Character Study: Watch Hugh Panaro Transform Into Erik aka "The Phantom of the Opera"

[@_cherry_soda_]

Can we just appreciate the fact that he brings his dog?

[@IJest]

And kisses the dog on the lips in full makeup, haha.

[@deannalauber4611]

IJest What kind of dog does he own? It kind of looks like a Labradoodle, or something.

[@augustaaltman]

I talked to Hugh while he was on as Sweeney Todd. I believe Soot was a labradoodle, however Soot passed away last year... :(

[@ethannavarro943]

Ava Hendricks I was thinking the same thing

[@christinedaae5899]

@@augustaaltman Oh. May Soot rest in peace! The Phantom has suffered enough in his life. He really should get another dog.

[@mjrtaurus2714]

First Broadway Phantom to ever refer to the character by his name. Respect for this man has increased.

[@alaynamercer2117]

Yeah me too, I had almost forgotten his name.

[@DihanSing]

I believe it's actually Erik Destler, but yes.

[@creaturegrace]

Its only Erik Destler in the Robert Englund film, the original Erik never had a last name

[@creaturegrace]

Kawiia Kookie No tho ?? Its just Erik

[@creaturegrace]

Kawiia Kookie Of course he has a last name, I read the original Leroux novel and the Kay novel. His mother's last name is never mentioned, and he tells Christine in the Leroux novel that he simply took up the name 'Erik' accidentally. Not only does he never tell anyone his last name, but he really doesn't seem to care much about the fact that no one knows it. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't remember it either, he is a sociopathic 50+ year old man, after all. And he didn't grow up parent less. His father Charles died and his mother ignored him, but she did exist. He left home when he was twelve, and at age 15 was taken in by Giovanni in Rome. He considered Gio a father. So check your privilege :3c

[@MelancoliaI]

I have nothing but respect for the fact that he uses the name of Erik. He understands this character to the core.

[@christinedaae7323]

I highly agree with you! I like Erik much, much, better than The Phantom! It’s much handsomer sounding!

[@amyclarke41]

phandog of the opera , a howling success

[@aaaaaaaa-ji2bv]

amy clarke lol. Best thing I've ever heard. Or read since this is a KZbin comment XD.

[@fanninemes9346]

Sans? How did you get here? (sorry.)

[@cookieaddictions]

I can't even imagine being in Phantom for 3000 performances. Wow.

[@aphoticphoton]

The makeup and how awful the skin must feel but then again im a filmmaker not an actor so they must be used to it

[@TheMsiaddict]

cookieaddictions 1000 as Raoul, though.

[@ingvildkvakestad]

2000 masks wow

[@RealAngelOfMusic]

it would be a dream though 😍

[@FacetiousFellow]

It's awesome that Hugh is wearing Erik's ring while applying his makeup. Not even in costume at that point. He was so dedicated to the role. Amazing.

[@laurenconrad1799]

While watching this video, I get the sense that Hugh is one of the kindest guys imaginable. Just that softness in his tone speaks volumes.

[@keelieak]

I met him last night, and his kindness overwhelmed me. I knew as his fan, what an amazing person he is, but to actually experience it was like a dream. He went waaay out of his way to spend a little time with me, and there aren't enough adjectives out there to describe how wonderful he was. My feet haven't touched the ground yet, and I have a feeling this is what my face looks like....😍.

[@laurenconrad1799]

keelieak Wow. That is amazing.

[@laurenconrad1799]

I just met him yesterday. I was completely starstruck. I was seeing Norm Lewis on his last day of Sweeney Todd and as I go up to pick up my ticket, Hugh is standing right there about to rehearse for when he takes over the role in a day or two. And I can confirm that I was right. He is that nice.

[@christinedaae355]

@@laurenconrad1799 EEK!

[@beneddiected]

@@laurenconrad1799 Norm and Hugh played Sweeney???? No way 😭

[@PhantoMace2012]

3:04 i loved seeing the Phantom walk casually down the stairs in full costume with a plastic water bottle in his hand!

[@Broadwaygirl918]

yeah, well, Hugh's got to drink lots and lots of water in between scenes so he won't hurt his throat and/or get dehydrated, just like we do

[@lucyshearer7117]

HOW IS THIS MAN 50 HE LOOKS 30

[@kmart3453]

WHAT THE FRICK

[@christinedaae5899]

I agree! He makes a very handsome Phantom!

[@annika.maniquis]

I didn’t even know he was 50 until I saw this comment I thought he was like 20 something

[@beneddiected]

THAT MEANS HE IS 55 YEARS OLD NOW WTF

[@b.d6642]

I'm sorry what?! The guy is 50?!

[@aperson3784]

"[erik] is kinda sexy" DAMN RIGHT

[@googleuser2874]

In all fairness, when the phantom wears the full tux, hat, cape, etc, he is trying to be sexy (because of his disfiguredness). He's making the attempt to woo Christine in this get-up.

[@christinedaae355]

@@googleuser2874 :)

[@xpa-beads501]

him talking about the self-caress and saying that “this is so not me” is so funny because imo he does that bit the best out of ANYONE

[@ey8767]

Agreed！And sometimes he would push his hip to Christine (eg. Broadway 25th anniversary with Sierra Boggess). Every time I watch the video I was like "Oh I must stop watching it for a while to calm myself down".

[@l.n.3372]

He really does! But he's correct that he nails the "damaged, repressed, childlike quality" in the final lair too. His Erik comes across as someone with a few screws loose, who has been alone for too long. And it's great lol

[@saii_10720]

@@ey8767 I have been searching this specific moment for quite some time but I haven’t been able to find it. Do you happen to have the link to that clip by any chance?

[@PoeDameron15]

I met Hugh and Soot one day after one of his performances. Hugh is a really cool guy to chat with and Soot is the most loveable and adorable dog I've ever met. :)

[@jackvanpelt9812]

The fact the Hugh helps do his makeup just goes to show how professional he is.

[@jadeallisonhollingsworth]

“…the tight black pants on” … … *nobody tell him about fiyero*

[@lalalynnsey]

He's so down to earth! And I don't have to mention the obvious, he's stunningly handsome. :) That last scene of him walking down the steps with his cloak dragging...I don't know why, but that was incredibly attractive.

[@jaysalvoro9834]

Soot got his own plaque on the Dressing Room Door😭😭😭 Also Hugh Panaro is the only actor who I believe calls The Phantom by his real name- Erik.

[@dillonohlemiller9027]

Joseph Salvoro-Patterson how do you know he’s the ONLY one?

[@Broadwaygirl918]

So far he is. There's other actors who will do that too

[@lillianchristine8106]

Ramin Karimloo doesn’t call him Erik regularly but he has referred to him as that before, but I believe that Norm Lewis calls him that regularly

[@beneddiected]

Meghan Picerno calls Bronson (in their instagram skits) Erik

[@christinedaae355]

@@beneddiected I've seen those. 👀

[@MrsScott-bx8sb]

I like that he calls The Phantom by name, Erik.

[@Gahoyify]

I'm so happy I got to meet Hugh, he really treasures his fans- as we can see from his room! He is so loving and so wonderful as the Phantom! I'll miss watching his videos online, but he'll always be in our hearts

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

This was a great character study, of the actor, the character...and the motivations that impel both men. I have nothing but respect for Mr. Panaro; he is truly among the best who have ever donned Erik's mask.

[@emmaturnermusic]

2:57 - Can we also just appreciate that sweet moment with his dog? That look of trust and love in his dog’s eyes! So adorable! 😍❤️

[@matrixiekitty2127]

So awesome this guy he looks great in costume! Did anyone else just like melt when he was snuggling his dog?

[@katieshajwani6277]

I gave him that dog fancy poster!!! *squeal*

[@ashleyclarkmedia9389]

Aw, I love how Hugh had his drink in his hand as he was going down the stairs

[@evergreen8162]

wow lame

[@hpfan]

It takes such talent -- from the makeup crew to any Phantom who performs in this get up. I think it's wonderful that he wants to be actively involved in creating himself, so to speak. Also, for anyone who hasn't seen Panaro as the Phantom, go as soon as you can before he leaves. He's absolutely remarkable, and he's the best one I've ever seen.

[@cynthx]

He is such a gorgeous phantom

[@finleyforevermore]

Seeing the Phantom of the freaking Opera kiss a DOG is just so wholesome!

[@kayceeBurtonFreak]

I don't even know hiim but I think he's amazing! Many actors are divas and yell at their make up artists for nothing and what not, he actually helps with his make up!

[@Junius]

When I was 16 (this was 18 years ago) my twin sister, my mom and I got to see Phantom on Broadway with Howard McGillin. My sister and I were OBSESSED with Phantom back then. We used to put on a mask, cape and tux and pretend we were him. My mom knew Howard back in the 80's when she worked as an actress in NYC. We got to sit in his house seats and then go backstage after the show. I remember Howard looking so tired. I felt bad for him. When we got up to his dressing room he was in a cloth in his underwear getting his makeup taken off. My sister saw something in the trashcan and said, "Is that your face?" and Howard said, "Yes." and we got a picture of my sister holding it. I remember that my sister wouldn't let me touch anything. The lady who did Howard's makeup had been there since 1988. She had done Michael Crawford's makeup. We then went into his dressing room. His mask wasn't white, it was grey. Howard said if it was white it would blind the audience because of the lights. We saw his cape and I hadn't noticed before that it had these beautiful, sparkly black gems on it. Once Howard was dressed, we got to go out onto the stage. We scrapped our feet on the stage, we wanted to lean down and kiss it, knowing that Michael Crawford had been on that stage 16 years before. Howard signed some pictures of him and a group of people came up to him and asked, "Can we have those?" But Howard said, "No, they're for those two little girls." It was an amazing experience and I'll never forget it.

[@strangepineapples3375]

that's adorable!!

[@KatarzynaSzarzynska]

It was awesome 💖

[@HausofGaGadb]

He was such an amazing Phantom!! I got to see him & Sierra in January of last year (the week of Phantom's 25th anniversary) and they were PERFECTION!

[@keelieak]

I'd give ANYTHING for the chance to see him as the Phantom. I keep hoping he'll miss Erik so much he just has to return to the role.:)

[@eviep9374]

I love how his dog still recognises him.

[@Clara-ty4tw]

The most amazing part is that Erik could model himself after someone who hasn't been born yet.

[@ixaaicactus]

LOVE HUGH PANARO!

[@rachelhughes8487]

Holy cow he's 50??!!!?!?!?!!! I would've guessed no more than 40 - maybe even mid thirties!!

[@andresbarragan4915]

Sarahi Gomez In the 25th they used movie makeup, which is quite different from stage makeup. But if you see the show live from the audience perspective it doesn't look so fake

[@pointone1125]

+Sarahi Gomez In the 25th there were over 5000 people in the audience as well. So saying that it was recorded from nearby doesn't prove anything. Those 5000 people had to be able to see the make up as well

[@andresbarragan4915]

Point One priority was given to the filming and broadcasting. they had big screens on the Hall as well. I saw the show on broadway this past July and trust me, it doesn't look like that when you see it from the audience.

[@pointone1125]

Andrew Martin I saw it last year in London and you're right it didn't look that way from the audience. But I was in the circle (or mezzanine as I think it's called on Broadway). I wonder what it looks like if your in the stalls (orchestra) though. If your that close, does it still look real?

[@snakeofeden6667]

THANK GOD PEOPLE KNOW HIS NAME!!!!! MOST PEOPLE DONT KNOW HIS NAME IS ERIK!!! He’s an amazing actor!!!!!

[@Phantasma98]

Saw him in 2012 in phantom of the opera on broadway he's incredible second best after Ramin karimloo

[@34thstreetman]

look up James Romick on you tube. There have been so many who played this role.

[@Phantasma98]

yes ik there has been many to play the role those 2 though r the best...in my opinion

[@pameladenicolo3300]

Agree with you...TOTALLY ;)

[@Phantasma98]

Pamela De Nicolo Thx!

[@lancer525]

You obviously have never seen Michael.... You wouldn't think that if you had. Trust me.

[@AddisonRamirez]

im not the hugest phantom fan but it was so cool to hear him talk about all of it... kinda makes me want to watch my 25th anniversary dvd again

[@antony5384]

hugh is a gem

[@emilygrace8235]

The fact that he read Phantom by Susan Kay makes my heart happy. (He said it in an interview)

[@sleepysal7410]

The Phantom of the Opera is my favorite musical, I love everything about it, when I saw it I cried actual tears and fell in love with the Phantom

[@linforthewin]

He’s so wholesome 🥺

[@DatDapperBoi]

I think having an experience of "Transforming" into a character would be an awesome feeling. I would be like not having to even be in your own body. I really want to experience something like this. I think it might help me understand myself more.

[@Capn_g85]

I've seen him twice as the Phantom over the years and he's definitely the best!!

[@sparrow8534]

It's weird seeing Erik(Just Hugh in costume embodying the role) doing normal people stuff because are we are used to is Erik being an basement man who enchants Christine and comes out to play sometimes

[@Wander85942]

It's amazing! I can't wait to see phantom in 2015!!!!

[@happyorcas88]

You enjoy!

[@sadieh487]

I want someone to look at me the way Hugh looks at his dog

[@anamoreno449]

This guy is me with my dog

[@chronickatie]

I love that he has his dog with him. That's so beautiful. I love that he expresses how the dog is his heart, becauae my dogs are my everything

[@KingdomHeartsFan3211]

That...dog... I can't even... He's adorable!

[@mattbrauner8529]

It's amazing to see the make-up up close. It's so much different than I expected it to be

[@autumnaxiom]

Holy hell, his voice is angelic even when he's not singing

[@themr.wchannel7687]

Wow he must’ve done His research about the majestic theatre and who phantom is also RIP Soot

[@brettlewis8423]

Hands down my favorite I have seen as well! I hope I can see him in a couple weeks before I move out west!

[@jenflorzinha]

Eu amo tanto o Hugh, TANTO. ❤Pena que eu nunca tive a oportunidade de vê-lo ao vivo 😭 Ele é uma das minhas pessoas favoritas no mundo.

[@scaramouche_enjoyer068]

GUYS THE END WHEN HES WALKING DOWN THE STAIRS IM SORRY I CANTTTTTTTTT ITS SO CUTEEE

[@Kellanncrafts]

Awesome! It is surprising to me that he does so much of his own make-up. I'm totally impressed!

[@Veghead25]

I SAW HIM IN POTO AROUND THE TIME THIS WAS POSTED!!!! HE WAS AMAZING...

[@mnewcomb2060]

i love this man

[@alinaadam2681]

im so sad that his dog died😭

[@erikapen7032]

wait really?

[@christinedaae5899]

Hugh Panaro is one of my favorite Phantoms!

[@EikeSchmuch]

Phantom ist Wut Stimme echt gut

[@MrElfantasma]

If I remember correctly, I saw Hugh Panaro playing the Phantom on Broadway about four times. He really was very good in that role! In this video he comes across as a very sympathetic guy. But there is one thing I don't really understand (which does not have anything to do with Hugh Panaro himself): I heard from different sources that the Phantom is modelled after Rudolph Valentino. Of course, the inspiration is visible. Mr. Panaro says that the Phantom explicitly models himself after Valentino. But how can that be if the man he models himself after was barely born (1895) when the story of the Phantom happend?

[@johnnytammaro7]

Absolutely Amazing! Thanks For That!

[@smoshlover432]

I love him

[@jessicalove9225]

This is beautiful voice in future's time machine museum

[@sundus928]

I just saw who Rudolph Valentino is and OMG, he looks exactly like Phantom/Erik. They (or Erik) do the makeup that looks exactly like him.

[@em-ily1227]

I get so irrationally annoyed when I hear people refer to ALW's Phantom as Erik. Yes, I read the original book (more than once!) but I've always considered the book and the musical to be very different things. Plus, I like that he doesn't have a name in the play, it makes his background seem even more tragic - no one ever loved him enough to give him a name! That's really sad when you think about it. But oh well. It's fun to see the make up process, and it's really cool how involved Hugh gets. Plus, his dog is adorable!

[@PhantomofDB]

Wish I could like this more than once. He's not Erik, he's "The Phantom" in this version.

[@TheWanderer3313]

I agree/disagree. I disagree because he's playing the phantom. So he knows 'his' past. He lived it. So it helps the actor connect more to the role. He knows his name, where he came from, and the pain he feels etc. But I agree on the other hand. That it's more mystifying and dark when you don't refer to him as Erik. Since it's never mentioned in the musical. But in the book we really learn a lot about Erik. So I understand where you are coming from.

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

I too kind of agree and kind of disagree. I would likely refer to the ALW one as the "Phantom" and I always do. But if I was playing him and wanted to talk about inspiration for the character, I'd be referring to the book and I'd probably say something like "well in the book, Erik, as he was called there..." or something. So I'd have to make it clear lol. The book and Erik are my favorite things ever but something does make me cringe about him just straight up calling the Phantom "Erik" here

[@katerinakucerova2937]

Actually, if you read the book, Gaston Leroux´s one I mean, you would know, that he doesn´t have the name in it either. Erik is just the name he uses for Christine´s sake, but it´s not his name. When he first takes her down to his lair, she asks him for his name and he tells her she may call him Erik and that he chose that name in her honor, because in the book Christine and her father are swedish and Erik is nordic name, but it´s not his name. His real name is never mentioned in the book, suggesting he actually has one. But it´s more about the Phantom´s perspective of himself, rather than not being given one. He sees himself as a ghost or spirit not as a man. He always refers to himself in third person, when he is using that name actually.

[@daltonletta2760]

i remember in one version the phantom's full name was Erik Petrie who was born normal but was disfigured after a fire

[@CosmicEsper]

The makeup artist made him look very handsome with the face work and mask!

[@ReclusiveMountainMan]

Great to see that he did some of his own make-up and that it was centered on silent film style make-up aka Valentino.

[@pixiedust9613]

My favorite phantom.

[@fanninemes9346]

0:30 Who expected him saying "Dark, darker, yet darker"?

[@ingridaguero6460]

And Christine wanted Raul because? You know what Christ, Raul is all yours, I want Erik

[@MichelLafleche]

love you and miss our push-ups at the Gershwin!!!

[@giannapatsy698]

Also, I saw Hugh Panaro perform!

[@Howlingburd19]

I actually never knew actors do their own make up! Super interesting :)

[@ashi447]

that waterbottle XD

[@ingvildkvakestad]

This is amazing

[@DapperSam]

God I would love being the phantom on broadway

[@jasonluckoff3880]

Bring the phantom back to Broadway

[@melissamedinaquiles9396]

Awesome

[@elizabetesantiago8051]

Que lindo!!

[@Thiagoarancamofficial]

Bravo!!!!

[@Reposessor]

Majestic Theater. Perfect name 👌👍

[@Reposessor]

Oh my God my own comment from 2 years ago

[@Reposessor]

Oh my God my comment from 2 years ago again

[@ceterababe]

Wow, loved this video! I also did not know the Phantom had a name. Who knew? :)

[@daltonletta2760]

I did

[@lecouvreur97]

i did

[@TheMsiaddict]

You really didn't know the phantom's name?

[@morgangobin6550]

ceterababe I knew! He is not an angel, or a genius, or a ghost. He is Erik!

[@michellelopez5412]

Who is here in 2020 during corona??

[@xtinalee1466]

I'm sitting here sculpting the phantom’s face and thinking "this is true acting."

[@dianazarinamaverik4881]

wow! 😲 eso si es tecnologia de punta !!

[@dianazarinamaverik4881]

y la utileria esta de lujo!!

[@colleen5100]

I have respect for this video...by the title...They Erik by his name ERIK instead of "The phantom" Even more respect because he does his own make up

[@basicdose.9872]

I. Love. Rolls. Royce. Phantom. !!!

[@FlyingRedTailHawk]

very interesting video

[@DefenderOfHumanity]

It's so frustrating to me that they've never tried to put an actor with actual craniofacial differences, or at the very least some kind of physical disability, in the role. There's no way in 35 years they couldn't have found someone.

[@hachii7144]

doing your own makeup looks hard... rip hugh! but he did an amazing job! gj hugh :3

[@dianazarinamaverik4881]

de lujo!!

[@shelleyrightmyer6421]

Ilove you somuch miss

[@TheMsiaddict]

I'm curious about the picture.

[@jenniferbloomfield3656]

Wow that makeup is impressive! I hope the dog didn't get lipstick over him.

[@kaitlingower8696]

I Want to be in the Phantom Musical show for my Birthday on the 14th in December.

[@fraternachash6015]

The ALW production never gave the Phantom a name. It was always to play on the mystery of the character. Gaston Leroux's Phantom is Erik, not ALW's. And the differences between Phantoms are astronomical. My opinion.

[@keelieak]

THE Phantom.

[@TessaYoung33]

Wowww