I saw an old video once of someone involved with the show (Macintosh?) who said he could identify (then) what city the Phantom was playing in by watching the chandelier drop. He said the London show's floated down like a butterfly. His favorite was the Sydney show where their chandelier came down "at 90 miles per hour" and scared the p!ss out of the audience.
I have seen many stage productions in my life, however, nothing will ever come close to the emotions felt when the first chords to the Phantom of the Opera theme begin and the chandelier begins to rise up from its dusty tomb. No matter how it is done around the globe, it is a spectacle that can only be appreciated if seen in person. It truly does leave a lasting impression on theater goers everywhere.
Enjoyable video but I must pull you up on a few facts - Hal Prince did not direct The Pajama Game but he did (co-)produce it. George Abbott directed and co-write the book.
And John Napier didn't design Jesus Christ Superstar until the Lyceum revival in 1996. The original London production of 1972 was designed by Brian Thomson.
Yes! I adore phantom and I’m so happy to see you covering it!
There's some theories about this that Webber was drawn to this story about a physically unattractive man who pulls women far out of his league through musical genius
For SOME reason
and yet somehow I think the Phantom is less creep about women
You were right. This is one of your best videos! ❤️ This is a great almost send-off for the longest running Broadway musical.
The historical chandelier crash was at the Theatre-Lyrique, not the Opera Garneir.
What a cool documentary!! Answers questions about the set design that I never thought to ask.
14:24 I love the head electrician on a show famous for its chandelier having "Lamp" in his name.
Just got back from the current London production. The new chandelier is circular, which is good as the theatre is very aggressively curved, meaning most seats have a side angle. In fact when it is rising the edge seats of the royal circle (one above the stalls) are pretty much at 90 degrees.
Also they still catch it at the bottom. Shut my eyes for the strobe and caught a glimpse of them 😅
What I miss about the older productions of phantom, was the mystery. Less equals more. Sure some of the tour changes and upgrades were great but the mystery kept it alive. I was disappointed with the boat ride on Broadway because there was too much lights where the lair didn't look as magical as it did when I saw it in 2006.
Ahh I thought I was the only person who thinks they're overdoing the lights a bit now!
Loved this! So happy I finally got to meet Alan and talk POTO lighting! Lots of love to Alan, the Cast, Crew, and Orchestra of Phantom Bway!
I tried to explain how epic the chandelier scene was to a friend, hopefully this video will help to show how awesome the effect is. I saw the show twice in RL.
I also wonder if the video will mention how if you look up at the chandelier during the show the phantom appears inside it/beside it whenever the love interest is on stage (I forgotten her name).
Edit: great video, as I said above, I've seen the show live twice before, both in the mid to late 90's.
I thought a bit more and I don't think the Phantom is in the Chandelier but he is "in the rafters" which is really cool.
I'm going ot this in London come june- I'm so glad it's not closing there.
I work for a major performing arts center in the US that hosts Broadway tours all the time. There's a saying that every road house in the US has "Phantom points" in the ceiling. Rigging points that were installed when Phanton first came to that theatre on tour for the chandelier.
I love this so much!!! This is now officially one of my favourite documentaries of yours 😍
The square space ad got me dying
Hitting LIKE because of 02:38
The chandelier at a St. Louis production dropped 5 feet then stopped... dropped 10 feet then stopped... another 5 and stopped... and didn't move... and didn't move... then slowly, haltingly, drifted over to the stage.
It's so true though, I've only seen Phantom twice but I always remember the Rise of the Chandelier, I think that was literally the moment I knew I was in love. It captured traveling back in time so we'll, I hope this show returns to Broadway soon 😢 I have so much friends and family I still have to take to see it.
i saw phantom on broadway in october of last year and, being a sound designer and engineer for theatre myself, chatted with the sound operator, george huckins (my standing room ticket spot was right next to him) as well as alan lampel before the show. got my playbill signed by both of them, and both were delighted to talk about their work on the show and geek out with me. absolutely wonderful human beings, man i love designers
I remember seeing Phantom for the first time in Manchester. Maybe it’s the theatre nerd in me, but the clues were there. The chandelier starts on the stage, they tell you it was involved in a mysterious tragedy, then the chandelier lifts above the audience.
I remember thinking that crashes back to the stage at some point. My friend didn’t work that out so when it happened (and the chandelier threw out small balls of ice that landed on us) my friend nearly ended up in my lap from the fright it gave her. 😂
The Phantom returns to Madrid and I can only hope that the production, especially the chandelier, lives up to the expectations. I Can't wait to see this in person 🤍🌹
The first time I experienced the drop it felt like it was plummeting straight down on us and then, right at the last second, swung towards the stage and "crashed" onto it. This was at the Saenger in New Orleans. Every time since then, Memphis and New York, it felt like it was the world's slowest conveyor belt as it slowly moved diagonally towards the stage and set itself down gently. SOOO disappointed after having hyped it up for my kids. :(
Great video
I've never seen Phantom in person, but I've always been fascinated by the chandelier, so this video was a real treat. Thank you!
My grandfather was in charge of testing the chandelier at the Toronto run of Phantom and would take me in with him as a kid to push the button.
"Eric" as a name for the phantom turns the whole musical into comedy
How so? He's called 'Erik' in the novel and it's suggested it was not his birth name.
it's in the book
I agree. With the way this particular production is created, he’s better off being nameless. Once he’s given a name, the mystery is diminished.
There's nothing quite like the chandelier coming down when in the first row in NYC. It's amazing.
Ive always been kind of curious about the broadway plays but i live in a place where their is no theater scene.
These vids are kind of a great way for me to learn more about a world that otherwise i would have no knowledge whatsoever.
You keep making them and ill keep watching dude. Thanks again 😊👍
My wife and I saw the original production of PHANTOM in London in the 80s - I was able to use some connections to get IMPOSSIBLE tickets for the 'stalls'. We were aware of the chandelier moment but nothing prepares you for the pure stagecraft magic if seeing it assemble itself magically over your head and then glid majestically overhead while that Phantom theme plays. it was stunning.
A note about the music in relation to the theatre. When the phantom first appears with Christine in the boat, it was STUNNING - punting in from the darkness through the mist. When we saw PHANTOM in LA years later the experience was entirely different. The DEPTH of the stage in London afforded for a longer more dramatic entrance. The depth of the stage in LA was too shallow so the trip of the boat - and the resulting truncated music was anti-climatic in comparison.
Great video. Thank you. I was lucky enough to see Phantom on Broadway and Vegas. Yes, Vegas. And it was great.
Saw phantom in the mid 90’s as a 8 year old. I screamed in the theatre because the chandelier scared me so bad. Phantom was scary to me in person. But I loved the music so much my parents did’t think going would be a problem. Loved Cat’s, and starlight express as well. Been to over a 100 Broadway shows now.
This is gonna be such a good videoooooo
Bruh!! Smooth ad! 💀
Wait, ARE YOU TELLING ME THERE IS NO MORE CHANDELIER!?!?!?
It takes a village to raise, and then drop, a chandelier.
Another killer video! As a scenic designer myself, it is truly fascinating to learn about all the BTS collaboration that was necessary to bring this effect to life. Thank you for this!