Final Lair - Derrick Davis, Kaitlyn Davis

[@oliviaarmfeldt8781]

Phantom: "Did you think that I would harm her?" Raoul: "Dude I just watched you choke her!"

[@adam4757]

That choking direction was only added for the tour. The Phantom certainly would not have done that in the more superior Original.

[@carpediemlove2live]

adam4757 he choked her in the 25th anniversary as well. I actually think it's pretty appropriate to the character by this point the phantom is losing his mind he no longer has full awareness of his actions so when he unknowingly chokes Christine the thing he loves most it shows how far gone he is to the point he's actually hurting the one person he loves.

[@adam4757]

I disagree. I don't think he would ever hurt Christine. He'd kill anyone in his way stopping him from getting him for sure! Also the 25th Anniversary was directed by the same person as the tour.

[@PrismsofGlass]

I mean, even in the original production, you'll still see violence depending on the actor: Gary Mauer's Phantom threatened to slap her, John Cudia's practically threw himself on top of her, Stephen R. Buntrock almost choked her, Ramin Karimloo grabbed his Christines by the chin or hair, JOJ threw his Christines against the portcullis, and Geronimo Rauch full on grabbed her by the neck. So you can certainly make a case that he COULD hurt her, if only in his crazed determination to have Christine no matter what.

[@cindyluyanli]

Olivia Armfeldt the phantom choked Christine again in LND again but hey I mean yeah...

[@clarekent4110]

Oh shit when she started ripping his music that was savage 😂 and I've never seen a Christine try to untie Raoul that's awesome

[@brigidelson7118]

I love that he falls to his knees when she kisses him because it is reminiscent of the book when he's on the floor in front of her and it makes the emotion so palpable!!! I get to see him in the US tour tomorrow and I can't wait!

[@gabbysingsbroadway]

I SAW Derrick. And I met him too. I even SANG for him. He's the most kind man I've ever met 😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jagerbradley]

woah what was the context? lol

[@gabbysingsbroadway]

Jager Bradley I mean at the Fox Theatre. After seeing him perform I met him at the stage door. I SANG FOR HIM ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️ And he was SO kind to me❤️

[@roboat5107]

I met him indirectly, he’s so sweet!!

[@phantomfae_2323]

Oh my gosh, I *_love_* your cover of phantom of the opera!! I watched it a few months ago and me and my sister were amazed! You are such an amazing and talented person!

[@scotthamp384]

@Gabby Sings Broadway what did he say about your singing?

[@strangeandinteresting]

Okay, ignoring the... odd... staging, this is absolutely fantastic. Especially Derrick; he's a great Phantom.

[@krystalharwood1807]

not making a bad joke here but THIS phantom is like a newspaper. black and white and when he takes off the mask he's red all over! jaja

[@Niqhtmusic]

The bed thing was weird...

[@SincereCharity]

@@Niqhtmusic it's more accurate to the book

[@josephrouleau9259]

the strangulation and the bed bit is a little much. There's a delicate balance that needs to be struck in order to make the phantom simultaneously villainous and sympathetic and that tilts it just a bit too much to the villainous side. One of the few saving graces that the Phantom has is that he holds Christine very sacred and he's almost afraid to even touch her in the book. It's really her consent and affection that he longs for. That's part of the reason the victory marked by that extorted kiss rings so hollow for him (even if he simultaneously perceives the very genuine pity behind the gesture as well). The immediate shock and palpable guilt after the quasi-accidental strangulation was a smart touch though.

[@allisongorman1199]

joseph rouleau my theory is that the phantom has a form autism spectrum disorder. I have autism but more minor so I don’t have to go to special ed or any educational interventions. It’s might be that he doesn’t quite know exactly what he is doing is wrong. He didn’t quite know what he was exactly doing at all times. It’s actually common with autism to not really know if what your saying or doing is really that bad or not. So that’s just my theory.

[@Hammerhead4]

Allison Gorman that wouldnt surprise me I remember reading an account from Ramin that he looked into either Autism or Asperges to get a better understanding of how the phantom acted

[@juliadietrich3584]

in a way i kind of like that hes a bit more rough. it makes the decision make a little more sense. like do you let him die or stay here with me when i abuse you occasionally. i mean thats a bit of a pessimistic way of me saying it but its basically the choice. i definitely see where youre coming from but if shes not afraid with good reason there isnt really a choice. like do i let raoul die or do i stay here to be waited on hand and foot... hmmm. what a choice. but i do see what you mean also.

[@juliadietrich3584]

im not a fan of the bed tho. i feel like it just isnt quite the right thing

[@aiyamusicchannel]

I agree. It crossed a line for me. As horrible and abusive as the Phantom is, I never really thought he would do that to her. If he's capable of that, he would not be redeemable or sympathetic. I don't see him as capable of that under any circumstances, or I wouldn't be able to care about him at all.

[@roboat5107]

Despite all the criticism, Derrick is SO. TALENTED. I saw him live as Phantom and I NEED to hear a cast recording with him. HES SO TALENTED DKWBDJQJFWK Edit: When I saw Phantom, Derrick was WAY more in character, it was fantastic! Just thought I’d mention that since he’s such an amazing actor!

[@artistkmk]

yes i would love to hear a cast recording with derrick! he is by far my favorite phantom!

[@ashtoneva4926]

All three were amazing but Derrick was truly...wow...I love how he just threw himself into the character. I love his reaction when he realized he was joking Christine and just...he was amazingly beautiful. His voice was rich and soothing, made me have goosebumps. Kaitlyn and Derrick obviously have an amazing chemistry on stage. They stood for themselves yet made the other excel. Phantom is coming to my city this year I believe and I can only hope he is at least still with the show, though it would be great if all. (I don't keep up with the Phantom tour as much as I should.) If they can make me cry by just watching a video, I will probably be a mess live.

[@ethannavarro943]

Ashton Eva I agree, I saw Derrick and he blew me away!!

[@jacobthompson6051]

I saw it last week, Darrick Davis is the greatest Phantom ever!!!!!!

[@kathryndangelo3897]

I saw him 3 times last fall when the tour came to my city & he was amazing!

[@CanadianGuy2004]

WRONG WRONG WRONG

[@alfiemarie]

when he was picking up the paper from the ground and the all i ask music starts playing in the background right after he said, "christine i love you" i felt that lifetime of loneliness he's been feeling his entire life 😭😭😭😭💔💔

[@Boromiraalife]

Wel, there's the bed, where they did beneath a moonless sky

[@scotthamp384]

Smart ass

[@scotthamp384]

But how could that have happened if his lair was destroyed in the fire?

[@jagerbradley]

It was a joke smart ass. The song Beneath A Moonless Sky implies that it happened outside.

[@PhantoMace2012]

I caught that reference!

[@milesl.2467]

YOU SNEAKY SUNOFAGUN! I listened to Love Never Dies again recently and I only just understood what they were talking about in that song, and I was like "Yooooooo. YoooooOOOOOOO. YYYOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

[@monicmo2]

Saw this live, twice. Derrick Davis is phenomenal. I don't know if it translates as well on video, but the "Christine, I lo-o-ove you" gets me. I'll watch anything he stars in from here on. Didn't thinking liked Broadway before this. Just beautiful.

[@israfelscarletraven6984]

While I am not the biggest fan of the blocking for the tour (i.e. Christine ripping up the Phantoms' music, and not handing him his riñg), I must say that this was a delight to watch! Both Derrick Davis and Kaitlyn Davis seemed so immersed in this scene, without blowing it out of proportion, which sadly, I have seen more often with actors\actresses casted in this tour more than anywhere else. This could very well be due to these actors\actresses following the director's commands, but I am not certain. As for singing, I am proud to say that this trio did a great job! Derrick has a smooth, rich voice similar to that of Norm Lewis. I truly believe that this sultry tone works for the Phantom quite well, seeming that he is trying to seduce Christine into staying with him. Kaitlyn has quite a nice voice as well! Powerful, but not overbearing. Her vibrato is also pleasing to hear. Jordan, is in a similar ballpark. Strong enough that you can easily hear him, but not enough that he drowns out his co-stars. Glass Prism, I would be happy to hear more from this trio if you are willing to post, if not, I completely understand. Regardless, I must say thank you!

[@StrongRex]

Are you kidding? The blocking is one of the things I liked best about this production! (though I don't agree with the first unmasking scene or the not handing him his ring, as you pointed out) It's SO much better than the movie; here, the characters actually have REAL motivation behind the lines they sing/speak. Another reason why Joel Schumacher was such a bad director and ALW was such an idiot for choosing him to direct the movie.

[@aiyamusicchannel]

Yeah I really didn't like that they changed that! They took away a lo of the nice moments in the show. :(

[@markcondra9045]

I met Derrick, he is so amazingly talented, kind, and humble

[@3007lesleyh]

I don't like that she doesn't put the ring in his hands like in the original production. Why would they change their goodbye like that? This was always so beautiful. It showed that Christine did care about the phantom. Here it shows that she just wants to get out of there because she hates him

[@Just_Another_Piece_Of_Toast]

yeah you really get that vibe by how Raoul has to pull her away and she keeps hesitating. think of it this way, she didn't want to hurt him anymore so she didn't want to show her face after asking him to go or maybe she knew that if she faced him again she wouldn't be able to leave. I think it says more that the original... but god forbid I ever say this version do anything better than the original.

[@alexdestler3059]

I saw this live last night and through he whole show they had Christine act as if she wanted absolutely nothing to do with the phantom and it was rightful seeing as he assaulted her in more then one occasion. I think in this production she doesn’t really love him, she’s terrified of him.

[@jflsdknf]

Alex Destler Well that’s disappointing

[@pennywise1629]

I thought they didn’t do that in the original???

[@magicamadeye]

Tbh if i remember the tour is like this so people will consistantly go back to broadway to see the original

[@elliart7432]

AAAAHHHHH!!! I can't believe after all these years I came across a close up version of the staging variation they used for the kiss in the 2012 UK tour!!! Derrick Davis's make up is also INCREDIBLE, most convincing I've ever seen

[@milesl.2467]

So, I fell in love with this musical when I was only three years old and I still can't watch it or listen to it without crying. I am so happy to see an african-american actor playing the phantom!!! And he did such a great job!! I have seen many performances of this show, even Love Never Dies (the sequel, which had great and powerful music) and he was one of the best phantoms.

[@1SpicyMeataball]

There's also Robert Guillame(spelling?) and Norm Lewis if you interested in checking out more African American actors playing phantoms.

[@likerain8]

Derrick brought out my tears tonight. Such a Great performance. Thanks Derrick.

[@racingpower1954]

I have only saw this show once back in 2019, and Derrick Davis was my very first phantom and I'm not complaining about it at all. Davis is a great phantom although my favorite one is definitely JOJ without question, but to me Davis is up there in my Top 5. Such great talent.

[@broadwaymike92]

Derrick is only the 3rd African American Actor ever to play The Phantom. Previous actors included Robert Guillame (LA) and Norm Lewis (Broadway).

[@whatdoyousuppose]

and Quentin Oliver Lee will be the next! He is taking over the tour from Derrick, who has just left the production.

[@kaitlyny924]

Quentin Oliver Lee was an amazing Phantom.

[@ethannavarro943]

Michael I. Haber welcome to ruin theatre with facts

[@hadiyahhope9354]

@@ethannavarro943 how is it ruining theatre?

[@ethannavarro943]

hadiyah hope that day I was on a sour mood. I said something stupid. My sincerest apologies. I said everything ruined everything

[@nikolasstormy]

This scene always makes me cry but throwing her on like bed like that was really uncomfortable.

[@SongRainbows]

I HATE it! It adds a horrible sinister undertone that makes him seem like a rapist which he’s not. She’s supposed to be really conflicted here

[@26bema]

You do know the phantom is not a good guy right? Hell that moment reminds of the Robert Englund Phantom.

[@SongRainbows]

ParanoiaGamer I mean yeah definitely the guy is bad and a murderer but he’s supposed to (in the musical at least) show compassion to Christine so the audience is torn on what she’s going to do and we think maybe he has some compassion left in him. That’s the whole point of the show. We’re not supposed to think he’s going to rape her!! That defeats the whole purpose of the story and is just completely disturbing and awful.

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

ParanoiaGarner, for sure the Phantom is the villain, but at least let's not make him rapey on top of all his other faults. In the book (Leroux's), Christine even makes a point to say how he was NOT taking her in advantage of her in that way. So, that was one thing that seemed "sacred" to him, anyway (as far as respecting her) even if he ...yanno, kidnapped and threatened her, haha, etc. But he seemed to go at lengths to try to get her to feel safe in his presence and, like I said, in the unabridged translations (and the original French), she makes a point to remark that he never did anything to her in that way when he easily could have, and she was very impressed by that (which is a little weird in itself, Leroux lol, but hey, don't shoot the messenger.) Point is, Erik did not make sinister sexual moves or threats or anything like that toward her, and the original author/creator of the character even felt it important to make that 100% clear by adding that paragraph in his story (when Christine is talking). It makes a difference. [and Leroux coulda made him rapey, he has some other characters that are, lol, but Erik was not one of them]

[@alexdestler3059]

I saw it live and he pinned her to the bed by her wrists

[@PrincessAries86]

I got to see the performance twice (not these actors specifically) but the cool thing I noticed on the second watch was how the phantom is on the stage a lot as a background character and because we're so focused on who is singing we don't notice him spying. I only did because I kept looking at what the extras were doing and noticed him briefly turning to see his mask.

[@teresa6832]

Synced the kiss to 12:00 am on News years’ day, 2020. Just how I wanted my year to start.

[@Joe-vz1ck]

I saw this show recently. They have removed the bed this time around

[@ethantylerbaysa1517]

This tour came to Hawaii and i creid in like every number except for notes twisted everyway and prima donna this cast is so good

[@misswaitressful]

the bed staging... why. :/

[@krystalharwood1807]

or maybe its Cameron's idea seeing its a new production

[@amarawoolery8404]

@Max Lim AMEN

[@jugasppar]

the bed bothers me A LOT but great performance

[@robin.jashinsky]

This is the best version I've seen. I actually just saw Phantom of the Opera and Jordan Craig was in it....he's pretty damn hot. The whole cast put on a great show and some time in the future I plan to see it again...it was literally the best thing I've seen. It was so amazing. I had the songs stuck in my head. The whole musical was absolutely phenomenal.....their voices were gorgeous. I mean damn I can sing, but not that good....I LOVED IT!!!!!

[@emilyoffrogs]

i saw derrick in 2017, still my third favorite phantom ever and i am in love with this production. absolutely in love.

[@aiyamusicchannel]

The way Derrick Davis says "make your choice!" destroys me. Like his heart is breaking that Christine won't choose him, even under the circumstances. When you think about viewed through that lens it's the saddest thing ever. I had never thought about that line before but I'm seeing new nuances now in what the Phantom is thinking when he says that.

[@aubreyviereck4278]

I saw them last month in Little Rock and it was great. He is an amazing a phantom.

[@SpawntheFuries]

I got to see Derrick Davis on tour last year and damn, that man had an amazing turn at the role. He easily jumped up to the top of my favorite Phantom list with the likes of Hugh Panaro and Gary Mauer, I only wish he'd been on the tour a bit longer because I would have loved to have seen him again.

[@carolineguercio4057]

The bed staging just doesn't sit right with me

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

Nah me either. But I have to say at least this actor wasn't rapey about it. He just seemed tender in that moment. The first time I saw this version live with Cooper Grodin...okay first at the opening of this scene, he was literally bumping and grinding against her on the bed (At least it looked like...I think it was supposed to indicate him putting the wedding dress on her but it looked REALLY bad)...and then the bed scene later in that final trio was more rapey. So at least this actor toned it down. It's kinda like the actors are forced to deal with this bed staging and some are more rapey than others. Erik, for all his other faults, really wasn't rapey in the book at all...Christine even makes a point to emphasize how he wasn't...so yeah, bad staging choice for sure. :/ Anyway, I liked this guy's acting, he had something Leroux Eriky about him.

[@bitchass7198]

blackngold cuttlefish point of no return in the new production has some... involved choreography

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

Yeah I didn't like that either. seemed like Phantom was watching a striptease once she started dancing on the table

[@jesnemo2677]

it was as if the new production got its' ideas from fanfiction.net..... and the bedding was on clearance at hot topic. before seeing this version i only knew about the nonsense that was PONR so when during the title song it opened up to his angsty goth teen basement bedroom i was like..... just hope his mom doesn't come down while he's trying to show off his spooktacular digs and his hardcore blindfold play. "MOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM YOURE RUINING MY LYFEEEEEE!"

[@lilyann168]

@@blackngoldcuttlefish3390 Ahhh I know..I haven't checked, but how much do you bet this new staging/blocking was done by a man. :-( I felt the same way about the Frankenstein play Benedict Cumberbatch was in thats shown in movie theaters around Halloween now. The character in the book did not rape anyone, and I was so mad they smeared the character like that in the play. And showed it no less. It was so pointless. Turns out, yep, directed by a man.

[@niceguygames448]

All bad staging aside... YOU GOTTA ADMIT THAT HIM DISAPPEARING WHILE STANDING UP WAS FREAKING AWESOME! Only thing they need to do is speed it up a bit more and it will be flawless!

[@camillemckenzie3235]

They have GOT to bring this guy on Broadway.

[@ilaanaweerasinghe7642]

I saw this phantom perform this year in Toronto for my birthday. He was amazing!

[@TheVictor639514]

Grabbing the Phantom's music drafts and messing them up... This Christine isn't fucking around.

[@hellofriends2649]

I love how she throws them up though lmao

[@StrongRex]

I wish Emmy Rossum showed this much backbone in the movie.

[@jesnemo2677]

each time i saw this version live i laughed out loud at this part, typically confounding the strangers around me.... though they were probably used to my chuckles by that point of the show fitting in at what was probably either completely random or inappropriate moments to them. (i really tried to keep the lolz in but sometimes they just boiled over) as for Christine: zero fucks given.

[@hellofriends2649]

3:34 The Papers: "Wheeeeeee!"

[@publius8945]

I had the joy of seeing them in Chicago!

[@crod9905]

Makes me cry every time.

[@kiramartin4698]

Ugh I love everything about this! I got to see Derrick live with the original staging and he was the best Phantom I have ever seen by far. But I really love this version! First of all the bed!? Its so poignant to me having this scene take place next to a bed. And omg that moment where he throws Christine on it? It adds so much to the tension and the horror! And I love how they fall to their knees in that kiss 😭 and her kissing the ring and being dragged away, and crumpling his music!!! And how he drags her around by the throat and freaks out when he realizes she was running out of air 😂 Omg so many things here that just add to the emotions of the scene. I think its a really interesting take!

[@claire6160]

it’s been a year since i’ve seen this production, i’m still absolutely in love.

[@roboat5107]

This might be a scary scene but Derricks voice makes me smile :) He’s perfection omg

[@jaytagle]

Saw them in Vancouver last month!!!😍 amazing show! I thought I've seen this show enough till this version arrived in Vancouver

[@sylviemac1971]

Danny T. Seeing this production in October, I've seen it twice before....just wondering...is this production really different? Don't like the fact there's a bed in this scene

[@broadwaymike92]

I actually love how in this staging that Christine throws and tears the sheet music in the Phantom's face!!

[@MultiTaylorswift1234]

I love this Phantom. So emotional.

[@hefinrosser8685]

Oh wow! I love this direction and the performances are incredible xx

[@UCKABAH]

Unpopular opinion but I actually like that she doesn't hand him his ring. He wails out "Go now and leeeeave meeee!" in utter despair and loneliness. Then, abandoned, he sings "Masquerade" in the saddest voice, with additional onus on the importance of hiding his face and being hidden from the world, which reinforces his lifetime of pain and neglect, that he never, ever should have tried to connect with her. And then...what's this? She appears before him. He surely must think she's changed her mind, she's returned to him. But no, she just wants to give him his ring back. A final, added rejection. His cry of "Christine, I loooove youuu" is, in the original blocking (using the 2011 recorded stage performance for reference) almost a last, desperate plea. For her to stay? For forgiveness for the pain he caused? We don't know. But it's his final attempt to touch her, without using fear or manipulation. His purest, most nakedly vulnerable expression and she says "You ain't it, homie" and just leaves him there. It's kind of...well, brutal. With this blocking, she sees the same plea but he doesn't know she's there. It's his own private prayer. And she holds his dignity in high enough regard to never let him know she has witnessed it. She weeps, feeling for him, and leaves his ring on the table for him to find. It's just so much more humane.

[@amarawoolery8404]

Love this perspective on it. The 2011 stage recording is my all-time favorite version of poto, but I wish they had opted for the same ending. Like you said: she holds his dignity in high enough regard to not intrude. Because even with as much pain as he had caused her, she still pities him. And after all, he DID give her his music. In a world where he earns his respect only from fear, she allows him this final moment and spares him the shame and grief it would have caused him if she had chosen to appear. A lot of people don't like this adaption, so I'm very happy to see someone that feels the same way I do about it.

[@elisabethclark9989]

I saw them in Boise, ID!!! I remember loving this so much😁😁

[@melindakimme4483]

Finish at the opera. Derrick. You hit it out of the ballpark, such a fantastic performance I was amazed. During the tour, C.G, and C.M. are great singers but lacking in emotional portrayal. I'm looking forward to hear your talent's in the future even purchased your CD. I attended, 'Sacramento's Broadway' this evening, May 24, 8:00. Tonight you earned a spot in my, best of the best. The Phantom demand's emotional portrayal in singing and acting I was not disappointed. Sadly, I was unable to join the alley frenzy afterward.

[@blackieblong8334]

The blocking of this scene is the stuff of nightmares. What on earth were they thinking?

[@NewsieandAGeek]

Thank you so much for posting this. I love the new tour and Derrick Davis so much!

[@lvref702]

Derrick's voice is powerful. His emotions are palpable. I see not color but beauty vocally and adept acting. Wish I could have afforded to see him when they were in Vegas. I will never know if I missed my favorite Phantom now. I had seen Crawford, Grey, Panaro, both Vegas Phantoms multiple (5 or 6) times. I need JOJ, Norm Lewis, Ramin live to finish my Phantom work.

[@sepanta5162]

i can't express how excited i am to see this!! i'm so pumped to see it in july

[@sepanta5162]

The actors were all very impressive and did their best with the awkward staging.. god so much of that staging was awful. it makes almost no sense from an actor's perspective.. it looks like the director just made arbitrary decisions without considering the actors' motivations, etc which is what makes so much of it look awkward and forced. their movements look like obvious blocking and not natural flow or realistic actions. the phantom's blocking when raoul shows up just doesn't make any sense.. as an actor i'd be very frustrated with the direction. and so many iconic and best things about the show were cut, like the veil, christine putting the ring in his hands, the phantom putting his hand over the monkey, and meg's final moment. and where is the grate/cage thing? i love the show and i'm so excited to see it onstage for the first time but it's really not the same. at least the cast is phenomenal, but if only they were in the original staging. that said, thank you so much for sharing!! i hope we get to see more derrick, i'm a big fan of his phantom

[@jacobthompson6051]

SEEING IT DAY AFTER TOMAROW!!!!!!!!

[@laciegross5386]

Honestly my favorite this in the new staging. I love her ripping the music sheets. It is so powerful!! And Derrick?? WOW

[@ginntastic]

so glad to see this live. Fantastic leads and a fantastic show

[@melissam597]

I don’t normally rate the young Phantoms that highly, but his voice is *amazing*!

[@savagejustis4909]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but I love the way he slowly drops the papers while belting out that last line. I saw this version when Quentin Oliver Lee played the Phantom and he did the same thing. I legitimately like this version. It has its ups and downs, but overall it's a great show.

[@camillemckenzie3235]

What a shame we won't see this guy on Broadway. 😢 Although there is still time. .

[@PrismsofGlass]

Maybe for a Broadway revival of Phantom!

[@mattg177]

Saw him live. He was a great phantom.

[@GhostGal5]

I *LOVE* the energy the actors are putting into this - but I have to admit....the staging is just odd - it makes no sense, no matter how I try to imagine the reactions of someone in a real-life scenario. (Christine jumping up, right after The Phantom throws the noose around Raoul's neck? 😕 One would think that she might still be struggling to get the air back in her, after being unintentionally strangled & not have much energy to react much to what's going on around her, until she's able to get a second wind.) I heard this was coming to my city, but I'm a but leery about seeing it. (Mostly because of the changes - to the Phantom's costume & the blocking - they've made that I don't necessarily agree with.) While I understand that every director has the right to change what they would like, to make whatever artform they work on/with their own - there are some things that simply should not be touched &/or changed. (Especially if it's an artform that has been around for a while & has earned the respect of its audience...After all, nobody would try to alter a Picasso painting - would they?)

[@GhostGal5]

P.S. - I didn't mean to get so wrapped up in my reply that o forgot to say this - but thank you GlassPrism for sharing these videos with those of us who may never get the chance to see this production. It is because of you & others like you, that we are blessed with the opportunity to see a performance/artform that may not be around one day, in the future. (And if that ever happens, we & future generations will have your - & others - videos to look back & reminisce these days, & the performances that took place.)

[@StrongRex]

I think Christine had ample time to recover after the Phantom strangled her before he got Raoul (and it didn't look like he did it that fatally). I like that this Christine showed some backbone as opposed to what Emmy Rossum showed in the movie (because I like her so much though, I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt and assuming she was doing what Schumacher and ALW told her to do unless I hear otherwise).

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

I saw Derrick live but sadly I didn't see Kaitlyn (since it wasn't her day to perform 😞) but I freaking love her just as much if not more than Katie 😄

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

Lucky, I didn't get to meet the cast at the stagedoor

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

Sandra Tarnowski that's awesome,(I saw it in Madison, Wisconsin) I was with my family and we didn't know where to go to find the stagedoor 😂😂😂

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

I need to do that next time I see at show at the theatre I went to 😂

[@AlexB-vb2tw]

Yeah she replied to me she was so nice! :) Her singing changed my life.

[@wrathofscorpias]

i thought it was pretty good. his phantom was very child like and also very violent ?. i cant use any other explanation. i saw it in person and he really did wonderful.

[@saraearri3671]

wrathofscorpias I like that about him cause the phantom never actually grew up he lived his life alone he’s still that broken child

[@robin.jashinsky]

I just realized how rough Raoul's voice is when he says Christine's name.

[@emilymixay6923]

This was amazing for what it was. I, too, am not thrilled with the bed and the brief time they were on the bed together. Just didn't sit well with me. The Phantom would not do that to her. The performance, though, was captivating. Great acting and singing.

[@springdayisnottoday371]

THAT BED SCENE... UH AND WHY WOULD SHE CRUMPLE THOSE PAPERS...

[@PhantomFan1a]

Once there was a night, beneath a moonless sky.......I think she crumpled the papers because she knows how much he cares about the music, and the fact that to her the whole friendship has been a lie, plus she is angry as he is threatening her fiance.

[@Niqhtmusic]

She’s a *SAVAGE*

[@julierocketqueen1477]

I love your channel and all these awesome Phantom uploads!!!!!!

[@MrElfantasma]

The two leads are superb! Derrick Davis and Kaitlyn Davis really make the most out of what the suboptimal direction grants them! For example, the moment Raoul enters the lair whereupon the Phantom puts Christine in stranglehold, is arranged somewhat implausible. First of all, Raoul can just enter the Phantom's lair without any defences holding him back. That's not really Phantom-like! In the original production there is, at least, the overwhelming portcullis to keep off intruders! Secondly, Raoul just seems to stand there, aimlessly, not knowing what to do while the Phantom can hold his grip on Christine without resistance. I would have expected a bit more determination and boldness of our knight in shining armour! This is one of a few places in which the staging of the characters appears clumsy. It is as if the director did not really know what to do with the people onstage! And finally, I am not really fond of the scenery of this new production! At least in the "Final Lair" it lacks the grandeur I would expect connected with such a larger-than-life character as the Phantom! Besides, the stage design does not reflect the magnificence of the music. The original production succeeds far better in this respect. The Phantom's lair is more surreal and abstract there, while here, it somehow looks too ... ordinary! Naturally, there is more than just one way to stage this musical harmoniously! The original production was and still is phenomenal! But on the other hand there could still be other ways to do justice to the story and music of the Phantom. As I said before, there is not only *one* right way to do it! But this production is not quite up to the standard I would expect!

[@Mira_Dunia]

Woah, when I saw 'Phantom' in 2016, this was the Phantom actor! I love you Erik. ❤️

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

Say what you will about this staging but I saw this cast live and I loved it. I loved Christine ripping the Phantom’s music apart in anger and as a bit of revenge for metaphorically ripping her apart. I loved that Christine was actively attempting to undo the noose from Raoul’s neck over and over again, Phantom be damned. I loved that the Phantom was more violent here because it really drove home the fact that he’s completely lost his shit. I love that Christine kisses the Phantom and then embraces him instead of doing a second kiss because it emphasizes that she thinks of him as a mentor and dare I say a friend rather than a lover. The way Christine gave the ring back was really well done, like she didn’t want to see the Phantom again because she didn’t want to give him false hope but she still wanted him to have something to remember her by (and it was awesome to see that Raoul came with her for moral support too 😍). The only problem I have with this staging is the part where the Phantom pins Christine down on the bed. Fortunately Derrick wasn’t too rapey about it and he seemed like he only did it to get Christine out of the way because she was trying to undo Raoul’s noose but it still looked wrong. I could see the Phantom harming Christine in a blind rage (which is why I don’t mind the choking) but I genuinely don’t see him ever raping her. I could see him threatening her to get her consent but not outright raping her.

[@scotthamp384]

Wow, this was good

[@tannerschannel1809]

I just saw these 3 perform in California! I met them after the show! They were all nice people! Check out my interview with Derrick!

[@hellofriends2649]

This video never fails to make me laugh.

[@emilyannn]

lol i feel the same. hate the new staging. they are great singers though

[@pennywise1629]

I love this Christine I’ve never found one I like better than Sierra. However I’m not crazy about the phantom. I’m still on the search.

[@juliehartjes5386]

I thought he was one of the best I've ever seen. A deep and rich voice!

[@pennywise1629]

Julie Hartjes oh I think he’s got a lovely voice but I’m not a fan of his acting and how he executed the scene. Idk something about wasn’t as satisfying as I’d like it to be you know?

[@mariaantoniettamerdyanesou2846]

loved this thanks for posting it

[@justblamedave]

Great singing and acting! I found Derrick off of Cameo. There should be a Phantom emoji.

[@kyradelaneyy]

Thank you for posting this!!!

[@fionahynes7902]

Do you have a video of them singing The Point Of No Return? If so, could you please post it??? Please and thank you

[@cindyluyanli]

Watched Derrick live last year, he was great. However, THE BED GETS IN THE WAY OF EVERYTHING and it’s quite triggering...

[@lauriefaithprescott]

1:20 to 1:24 you can hear the actress playing christine slightly coughing. Her right hand is up to her mouth too

[@cattomito]

I finally understand Christine's hate for the phantom after I watched Christine messing up his musical drafts omg

[@debbiem2146]

So good. So very, VERY, good!

[@Alemusic3329]

Sniffles along w the audience

[@MarleanSweden]

Really nice interpretation.

[@ethantylerbaysa1517]

6:12 the Phantom just sets the rope on fire with his hand i thoght it would be a candle but the candles are mostly hanging

[@sydneyclaire6450]

ugghhh i'm not crying rn

[@emilyannn]

love the singers HATE the staging

[@CamilleNadia]

Spectacular. I don't prefer this to the original staging, but it's still very good. Especially his disappearance

[@Niqhtmusic]

Yeah I just realized “farewell my fallen idol and false friend” Was implied to the phantom.

[@PrismsofGlass]

I don't think it's implied, it IS the Phantom.

[@erika8627]

I just saw Derrick and Eva on the national tour and they were amazing. But this new show. Oy! Can someone please explain what Meg is supposed to be doing here? Is she supposed to be protecting him or holding him for the mob to get him? The disappearing takes way too long. It's just not very effective. The drop back throne is better in my opinion. Also, this version makes Phantom far too violent towards Christine. He was always somewhat violent, obviously the lasso, but never to Christine. This makes him a lot less sympathetic. And the fact that she leaves the ring, behind his back, while Raoul looks on is just wrong, wrong, wrong. Also, the new stairs are great but makes the boat ride sad. :( Am I correct in that Broadway still does the original with no changes?

[@PrismsofGlass]

Yes, the Broadway version is unchanged. As for Meg, I think she's MEANT to be grabbing onto the cape (for a veeerry long time), maybe to "hold" the Phantom there for the police to catch him, only to drop the cape and for him to disappear dramatically. But yeah, she holds it for so long that a lot of people have thought she might be hugging him or something. It's rather odd to me.

[@mccraezee]

Its more accurate to the book

[@mieshocked1450]

Derrick as Erik 🤣

[@keelieak]

Wow! Great footage!! I share many of your fav Phantoms, so I'm very curious what you think of Derrick. I've tried to come around, but I guess too many years loving every tiny detail of a IMO, perfect musical, just leaves me close-minded, and I cannot fully enjoy this new production. That being said, I really like Derrick-he's no Hugh Panaro or Laird Mackintosh (my ideal Phantoms), with his rich baritone-leaning voice, but he is very striking in the role. I saw this production in Dallas when it was new, and had hissy fits over all the changes (and the unfortunate Phantom actor at the time)...so when it came back around, I boycotted seeing it. I shouldn't have, bc that was when Derrick made his debut as the Phantom. By the time I realized my mistake, it was of course, sold out. Thanks for posting this!! You are a treasure-trove!

[@AirTravel415]

Personal Opinion: I Think They Restaged The UK/US Tour so That People Will Still Come To Broadway/West End To See The Original Production

[@Niqhtmusic]

That dress really said: *”YEET!”*

[@kykylikeitlikeit144]

I saw this trio in Waterbury, CT. I have no clue why it was Kaitlyn Davis and not Eva Tavarres that night, but damn was she good.

[@PrismsofGlass]

Kaitlyn Davis was the alternate, so she performs 2 nights a week. That's probably why you saw her instead of Eva Tavares.

[@CH-gr7tn]

Anyone have the entire show for this, please.

[@teresa6832]

Makes me sad seeing how many people hate this production. :( I prefer this one to Broadway. Derrick Davis is incredible! I wish I could go see this again. Oh, and to all those bitching about this staging: where were you when the staging had to be changed for the 25th anniversary as well? Huh?

[@PrismsofGlass]

Super late, but I just want to note that the staging was changed for the 25th anniversary to accommodate for the venue, and 99% of it was similar to the original staging. The restaging was done in part to make it easier to tour, but most of their other changes were done to, well, change. (Take a look at the modified World Tour to see how a tour can alter some things to make it more tour-able while otherwise changing little else.) THAT'S why people can get up in arms over the restaging but not the 25th.

[@paulfaulkner5786]

I liked it when I saw it with Chris Mann. His smooth voice described exactly how a Phantom should sound... ethereal, mysterious. This Phantom, who is a very nice person, seems to be struggling on the higher notes consistently night after night, city after city. And is characterization seems lacking too. I'd be interested how he handled Don Attilo though.

[@jackiedavis3165]

They should hand out cough drops at the door, geez 🙄

[@ethantylerbaysa1517]

5:54 oop the Phantom had a bit to much love and got a short circut somehow lol