Musical Theatre Coach Reacts (MUSIC OF THE NIGHT - RAMIN KARIMLOO), Phantom Of the Opera.

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In this video Marc Daniel Patrick discusses the MOST requested video on this channel- "Music Of the Night" as performed by Ramin Karimloo, from the Phantom Of The Opera.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

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[@nevelyn3960]

You got a like at "...to Gerard Butler" XD

[@musicaltheatre64]

Shared White you Music of the night by Daniel Bassani kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX7ZiHmXgJ58otk

[@rheakelly87]

Please review Ben Crawfords Phantom if you can. *chills*

[@wuguay5526]

Question: would you ever considering do a review on Dimash’s “SOS” from the Chinese singer competition?

[@seattlesusieq6945]

I like Ramin's pleading instead of commanding Christine. He's made the Phantom more human, and I like it. He goes between sadness and anger (see the end of Act I. He does it in 2 lines and you can see his tears ). Awesome.

[@eclaire_x88x]

Yes I've always thought he he acts the role better than most as well

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

That “Christine I love you” at the end of the play where he was about to go down on his knees and practically sobbing got to me. Also Christine crying in his hands made me cry so much. This humanity and chemistry between both of the characters added to the story and let’s face makes everyone in the audience bawl.

[@brandonbenitez9746]

I think he should command during music of the night. He has her under control until he is unmasked the first time. Then after he is allowed to plead in my opinion

[@SynFull6988]

Brandon Benitez but that’s not how the original story was. He was very respectful and never touched her without her consent or her touching him first. To be more commanding isn’t how the original character is.

[@shaunsmith7019]

He is pleading though. He is asking her to help him make the Music of the Night.

[@seansilence2697]

Honestly this is the only version of the musical where I actually understood Christine falling in love with the Phantom. Both of them portray the emotions of this scene insanely well. You can see on Christine's face the way that she is falling in love with his voice.

[@ForeverSweetx3]

Yessss! I love the way Ramin and Sierra's portrayal of the characters. For me I can understand why Christine would fall for him or at least is conflicted with her feelings towards the Phantom.

[@Jennypeas11]

I think if you really pay attention to Ramin’s acting here, you can see why the choice was made for more of a pleading than a command. Right before she has a chance to touch the mask he panics, and then really touches her physically for for the first time when he takes her wrist. Watch his face. Ramin is by far the best actor to play the role, IMHO. His approach and nuances really drive home the beauty of that role. For a good rich baritone, take a listen to Norm Lewis. It’s like listening to velvet.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

So funny you say that, I did compare him to Norm Lewis in my first go, but I decided to edit it out.

[@amykathleen2005]

"Ramin my God, I think I almost fainted there." ROFL. I love your videos Marc.

[@EmbraCraig]

That should have been the lead clip at the start of the video :)

[@excaria5949]

Honestly he's such a mood because same, Marc, same

[@kaylamcme2432]

That little smile Ramin flashes after she faints into his arms gets me EVERY 👏 SINGLE 👏 TIME👏 every second of his acting and facials appear so thought out and meaningful like NOTHING was done on accident! There is so much meaning in every moment and lyric

[@bethhoskin-lloyd3212]

In my opinion, Ramin is the best Phantom. This was the first full production of Phantom I saw and since then I've listened to others but no one can beat him for me. His voice can be so gentle, but then so strong. It gives me shivers every single time I watch it. I think one of the most powerful parts is at the end of the first act with the reprise of all I ask of you, but its quite short so I'm not sure if it would be worth a full dedicated video, it's just so powerful and I rewind it every time and listen to it over and over again 😂😂😍😍

[@NoodlesStageSpace]

YOURE CORRECT

[@swanben11]

@Rebekah Loescher I cannot emotionally get over the fact that the original Aussie cast never got a studio album.

[@mrrocket400]

agreed

[@carolinedomingosdarosa7728]

me too, he's my favorite too now and forever, he is complete .

[@Mikimarux]

There's only one Phantom, no others compare.

[@aquwa1138]

Ramin's performance made the struggle Christine had between Erik and Raul way more real. All three did an absolutely awesome job.

[@linzzz519]

I’ve seen several Phantoms live including Crawford. I have never bought the story. When I originally saw a recording of Ramin and Sierra, everything completely changed. Their interpretation completely convinced me, and TPOTO suddenly made complete sense to me... I’m entranced and I get chills. I hope they reprise their roles so I have the chance to see it live. I saw Ramin as Jean Valjean on Broadway in 2015, and it was a stunning performance. Bring Him Home... I can’t even breath.

[@rabbit5000]

wow I wish I had your experience of seeing Crawford live!! he is my favourite Phantom.. that is, until I saw Ramin's. and now I feel like I've betrayed Crawford

[@susanboyd6592]

I haven't had the pleasure, but I can totally see him excelling there.

[@practicallyperfect2941]

When Colm Wilkinson played him 25 years ago in Toronto - omg - he was amazing and suckered you in so much with huge emotions. He was amazing ajd I hadn’t realised till this video that that portrayal also influenced Ramin

[@Kayjee17]

I don't like the little bit of "whine/cry" in his voice in the first part of the song, and the rushing through the part before "where you long to be". Crawford, especially live, perfectly captures the seduction that the Phantom is doing in this song. His whole voice and body are fully engaged in spinning Christine into his entrancing web of darkness in order to make her surrender to being his. Maybe it's because Michael Crawford played the part for so long by the time I saw him opening the show in LA, but he did so much incredible acting in voice and body that the prosthetics didn't matter.

[@homesteadgal4143]

Crawford doesn't have the tenor qualities that Ramin has, and Crawford "chops" the song up, making his deliverance seem elementary, almost a mockery, to me. And to make his performances worse, Crawford certainly did not romanticize his Christine at all. Ramin, in comparison, bared his soul as he all but made love to Christine. Like you, I am still entranced each time I watch this scene. I have the 25th BluRay but keep coming back to KZbin so I can play this beautiful song over and over and over again. Each time, I react the same, with chills, smiles, soft gasping, and utter amazement at the spectacular acting between Ramin and Sierra....every second the details are perfect...and Ramin's emotional deliverance is just breathtaking and beautiful.

[@amandanance919]

I totally get what you mean by Ramin falling short on being in command. However, I think Ramin was going for a more human portrayal of the phantom. Yes, he’s in his own lair, but he is also bringing his crush to his place for the first time. I imagine not many people are the picture of confidence when they bring their girlfriend/boyfriend over for the first time. Also, interesting note that might have played into how he chose to portray the phantom: he had just finished playing the phantom in Love Never Dies before doing the 25th anniversary performance. In Love Never Dies, the phantom is much more human, less of a “creature,” and spends most of the show begging Christine to stay with him, which may have carried over into Ramin’s performance in POTO. Of course, they’re two very different versions of the same character so they can be portrayed differently. Nevertheless, this is all a matter of personal preference, so this is just food for thought :)

[@soukscriedhere]

Exactly, I think it's very connected with Love Never Dies... I mean- I'm not even fan of Love Never Dies, but I definitely can see why Ramin portrayed Phantom this way because of it

[@johnmarkgordonTV]

Amanda.. I agree with you..

[@kennethroberts9399]

Sorry Amanda have to disagree with you Ramin played The Phantom In POTO in 2006 to around 2009 although when he played at the RAH he was as you say playing in Love never dies

[@soukscriedhere]

@@kennethroberts9399 That doesn't go against what she said at all tho

[@johnmarkgordonTV]

@@soukscriedhere hahaha yep.. they are saying the same thing haha

[@carlycchapman]

"I think my nipples are hard." "Ramin, my God, I think I almost fainted there." -MDP 2020 LMAO these quotes are amazing

[@AsmodeusHax]

That comment caught me off guard. rofl.

[@ms112174]

Same Marc....same.

[@mariomatovina4]

lol, I'm laughing so hard I'm probably waking up the neighbours at 2AM.

[@mstie3252]

Ramin is absolutely my favorite musical theatre performer. I love this 25th anniversary Phantom, because Sierra and Hadley are also amazing. I understand what you're saying about Ramin's Phantom not being commanding in this scene, but I think that's why I like his portrayal. Like the moment in "All I Ask of You" when the Phantom sees Christine with Raoul, and covers his ears, and sobs that she has betrayed him. It's powerful. You should also do a video on his performance as Enjolras in the 25th anniversary Les Miserables. Also, have you seen the music video they made of him singing "Til I Hear You Sing" from Love Never Dies? Wow.

[@DarthRayj]

And also, he's incredibly commanding in many of the other scenes. The part where the piano plays by itself right before the Phantom's Opera gives me almost as many chills in his recorded versions as it did for me live with different actors.

[@rachelcontos212]

Me as a kid listening to this piece: Oh so cool he needs help with his music Me as an adult listening to this piece: 😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😳😲😲😲😲

[@MattJacksonOOC]

I love Ramin's version of the Phantom because he comes across as more human. Someone who has fallen in love - but doesn't know anything except pain, loneliness & exile. It gives so much depth to the Phantoms Character & his bond with Christine.

[@sharennyberg7795]

I love Ramin and Sierra singing together in Phantom. Ramin is, in my opinion, the best Phantom ever. I have the cd of the original cast in my car and love singing all the parts lol. Love your videos Marc. Thanks for doing this one.

[@jamiewebb8358]

The face you made for Gerard Butler took me out 😂

[@IanForsythWestCoast]

I was multi tasking at that moment, Chrome-casting KZbin to the TV, (none of the annoying ads, and you can easily queue up a custom playlist) when I heard (or noticed I guess) Marc pause after saying Gerard Butler, I figured an ad or a streaming interruption was occurring. I turned around to look at the TV, and although the pause had ended, something seemed off, so I had to rewind the video, watch the Butler clip, then I paused the video, because I lost it at Marc’s face....which was really subtle. Hilarious. Keep those coming, Marc, and keep those nipple peaking moments on deck.

[@shelby4771]

Lol I personally loved GB as the phantom, just thought the sound design was bad for the film quite honestly. But it made me laugh too!! Hilarious

[@gloriabarberi1292]

Don't be cruel toward Butler. He's not a trained opera singer. I think he did best.

[@gloriabarberi1292]

Don't be cruel. Butler Is not a trained opera singer. He did his best. For the movie they needed a movie actor. Acting on stage Is different then do It in front of a camera.

[@shelby4771]

gloria barberi no one’s really being cruel, but there is an expectation when broadway shows are turned into movie musicals, especially if you’re watching a channel that literally devotes it’s time to musical theater. The POTO film was not developed correctly or to the extent it needed to be to enhance the broadway show. Gerard Butler did literally everything perfect with what time he was given, but wasn’t given: the time to prepare, the correct coaching, or the best sound design. Even Patrick Wilson, who is literally one of the best singers in the world IMO lol was not really given a fair shot. I think you should also know that the POTO film is literally what GOT me into musical theatre when I watched it at like 11 lol and gave me courage to work in local theatre later on! It’s not perfect but holds a dear spot in my heart. So I’m not being biased here, I can just recognize that Gerard Butler did the best he could with the given circumstances, and it just didn’t translate-as did much of the performances. Hope you can understand where different people are coming from! I appreciate your comment too!

[@Soontobefamous100]

Great review Marc. I disagree with your assessment that Ramin doesn't have a commanding enough presence as the phantom. The phantom's dramatic showmanship throughout the performance/show is just a facade to cover the vulnerability and insecurity he struggles with while seeking companionship from Christine. I feel that character study so present in Ramin's performance here.

[@anneahlefeld1989]

I totally agree with you on that.

[@marcellasorially9330]

I totally agree with you.

[@alexwallhead7970]

Ramin is the most incredible phantom I have seen, so diverse. You really believe his lifelong pain. You see and hear the darkness.

[@linzzz519]

Yes, this!! Only time I’ve truly believed it.

[@blissinchains]

He was much more aggressive during his original run on the West End opposite Gina Beck. I actually wasn't much of a fan of how violent and angry his Phantom was prior to his stint in Love Never Dies because of that. It was hard to imagine Christine being at all torn about betraying him. Once he did LND, he gained a new understanding of Erik and who he was and why he was the way he was. I absolutely love his 25th anniversary performance and indeed, changes or no changes, I prefer his and Sierra's version of LND to the one which is run on tours today. So porud of him as a fellow Ontarian!

[@lisaashby1547]

He's absolutely lovely in this role. His acting is outstanding and he really makes you feel his emotion in the 25th anniversary performance. The end scene where he tells Christine he loves her and then finds himself alone is heartbreaking, if I were Christine and I'd seen him in tears playing with the mechanical monkey I think I'd have stayed :)

[@seansilence2697]

I know that nobody likes Love Never Dies, but I think one of the reasons that this particular performance of the show is so good is because they played the characters in Love Never Dies. The characters don't know what happens in the future, but knowing what will happen can inform the actor's performance, and I think it really worked here.

[@sethbender2863]

God this man is so talented. His movement through the layers are stunning. He’s so much more delicate than others. Which I honestly Find endearing. Stunning.

[@DCzero50]

Ramin has the best balance between unbelievably great vocals and purposeful flaws to play the character (the finale shows this so perfectly when hes screaming out the notes and wavering like hes about to cry instead of just making it sound good for the cd)

[@nevelyn3960]

Sp true, that's the one unfortunate thing about this performance. It just doesn't work as well on CD as on video. He has a cover of this song on his album Human Heart where he sings more of the parts that he speaks here. Not a full orchestra, unfortunately.

[@joanneb3935]

Ramin delivers and evokes the most emotional, sensitive and compassion-grabbing Phantom I can imagine. Unbelievable!!! He makes me weep every dang time I hear it!! I don’t care about anything other than how I feel when I hear him. 😩❤️🌟

[@janetfarrington1210]

Watch the coach’s face during this. It is a show of emotions in itself.

[@claudiahorn-glael4592]

I totally agree.I loved to see the emotions in his face.

[@bellabluebee4333]

The reason that the lyrics were changed is because Andrew Loyd Webber wanted to make the song less demanding and more romantic. (And because he’s a perfectionist.) I also love this version of TPOTO. The chemistry that Ramin and Sierra have on stage is amazing and makes you more immersed in the story. Best Phantom and Christine in my opinion.

[@clairemendoza8082]

That part when he picks her up is such a tender moment. So romantic. Hes such a gentleman. Love your reaction.

[@TimeandMonotony]

Great video! I love Ramin, he's one of my favorite Phantoms, but I know nothing about music (except what I like and dislike), so it was cool to see someone who does know these things break it down for a layman! Note about the lyrics: I believe those are the original lyrics, and they later changed it to "music shall caress you," rather than the other way around. I have the original cast recording with Michael and Sarah, which I listen to religiously, and he uses the "musical shall surround you" lyrics on that. So I think ALW changed it later, and those became the more famous lyrics, then some productions went back to the original and people were like "huh?" Also, that's a valid point about Ramin's acting choice in this scene, even if I disagree. I think what he was trying to convey was the Phantom's vulnerability and humanity here, then as the show goes on and Christine rejects, he starts losing his cool and becoming more angry and aggressive. But like I said, it's a fair criticism, and I hope people aren't giving you grief for it!

[@petesoebekti2022]

it should be Softly, deftly, music shall caress you Hear it, feel it secretly posses you :)

[@Hegder]

There are a number of weird lyric changes (possibly between the Broadway vs West End productions) that are very strange to me. That said, I grew up listening to the original cast recording and, you're right, 'closing in around you' IS the original lyric.

[@TheCFCSteve1]

I cant stop watching it... the singing the acting is just overwhelming to me, If I could sing like him I would never stop.... brilliant, just brilliant... If you cant feel it, you have no soul...

[@Atlantya]

I love watching your videos because, despite being a musical theater fan for many years, watching your commentary has made the experience of watching videos so much richer. Now I can’t wait until I can see live shows again, with a renewed appreciation for the performances I’m seeing.

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Means so much. Thank you!

[@jjdora332]

I’m sorry, this man has no musical training?? He can’t even read music?! That’s amazing!!

[@SarahLandry577]

I had to rewind the video and listen to that again. That's insane!

[@turbo1266]

Ramin?

[@ashleyfahnestock9111]

@@turbo1266 Correct. He has no training. It is a complete gift. I have been luck enough to hear him live 3 times.

[@sophieallen8692]

I saw a very tiny detail when I first saw this, and I wonder if anyone else sees the same as me. But at one point during this song, Sierra has, what I believe to be, a tear running down her cheek. It might be sweat for all I know, but I like to believe that it’s a tear. For Christine, you have to be so present in this song, it wouldn’t surprise me if it was a genuine tear. Just wondering if anyone else saw it...

[@deborahsecretlife2065]

It is a tear

[@eloisapompa5048]

I am totally in love with Ramin. He is, in my opinion, the best Phantom there ever was. I have the 25th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall on DVD. I am so glad I bought it. I saw The phantom Of The Opera in Hawaii. I can't even tell you who The Phantom was or Christine for that matter.. I guess they made no impression on me. Lol. Ramin however, always has me enthralled and Sierra is just beautiful.

[@secondaccount4569]

Loved this! You should do Ramin singing “Bring Him Home” or “Til I Hear You Sing”

[@deborahherrera3928]

i want till i hear you sing. the song is not only written for Ramin but also others phantoms always have said how hard it is to sing it.

[@secondaccount4569]

Deborah Herrera that would be great

[@weirdminmin]

hear hear!

[@chaneldial8927]

Brian Pils yes !!!

[@shelby4771]

Brian Pils til I hear you sing was how I discovered Ramin, and then Sierra! I have been obsessed with them both ever since! Even if LND wasn’t the best, I’m sad I couldn’t see them originate their old roles!

[@yenee94]

I honestly love that you pause so much! We are absolutely here for the analysis

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Appreciate it.

[@joansouthernbuffalo8181]

I get what you are saying about being in command. I think the fact that there was no “Christine Doll” like in many of the productions. In most productions the phantom pulls the cover off the doll with some confidence and certainty that Christina is his. I think Ramin try’s to covey that when he grabs her arm and turns her before she faints. It seems to me like his intent in the grab and turn was to kiss her to seal the deal that she is his but then she faints. Growing up near the Canadian boarder my experience with Phantom was hearing Colm Wilkinson and I think Ramin’s performance echos his quite a bit. You can tell that Colm’s performance was a huge influence on him and Ramin is such a joy to listen to as the Phantom!

[@emmanwatson3931]

This is the specific performance of Ramin that I fell in love with 🥺😍 I lost it when he sang the part, "Silently the senses..." phewwww love it!!!

[@blacktietours1496]

Sierra's reactions are almost pornographic. Get this gurl a cigarette!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Bahah. Best comment so far.

[@johnmarkgordonTV]

I agree LOL... very sensual..

[@Dreadpiraterose]

You should see Eryn LeCroy and Ben Crawford do it on Broadway. Anyone who watches that and doesn't immediately need a cold shower doesn't have a pulse.

[@stephaniejohnson229]

Honestly, I get it, though.

[@jeanwanchen1]

I think using that word to describe Sierra’s reaction is really tainting her pure perfect performance

[@sammimmas]

When I heard you apologize for stopping so much, I just had to say I love all the commentary you give! Especially when you point something out, and then rewind so we get another chance to hear it! It's one of the things that draws me to your channel over others. Also glad to hear that my ears don't deceive me when I think that Ramin is one of the brightest musical theatre stars of the present. :)

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Appreciate it.

[@sharonturner1218]

Ramin was amazing as The Phantom. His voice is just besutiful in everything he sings.

[@antmills6097]

I’ve been a Phantom fan for as long as I can remember, with Music of the Night being one of my two standout moments. I’ve always used the “Touch me, Trust Me” lyric as my gauge of a performer in the role of Phantom. Ramin does it beautifully for me - I have never failed to get chills listening to those lines...

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

His last note on "Night" blended in with the orchestration and that was just pure heaven🤤

[@chinllanos6392]

i can't explain...but i always cry every time I hear Ramin sings this song. i can feel all my senses heightened then i get goosebumps all over.

[@deiamartiny1]

Thank you for posting Ramin, specially on his birthday! I particularly love Ramin’s lower register, it’s deep and rich and it’s getting better as he ages (please look for You are still here from the new musical The Clockmaker’s Daughter.) I don’t miss him “being in command”. I do think he is at some points of the song, but MOTN is the moment he can be vulnerable and share his world and maybe get Christine to fall for him. I think Ramin plays the Phantom in a way that makes him very believable as a human, something that some actors usually miss. He is the best!

[@Elena-tq9vs]

I was at this performance - it was without a doubt the best show I've ever been to. I love Ramin!

[@amikireicraftstore]

Ramin is so perfect... I just die everytime he sings and specially his Phantom . He is my favorite Phantom 😭💜

[@jacobblomfield9598]

Nice video, can definitely see where you're coming from but I feel that Ramin playing the role as if he isnt in full control makes the interaction between him and Christine more special, like how he kind of gasps as she relaxes in his arms showing that all his planning and manipulation is working which surprises him. IDK just my interpretation. Would love you to compare some top singers of Gethsemane, like Ted Neeley and Steve Balsamo, or even newer interpretations like Ben Forster who absolutely smashed it!!!

[@allieren]

Nice-I agree. To me, it makes him seem more...human? In contrast with the omnipotent and overbearing reputation as “The Opera Ghost.”

[@quietstarsilence7038]

I would love to see you react to pass the point of no return from the 25th anniversary. It's probably the best I've ever seen

[@mermz8646]

I would love to hear and watch your comments on Michael Crawford’s version of this. I saw him twice live as the Phantom and he blew my mind. His haunting delivery changed musical theater for me.

[@practicallyperfect2941]

Michael Crawford was amazing - such a revelation after Frank Spencer!!

[@patricktully9661]

I agree so much. It's funny because I've listened to MC in other concerts/productions and it's isn't so much that I'm in love with him as a singer (which he is an excellent one) so much as him as the phantom. I wish I had the musical knowledge to express the subtleties that he brings to the character that I just can't find with other phantoms, Ramin included. In this song for example, Crawford sang a great deal of the lines with an unbroken fluidity that was still haunting and completely within the character, whereas when I listen to Ramin, he is a little more rough with his breaths and breaking the fluidity. Of course his voice is incredible, so for me, it's more of an asthetic preference.

[@danski2260]

Finally going back and catching up on all your vlogs. Ramin is my favourite Phantom. I love his portrayal as being almost insecure because it makes me feel for him, to root for him. Other aggressive phantoms kind of come off as rapey and well, that doesn't sit well for a love story. Thank you for another wonderful vlog.

[@secondaccount4569]

I’ve been waiting! Best phantom ever

[@contranimal]

My first Phantom on stage was Hugh Panero. Ramin I did get to see him as Valjean in the revival of Les Miserables in NY a few years ago. Soooo good.

[@covildofantasma]

Ramin is absolutely fantastic (PHANtastic?), one of my favorites Eriks for sure. I LOVE the way he sings, specially The Music of the Night which is my favorite song of the show. He truly captured Erik's character, he is powerful, passionate, and the same way extremely vulnerable... SPECIALLY when he is near to Christine. The Music of the Night, as a whole, is a PERFECT PERFECT *PERFEEECT* song for Erik, it's literally his whole character there, he is desparate, he is crying for help and affection, he is confessing his intense and undying love and the same way revealing his pain, his loneliness and his tragic situation. He is both The Phantom, the powerful and dangerous mystery, and Erik, the vulnerable and heartbroken man. It's so fascinating, and the best moment for me is when he sings "Can you belong to me?" that is his *most* vulnerable moment in the whole performance. How Ramin portrays his anxiety and happiness when Christine's head falls into his arms... it's so wonderful. He is fascinating. And, Ramin also gave an interview saying he headcanons Erik as autistic, AND *YES.* OMG Erik is 100% autistic coded specially when you go into the original novel. I'm simply fascinated 😂❤

[@BookRose-rk1rv]

I love how during his ‘only then can you belong to me..” you can see him trying to build up the courage to touch her, up until that moment he barely let himself lay a finger on her…but now he’s going for it and the way Ramin plays it you can see just how nervous he is ‘will Christine run away?’ ‘will she scream?’…all these questions are running through his mind here and you can SEE it. And then…she snuggles into his arm so lovingly and you can hear him gasp…I love it! Ramin played that so beautifully, his nervousness, his fear and then the sheer ecstasy on his face when Christine rests her head gently against him and he realizes he’s holding her for the first time is so sweet. ❤

[@covildofantasma]

@@BookRose-rk1rv YESSS!! Omg perfectly said!

[@kropchik]

A masterpiece performance! The endless colors right from the first frase, jumping from singing to shprechgesang (musical speaking), soft to rough movements. The man is in full control and the little power he misses in the low notes is compensated with all the rest. A magical performance about magic. Kudos to the actress who is totally present. As the French baroque musicians used to say: "silence du articulation" (articulated silence)

[@davesmith5470]

Shivers watching this after all this time. Was lucky (and old) enough to see Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in the original production, like wise Love Never Dies with Ramin and Sierra...unfortunately the UK LND tour was was cancelled due to Covid19. I hope you do Til I Hear You Sing or Beneath A Moonlit Sky at some point. Love watching your vids, so much appreciated and as others have said, equipping me with more understanding of these performers skills. You've be thrilled to know (not lol) that you just bumped Elton John off my fantasy dinner party list and taken his place!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Bahaha. Oh btw - My RSVP to that dinner: Yes definitely and can I bring a plus one? (Elton John)

[@davesmith5470]

Marc Daniel Patrick noooooo I want you all to myself lol. Btw it’s a dinner party a bit like Norma Desmond's NYE party - there’s only the two of us! Lol Actually while I'm on - I'd love you to do a vid of the amazing Glen Close singing With One Look, or Never Say Goodbye - not the greatest singer but utterly mesmerising.

[@Rogn1]

My love is that musical theater is on KZbin. Some of us don’t live near NYC or LA, and when tours come through tickets can be a challenge to get. However, with KZbin we can now see some of the greatest shows and performances in our own home. I had not seen Hamilton before its premiere on Disney. Sorry, it isn’t my favorite musical, however, at least I can now converse about it. Thank you Marc, for providing some insight on these performances. And btw, it’s a tie between Ramin and Michael on best Phantom performance.

[@alanportner1841]

Hey Daniel, My wife and I caught Ramin at the Birchmere in Alexandria Virginia with his country band of buddies from Toronto a few years back. The Birchmere is kind of an old time roadhouse in an out the way building away from the tourist area. They had a habit of bringing in some amazing touring acts of all kinds. I kind of knew who Ramin was from the televised Phantom but seeing him do all the stuff he does blew us away. I've been fooling with musical theater for more than half a century and writing for Broadway World out of Kansas City for a bunch of years. You are right about Ramin's voice. I have never seen anyone flip from grand opera to musical theater to rock and roll to country and back like this guy. It was an amazing time to sit fifteen feet from this guy and see him kill it. I wasn't a huge Ramin fan until I got to see him up close. He is a great performer and a really nice guy who spent time with folks after the performance and had a good time with the closeup audience during the show. I hope this lockdown ends soon. Sierra Boggess is performing in a little theater with six rows here in KC at our Crown Center. Sierra's show, along with separate performances with Jeremy Jordan, has been already scheduled and cancelled twice... next opportunity is April. I am guessing we will delay again. I know Jeremy has friends here, but I'm not sure what Sierra's connection is. KC is kind of an amazing and surprising theater town with about 55 producing companies with almost 200 shows in an normal year. If everyone survives, we have a great core of performing and musical artists. Good luck with your critiques and teaching.

[@hypherbb12]

"Silently the senses abandon their defenses." God that was beautiful! ♥️

[@JustMe-mp6vu]

YEESSSS!! One of my favorite parts of this song! How he sings it! 😍😅👏🤗

[@TimeandMonotony]

He OWNS that lyric. There are many great Phantoms, but no one sings that part like Ramin.

[@yriverspelle]

Ramins story is a dream and I am glad that he ran into the right folks to nurture his amazing gift. I dont know if some parts of the world are more competitive or just cruel but I have had many doors closed due to not being able to sight read.

[@johnmousoulis751]

Nice review, Ramin is one of my favourite Phantoms... These are the original lyrics of the Music of the Night, as they were sung by Michael Crawford on the original cast recording and they changed them later to the "music shall caress you(....) secretly possess you" version... But because this is the 25th anniversary of the original they shifted back to the original lyrics for that specific performance... So these ARE the actual original lyrics.

[@tacom1]

Ramin is a natural talent and living proof that you can be amazingly talented as well as incredibly handsome.

[@drizzt8886]

Karimloo puts so much emotion into his singing, I love it so much compared to most of the other phantoms

[@stanamilanovich3956]

I love how passionate you are about this. I grew up on Phantom too. You nail it. ❤

[@elizasamson5073]

Ramin will always be the best POTO. I will never tire watching all his videos over and over again.

[@sparkleg01]

Absolutely loved this break down. I really like Ramin as the Phantom, especially because he is so extravagant and theatrical in the role. I'd absolutely love to see a video about Norm Lewis in any role, but particularly in the 25th anniversary of Les Mis! He is also such a great singer!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Thank you so much.

[@robertofont1878]

Marc, I have this DVD and visually, dramatically and vocally Ramin is my favorite phantom. There is one baritone who, for me, vocally surpasses Ramin and that is Australian Anthony Warlow. And as far as your critique of Ramin, I see your point yet I love that moment of vulnerability. Love watching you react! Thank you!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Thank you Roberto for all your support!

[@seattlesusieq6945]

You should review Norm Lewis' version of this song. He's the baritone you've been talking about.

[@melissam597]

Norm Lewis is amazing!

[@alucardleashed]

This. Norm Lewis' rendition is a totally different beast (emphasis on the beast, his presence is both masculine and majestic), in the best way possible.

[@vanesavanzile]

Norm Lewis is my favorite Phantom. He has such a hauntingly beautiful baritone resonance, but doesn't shy away from the upper register this song requires.

[@TimeandMonotony]

It occurred to me the other day that someone should make a Broadway musical of Candyman starring Norm Lewis and now I can't think of anything else. That character has a very Phantom-ish vibe, and Norm's singing voice has that same deep, velvety quality as Tony Todd's speaking voice. "The Writing on the Wall" would be a showstopper.

[@montyp7704]

I agree! Please review this version! He isn't my favorite overall Phantom but I personally think his rendition of Music of the Night is better than the rest.

[@mariel4085]

Ramin is gorgeous...& he's so down to earth not even knowing how to read music or the wording for all the musical terms, he never was classically trained, he calls singing with vibrato the shaking sound hahaha..he is no musical theatre snob.

[@jodieg6318]

Ramin Karminloo and Sierra Bogges becomes this generation’s’ quintessential Phantom and Christian because their chemistry was just so spot on they were practically sucking the souls out of another on stage.

[@JenniferLeigh1113]

Ramin and Sierra are my favorite Phantom and Christine duo by far. The amount of chemistry they share is unsurpassable!

[@amandamuniz8231]

Phantom of the Opera was the musical that got me into musical theatre and it has a very special place in my heart. This song is probably my favorite song in the entire musical and Karimloo delivered it perfectly. I really love his take on it.

[@jennvreads]

I actually liked the way he played it. Like 'I've been dreaming of this but didn't expect it to ever happen. Now what do I do? ' you see his nervousness. You see him uncomfortable when she goes near his mask. He's pleading, yes. But a demanding phantom isn't as engaging in my opinion. The phantom needs Christine in a way. If he's demanding, he's no longer likable.

[@lindseysquire8417]

This is, in my opinion, the greatest performance of any song ever given (tied with Lea Salonga's On My Own). Ramin's voice is perfect; it's powerful, sensual, dark, mysterious, beautiful. His actual, physical performance is flawless. I almost started crying when I saw the notification, because I've been hoping you'd react to this for so long.

[@NoOne-tk3ww]

Try Lea Salonga's On My Own

[@lindseysquire8417]

@@NoOne-tk3ww Okay, you've got a point. That ties with Ramin's Music of the Night. I'm going to add that to my comment now.

[@ilsaruthen5478]

Your comments about Ramin's lack of musical training reminded me of Michael Ball who also never trained as a singer yet has a massive singing career. I wonder if their lack of formal training is the reason they both have such distinctive voices? Many musical theater actors who have trained sound very much alike, but when you hear either Ramin or Michael sing you know exactly who it is.

[@amybeavis5834]

So amazing! 🥰😍 I saw Phantom of the Opera for the first time in Toronto for my birthday when I was in 8th grade (I'm 37 now, so a lot of years ago), but this song is so beautiful it still brings tears to my eyes. He sings and plays it so well! I wish I had a fraction of his singing talent!

[@staceychildress1376]

Thank you so much for this. Ramin is truly remarkable! I have met him and he is just a genuine lovely guy. I would love to hear you react to his “Til I Hear You Sing from LND. Please ....😊

[@beabravo6759]

Can we all agree that Ramin & Sierra are the best Phantom & Christine to ever exist in existence?

[@melissam597]

Sorry but no lol. Why should everybody think the same?!

[@marcellasorially9330]

Totally agree, and Hadley Fraser as Raoul.

[@justess797]

Absolutely not!

[@NOONE-cd4gu]

Yes

[@PaolaRodriguez-nl2ss]

Yes

[@belladharma]

The fact that Sierra has a tear on her face is just glorious to me...

[@MissMaggiemouse13]

I personally have never been a fan of Phantom...but I'd watch (and have, thank's to BroadwayHD) his performance of it any day! Ramin is spectacular!

[@kathleenzaser8609]

Marc I am so glad you are doing this video. I hope you will do more with Ramin.

[@xMrsGontierx]

Ugh I've been sooooooo obsessed with this specific performance for forever!

[@clairemendoza8082]

And this is why the Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show on Broadway.

[@maartenkos98]

I love Ramin, saw him as Valjean in NY, amazing. But I really love him singing in Love Never Dies, especially the song Till I hear you Sing. He originated that Phantom perfectly it was really like it was written for him. Too bad that LND got such bad reviews. Okay, maybe the story isn't that great, but the music still stands.

[@yanaraymundo]

Wow, this video was released on Ramin’s birthday! 🥳 Thank you for this! I requested for your reaction to this performance and I’m so excited we’re finally able to hear your take on it. Apart from the singing, I think the acting plays such a huge role for this piece, and Sierra & Ramin completely nailed it. Their chemistry is just flawless. Sierra did say in a podcast that getting to play the role of Phantom and Christine in LND prior to the 25th allowed her and Ramin to love each other. With regards to Ramin’s Phantom lacking a commanding presence, I understand where you’re coming from, but in my opinion his vulnerability and tenderness added richness to the Phantom’s character. He wants to show her his world (his eagerness and smile in “close your eyes”), and can’t seem to believe it himself that Christine is there with him. I agree that the music & orchestration can just move you to tears. Great video, can’t wait for more!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Thank you so much Yana for your thoughtful comments. Did we really celebrate his bday with this release? Had no clue.

[@twarg16]

I had the privilege of listening to him perform this role, and have listened to the show several times since at the Majestic theatre. There is something simply different about his voice and acting that makes it unforgettable and incomparable to anyone else. I think that pleading could be a part of it, but he has undoubtedly my favorite interpretation of the phantom by a substantial margin. Not saying other phantoms are bad, just not Ramin's phantom.

[@Trvtrnn]

If you can react to past the point of no return! Their performance always blows me away!

[@mollymollie6048]

Phantom is my all time favorite musical...I’ve owned this since it first came out on iTunes movies, and have seen it live 3 times. Ramin is absolutely amazing and brilliant in this role. My favorite moment that he acts so beautifully is singing a lyric from Masquerade at the very end he let Christine go...heartbreaking. He’s amazing. Andrew Lloyd-Webber is amazing...the show is amazing.

[@nancyoh2889]

I was on a school trip in Toronto around the same time as Ramin and we also went to see Phantom with Colm Wilkinson. It made me a musical theater lover for life thanks to his performance. I attend everything I can afford and these last couple of years have been hell without live theater

[@cos2mer2]

hey MDP, you are my absolute fave vocal critic!!!! I love your insight and passion for the art! THANK YOU

[@mysticcrazy3]

The point of no return!!! Ramin and Sierra!!

[@eclaire_x88x]

These two together and Hadley as well, absolute top draw casting, I honestly don't believe it can ever get better than that!

[@msmith2723]

Hadley! Yes!! Ramin and Hadley in concert are INCREDIBLE!

[@KaylaBarrios]

“Damn you Andrew for this orchestration”-MDP Why do I say this constantly 😂

[@edwardclaxton2200]

A great one to review would be Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Michael Ball Les Mis concert - pure emotion!

[@MarcDanielPatrick]

Such a great MT song too

[@emilywhitehouse2768]

Omg! This is amazing timing! I just watched the Phantom of the Opera 2004 movie on Monday and the live 25th anniversary with Ramin yesterday! Both amazing but the 25th showed me what it truly should be and now it’s probably my favorite musical! This is also one of the best songs from it and one of my favorites! Ramin kills it and is in my opinion the best phantom! Can’t wait to see your reaction!!! 🥀🎭

[@colbychildress5807]

Could there be anything more joyous than Ramin’s voice. Swoon!! Marc, could you PLEASE do a reaction to Ramin’s Til I Hear You Sing from Love Never Dies.

[@trelogelio]

I am a fan of phantom of the opera since i was 14years old. This musical is the reason that i started to watch musical theater. Ramin as Phantom is just perfect. And i am very sad that quarantine is the reason that i discovered him! (Of course i have watched 25th anniversary dozen of times since then). And i think that he shows his power and command in the previous song and after of course but here he is trying to seduce her. To show her his world with sweetness and to prove that she hasn't to be afraid of him and his world!Great video!

[@leonie6463]

In response to 12:00 - I think it’s more true to the character for him to be almost pleading. If you read the book, he is regularly pleading and weeping to Christine. But then again he certainly goes in and out of being a broken man desperate for love to a violent strong lead, which is why Ramin plays it so well. Also in the music of the night, he’s taken her to his lair and he’s trying to convince her to stay and he wants her to fall in love with him, music of the night is basically a song where he’s trying to win over her affection with his music, that’s why he appears gentle.

[@melissabarrera5544]

I love so much this presentation! And even when I agree a bit with you Marc that there’s a bit of “power” lacking (to say it in a way), I think that that’s the beauty of the Phantom, that every actor gives it something special, and it’s like they are different phantoms that do such a beautiful job that I don’t mind at all, especially if they are doing such a wonderful job like Ramin

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

Although I believe no one is better than the original phantom Michael Crawford, the 25th anniversary is the first production that I’ve seen and I loved it. I thought Ramin was the perfect phantom. He embodied him and the chemistry between him and the rest of the cast was profound. Wow! Just wow!

[@amyreed90]

Ramin is incredible and quickly became my favorite Phantom. I do agree that he needed a little more force, or power, or something along those lines. But I do believe he made me feel more for the Phantom than some other actors did in this role. The ending of the show when Christine leaves him makes me cry every time. One of my favorite parts of this version is when he sings, "Silently the senses abandon their defenses." The way he touches on those notes gives me goosebumps every single time. Just beautiful.

[@adrianafonseca8830]

I really love when a coach reacts to this musical. The two best Phantom's for me are Ramin Karimloo and Hugh Panaro.

[@skyguy0889]

One of the great things about roles written for the stage is that they will be performed by multiple actors, who will all bring their own personal and unique stamp to a role. Ramin's Phantom is much more gentle in this moment than some other Phantoms, but that's just his take. He's commanding and domineering with everyone else in the play, but he loves her, and thus treats her differently (Which really helps drive home that final kiss during the Finale). By the end of Act 1, after "All I Ask of You," only then does Ramin's Erick begin to attempt to dominate Christine out of wild jealousy. However, every actor in this role will have their slight varations on the character, which ultimately I find to be so exciting!

[@anneahlefeld1989]

I saw a video interview where Ramin said he tried to play the Phantom as someone on the spectrum ( as he found him to be in his own research) , that he was a savant . Which would also be why he's not as commanding as others have been.