PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE - 1988 TONY AWARDS

[@benfranklyn4555]

NO ONE has the haunting voice that Michael Crawford put into his Phantom.

[@amazingsupergirl7125]

Ben Franklyn thank u for pointing that out. So far I definitely agree. I’m in tears

[@dirkturrell6460]

Him and Colm wilkinson are hands down the best (and original) phantoms! Even though their styles are different there has been no one since that can even get close to those two!

[@MTknitter22]

Ben Franklyn That is so true

[@SujunNeo]

I fully agree.

[@ironsnowflake1076]

So very true... Michael IS the phantom forever & always in my heart..the beauty & power of his voice, with that knife edge of danger... goosebumps ❣

[@_phaedra_1817]

This man didn't play the Phantom...he was the Phantom.

[@CliffGonshery]

Not only is Michael Crawford the Greatest Phantom of all time. I had the honor, privilege and pleasure of meeting him at the backstage door after his performance on broadway. He asked me for my pen, he wanted to make sure he signed everything anyone wanted him to sign. He then told me "Cliff, walk with me to my car". He was so kind, presence and generous of self. He spoke to me, with an exuberant high spirit, in the moment, of life, like we were best friends. We talked about what I did, where I lived (working in Atlantic city at the time) dinning pleasures and where the best Cuban Restaurant was in the City? We both agreed it was "Victor's Cafe". Before he got in his car, he turned to me smiling and spiritedly said "Go have the time of your Life at Victor's, I would join you but, I have an early rehearsal with the "New" Phantom tomorrow morning" (He was leaving the show in two weeks for the LA Show). He was simply the most charming, dashing, positive and talented man, I have ever met. Long live the Phantom and the Great...Michael Crawford

[@michelleponzio]

I was at the same performance and had the pleasure of meeting him as well. I was about 7 years old at the time, and my aunt had brought me. I thought he was the nicest person in the world, and he signed my playbill, which I still have to this day (I'm 37 now). It's an experience I will never forget. I have been an avid fan of Phantom ever since.

[@CliffGonshery]

That's Hysterical Michelle, I do remember there was about 12-15 people at the inside backstage door. How did you get back stage? I had a friend who knew the Stage Mgr.

[@michelleponzio]

My aunt managed it. She worked for Kellogg's cereal in Chicago at the time, and she got the tickets through them. So she brought me, because I had a love for musicals even at that age.

[@JohnCrawford1979]

Most expected and appreciated to see the praises of Michael Crawford at the top of the list. I would have put a post about him being the greatest phantom of all time, but I see there is no need to state the obvious. ;)

[@LilaAngelique]

God damn! I got to meet him, but only for a minute or two! I would have died to have been able to talk to him!!!

[@chrismooney9275]

Was written as a rock opera. But Crawford's vocals were so strong they re-wrote most of the music into classical pieces

[@SongbirdAlom]

I've always said that as well

[@woodland5986]

CJ Mooney They changed it once Andrew Lloyd Webber read the original story.

[@hansi6119]

woodland59 Webber had read the original story before he began writing the music. He made it more of a classical musical when Steve Harley wasn't coming up to par and he happened to hear Michael singing when he was taking Sarah to a voice lesson.

[@CanadianGuy2004]

He wrote the songs with Sarah in mind not Michael Crawford

[@Sam-xg3mr]

Evan Woodham There will be more. The pop crap is great for a generation or two, but it’s too topical, and bound up in the generation that it came from. Phantom’s classical nature means it will be remembered. It’s timeless.

[@strawbootie]

My mom saw Phantom in London in 1986. She saw Michael and Sarah live. I've never been more jealous.

[@selenemp]

strawbootie i'm beyond jealous i wish i was old enough to have seen it with the cast i've always loved. i was 7 :( i envy her. i would be beyond happy if there was a dvd od the original cast. i would pay

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

+strawbootie I saw them in NY. What a wonderful memory.

[@phantomlover4520]

+Erlynn Dela Cruz I'll be overjoyed if there is a DVD recording of the Original London Cast! I love all the cast members in it, especially Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, their voices were flawless! I really do hope they surprise us next year, since it'll be 30th anniversary for this musical!

[@phantomlover4520]

Winged Titan Abridged/ Productions I hope that happens! :D There are bluray remasters of even black and white films so this shouldn't be a problem, just whether Andrew Lloyd Webber intends to or not.

[@meslongscheveux8460]

+Cháøs Èlf Pháñtøm and Cèrçèllïøn seriously? They exist?

[@rbsadler]

Michael Crawford has this tone that I find so unique. It's both strong and soft at the same time. Hard to explain. Definitely has one of the best ranges I've heard as well.

[@roberttulba6990]

Concurred.

[@pedinurse1]

Her soprano voice is amaaaaazing and his tenor voice is like no other. Have seen the Phantom several times. They are all excellent but there is a quality here that cannot be matched, maybe because it is not overdone, it is just pure singing with passion from the soul.

[@janesgems7]

+emily schwellenbach Michael loved the character, I think that was why he was so amazing.
I found the Phantom to be the true hero of this story at the end - finally getting what he wanted, he let her go. Because her happiness meant more than his own.
I think even Christine realised no one would love her like he did. A true act of self sacrifice, born of love.

[@TsumiMegami]

+janesgems7 i started literally crying when i read this
oh my god
how could you have done this to me

[@moveimgay02]

+Kira Cherry Blossom Bitch stfu

[@moveimgay02]

***** Then wtf you doing on the Internet??

[@moveimgay02]

***** Jesus Christ child, they shouldn't be on the Internet either. Do you know how dangerous it is?

[@kwebster62]

He held the last note for 22 seconds. That is impressive.

[@MrKhatMan]

+Katie Closs Or just a good falsetto ;) (you use much less breath on falsetto notes)

[@valdyrgramr]

+MrKhatMan It sounds like higher mix or lower head voice rather than falsetto. It doesn't have that soft airy sound that falsetto does, but soft sustained standard tenor color.

[@kwebster62]

+Valdyr Tyr Agreed. That sounds to me to be his true voice.

[@valdyrgramr]

K Webster It's his passagio which is part of the mix voice. Crawford and Sarah Brightman were actually trained by the same teach which is why he can hold it that long. He was the teacher's best male student, and was picked to be the main production phantom after Sarah introduced him to Andrew. A lot of the long notes he does with his mix/passagio notes are just belted.

[@DerekHartley]

K Webster Actually the hardest part of singing that note isn't the pitch or the length (it's not that high for a tenor and the length of manageable) but holding the pitch and having faith in your own tuning across a whole lot of completely dissonant sounding chords before it finally resolves. It's so easy to waver and find yourself harmonising with the new chord.

[@Katie-ns1rb]

while there are many wonderful phantoms, the reason why none of them come close to Crawford for me is because they sound too (for lack of a better word) "earthly", whereas Michael sounds unearthly. he sounds like a ghost, his voice is haunting, floating... beautiful.

[@SongRainbows]

I feel like after Michael the phantoms lost that chilling sound and started to sing the role angry with a lot of power instead of in a haunting way

[@liciamoone5005]

Haha you both are so correct, no one could ever replicate the eerie smoothness of is voice ❤️ he just IS the phantom

[@missbrighteyes00]

I saw Phantom in L.A. with Micheal Crawford, then again with Davis Gaines, and also with Robert Guillome (not sure if I spelled that correctly.) Gaines was pretty good, but I hated Guillome. He was so angry and hateful.Micheal Crawford will always be my favorite.

[@flyingsnow00]

well said :) IMO the reason would be the age of the performers & their understanding of the Phantom - some need to emphasize too much the physical attraction, and don't develop the emotional storm the poor soul goes through - it's more regrets, frustration, and less longing , tenderness. ... Michael does it best - listen to him asking"Sing for me" , powerful, needing, yet attentive to Christine... others are rather demanding, if not ordering, Master-style . lol :->

[@liciamoone5005]

tru and thats why they suck so bad lol

[@Just_prettywhenicry]

The intense gaze and ghostly movements that so many people take issue with are precisely why I like it. It's very accurate to Leroux, but more than that, it shows the effect the Phantom is having on Christine beyond the usual fear that most actresses choose to portray. Sarah almost acts like she's possessed by a ghost. With her, you don't need to be told that the Phantom is inside Christine's mind; You already know it just by looking at it.

[@erintwomey3846]

I get your point, but sometimes, it looks like she's staring into someone's soul...

[@chuckabutty888]

He had his sleaves cut short to give his hands more affect and my word it worked. A wonderful performance.

[@issyismusic]

he's got the eerie, haunting sound I imagine the phantom to have after having read the book. He really is perfect.

[@louismondelli3044]

OMG! What magic!!

[@BeWiL0991]

Exactly.

[@trodairebeag]

I completely agree!!! He's the BEST phantom ever and SHE'S THE BEST Christine!!!!!! They have such amazing chemistry!!!

[@issyismusic]

@@trodairebeag he's perfect, she's perfect, they're perfect, everyones perfect!! Just awwwhhh! *ughly sobbing* 🤣

[@GreciaVillar]

Thats what Michael Crawford's voice is. A STRANGE SWEET SOUND :)

[@peterrimel8170]

Hypnotic, pure. Built for this part. Michael was IT

[@ttintagel]

That’s one of the reasons Crawford and Brightman were so good in these roles. Their voices aren’t just good; they have a very unusual quality, a kind of “strangeness.”

[@rockanne]

Michael Crawford is THE Phantom, the one and only.

[@KodytheRedFox]

He was the voice of Cornelius the Badger from "Once Upon A Forest".

[@rnb8328]

I love Ramin but this guy really pulls off a ghostly aire and it's really cool.

[@kevintolman8695]

rockanne I like Butler best.

[@kaechidi5025]

Yes. Micheal and Ben Lewis are my faves (I like Ramin too but he’s overrated imo)

[@theimp5901]

Seen it 7 times . Two with Crawford. He IS the best. I saw Patti Cohenuer do the Brightman role a week after she left. She was just as good or better.

[@willstanton7823]

I've been watching all the main Phantom actors, and the only one that truly gives me goosebumps and makes me completely forget I'm watching a stage performance is Michael Crawford's. He doesn't just put himself in the shoes of the Phantom. He understands his soul. Crawford IS the phantom in every single respect. Electrifying and haunting at the same time.

[@alecbona4549]

I dunno why people complain about Sarah. her voice is amazing

[@littlemuppet]

people try to say that she wasn't a good Christine when the show and the role was quite literally written for her voice

[@wendyhouses]

A lot of people criticize women and their voices for no reason other than they are women. I've heard similar comments about other great female artists, but never against male artists.

[@jellemojo]

Alec Bona She was amazing, both her and Michael, are the true Phantom of the Operas best ever. Hands down

[@bobuk161]

Agreed. She is amazing 😊

[@gglovesgorillazmj7784]

frrr she’s amazing

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

Michael Crawford and Ramin Karimloo are the two best IMO. Michael played the Phantom as he was written to be, mysterious and creepy. Ramin took a romantic take on the Phantom. Michael even used a mysterious voice when singing while Ramin showed the power in his voice. Love them both the most, but my favorite all around Phantom of all time has to be Michael.

[@cbjgirl23]

USFanLovesMinHo I’ve only known the Ramin Karimloo as the phantom but watching this makes me wish I knew of Michael Crawford before. just by watching this, I fully see crawford’s phantom as mysterious and creepy

[@chloenkitty]

USFanLovesMinHo exactly how i feel

[@jml-rj5re]

You nailed the differences in the approach between Crawford and Ramin. Ramin's alternative approach really worked because of the connection with Sierra Boggess.
Michael Crawford really understood the concept of singing as acting and acting as singing. Well-expressed. His experience as a comedian translated well into his physical movements.

[@bawoman]

Plenty of romantic with Crawford's Phantom. You clearly havent watched enough of his stuff

[@rosiemcgosie7376]

@@bawoman I totally agree. I love Ramin Karimloo as Erik/the Phantom because he is unhinged and aggressive, and it shows how terrifying he really would be in real life. But there were times he was far too violent with Christine-he almost chokes her in the final lair scene. I love Michael Crawford as Erik/the Phantom because he takes a much more subtle, nuanced approach that blends romance with mystery and menance. A prime example is Music of the Night-Ramin sings it forcefully and aggressively and passionately while Michael takes a gentle, tender approach with an underlying sense of meance. That being said, the version that Ramin did for his album is a sweet, tender approach and I far prefer it to the Music of the Night he sings at the Royal Albert Hall.

[@Cpchurch87]

My granny took me to see this when I was 10. I had no idea who Michael Crawford was at the time, but now looking back I feel hugely privileged to have seen him perform this live. Amazing

[@LittleMonsterMan93]

I think Crawford actually really brings the character to life. Many of the other phantoms I've seen seem to be great vocalists with big voices but lack in making the character seem real. When I watch Michael Crawford perform, it's like you get a glimpse into the phantoms past. You really start to feel where his character is coming from. It can be mesmerizing to watch when you really let yourself get into the performance.

[@thedoctorno10]

Michael and Sarah just had this chemistry on stage that cant be replicated.

[@bobuk161]

These two will never be surpassed

[@Sogck47]

Michael Crawford's voice is so haunting and he was just born to play the Phantom.

[@KellieAnn71]

I LOVE this version with Crawford & Brightman. No other performers for POTO can hold a candle to these two.

[@JefferyConner-po8mj]

Hi Kellie💐💐

[@trulyproductive1]

Not only does Michael sing it so beautifully and emotionally, but his genius is seen in the way he truly felt this character. Look at his movements...not over-the-top, but rather slow, deliberate, haunting and sensual. He really understood the character he helped to create.

[@ERFox5sparrows]

No one was or could be, better than Michael Crawford as the Phantom. His theatricality, his use of pathos, the longing he displayed, his styling and singing...no one has been better, and no one will be.

[@JefferyConner-po8mj]

Hi Ellyn 💐💐

[@UnpleasantSim]

A comment section where Sarah is actually being shown some respect.
Quite nice.

[@bobuk161]

She is absolutely beautiful and her voice is from an angel

[@KenDanieli]

Something about her is just unlikeable. It's visible. On a soundtrack she's OK.

[@selenabonilla2281]

What did she do?

[@gglovesgorillazmj7784]

frr why do people throw shade at her 😟

[@gglovesgorillazmj7784]

@@KenDanieli boy bye-

[@feralbluee]

2:12 - Michael Crawford - that last tone through all the changes in key, the breath control,
the beauty of his voice - haunting, in a way like an oboe in tone, such feeling . . .

[@noonecares7425]

I first discovered Michael Crawford from the movie he did with John Lennon, "How I Won the War." Then years later in the movie Hello Dolly, then looked him up and holy cow he's the first phantom! Talk about range.

[@SymphonyBrahms]

Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman are the greatest Phantom and Christine of all time.

[@thomasneal8367]

All of the actors who have taken on the role of the phantom have been great, but Michael Crawford, by far, is the greatest.

[@jonitchr]

When Michael hits that note on "Be" I never fail to get chills. Stunning.

[@jonitchr]

Michael Crawford IS the Phantom. Simply amazing.

[@SavageJonesIII6548]

Sarah's vocals left me in tears, they were so beautiful

[@ashleyartus8430]

Speechless. x

[@Marylmac]

OMG...no wonder everyone wants to relive this moment...he has the most beautiful voice ever.

[@SamanthaBaynam]

The greatest Phantom! His voice holds so much power and emotion.

[@nolandavis1129]

There's no one better than Michael Crawford.

[@yacovlk7924]

Yuya Sakaki Better in what respect please?

[@kaylaelizabeth2076]

Bevakasha, there's no one better in any aspect

[@mechelle9851]

Yuya Sakaki alot of people actually prefers Karimloo, at first I thought yes (w/out listening to other phantoms) bc his voice was so good! But then I listened to this orginal version with crawford, Karimloo I think has better vocals but the character of this man's voice & his acting aswell won me. 😮

[@kathleenfranks6513]

Kayla Elizabeth I agree No one better than Michael. He was perfection😀❤️

[@tonze21]

He's so good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
😂😂

[@planetpompom]

Every so often I go on a "binge" of watching Phantom bootlegs and although I enjoy them, I always come back to Michael! His voice has such a fluid, angelic, haunting quality that I think many Phantoms lack. The Phantom has a powerful voice, certainly, but he also needs an elegance and otherworldliness, which I prefer over this aggressive baritone shouting I see from a number of Phantoms.

[@singergal57]

...also love it when MC runs his hands through his hair, then down his body, and slithers over to her as she is hitting the high E. Great piece of business -- also cements the character. He is just superb.

[@YolandaAnneBrown95726]

Decades later, still hauntingly beautiful. ❤🌹🎶

[@haileigh0701]

Michael Crawford will forever be the greatest phantom!

[@thephantom1946]

On this 25th anniversary show last Sunday, When Crawford made his appearance onstage at the end of the show, he got thunderous applause from the audience, and a standing ovation. Ramin Karimloo took his hand and bowed to him and sang "you alone can make our song take flight". A wonderful moment for the original Phantom.

[@bookworm7087]

He's an absolutely incredible talent - there is just nothing this man can not do. You just have to watch him in Barnum (phenomenal performance - a true tour de force) to have your mind boggled. He can make you laugh and cry within the span of a few minutes - that's rare and it's the sign of a brilliant actor. It's available on DVD, so for any Michael Crawford fan, it's a must. More relevant to this clip, how sexy is it when he runs his hands over his hair and down his body?

[@suzannelinning1756]

Michael Crawford 2nd to none.....superb

[@jhorgeneestiller9684]

Michael Crawford is the ONE AND ONLY PHANTOM. His voice is beyond this world.

[@choosekindness613]

Michael Crawford is the greatest, bar NONE!! His voice is soft, persuasive and ghostlike, crooning the song like a lullaby, then bursts forth with breathtaking power. No one else has his emotional nuance. Ramin Karimloo, for example, had no grasp of the character. He screamed, heaved, and panted his way through the entire musical like a raving madman, EVEN this song! Couldn't stand it. "Passion" and "intensity" don't always have to be loud and obvious. This rather passive audience of 1990 didn't realize that they were watching the best Phantom the world would ever see. Today Crawford receives a standing ovation just for walking onto a stage!

[@martinpatrick1746]

Sarah was fresh and young when she starred as Christine and Micheal Crawford
as the Phantom
What a combination that sold out every performance every night.

[@silverhawk1169]

Fresh and young, really, that shallow. She is a talent, best voice on any stage and still is.

[@alexlacrosse11]

Sarah and Michael are icons, none better who encapsulated the characters so well

[@caitlinrawrxx]

Michael is so good at portraying the heartbreak. The very first time I heard Michael sing the last song, I cried. No one could ever be better.

[@SemperFidelisEleven]

Michael Crawford is always going to be the phantom, his voice is amazing, it evokes such passion. Both of them , just beautiful strong amazing voices.
Sarah & Michael

[@shockwave1126]

Amazing Phantom. Not just the singing. He moves like a phantom. I was floating with him, and just very sensuous all around. So glad that I saw him live in this production.

[@johnwainwright1813]

Firstly I pay tribute to Vodafone for releasing this video to You Tube,
I have read that Colm Wilkinson and his female actress gave the best performance, however on watching their video they were two people singing the song and the stage scene set was just a stage with a fog for effect,
Whereas with Sarah and Michael their stage setting told the story to perfection,..
As for Sarah and Michael, what world class performances, they did not just sing they told a story that was gripping and chilling too,
Their acting/body language makes you want to watch it time and time again, and at the end they were so professional with remaining with their dignity rather than celebrating and thanking the audience was truly emotional and very humbling,
Two world class genuine artists who have world class master class
Respect

[@lasatiuchvil]

I really love Ramin's powerful and touching Phantom, but Michael is simply amazing, he acts and sings like an unearthly creature. A strange angel of music as the Phantom is supposed to be.

[@robertdiehl1281]

I’m late on comments for this video. Must be said however. Saw Phantom in Los Angeles in 90’. Myself and my wife who was in third trimester. Front row two seats or so left of center. Entire program started and ended 20 ft from us. Absolutely fabulous presentation. Michael Crawford...when he started to sing people would gasp. He filled the Ahmanson Theater with his voice. He brought magic and sensuality to the role of the Phantom. One of the great times of my life.

[@chrismooney9275]

Superstars of musical theatre have a fragility in their voice. A tenderness. That's how they sell emotion. And it makes every performance original and memorable.
It annoys me when people criticize vocals. This is how its supposed to sound!
Elite, Elite vocalists rarely make it. As they can't sell the song or the moment. Their vocals are robotic and predictable.
Michael was cast because of the occasional frailty and innocence in his voice. Not in spite of it.

[@JaneDoe-ok9lz]

I cannot imagine a better phantom than Michael Crawford.

[@keelieak]

Wow! Perfectly said, CJ Mooney!!!! I realize could have just "thumbs-upped" this comment, but I love it so much. And as if to perfectly illustrate your point, as I sit here applauding your comment, Andrea Bocelli just appeared on my tv on Late Night with Seth Myers, singing -no lie-Music of The Night, and it is full of beauty, yet devoid of any emotion or feeling. What a crazy coincidence!!!

[@Jen-Yueh_Hu]

I don't know what frailty you are talking about. His voice is strong.

[@veecee3669]

Jen-Yueh Hu There is a tremor in his voice that speaks to his fragility as a human being.

[@rudolfix7772]

@@veecee3669 it's called vibrato?

[@brianneale2006]

this is the best of all phantom of the opera's with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman

[@lasatiuchvil]

My favorite Phantom, Mr Michael Crawford! And then Ramin Karimloo with his heavenly voice that just makes me melt... Oh, I love this musical.

[@TheLadyMalfoy]

One of the greatest performances in musical theater. They are magnificent and Michael Crawford is spell binding as the Phantom. Had I been Christine, I would have surrendered completely to the Phantom and the music of the night.

[@LadyVendettaAngel]

Michael Crawford...always the Phantom. Those hands...that voice. THAT'S Phantom!

[@USFanLovesMinHo]

So true, and did you know that Michael didn't even audition for the role. ALW and Sara over heard him singing and when he left ALW asked who he was. He turned to Sara and said, I think we found our Phantom. Michael said when he was offered to be in the show he was hoping for the handsome Raul part but ended getting the ugly guy, LOL. He then said now he is glad that he did. I love that story.

[@leonardfleet50]

Mike Crawford WAS the Phantom!

[@Tharrild]

I was too young to ever see Crawford play this role but I've always loved him. A stunning voice!

[@nancysgoodman909]

I have seen Phantom on Broadway on 4 occasions, no one compares to Michael Crawford. His voice is perfection for Phantom.

[@hanahomma9640]

They're both irreplaceable. Just absolute perfection!

[@margcromack1229]

I’ve heard many men sing this part in the phantom of the opera,and NO OBE comes close to the way Michael sings it and sounds like. He’s the best EVER in this role. In my humble opinion 😮.

[@orngbttrfly128]

Best ever. There will never be a better cast for a better musical. EVER

[@goodfoodgoodpeople]

Oh boy! I got caught up in this and I'm supposed to be making homeade chicken soup! Oh well..Saw this in 1988 it was way more beautiful and exhilarating in person then video, love it!!

[@keramiroberts6695]

It's ten years since you started making the soup.... Hope it was good!

[@thepolishedprincess6592]

I was lucky enough to see these two in Phantom, and also to see Michael Crawford in a "Best of Andrew Lloyd Weber" performance. To me these two will always be Phantom and Christine. Hard to replace that once it's in your memory. :)

[@x44magnum]

Jealous

[@thepolishedprincess6592]

J Wilson I was raised in a very musical family. I am blessed!!

[@liciamoone5005]

You are so lucky!!!!!!!!!!!

[@brianneeley4471]

Best phantom ever..

[@madnessofmymind]

This is my greatest misery in life...that I never got to see this. It will haunt me for EVER! :( I'm truly jealous of you!
And you are correct, these two are the ONLY!

[@TheWoo55]

Michael Crawford is my favorite broadway phantom. :O His voice is so soft but stern.

[@juneannlloyd4277]

So happy I had the pleasure of seeing this with the great Micheal Crawford. Every other phantom pales in comparison

[@arianalamark9891]

Michael Crawford and Ramin Karimloo are the best and sexiest Phantoms of all time. ❤️😍

[@vanessachaston1688]

So, so, so true!

[@amyclarke41]

Ariana LaMark his hands alone hm hm

[@mgfoster9197]

Vanessa Cespedes Yep.

[@adventuresofdivyajohnnyjam180]

I truly agree

[@adventuresofdivyajohnnyjam180]

Johnny James I was 9 years old fortunate enough to see the original cast Wow little Georgia boy goes to London and I never forgot it

[@MarcusHammarberg]

Oh, the focus and presence of that last "t" in "niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight"

[@Schneefernerkopf]

No kidding, I was on tenterhooks

[@glamdolly30]

He has the classic, beautiful British enunciation!

[@ramonabaldwin9080]

sarah's voice is so very beautiful.

[@winstonllamas5163]

I had the pleasure of watching the original Broadway cast on the last night of previews at the Majestic, from the sixth row! OMG. I had never seen anything like Phantom on stage up to that point. When Michael Crawford sings "look at your face in the mirror, I am there inside" and he walks out of the mirror, I was hooked. And then Michael sings "Music of the Night". And then Steve Barton and Sarah sing "All I Ask of You" and then Michael sings the lament before cutting the chandelier free. And that was just the first act. Singularly the best (or second best) night in the theater I ever experienced. That I had an absolutely beautiful friend with me to enjoy the evening was apropos.
What could conceivably be better? Watching the original Broadway cast of Les Miserables at the Kennedy Center Opera House, from the sixth row, before they went to Broadway. Colm Wilkinson was ROBBED of a Tony Award. Frances Rufelle, what a beautiful, talented woman you are. And Judy Kuhn! And Judy Kuhn!

[@Octarin]

Best Phantom voice E-V-E-R, his range is amazing, he is able to duet Brightman's voice without getting lost in her grandeur, there is NO ONE better for Brightman.

[@funkyfeet412]

My wife and I were fortunate enough to see this play the first month it opened in NYC. We had standing room tickets but never felt tired for a moment. This is the best Broadway show I have ever seen. So grateful to have seen it with these two actors.

[@acdragonrider]

This remains my favorite phantom of the opera rendition to this day.

[@hapey123]

What makes Michael different is that he is not acting a part. His heart and soul is in every movement and word. Some actors just play the mysterious "phantom", but Michael simply plays a man who wants to be loved for himself. @4:53 if you look into his eyes and his left side of his face you see a normal man, you see genuine feeling and truth. There will never be another one who feels Erik such as Michael.

[@xisting4me]

Michael Crawford has remained what I listen and look for in a phantom performance. I will always wish I could sound like him. Saw this when I was 17 in Toronto.

[@catpearl58]

Dang! I'm in love!

[@pinkelephant4958]

Saw them in LA and fell in love with Michael Crawford that night! Saw it since then but no one compares to those two.

[@johntatoianenterprises]

Saw Mr. Crawford & Ms. Brughtman in "Phantom of the Opera" at the Broadway premiere in NY. Was the 1rst & only time I ever gave a performance a standing ovation in 60 years. No words describe it.

[@bastid721]

so beautiful , spine tingling..crawford+brightman can never be topped

[@arckocsog253]

Bloody hell, what a voice! (Sarah)

[@Cathedrial1104]

Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford, the BEST ver of The Phantom of The Opera for me. Forever.

[@pr441]

He is and always will be the phantom as Sarah will always will be Christine seen it at the beginning and have watched it many times nothing can surpass that

[@lizmagu3189]

I love his hands. So expressive! 🌹

[@JefferyConner-po8mj]

Hi Liz💐💐

[@leonardowilson7709]

I actually was able to meet him very recently. Such a kind man, and someone who really loved speaking to his fans! such an unforgettable experience. I asked him about whether he would return to the role one last time, and swear to go, his words “Never say never” :)

[@surg23]

His depth, range and clinical precision manifest in the most beautiful and enchanting way. I've never been so memorised and in awe of a musical performance. If I could listen to just one thing for the rest of my life, it would be this piece. Michael Crawford, my new favourite artist of all time.

[@DoggyTreats4Puffy]

OMG; perfect! No wonder these two are legends! So great and, frankly, my dear, untouchable by newer and "younger" performers!

[@artem1sia]

Michael Crawford will always be the best Phantom ever. His voice was perfectly depicting the Phantom's character.

[@susanbrown6624]

ALL TIME FAVORITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JefferyConner-po8mj]

Hi Susan💐💐

[@goerizal1]

many have done this afterwards but none ever even equaled the depths of feeling of this performance.

[@mumoftwoterrors]

He was so charismatic and mesmerising, and that voice!! The original phantom and still the best

[@thepumpkinspice9302]

These two have set the bar.

[@akllanjur]

The real show ?! I looooooooooove i went seeing this show in London and i completely felt in love !

[@marcelototola2475]

Michael Crawford is and will always be the only "Phantom of the Opera"!

[@jonitchr]

Good Golly Miss Molly. "Where you long to beeeeeeeeeeeee" Chills every time, every single time.

[@kefi3186]

Sweet Jesus
Michael Crawford is too awesome 😍

[@sheriwhispers]

I so adore Crawford in this role. Best damn Musical ever !
I have listen to all the men that have sung this role, an Crawford by far nails it
ahhhhhh love that mans voice

[@PolyPinoy95]

In my opinion, no phantom can ever replace Michael Crawford.