The Tragedy of Phantom & Grizabella | A Video Essay

The Phantom and Grizabella. Two polar opposites. Or are they?
A character is at their most dangerous when they have nothing left to lose and everything to give...this is the moment when they reach The Point of No Return. In this theater video essay, through the use of two of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most popular characters in Grizabella from Cats: The Musical and Phantom from The Phantom of the Opera, Wait in the Wings seeks to decipher the different circumstances that makeup two extremely different types of outcast characters.
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[@kaitlyncabaniss1832]

Such a good video! I’m so glad a Channel like this exists!! Thank you for such a great video!!!

[@WaitintheWings]

I'm so happy you liked it!! Thought I would try something new so it means the world that you enjoyed it :)

[@jasd4704]

"Grizabella is fighting to regain a feeling that she's lost. While the Phantom is fighting for a feeling he never had." deep on both fronts. Fantastic.

[@inufan330]

*Beautifully and intensely explaining the climaxes of the shows simultaneously* Me: **GASPS*** Brain: You've seen these shows before Me: Yes, but the drama!

[@esfacundocano]

I've seen phantom 10 times, but the final scene always makes me cry. #leoslovedrama

[@bondfall0072]

@@esfacundocano same here.

[@bridgez04]

SAME

[@drakeconsumerofsoulsandche4303]

If you don't get a tear at the mere sight of memories climax, you're a sociopath

[@cherylmaden5989]

😅🫶

[@princesslisamarie7860]

The look on Christine’s face as she hands back his ring knowing she’s hurting him is absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. It shows Christine’s compassion and strange love for the phantom. I love it when shows allow Christine to have that moment.

[@jordanvan.winkle]

um excuse you sir, phantom cannot be your “hands down” favorite show. YOUR HANDS NEED TO BE AT THE LEVEL OF YOUR EYESSSS

[@laurastanish8610]

DON JUAN TRIUMPHANT HEH

[@emmygreenberg9074]

OMG AHH

[@fatak5106]

Passarino faithful friend! Once again reside the plan!

[@jordanvan.winkle]

your young guest believes i’m you, I, the master; you, the man.

[@SongbirdAlom]

brilliant

[@amanogirl1]

Interesting fact Walt Disney wanted the rights for Cats to make it into a cartoon movie, but T S Elliott’s wife said no.

[@lkcdarzadix6216]

The Cat rejects the Rat lul

[@amanogirl1]

People think the CGI version is scary but if Disney did do it (which I’m glad he didn’t) it might have been worse.

[@lkcdarzadix6216]

@@amanogirl1 Disney animation is not the problem is the people behind Disney they'll milk Cats dry look at star wars, toy story and other old IP. if it's animation trust disney on that. But on merchandiser they greedy Rat

[@amanogirl1]

Lkcdar Zadix True. Star Wars has gone to the dogs, same with Toy Story and the other Pixar movies. They don’t listen to the fans who wanted A Bug’s Life 2. Plus Their re makes are getting on my nerves. They should stop with making re makes of the good movies and work on Night on Bald Mountain.

[@lkcdarzadix6216]

@@amanogirl1 agreed on Bug's Life 2 focus on 2d animation no more live-action remakes that just recycle shit from the animation make new ip, disney now is just playing monopoly

[@kendallthompson2027]

The most interesting part, in my opinion, is that Grizabella had felt love and affection before and that's why she had pride and hope. The Phantom had never succumbed anything besides hatred and disgust. This is why he believes the light to be cold and cruel in comparison to the darkness where he has always felt safe. That's why he had shunned society and didn't want to be part of it because he knew society to be evil.

[@juliasings6131]

This is one thing I've definitely thought about phantom, part of it anyway. Erik (because simplicity) also feels exempt from the rules of society because why should he follow the rules of a society that's done nothing but hurt him? Everyones shown him fear and given him pain, so he naturally doesnt want to be a part of this. And so he doesnt care that killing isnt morally acceptable, that's what others believe and others are bad. And other things like that as well.

[@AdjectiveOtter]

I love this! It’s so easy to see Cats as just a Punchline nowadays. I think you’ve done the task of giving it its pedigree back. Bravo!

[@WaitintheWings]

Thank you! I hated it for so long and was originally going to do a video defending it in a making fun way but once I started researching it the more I realized that I actually liked it. 😂😂😂

[@Merdicano]

@Malory Rackauckas I didn't thought the movie was that bad, sure it's a transition that's way uncanny valley and clearly the effects were way overdone from what I heard, but it wasn't really a "disaster" if you ask me, but I respect your opinion

[@Merdicano]

@@lilacpenguin5329 Honestly, I know that I might not have the best taste since my only exposure to it was the movie (yeah, I know I'm in the 3% minority that doesn't thought it was all that bad), but the music is very fun and entertaining, and really has ambition and creativity

[@AliciaNyblade]

"The dreaded, dastardly . . . Erik." Yeah, that name doesn't exactly strike fear into the heart now, but I think Leroux was going for something which would've sounded exotic to a turn-of-the-century French audience. Christine even asks him if he's Scandinavian like her, since he goes by the name Erik, and he answers that he "had no country and had taken the name Erik by accident". And personally, I like that the man known as "the Phantom" has an actual name in the book. It points to his humanity and adds another layer to the constant duality his character embodies: He can either let down his literal and metaphorical masks to show himself as the neglected, wounded, fully human soul which he is or he can cloak all that under the illusion of being a nameless, terrifying entity of almost supernatural wrath. And that, to me, is what makes "The Phantom of the Opera" so much more than just the melodramatic love triangle story so many adaptations make it out to be, including the Lloyd Webber show (as much as I love it). For me, "Phantom" is a cautionary tale about what happens when an innocent child like Erik grows up feeling, since he's inherited the emotional baggage society always gives those who are deformed or disabled, that he has no other choice but to become the monster he's assumed to be. This sense of taking a role that was thrust upon him doesn't excuse his manipulative, violent actions, of course, but it puts Erik right up there in the pantheon of classic characters like Quasimodo, Gwynplaine, and Frankenstein's Creature, characters who all faced their role as the archetypal disfigured outcast and dealt with it in different ways. And, as someone with a Disability myself (visual impairment), I find characters like this very powerful and not featured often enough in stories. When I first encountered "Phantom" as a teenager, Erik stood out as a very positive figure for me, actually. No, obviously not because of his acts of murder and manipulation, but because he still tried to carve out a place for himself in a world which rejected him, even if said place was cellar-sized and in the shadows. The fact that, in his own twisted way, he still clung to hope was and is a very moving message for me.

[@kimberlynorris338]

There's an artist on Tumblr somewhere who has an ongoing series of comics where Book!Phantom, Quasi, Gwynplaine, and the Creature (dubbed Jeff), along with the Beast of Beauty And The Beast (the original fairy tale) have formed an Uggo Club where they can hang out and be mutually supportive. It's all very adorable.

[@bawoman]

Wow that was a beautiful read. Thank you for writing it. I agree wholeheartedly...its not the romance itself that makes it great so much as the people within the romance and the great ,complicated beauty of their 2 principal characters that lends the true pathos to their story. Erik's love for Christine is heartbreaking, and unforgettable because of the person it's coming from, because of who he is, how he stumbles, and falls, and at times gives in to hate and violence because that's all he's known. And yet that despite a life of solitude, abuse and having been unloved, untouched, even by his own mother as a baby, and feared for his entire life, he is not only able to bring himself to love, and hope for love, but make the most astonishingly selfless sacrifice in name of that love. It is an almost miraculous growth of character, a growth powered by love, and encouraged by an act of almost equally astonishing compassion from another beautiful soul, that of his Christine.

[@jesnemo2677]

Thank you for taking the time to share something this eloquent, I kind of just word vomited here without much consideration despite the profound effect this story (from original to adaptations) have had on me since I was 8 and my parents thought seeing the ALW show in Toronto in the early 90s was appropriate for a child. I’m not sure if it was the early exposure or just that it struck a chord with someone who felt on the fringes even then (for both legitimate as well as naive reasons) or despite not having the grasp to fully understand some of the more.... subtle aspects of the show at that age. Since then I’ve spent much of my life exploring the story and adaptations and agree that it is far more than gothic melodrama (though it is sometimes fun to look at face value.) Have you watched the documentary The Skin Horse? It was used by developers of show when building the character which I discovered during a deeper dive a couple years back. Taking into consideration the time (early to mid 80s) I found it very interesting and really made me think about the development of the story at various points, from Leroux to ALW and others and the intersectionality of disability and sexuality at each of those times, plus of course within the frame of the story. I’m currently reading Amanda Leduc’s “Disfigured: On fairytales, disability, and making space” and though it seems a bit off thematically is a fitting and interesting read. Just moving slower than I’d like as doing a dual BS/MS in a completely different subject and swamped.

[@pointofnoreturn3103]

Alicia?! Is that you?! You were going to write the lyrics to a musical about the various versions of Phantom! Irena was going to write the music! This is Susanmeow3! You know, Carlotta in the IMDb cast of Phantom! I think you had double cast me as Sarah Brightman Christine, and Susanna Foster Christine! How have you been?! You might be interested in this. My husband and I recently went to an anime convention, and I cosplayed as a female version of the Phantom, or Tuxedo Mask from Sailor Moon! I was in a Masquerade, and I wanted to sing "You will curse the day you did not do all that the Phantom asked of you!" on the stage! It didn't work out, though. Other people wanted to sing as well, and due to the virus, it wouldn't have been a good idea to have one microphone passed from each singing scene to the next. ...It is so great to see you on KZbin! I have run into Lady Phantom, but the two of you have really been the only people from the old group of Phans that I have happened to run across.

[@AliciaNyblade]

@@pointofnoreturn3103 SUSAN! Wow, it's been years! Yes, I'm that same Alicia. :) So great to meet up again in the halls of the Internet. I've been doing well, thanks. Went to and graduated college as a Creative Writing/Theater double major. Am now living with my sister in an apartment we share, still working on writing. I haven't touched my "Phantom" project in years, but I have been working on other things, specifically a stage play adaptation of Victor Hugo's "The Man Who Laughs", which falls into the same genre of "Disfigured guy finds love and has to navigate his way through how the world sees him". So nice to hear from you again. Hope you're doing well.

[@everycolourinthesky]

Stopped at 22:06 where you just talked abt the phantom wanting Christine to join him in the darkness, because I think it’s a direct contrast with Raoul’s lyrics in All I Ask Of You, where he so often mentions daylight drying her tears and she talks about summertime. Idk it’s just something I realised not long ago, Christine has to choose between day and night, quite literally.

[@RobbinCotran1]

A year late but just wanted to comment that it's reflected in the staging as well. The Phantom takes Christine underneath in darkness and candlelight, while she duets with Raoul, on the rooftop under the night sky and starlight. Such a nice contrast.

[@katiekelley2064]

this is reflected by lyrics in think of me, as well - she mentions august, summertime, & flowers, and raoul references innocence in his interlude. it is such a stark contrast to the drama and eeriness of christine's duets with the phantom

[@Artbug]

I was tearing up as your explanation of Grizabella's arc came to a climax... I have a new appreciation for CATS now

[@coolness06]

Same! The build up of both characters was so intense, but when it got to the climax of Memory my eyes well up with tears.

[@drakeconsumerofsoulsandche4303]

Check out "sideways" video on the difference between the cats movie and musical, he goes very in depth on how grisebela is portrayed, and how that affects how well memory works

[@nofootprint5629]

HE REALLY BE OUT HERE JUST SAID "SHIMBLESHANKS"

[@alejandrocervantes3624]

Heres a more CURSED one: SHIMBLESKANKS! 😺

[@jdprettynails]

I wanted to also mention the interesting real life parallel with Phantom. He casts himself as Don Juan in a musical he wrote to win the love of Christine. Andrew Lloyd Webber casts his wife, Sarah Brightman to play the role of Christine in the musical he wrote.

[@SongbirdAlom]

yes!

[@nicholastosoni707]

And then you watch the Royal Albert Hall show, and you can see in her eyes and body language that she wants to get the hell away from him.

[@maddietillem6778]

@@nicholastosoni707 That was so awkward. He seemed like he was trying to pretend things were great between them and she was like "this dude's my ex, I don't want him flirting with me onstage, I'm just here to perform."

[@sugarcoatedslaughterhouse4937]

I’ve always loved the Phantom.... as a villain. Obviously. Because that’s what he is. A sympathetic villain, certainly, and you really do feel bad for him, but that doesn’t change his actions. Murderer, kidnapper, General disrespect for anything that doesn’t line up with his own desires. It just always weirds me out how many people see him solely as a protagonist. Great video by the way!

[@l.n.3372]

In the musical, he is the protagonist. Villainous protagonist types exists in fiction, after all. It's his point of view and he's the lead male character.

[@alixinthemiddle]

i always get confused when people say Cats is a fluff piece. how? it's musical theatre at its finest. it's a showcase of pure talent. people are weird.

[@jtatum6900]

They dont know talent

[@m0L3ify]

I dunno, either. I was super into Cats in the 80's and I always felt like people who criticized it hadn't really actually seen it. I guess this video verifies that theory. I saw the movie and it was just Cats. Nothing weird or crazy. I get the impression the critics watched the Jennyanydots and Bustopher Jones scenes, got fed up, and left. Those were pretty badly done, mainly due to poor casting choices, but the rest of the movie had some fantastic scenes in it. I've always gotten the feeling that people have written Cats off without actually watching it.

[@jtatum6900]

@@m0L3ify ikr

[@alexdestler3059]

I personally don’t like the show it’s but the performers are so amazingly talented to me it’s the only redeeming factor

[@monalisa4878]

@@m0L3ify the first half of the movie wasn't great, but I loved the second half

[@TheBlackDot00]

At first glance, it really looked like Victoria and Mistofellees were willing to forgive her until they were pushed aside by the older cats. How sad. The scene where they push her around and Tugger just flicks his mane at her was just painful to watch. The movie made it worse imho because, they were just hissing and making nasty comments at her.

[@gilangsetyawibawa185]

This is too powerful for something out of theater. There are millions of people like Grizz or Erik out there, and I hope these outcast characters relate to those who have been outcasts too.

[@b.d6642]

I moved to a new school three years ago, it's very far away from where i live so i didn't knew anyone, i still only have like three friends there, i relate A LOT to erik, and ever since i was a kid i was kinda an outcast (but that's a story for another time) so i really relate to outcast characters.

[@ryanahr2267]

"Memory" always strikes something deep within me. I'm a lonely, miserable person but I rarely acknowledge it. I'm so unused to human contact and affection that it always throws me when I experience the real thing outside of my immediate family. "Memory" forces me to face the reality of my situation because everything she expresses in the song are an exaggerated but still very accurate version of what my real feelings are. I always break down into tears when I hear it. The intervals between instances when I listen to the song are usually so long that heaven only knows how I much I needed a cry just then.

[@zacharyjacobson8919]

You have to remember that the original book is French, so a name like Erik is unique and foreign sounding to French readers. The English version does ruin things a bit with that.

[@blah7983]

I’m gonna call him Enrique in my head now

[@Snoozemeister]

It’s… it’s really not that unique though? Eric is a common French name, to spell it with a k wouldn’t change anything if the Phantom says it out loud (and not write it), so the effect remains p much the same

[@l.n.3372]

The first fictional Erik that I liked was Erik Lehnsherr aka magneto from X-Men. So that name always had a cool vibe thanks to such.

[@alpheusrose2997]

i LOVE how he switches between the climaxes of cats and the point of no return, the anticipation, the suspense, the tension, the emotion, the wretched, the broken, UGH such a good way to tell both sides without dragging on to long either one

[@travisgrant5608]

I use to talk with a couple of friends of mine years ago how Andrew Lloyd Webber seemed to me to be our era's Puccini. I'm stunned at the reference to him in this video. Your in depth research is astounding. Thank you for all this fascinating background on both of these musicals. The way you present this lesson in the history of these musicals via this video is absolutely beautiful. Someone has asked this question before but I can't help but wonder too ... WHO ARE YOU? The sharing of your knowledge and teaching on this subject is such an asset in this world of learning. Again, thank you for this video. 💞👍💞

[@WaitintheWings]

You're too sweet! This made my day and I'm so happy you're enjoying the videos! :) Thank you for the kind words!

[@AbbyGirlJ]

Fun fact, Andrew Lloyd Webber was actually sued by Puccini’s heirs in 1987 for plagiarism in a portion of Music of the Night!

[@storm_5088]

I wouldn’t directly say ‘Elphaba’ from Wicked, could be regarded as Grizabella or The Phantom; but in her own arc, she’s been exiled, denied due to her skin and her beliefs, as well as her own empowerment in Wicked.

[@misfithog5855]

I think she is closer to Gtizablla, as she is very much proud and believes in that light in some way throughout most of the musical. She wants to be accepted, but not under false pretence. She is honest with herself and the world. She is different than either of the other two, though, as she is actively fighting against a society which is deeply unjust, as she is not fighting for only herself either, but those who are forced into voicelessness. Her "point of no return" is when she does just that, chooses being an outsider who does the right thing over finally, finally being accepted. And, she does it TWICE.

[@EdWiley671]

Your overview of T. S. Eliot is adorable

[@MisterGolightly]

Thank you, KZbin for finally recommending an interesting channel. Beautifully made. Super illustrative . Well done! xx

[@mariacillan9668]

The way you built the crescendo with the turning point of each character omfg I was waiting soooooo long for the "TOUCH ME" part that I totally hissed it once it played

[@johnloverman]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a What Went Wrong on Love Never Dies. edit: wow I didn't expect the comments to blow up hi keep having cool phantom discussions I love you guys so remember to respect one another's opinions and like not be a wee wee head

[@WaitintheWings]

Oh boy, it's on the list don't you worry hahaha

[@travisgrant5608]

GIRL 1 ... YES!!!

[@h98b]

We don’t talk about that movie here

[@vicomtexdaae3630]

Sorry what? It doesn't exist.

[@blissinchains]

@@vicomtexdaae3630 🙄

[@MilkScrew]

If "Jellicle" is a sped-up "Dear Little", then I would think "Pollicle" is a sped-up "Poor Little". So there's "Dear Little Cats" and "Poor Little Dogs".

[@princesslisamarie7860]

Pink-Perfection yup, you are correct

[@Merina2222]

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE THESE VIDEOS ARE INCREDIBLE

[@WaitintheWings]

I'M SO HAPPY YOU FEEL THAT WAY!! 😂😂

[@bombygriz]

I'm about to send this to every freaking person who's ever made fun of me for liking Cats. Was always into it for the story, not just the design and dance.

[@sensen4161]

I'm honestly sad that a lot of people see cats as a joke piece. :(( The musical is amazing, imo.

[@kournikova9380]

I feel that Grizabella’s depth was best flesh out because of Elaine Paige’s original interpretation of the character.

[@pinkfeiry]

Loving this respect for Cats

[@elladrew4045]

Yessss

[@blah7983]

Honestly Christine should have ditched both Erik and Raoul. Except for Fraser’s Raoul. He’s the only one that seemed genuinely in love with Christine

[@briandaaranda9735]

Ah, finally someone speaks of my favorite musicals with the respect they deserve. "Cats" gets so much unwarranted hate but it's such a good show. And Phantom is the right mix of dramatic opera and Broadway show. And, of course, Phantom will always be Lloyd Webber's love letter to Sarah Brightman, his angel of music. (Honestly, look up the anniversary version where all the phantoms sing together with her and watch how he introduces her to the audience.)

[@chaseism]

Dude! I found your video essay on Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark and it was the very best way to spend 45 minutes. And now this video! I had to pause to write this because we both were introduced to Phantom via cassette tape. Thank you for creating detailed histories of Broadway shows. I've learned so much about shows I thought I knew so well. I'm absolutely subscribing and telling all of my friends. Fantastic work!

[@WaitintheWings]

The cassette tape was life! lol I'm so happy you've enjoyed the videos and welcome to the run crew! :D

[@LynnHermione]

As a dancer I've always loved Cats on the insane choreographies alone. man I'd love to dance in it.

[@charlestoth5026]

This was a great video. I have connected to The Phantom my whole life because I have always felt like an outcast so I relate to him. But I never thought of the similarities Grizabella has with the Phantom and now it all makes sense thanks to you. You should do more outcasts videos of other musical characters.

[@mysticcrazy3]

Lmao I love how you used the 25th anniversary, imo the best production, singing, and acting of the POTO ever

[@ElectroFreak1816]

dang this video was super artistic and a great video essay, i just stumbled upon it and couldn't believe it was from a channel of this size. this is amazing work, fantastic job

[@smolb0i270]

dude, this video was beautifully made. i applaud to you, my friend

[@WaitintheWings]

Thank you so much! I was nervous about how it would be received since it was so different from the format haha

[@PADARM]

Oh Boy, I can not tell you how well done this video is! First, you covered my most favorite characters, Phantom and Grizabella. Second, you did it so perfectly. As you explained both characters you could feel the crescendo and how one character ascended towards the light of redemption and the other fell into a dark abyss, Literally and Metaphorical, for both cases! Thank you for paying a well-deserved tribute to these characters! You couldn't have done better.

[@alatuzn]

This is honestly my new favorite channel Musical theatre video essays (is that what they’re called?) are so interesting to watch

[@WaitintheWings]

You're too sweet lol I'm happy you're finding them interesting!

[@JakeBrannan5499]

Loved this video. it's weird, but I just realized how much The Phantom and Joe Goldberg, from You, have in common.

[@margokeller9199]

Jacob Brannan Great show

[@SongbirdAlom]

oh yeah. When I first watched "You," I literally said, "This is just long-form Phantom."

[@jg2783]

Great insight!

[@MewDenise]

Kids go to see CATS? But... it's very sexual

[@ashlynnheller8400]

Kids didn't think much of it At least thats what I've heard. I didnt see it until I was a teen and therfore noticed it.

[@lop3938]

hopegirl518 Ashlynn Heck I even saw kids in the theatre I was seeing Cats ! And you wouldn’t believe but they weren’t bothered by the design of the cats. And I actually wasn’t too .

[@kaylag.6566]

MewDenise I saw it when I was young. It all went right over my head

[@lexiheart2003]

theres literally a cat orgy in the middle of the show lol

[@rainbowkittycat969]

Hey, kids are dumb, and cleavage the musical sounds a bit worse.... especially when all you know about it is a bunch of kittys face painting children.

[@gabriellehunter7237]

So nice to hear someone talk about how great the original CATS is after everything with the remake.... Thank you. It's my favourite musical and deserves better than it's getting!

[@manateelovr]

As a newer cats fan and a long time phantom fan I really appreciate this video

[@SongbirdAlom]

"I"m in the mood to weep non-stop for 36 whole minutes today, what shall i watch?" *video shows up in recommendations* "Ahh, perfect."

[@mariacillan9668]

OH MY GOD "Dear Little Cats" Jellicle Cats. oh my god one of the mysteries solved

[@nicholastosoni707]

It goes like this: "Dear little cats" --> "Dyehh wickle cats" --> "Jellicle cats."

[@alanafowler7083]

And this video is awesome. Grizabella is my favorite character and she also symbolizes every kid that feels left out.

[@mimprincesa]

Man that seen of the phantom crying and singing the music box snd then later standing up, tidying himself up when christine reappears with a glimmer a hope in his eyes just kills me everytime. 😭😭😭 Edit: i am so glad to find this video. You seem to be in the same emotional boat as me when it comes to the phantom of the opera. And you described it so eloquently!

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

This was beautifully analyzed. I love how you compared and contrasted the Phantom and Grizabella, and explained why we are rooting for them, and why our sentiment for each is different.

[@Christina-pt2fn]

My LAWD the opening scene of this broke my heart. Why this man be rehashing my my trauma??

[@RigoLeons]

Can you do the history of "Be more chill"? I watched it this year and followed the development of the show. It's just an interesting story to tell for what could be deemed as this generation's "Little Shop".

[@WaitintheWings]

I've heard great things about Be More Chill! I'm pretty sure it was the same set designer that they had for Chaplin the musical too. Who knows!? We'll have to hold a vote on the patreon :)

[@ilexdiapason]

@@kawaii33366 you don't know how it came back from the dead then, i suppose? that's a great story

[@joejoe5673]

I wonder which CAT would've been picked for the Heavyside Layer if Grizabella was unavailable to be picked...

[@GenericPanda27]

Probably Gus

[@bellac6311]

Gus the theatre cat. Definitely.

[@joejoe5673]

I always thought that either Gus or Mr. Mistoffelees would've been chosen. My only issue with this is Mr. Mistoffelees was too young to die so soon. Gus would make the most sense

[@eliselo9073]

Joe River I don't think Misto was a candidate. Characters like Tugger and Misto weren't introduced as candidates but rather as other characters.

[@Zinomorix]

I could seriously listen to you all day detailing every emotion and symbolic message behind every musical, oh my god, you’re incredibly good at this

[@absolutenewb8879]

But like the thing is I love Cats & POTO equally

[@valeriedecadbury2978]

Absolute Newb I’ve never related to a comment more.

[@brookelauer3854]

Wow like this actually made me cry you explained everything so well that I went from know the characters sadness to feeling it myself

[@alexandraburton232]

Oh wow this was such an amazing analysis! Loved every second of it!!!! I also appreciate how though you say we sympathise with the Phantom you don't forget to point out why he's not a good person and his relationship/obsession with Christine is unhealthy. A lot of people forget that.

[@n0tgabs]

1:19 why did i literally cried watching those 5 seconds of footage what the hell

[@theghostinthemirror8158]

Ahhh! How did I miss this oh my god. This is so good and well put together as per usual!

[@WaitintheWings]

Lol I was worried you died 😂

[@WaitintheWings]

More importantly, why aren't you on our discord!? Lol discord.gg/4sJ9CX

[@franinconverse]

God damn it that scene with the Phantom and Christine always makes me cry. When that music box starts playing I start weeping.

[@wwphd3519]

Wow. The climax had me tearing up. Thank you for this.

[@elizabethpage_]

Watched this video and loved it. Then I looked and the views are below 400. Like what the heck. This is such a great video essay. You have a new fan 👌

[@WaitintheWings]

I just saw this! Thank you so much and welcome to the run crew!

[@ringomainia]

Can anyone tell me why I’m actually crying at his passionate observations and explanation of Grizabella?

[@emmafrost4403]

CATS was my introduction to musicals as a tender 5 years old. We had the VHS tapes (2 for both halfs) I was obsessed and watched it multiple times daily. Growing us, Grisabella and memory were my favorite song and cat in the film. I’m very happy to have had that as my beginning to my love of theatre. 💙💙💙 Love your videos! Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

[@agmpickup]

Ok but this is one of the best KZbin videos I have ever seen. Phantom’s my favourite musical and god you captured the essence of it perfectly (Also you used the 25th anniversary production which is my favourite). I was wondering what your opinions on the 2004 movie are? I already saw somebody comment that you should analyse what went wrong with Love Never Dies and I 100% support that because there’s a lot to unpack there, but I also feel like there’s a lot that went wrong with the 2004 movie of phantom, and it would be interesting to look at that. Either way I absolutely adored this video and you understand Phantom in a way that lots of people don’t. Please please PLEASE continue making videos like this

[@laurenwaghorn5951]

If you're interested in an analysis of the 2004 movie, I'd recommend Dominic Noble's channel! He goes over the book, the musical and the movie, and covers a lot of the mistakes that were made in the process of adapting the latter. Lindsay Ellis also did a really good video essay on the movie! Hope this helps!

[@agmpickup]

Ginger Lemon YOU ABSOLUTE LEGEND

[@laurenwaghorn5951]

Ava lmao *finger guns*

[@agmpickup]

Ginger Lemon I sense a bisexual *finger guns back*

[@laurenwaghorn5951]

Ava close, just a humble lesbian, at your service!

[@WeeLin]

I loved your breakdown of the two musical numbers, from the two shows I also fell in love with as a child! It made me think about the songs and characters in a whole new way. Really great analysis, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing it. I also realised that, in the original versions of both, the main characters were accompanied on stage by Sarah Brightman. She played the kitten Jemima who sang with Grizabella in the first production of Cats, plus she was the original Christine in Lloyd Webber's Phantom - it's even been said that the part was written for her voice. Just a little fun connection there!

[@coolness06]

This is an exceptional video essay. As someone who doesn't care too much for ALW, you presented these two very different stories in a beautiful way. You just earned yourself a new subscriber :)

[@alexstanek8426]

Honestly I came here because I love Grisabella and was willing to know more. I had never listened to Phantom of the Opera outside of the song "Phantom of the Opera" I knew nothing of the story and nothing of the music. Then I watched this and thought the emotion was beautiful. I decided to watch the movie (mistake I know, but I didn't know the 25th anniversary existed yet). I loved it and wanted to see it on stage. Then after like a month of trying to figure out where he got his clips (because for some reason I felt those the most and didn't want to come back to this video to find it) AND FINALLY I FOUND IT AND IM OBSESSED

[@esteraulrich-oltean2162]

25th anniversary is the best!

[@danielstewart6055]

Carrie and Elphaba can relate to these two . But both of them lost everything including family and friends due to the fact that Carrie’s abused life destroyed her and how Elphaba escaped the mob to be reunited with Fiyero . Carrie lost her mother and her life after psychopathic mother abused her and stabbed her with a butcher knife

[@vwin9112]

After this video, I can't help but see the Phantom stroking the actual cat(not the hideous cgi movie) of Grizabella as he ponders about his ways to get the love of his life.

[@esteraulrich-oltean2162]

Is it just me who was almost crying within the first 2 minutes because even in isolation Ramin and Sierra's performance of this scene is so beautiful and heartbreaking? Honestly too much for me at 9 o'clock in the morning

[@christinez.1454]

i def had a tear fall if not two

[@darkinside2213]

I am so happy I found this channel! My best friend is a Broadway show savant and he has seen Phantom 47 times at this point. He's also seen productions in 4 different languages and to say the least it is his favourite. He can tell the year and production year based off of Christine's dresses. And whether it was worn by the main actress or the under study. So to be able to watch this is such a joy!

[@willwalker24601]

For any of you who haven't heard it, Memory is one of the most beautiful songs ever composed. Please listen to it.

[@myrandajo9280]

i’m so grateful for your videos i’ve been waiting for someone to make quality video essays about theatre FOREVER and it always makes me so happy when people take musicals as seriously as they deserve

[@chiensyang]

The novel went into more details about how the Phantom was psychologically scarred in his childhood. His own mother would actually run away when he tried to kissed her. Although I am not excusing the Phantom's killings, I understand why he was the way he was.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

I've always loved Cats, ever since I saw it on Omnibus on PBS when I was young. As an outcast in school myself, I truly understood and loved Grizabella. I never thought of it as a fluff musical at all. When I found the anniversary DVD I got it, and my daughter and I have watched it countless times. It's the musical that got her into musicals, and she still loves it as an adult. You've got a new subscriber in me, thank you for your in depth analysis. Could you please do Six the Musical? It's my new favorite.

[@monahanson5065]

Have you seen the play "Love never dies" It is a sort of Phantom 2. It takes place 10 years later in New York's Coney Island.

[@fandomfancy2450]

We dont speak of that.

[@lookatthiscutekittyc2903]

And it's the worst thing that Andrew Loid Webber has ever done. It destroyed everything that the original musical achieved.

[@dragonstouch1042]

Mona Hanson Never mention that abomination

[@esteraulrich-oltean2162]

Unpopular opinion but I really love it

[@boreragnarok8903]

Erik with a ‘k’ cause he’s an edgy boi 😂😂

[@Goran_D]

That end narration though. Gave me chills. Great video. Great work. Great emotion.

[@alanafowler7083]

I have to admit that I Grizabella because she doesn't let her people or life get her down. Whereas the Phantom isn't very nice.

[@celynrhian]

25th anniversary by far the best version of phantom

[@bawoman]

Not really sure how you can attest to that since there are like a gazillion stage versions that we have never seen

[@sifridbassoon]

interesting about the rehearsal where all the Cats actors are brought into a room to hear Memory for the first time. After all the years of hearing and playing the song and after doing a little plot research on Wikipedia recently, I was overwhelmed by the music and words, and now I tear up anytime I hear the song start to play regardless of where I am. I often wonder how Elaine Page must have felt after premiering Memory on opening night. Can you imagine the applause? Can you imagine the curtain calls? Can you imagine knowing that you have just made musical history? I mean, what do you DO after such an experience? You can hardly just take a cab home, throw a pot pie in the oven and make a cup of tea.

[@kournikova9380]

sifridbassoon I want to know too.

[@lizzisudduth3394]

This is the youtube content I've longed for. Thank you.

[@RachelRamey]

These are family favorites. When my daughter was a preschooler, these were her two favorite movies. Fun to see them connected.

[@englanddg6227]

Glad to see Grizabella get some love as a character, not just a song.

[@maythemorais7020]

Oh god, just spent 36 minutes watching to this, and looked like idk, 5 minutes? Im really glad that this channel exists, what a wonderful video

[@b.d6642]

Actually, the original ending for the lon Chaney version had erik redeemed, Christine kisses him and he lets her and raul go as he plays a wedding song on his organ, then he dies of, and i quote "a broken heart", the mob enters the room and even they pity him as they see his dead corp. The test audience thought he didn't deserve redemption. and it goes around the same way in the book (i read an abridged version but i think it's the same ending) loved the video btw, it's been so heard for me to find an analysis of Phantom and here i also got one for cats along the way

[@rynbliss]

SIERRA AND RAMIN AAAAAAAAAA theyre my absolute favorite christine and phantom in the whole wide world omg

[@kayceepotato2004]

WHY ARE THEY SO GOOD? GOT ME CRYING ALL OVER AGAIN.

[@GrunkleBearnison]

WELL I didn't expect to be so emotionally affected by this video that I started crying. Thank you so much for this, this helped me have a better understanding of why I fell in love with the musicals in the first place.

[@Ren-Strider]

I love the fluidity of the story of the Phantom of the Opera. With the introduction of Webber’s version of the Phantom, that character was redeemed and allowed for others to introduce their own interpretations of him. He doesn’t belong to one person, he’s a representation of all of us and our own shortcomings. I love when characters evolve like that. Fantastic analysis of him

[@ginokami475]

this video explains very well their point of view,im not very good with words so i always failed when trying to explain this to someone

[@adelaidedupont9017]

"Fell faster than a chandelier" - I had to smile there.

[@thenerdytiger9306]

Cats got me interested in theatre but the show that showed me my LOVE for being on stage was joseph snd the amazing technicoloured dream coat where I played the narrator the age of 9

[@daniel_is_aladdin]

And now I play Erik as a D&D character, and make him comedy gold.

[@l.n.3372]

Amazing video analysis! I had never realized the similarities (and contrasts) between these two characters before. I'm also a long time fan of the Phantom of the Opera: my childhood was similar to your story. I knew Cats mainly from the song Memory but I didn't know much about anything else. I have a newfound appreciation of the Cats musical thanks to you now!

[@aurea.]

I was sobbing by the end of the video. I don't know much about musical theatre, but your insight has made me greatly interested in it.

[@princesstamika]

i cannot believe you worked an Eric Bischoff picture in there.

[@WaitintheWings]

He's baaaaack! And better than ever 😂

[@princesstamika]

@@WaitintheWings He's got a KNACK for makin' things better. (except he didn't). You could use those lyrics in a WWW video. I subbed and turned notifications on cause i heard that spreads the video faster, you deserve way more subs!

[@Danashae]

You deserve a million subs! This was amazing, thank you