How one man RUINED Phantom of the Opera

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My closing thoughts on the Restaged Tour and its catastrophic consequences.
I'm glad to be able to move on now that this chapter in my Phantom journey is complete.
I look forward to bring you more OG content in the near future, my friends.

[@Goldkehlchen20]

You can tell that they thought that Webbers tunes and the name of Phantom were the essence of the show and the rest was replacable. They didn't realise how the costumes and the sets worked off of one another or that the choreograhy and the staging brought everything together. You can't make art if you don't understnd how it works. The tunes are catchy, but it's not enough.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

You nailed it, exactly right!!!

[@quangminhtran7612]

He's probably so busy thinking about how to earn some more pennies that somehow he forgets the reminder from the Phantom that: 'And my managers must learn that their place is in an office, not the arts'

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

That was stuck in my head the whole time making this video too, but I knew I didn't have to put that in the script, we were all hearing his voice in our heads!

[@quangminhtran7612]

​@@pryingpandoraproductions I was like 'Then my world was shattered' when I saw the lines 'The Original production will never return to Broadway' and 'The Restaged version will continue its tour'. What a shame!

[@SarahJareth]

Maria Bjornsons work deserves to live forever in the minds and hearts of those who have seen it and continue to reach new audiences I love her take on Sleeping Beauty

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@SarahJareth It was awesome right? Fortunate to have found an example (although bad quality) online!

[@lpsbluepuppy3627]

@@quangminhtran7612 THEY DARE SAY THAT????? OH HECK NO!!! THIS I (AND ALL PHANS) WON'T ACCEPT!!!! I RATHER BE PROVEN THAT LOVE NEVER DIES IS A TRAIN-WRECK THAN BELIEVE THAT THE OG PRODUCTION WILL NEVER RETURN TO BROADWAY. I'LL DROP THE CHANDELIER ON THE RESTAGED TOUR TO BRING BACK THE OG PRODUCTION IF I MUST DO. OH, I JUST WANT TO GIVE THE RESTAGED TOUR A MASSIVE SLAP IN THE FACE. JUST BURN THE RESTAGED TOUR AND END THE CATASTROPHE AND BRING BACK THE OG PRODUCTION!!! I DON'T CARE WHAT MACINTOSH THINKS ABOUT BRINGING THE TRAIN-WRECK RESTAGED TOUR TO BROADWAY!!!!!!!! (Excuse Me for losing my cool) But Also: Brilliant Og Product.: "So It is to war Between Us , But This Time, Restaged Tour, The Disaster and shame will always be yours!!!!!"

[@Waggers789]

When Phantom reopened in London and Cameron onto the stage he was booed. Due to what he had done to the production and how he had treated staff/cast and crew during the pandemic. I got a feeling Phantom will reopen on Broadway but it will be the same as London. I was pleased Broadway got a proper farewell, unlike London. Over the last couple of years, I've really grown to love Maria's costumes and the level of detail. The costume in the London production aren't the same and yet previous costumes are sat in a warehouse somewhere.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

I'm glad we all had the heart to boo him, he needs it. I hope he has a change of heart someday. Yes I agree I am glad it got a proper closing too, and that it wasn't gradually changed over the years to some unrecognizable mash.. the Majestic has now filled in where the candelabras used to sink into the ground under the stage... it wont be the same, whatever they do now!... so sad

[@Waggers789]

@@pryingpandoraproductions I think I was more angry with him and how he treated the cast and crew, my friend lost his job during the pandemic cuz of Cameron . Cameron didn't think about anyone else apart from himself during that time. He saw the pandemic as an opportunity, but if the pandemic I think London would of had the same farewell as broadway. I'm sad we didn't get to say goodbye to the original London. Sadly I don't think he will ever change, his percentage of the show is much bigger than RUG. But I do think when it reopens on Broadway, it will be like London sadly. That very sad they've done that so I'm guessing it won't go back to that theatre. Btw found your videos very interesting and a few things I didn't know and hadn't thought about, like the links to Greek mythology... I mean, of course, they are linked. watched them during the night shift.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@Waggers789 Glad the videos kept you company, night shift is hard! Hopefully I'll have more for you soon.

[@Waggers789]

@@pryingpandoraproductions look forward to them.

[@livviebrundle]

"...a new version of Phantom, that uses a more visceral, dramatic approach, to create a visual feast..." ...0.0 wtf? he's describing exactly what Maria and them did! I half expected to hear a voice, behind me while I was watching this. "Now, let there be war!" Damn you, Cameron Mackintosh!

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

So many of the articles repeat sentiments like that from him, that are blatant lies...! So infuriating!

[@ygnit5793]

As a Polish person, I am so so grateful you used so much footage of polish non-replica production 😊 I always thought it to be really dazzling, gothic and inventive

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

It really is beautiful! I'll be doing a more thorough look at those productions in the future, but that one caught my eye the most! Inventive is a good word!

[@tsctheafkpanda3998]

Who's ready for the Phantom to see this and crash a chandelier or two out of disappointment?

[@a.t.m873]

I hope you're still gonna review the Yeston and Kopit Phantom. You're right. It was wrong if him to close the original production in the West End only so he could open the cheaper touring one.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Hey! Yes, it's coming, I promise, but I have some videos to get through before I get to reviewing other stage versions. You're not alone, I'm excited to break it down too! ❤

[@albertho9697]

@@pryingpandoraproductions it is also wrong for him to close the NYC production there has been there for over 30+ years with everything the way Hal and Maria originally did it, and now to try to see something with Maria's design will have to travel all the way to London

[@ip22343]

@@albertho9697 Unfortunately only in Japan, but is a non-english production.

[@BCSFDC]

I was fortunate enough to see the Vegas version when I was young with Ted Keegan as the Phantom. It genuinely rocked and did some very cool stuff with the sets (ie Erik hanging from the chandelier, a torture cage in Final Lair, etc). I totally forgot about "the chandelier in pieces" being put together in the air. Such an amazing idea.

[@albertho9697]

Vegas Version have a rule because the shows must be over at max a hour and half that is why they changes things up a bit, I do agree that change was not extreme and is making the flow of the show better.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

It really looked incredible, so glad you got to see it! Thanks for dropping a note!

[@swanben11]

Excuse me, he hangs from that massive chandelier??

[@Tarabara]

Ted Keegan was my first live Phantom, way back when.

[@ygnit5793]

Side note, but I adore the contrast between your sublime, gentle, masterfully insightful analysis of every single aspect and detail in Phantom and the obscene brutality with which you're, deservedly so, shrugging this production to pieces

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

This means so much, thanks for coming back to add this... made my week.

[@ygnit5793]

@@pryingpandoraproductions You absolutely deserve it! KZbin is drowning in commentaries and essays on everything, but the way you approach, analyse and convey your thoughts on the Phantom lore... My God, it blew me away, in every single video, from the monkey theme to Phantom himself. I don't think I've ever seen such thoughtful & detailed essays on anything. I'm so glad your channel exists 🖤

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@ygnit5793 So honored... speechless.. I only hope I can keep delivering for you. Keep me updated in the comments, I read every one, if you have any ideas or feedback, I will listen!

[@sandiimartin-tyler2666]

Macintosh has destroyed a gem that was perfect. What a travesty. The lights should go down in deference to the original.

[@daaesviolin]

Love this video, and thank you for always standing up for Maria’s genius artistic vision ❤

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Thank you so much, we didn't deserve her!

[@1NYCHombre]

You hit the nail on the head! Yes it was all about closing a company and opening a new company with new contracts and agreements, with the only goal is reducing production expenses, paying the new creatives less royalties, reducing the orchestra, and crew, costumes and props for economical maintenance and reducing the cast with the goal to make more money for his pockets. Sarah Brightman said it best at the closing or the Original Broadway Production saying from the stage that, the closing was tragic because there was no reason for it to close. A comment which garnered great applause from the savvy industry invited audience. I do hope all these changes aren’t all in the revised West End Production. However, I heard that some indeed are and that is disappointing.

[@swanben11]

Whoa, that’s a bold thing to say. Is there a video of that?

[@davidparker1544]

Great video. Hilarious and accurate commentary. Thank you for making me chuckle today. I've been a "Phan" since i first saw the original replica US tour in July 1990. Macintosh said he would never bring a show back to my small town because an arena tour of Cats failed in 1991.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Cats and Phantom are two entirely different shows with entirely different audiences and draws! What a joke! I'm glad you're still a phan despite it all!..

[@sandiimartin-tyler2666]

I truly hope that Andrew Lloyd Webber will find some way to restore Phantom to its original stature. You wouldn’t redo The MonaLisa. The beauty and the grandeur and the mystery created by the set, created and enhanced the mystique of the phantom. It enveloped him. Just as his cape swirled about his shoulders, the nuances of his surroundings reflected in his character and the Aura of his character, is larger than life. If one strips away his facade his masculinity is destroyed and thus, the very definition of who he is.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[@gloriabarberi1292]

I'd wish I could post here some of the pics from the Italian staging and costumes... Christine in the Final Lair doesn't even wearing a wedding dress but the same as in the Don Juan scene

[@yomamabaker99]

Thos "Final Thought".. Brilliant! Thank you for this video ⚡

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Thank you for watching and dropping a note!

[@conspiracyssister9738]

amazing video!!! As an aussie who (very luckily) got to see the aus cammack restage and the sydney non-replica within months of each other- it was blaringly obvious the differencein respect, creativity and love for the phantom

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

I can't wait until I get to research all the non-replicas, some of them are so gorgeous! Sydney among them!

[@NRP589]

Happy you posted the excerpt from the Schenectady gazette article regarding the refurb of proctors theatre in Schenectady to host the show. It was a essentially a frame-off restoration to hold the brilliant original. The stage was deepened, and the ceiling and structural frame and the original decoration of the ceiling were completely redone. To this day, there’s holes in the ceiling above the actual chandelier where the shows was tied into the structure. There’s a permanent display in the theatre arcade of some of the original (musicbox) tour costumes and the extensive work done to the the theatre. Having seen the musicbox tour twice 2004 and 2008, along with the restaged tour both times it visited proctors in 2014 and 2018, there’s something about the original replica tour that is just amazingly over the top. My wife saw the restaged tour with me, but agrees the original staging just can’t be beat. Also, I counted the trucks to move the replica tour: at least in 2008, It took 35 semi-trailers to bring the truck in.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

That's absolutely wild 35 semis?! Man, these articles, even trying to find multiples to corroborate facts are sometimes totally unreliable... Yes I knew about Proctors because it's my "home theater", and where I saw Phantom back in 2006 for the month of February. I was just a kid but even then it was a huge talking point about what they did to host the original show (and other big shows in the future). Thanks for dropping a note! Edit: Also... I look at those anchors for the chandelier every time I'm in the seats remembering those special days...! It broke my heart in half to see them up there unused while the restaged tour came through!

[@_zeerosd]

i did not think i could hate cammack any more than i already do. this video proved me wrong.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

He's a victim of greed, that's for sure.

[@jenkzkh]

The first time i saw McIntosh it was on the 25th anniversary dvd. I didn't know who he was but i knew i didn't like him. There was something wrong in his eyes. Now i totally know why I don't like him. I hope he loses everything in his money grab.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

I know exactly what you're talking about...

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Didn't expect this today, but knowing what your trilogy of videos about that ghastly tour explained and I couldn't stop laughing at them, I welcome it! Never change Arthur, thank you for giving me something to laugh about when it comes to this nonsense 🤣 I"m nothing short of glad I decided to see POTO right before I moved out of NYC last year. It reminded me why it lasted as long as it did, I'd still be kicking myself if I didn't. Maria, Gillian, and Hal were merely 3 of many parts about why it did, and everything came together perfectly, like nothing has since or probably ever will. The stars aligned. Who knows why but they did. If that god awful tour starts again here in the US (heaven forbid...), I'm telling myself to never see it, I don't care how much I love the show overall.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Great reflection, I'm so glad you got to see it as well! It's like nothing else!... I love Arthur too... he'll come back for other rants I am sure.

[@michaelwood9389]

Thankfully London is very close to the original not completely changed beyond recognition.

[@STLawNerd]

I’ve lost any respect for Cam man after this

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Amen!

[@ygnit5793]

We weren't expecting it, but we certainly deserve it

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Word

[@operahouseofetudebloxburg]

Honestly, the new one isn't that bad. It was visually pleasing, and the rotating thing was actually really cool. What i mean is that if they added the rotating thing to the original one, it would be really nice. I just checked, and I watched the greece production, which I confused with the restage.

[@orangeoliver]

18:37 I hate LND, but this orchestral arrangement of *the most dramatic song about a one night stand ever* is nice, could you provide a link to it?

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

I feel the exact same. It's actually from the 2004 movie (and is my favorite part of the film... just spine tingly!) It's called: Journey to the Cemetery (Instrumental), you can find it easily there. I just looped the first few bars for the purposes of my video.

[@leefriedman3067]

PHANTOM:A DISASTER BEYOND YOUR IMAGINATION WILL OCCUR... ME: Seeing the new production was a disaster beyond my imagination

[@jameswilson3370]

As much as I love every aspect of the brilliant original production, I can’t be completely mad at Cam Mac for wanting to save a few bucks. I do think some of his comments have been extremely disrespectful and distasteful, but I don’t necessarily disagree with his decisions to change or update some things. That being said, I wish that these changes and updates were actually good and not just gimmicks showing a complete lack of understanding of the source material, as you have pointed out before. I agree the new tour takes all the magic out of the Phantom and turns him into a tacky romance novel character. I miss the mirror bride, and nothibg will ever redeem those cheap costumes either. As for the London production, it was sad to see the Angel of Music go, but I do like the Pegasus replacement. I understand the need to replace or update the chandelier, but something seems very disrespectful about not retaining Maria Bjornson’s oval shape design. I think that you are unfortunately right: we’ll probably never see the brilliant original production anywhere ever again. Nothing will ever compare to its extravagant simplicity.

[@jameswilson3370]

Update: I just watched a bootleg of the new All I Ask of You Reprise in London. The Pegasus is definitely a downgrade from the Angel of Music, and the entire proscenium lacks the eloquence of the original.

[@lindseymoore4460]

Keep it the same production and not worry about making money. He will make his money eventually soon enough. It not about the money. It carry the legend and this story continue to long last fans and draw the new fans into it. They will enjoy it and love it. They would want to pass these stories to the next generation of fans. This guy is just in this production to make money. He can care less about the hard work that these actors, actress, instrumentals, background crew, makeups, man autograph the machines and conductor put in to this production. It is a very sad and very selfishness to be that way. They are many people out there are not way.

[@jackmcdonnell8505]

Welcome back

[@NathanFilmsStudios]

This still doesn’t explain the traffic cone on the stage, has anyone figured that out yet?

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Someone actually pointed out, they think the color is distorted in the footage (to make it look orange) and that it's actually a metronome! That would explain it, because it's very triangular shaped!

[@quangminhtran7612]

I've just realised that they even cut off 6 bars in the middle of Il Muto from the score in all the productions after the pandemic. Really hate it when they just make some unnecessary changes. 6 bars couldn't make any significant change to the duration, but it makes the score less perfect as it should be...

[@singer2be256]

Random thought while looking at those Cats bit. How on earth does someone use the bathroom in that? You KNOW they be drinking tons of water and what goes in must come out.

[@gloriabarberi1292]

It all goes out in sweat

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

I have no respect for Cameron. He’s a tragic example of what happens when you try to fix something that was never broken. The recent attempts by Cameron are camp trash.

[@jameswilson3370]

Just because I keep thinking about this . . . I’ve seen the restaged tour a few different times. I have to say that I love the way the direction is more focused on Christine and her psyche. It’s almost as if the story is told more through her lense rather than a bird’s eye view. This makes sense when you consider how all of the Phantom’s tricks and illusions somewhat revealed in the new version. Comparing the two I feel like is not even an option, because the sophistication and eloquence of the original design and staging will always be timeless. The restaged tour is very much a 21st century retelling of the story. Not unlike all of Disney’s cheap and diluted remakes. But, where interesting choices are made that bring forth other elements of the story that make you think, I have to give credit. All that to say, keep up the amazing work, Prying Pandora. I commend you. The Brilliant Original will always trump.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Interesting reflection, I am happy to consider your silver lining to the direction. Is there particular moment in the restaged version you like better than the original, to reflect Christine?

[@jameswilson3370]

@@pryingpandoraproductions During the last few moments of “Why Have you Brought me Here?” in the restaged tour, Christine almost seems to play chicken with the edge of the roof. She appears as if she is about to jump, and Raoul calls out her name to stop her. I think it’s a brilliant look into Christine’s character. It’s not a lot unlike the one video of yours discussing the historical Christine Daae and what she might have experienced growing up in her culture. How would having a man pretending to be the ghost of her father but also trying to marry her, and this person being the very reason her career is excelling, how would that effect her? It would probably drive any of us to a breaking point. Two other parts are in Masquerade and the Don Jaun rehearsals where Christine almost seems to have fits of hysteria and imagines things slightly different than they actually happened. Again, it takes all the magic out of the Phantom himself. But i still appreciate it. And as much as I love this plot point being brought to the forefront in the new staging, it’s not worth replacing Maria Bjornson’s oval chandelier with a cheap dining room sconce.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@jameswilson3370 Thanks for the clarification! She's certainly, with all the things you mentioned, a different Christine than the other versions; I suppose the same could be said of all three main characters too. I've heard both directions, some folks say it makes her feel more vulnerable and maybe picturesque of the era; while others champion her as a "girlboss" type, with her slapping Raoul in her moment of feeling overwhelmed and terrified (after spanning the entire room to do it), and the very bold blocking in Point of No Return (which had been changed even on Broadway much to my dislike, some years ago...). This Christine certainly feels a little less "in the clouds" and innocent and a lot more tortured and confused; neither better nor worse in my view, just personal taste. As I look into the different versions of this story I realize that even for the "worst" versions... there's still a place for them, and they all have SOMETHING cool about them... An interesting peek, thanks for dropping a note!!

[@jameswilson3370]

@@pryingpandoraproductions I’m definitely not a fan of the “girl boss” Christine. I think it lessens the impact of her decision in the Final Lair, which ultimately shows a full 360 of her character. Where she was easily manipulated and coerced by the Phantom and Raoul, she is the one in control in the final moments of the show.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@jameswilson3370 Couldn't agree more with you!!

[@PoftheOperag.m]

I completely agree

[@sannabi_]

I'm using a translator🥺 Is there any chance that the Phantom of the Opera version will come back again?

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Unfortunately no. The Producer has made it cheaper to make by cutting out the original designs now, and the other creators are dead. It's very sad! But the Original Tour is still running, it's in China right now!

[@sannabi_]

@@pryingpandoraproductions Thank you for your kind answer. I really wanted to see the original version..I wish I could come back someday🥲

[@ip22343]

@@pryingpandoraproductions Japan and Korea too.

[@tsctheafkpanda3998]

@@pryingpandoraproductionsIs the original Phantom still running in London?

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@tsctheafkpanda3998 Yes and no. They removed the angel from the proscenium and changed the chandelier design, both downgrades as far as I'm concerned. They've also changed the blocking in Point of No Return to make Christine more aggressive... but the rest of it is mostly unchanged.

[@paulfaulkner5786]

I loved the Vegas production. Saw it 10x and loved it just as much as the original. So i am not of the opinion that a non-replica production cant work. But the revised version isnt it. I hate what Cameron has done to Les Miz and Phantom and I wish those close to him when let him on the fact that we hate the revisions. We would much rather have the recent touring production based on the original.

[@benbozovich9522]

I think you missed that the original tour used a ‘jump set’, where they would set up the important stuff while the show was playing in another city. I think the new tour didn’t use this. But I still didn’t like the new tour and I still wish the original was touring.

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

That might explain the difference in the touring bus numbers I encountered as well... Thanks SO MUCH for this information!... how did you learn this?

[@benbozovich9522]

@@pryingpandoraproductions I talked to a few people that worked on the tour. I did a backstage tour when it was in Tempe Az and I asked a ton of questions. lol they said that there was two floors, two prosceniums and two chandeliers. I think you can tell difference primarily in the prosceniums by how many gargoyles there are. I’ll see if I can find any more information for you!

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@benbozovich9522 That's awesome thank so much for sharing!

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

The true brilliance of this show is it's ability to become a mirror of fantasies and dreams of the people embodying it. Although I most enjoy the original props, staging and costumes, I have watched in wonderment as reverent Russian, Japanese, Swedish, Italian and Australian versions brought the show to life thru the lens of their own (unique) perspectives. Although not all of the interpretations were to my personal taste, I could still see in them the spirit of the original. I'm afraid I agree with @Goldkehlchen20, what is now being created isn't art, it's become a "cash cow"... and "nothing more."

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Absolutely agree.... it's a mythology for this generation, and resonates so deeply! You can absolutely feel when it's "off", and it isn't because the sets and costumes are different... inevitably, being a piece of media "for this generation", money will be its ruin! And has been... along with most of the beautiful things in our world...!

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

@@pryingpandoraproductions Actually, I would say it's a mythology for all generations. It's a story of redemption; just like Star Wars...the Phantom is redeemed from the "Dark Side" by Christine's act of compassion and love just as Darth Vader is redeemed by Luke's compassion and acceptance. I suspect (long after I am gone), both works will live on as icons in popular culture.

[@jameswilson3370]

Cannot wait to watch this

[@ip22343]

What are your thought's on the 2019 World tour production?

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

True to the original vision, of course when they want to put their best foot forward, they don't send out the Re-staged tour!... I hope there's still a chance to see a replica tour in America again in our lifetimes.

[@ip22343]

@@pryingpandoraproductions One last question would you watch the new London production or you think it's meeh?

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

@@ip22343 If I was in London, I'd go see it. But I really dislike the ripped up drapery in the auction, and "Maria's" bust instead of the Angel (which isn't actually a sculpture of her), I also don't like the new chandelier, and the lighting has all changed (on Broadway too before it closed).... like... it's not the same show, that can't be argued... personally, not on my priorities list. I'd more quickly see a replica tour than what's going on in London.

[@ip22343]

@@pryingpandoraproductions And also there's no double in the title song, point of no return song Christine runs after the phantom instead of him after her, it doesn't make sense, and know they wan't to empower her, but it's not about empowerment, phantom dragging christine is to show how a maniac he is.Unfortunately replica tours only played in Japan, South Korea and China this year, but in my country is very expensive to travel to Asia.

[@ip22343]

@@pryingpandoraproductions And i think one of the reasons that the Broadway production closed is that it wasn't being the true original anymore because it returned with the new London production choreography, i saw a video of the new choreography of the point of no return in the broadway version, many people disliked in the commentary.

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

and to think... cam-man used to be tolerable! when you pinch pennies, they pinch back!

[@ohazeldean]

I really want to watch this but I can’t do the AI voice

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

Turn off the audio, put on some of your favorite tunes instead, then turn subtitles on and enjoy!

[@havehope646]

Jesus loves you yall

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

OMG YOU HAVE 666 SUBSCRIBERS

[@pryingpandoraproductions]

I just noticed too!! I think there's a new video coming soon to celebrate...

[@Ilovethephantommovie]

@@pryingpandoraproductions let’s goooooo