Watching the Most Romantic Incel Story 🎭 Phantom of the Opera Commentary

To celebrate the begining of spooky season and Broadway reopening, join me for some Phantom of the Opera commentary! For years I've been addicted to other movie commentary channels (e.g. Pretty Much It, Trin Lovell, Dylan is in Trouble) so I decided to dip my toe into the art myself for my favorite genre: live theatrical performances 😉 I've never done something like this, so let me know what you think down below! I'd love to make this a yearly / quarterly bit 😊
Love, Lauren 🍄
CHECK OUT PART 2 - Love Never Dies Commentary ( • Phantom of the Opera h... )
⏲ Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:38 - Act I
21:38 - Act II
36:39 - Conclusion
📱 Social Media
Twitter: @sidequestinlife
Instagram: @sidequestinglife
🎶 Music
"When the Dust Settles" by Dusty Decks (www.epidemicsound.com/track/K...)
#LaurenPaige #PhantomOfTheOpera #MovieCommentary

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Thank you for watching my first commentary video! 🙏🏻 Let me know here if I should do another for Love Never Dies 🤔

[@lemmeaavik1099]

Yes please!! I always start to cry when I watch the phantom of the opera or love never dies....

[@WingsDragonfly]

I would love your view on Love Never Dies. I've watched it several times. It's definitely not as good as Phantom, but it provides a few interesting twists. Morally grey Raoul has a pivotal part in it that White Knight Raoul could not.

[@valentinogal781]

So morally grey Rauol came at the right time. The making of this 25th production they had already debuted the sequel "Love Never Dies".. That is why this production seemed a bit different. Reaffirming what I had already believed. That Christine would always question her decision. I remember always having that argument with my friends and family. In 2014 I took my 12 year old niece to see the live production for the first time. When we walked out she was in tears and I asked her why. She said that Christine should of stayed with the Phantom. I tried to make an argument for Raoul even though I secretly preferred the Phantom (Erik). I told her that he was a murder and lied to her. But even my 12 year old niece understood that Christine loved Erik. You see Erik came at the right time in her life when she was mourning the loss of her father. Yes, if we take a closer look it was a bit dark only in the novel but if we are talking just the production he went from being a comforting voice in the dark, to an angel for her. He was a father figure but as she grew he became the man in her life that she even admire but was too young to know what she really felt about him. Then she became afraid of him and rightfully so. But deep down she knew he would never hurt her.. Raoul comes around with his privilege wealth and naive attitude thinking he was the white knight that would rescue her. Only apart from Erik she would learn that love is not black and white that it's complicated. Christine could not just forget Erik and look back as a dark time in her life.. Erik had been in her life a longer time than Raoul and was in different parts of her life different things to her..The comforting voice, her angel of music,, her teacher, mentor, the person who gave her an outlet for her sadness and loneliness. She grew to admire him for being the genius he was. She also loved that he composed exclusively for her.. Something Raoul would never be able to do. You see any composer could of created for her but I think it wasn't enough for her because she finally found out what she really felt for Erik. Only away from Erik she would know what he truly meant to her and what his absence would feel like. 😢😭😭 Andrew Lloyd Webber knew this and although it took two decades he finally came up with Love Never Dies..

[@ThisBeEv]

Oh please do a review on Love Never Dies! I feel the same way as you when it comes to The Phantom of the Opera, especially the 25th anniversary version. I really want to here how you feel about Love Never Dies.

[@michaelboydston313]

Trust me you should, if you thought phantom was an incel here, wait till you see love never dies

[@burgerpatty3656]

The part that always ALWAYS gets me is when, in The Final Lair, Christine returns the ring to Phantom and he sings so, so sweetly "Christine, I love you," and her face just crumbles. It will get me. Every. Damn. Time.

[@angienoexiste]

ik, and how she turns back to look at him once more before going up the stairs. sierra and ramin gave an incredible performance, they’re my favorite duo ever 💜

[@KelseyAlynn]

Ramin does the BEST job of showing the Phantom as a human with complex emotions.

[@jackdonohue7893]

11:10 In the book, it’s explained that the horse had “gone missing” from the opera’s stable a while before Christine went to the Phantom’s lair.

[@gachaponer]

Fun fact : Ramin Karimloo was Christine's father (in the photo) in the POTO movie

[@Christine_Afton]

I saw his picture in the movie and I jumped up so fast it gave me a headache

[@Christine_Afton]

@@kilaukanisyahanafi4779 Yeah, there is a scene where it shows her fathers picture, and it's Ramin

[@calliwalling702]

i literally had to look this up because i have been the biggest phan for such a long time and never noticed. lo and behold, you weren't lying. genuinely what the hell lmao

[@emmamccreary1261]

He also played Raoul in the stage show making him the only actor to play all the three main male characters in Christine's life

[@emmamccreary1261]

Also, HOW WAS HE NOT THE PHANTOM IN THE MOVIE. Why is he in a non song role

[@chanteuse-ro3kf]

May I clarify one thing? in the original novel Christine is 20 years old. with "a heart as pure as a 15 year old girl."

[@keetard]

Small note, Christine is in her early 20s in ALW Musical and the novel. She just has a heart pure as 16 years old. It's actually a mistranslation haha. Her age is pretty much hinted through her closet of bustle dresses for young adult (Her wishing dress and the lost dress from original stage design) while teenager dresses would be shorter on the skirt. She also graduated from a music college, btw. Amazing reaction by the way! love your humor. Also about the opera sitzprobe scene that people harmonize, it's called twelve tones technique. Which is a call back to how Erik's music is described as music that burns! it's a very neat detail showing how Erik is a genius composer.

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

NO WAY! Ok - phew - that makes is a whole less creepy haha and so there IS significance to that sound - how cool! You can tell I definitely didn't study music 😝 I'm like "it sounds scary...on purpose...I think?" Thank you for providing the reason!

[@fellinuxvi3541]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL They did however, make her actually 16 in the movie, just as her actress.

[@alcockell]

​@@fellinuxvi3541french law aoc was 14 in 18th c.

[@fellinuxvi3541]

@@alcockell And?

[@bethhoskin-lloyd3212]

One thing I will never budge on is that Ramin's little 'no' at the end of the first act is one of the best parts of the show

[@hidetheapplejuice]

Yes and when he whispers I love you when christine leaves with Raoul at the end of final lair.

[@madox4061]

that ending with christine singing that one line of 'all i ask of you' to the phantom instead of raoul is such a great 25th anniversary specific moment. i think it's cause ramin and sierra were in love never dies prior to filming this so i imagine that influenced the performance to be a lot more romantic than it is most of the time in the show.

[@cassondranorman]

In an interview with Sierra she said she sings to the Phantom at the end because they had already made Love Never Dies together with Ramin so they already knew where the story was going. It was a subtle nod to her real feelings for him! 🥰

[@aacproductions996]

I think by pointing this out you have almost ruined the entire show for me

[@Dreigonix]

NOOOOOOOOOO! I CAN’T WATCH IT ANYMORE

[@ericmatthews3780]

So the whole bit about the Phantom's composition being all wacky and dissonant and not like anything they've heard is actually a callback to real music history. That kind of thing happened throughout history, notably in the early stages of tonal music as well as in the late 1700s and 1800s. See Stravinsky's Rite of Spring for example. There are records of critical reviews talking about how it was musically blasphemous and people straight up walked out during the premiere performance. At the time, the music world and public wasn't ready for that. It didn't fit the 'rules' of the time, but now we see those composers and compositions as some of the most legendary works of genius that advanced music. I think the Phantom's opera is a kick ass representation of this happening in history, done extremely well. It's brash, it's dissonant, it's crunchy, it's aggressive. Just like him. It reflects his personality and what society turned him into, as well as demonstrates his genius and how he was ahead of the times. And it's written VERY well. Independently as its own piece, I think it fucking slaps.

[@enyfmohamedraib1233]

Only Sharpay Evans from HSM knows exactly how Carlotta feels, they both hustle their butt off for the top role!

[@LadyJuse]

At least Carlotta can sing in the style the music was written in.

[@dumplingsprawns9716]

To me this is the gold standard of the show, the casting, the orchestra, the staging, everything was just absolute perfection. Any other performance of poto that I watch/hear, I'll always compare it to this one

[@stephaniemclamb7662]

Girl yes this version of POTO is also my favorite! It is literal perfection!😍 also Ramin and Sierra are my favorite phantom and Christine, they have the absolute best chemistry I’ve seen and they give me total goosebumps! Then Hadley is amazing as well! Best trio actually as well! Also I’ve got to be right there with you when it comes to Ramin’s hand acting literally stirred up some feelings over here especially when he sings music of the night and also in point of no return😭🤯 also when Ramin sings Christine I looooveeee you I lose it every time 😭

[@LingLing_Wannabe]

Took the words right out of my mouth 🫶

[@jessicajames8185]

I so wanted to see you respond to the "Christine, I loooove you" part - that makes me SOB every single time xx

[@urie4678]

FINALLY, someone’s talking about POTO! 😩 A few weeks ago, I watched POTO live at the Her Majesty’s Theatre for the first time and I. Fell. In. Love. 😩💗 I loved it so much that I watched the 2004 movie and I was so surprised to see Gerard sing, 👁👁 and I enjoyed that movie as well. It’s different from the stage production, sure. AND THEN I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY AND HOLY CRAP... Out of all the adaptations I’ve seen and those I’m yet to see, 25th will forever be my favourite one! 😭😭😭 Also, about the horse... In the book, the Phantom actually stole the horse from the Opera stable (or something like that, I’m still reading it. 😆) Edit: Also the bit where she first rips his mask off. I read somewhere, (a headcannon), that the Phantom might be partially blind from that side of his face so that’s why he didn’t see Christine reach over. And if you see, in Palais Garnier, box five (if I’m not mistaken) is on the left side of the stage. That way he can watch Christine perform properly.

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

OH my gosh, I'm so jealous - that must have been amazing! And are you...KIDDING ME?!? The HORSE is canon - i must have blocked that out 😝 That bit about the mask too I definitely didn't know - I freakin' love details like that, thank you!

[@beneddiected]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL yeah the horse is name Cesar XD

[@l.n.3372]

In Maria Bjørnson original production sketches, the Phantom has a glass eye on his right side of the face. Michael Crawford wore it during photo shoots: one of his eyes is the darker shade, and that eye is a milky blue. But very soon on, they stopped using it during live performances. So I would say it's canon to the musical that the Phantom lacks sight on the right side of his face.

[@ceebee2]

Maturing is realizing Carlotta was right all along. Also: a little correction. Ramin’s last name is actually pronounced “Care-imloo,” and I *think* be still holds the record for the youngest Phantom ever to debut on The West End. He has never played the Phantom on Broadway.

[@l.n.3372]

I heard an interview for Funny Girl and was genuinely shocked when I heard Ramin pronounce his own last name. I had always said "Kareemloo" lol

[@simonhassnilsson7009]

Huh, never knew How to actually pronounce his name, Thanks for the knowledge, but Nah Carlotta's still an absolute B*tch, shouldve given the Yeston and kopit version treatment and fried her ass a fittingly over the top end to an equally over the top character

[@cornflakes-does-stuff]

I cannot dislike Meg when she is ready to go down to the dungeons and throw hands with the Phantom with Raoul after The Point Of No Return and has to be held back by her mother, idk man she's a good friend in my book :") Also, hell yeah, I'm so glad someone else likes Headly's Raoul who is a bit of an irritable fuck boy, but that makes him interesting imo! So much of the Phandom act like this Raoul is like horrible and abusive and then turn around and act like the Phantom is this empowering man in Christines life and as if he never done anything wrong, ever....like c'mon now guys, they're both pretty flawed, the Phantom and Raoul, in their treatment of Christine but there's a pretty steep difference in the severity of their crimes, lmao I do love a sweet baby angel Raoul too it has to be said thought : D

[@simonhassnilsson7009]

Meg is secret a secret action Hero just waiting to be unleashed

[@RobbinCotran1]

The Broadway/West end staging is SO much better imo 😭 the staging is almost identical but the intimacy of those stages/sets, the chandelier that actually falls, the dimmer more sinister lighting.... ugh 💜In regards to Masquerade, the '04 movie BUTCHERED the original costumes wtf

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Yeah I've gotta admit, NOT dropping the chandelier was a weird thing - it must not have been feasible. The first time I saw it was Broadway and you're right - its unbeatable. More gothic!

[@RB-747]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL yep - Royal Albert Hall is basically the UK's most important musical venue and is 150 years old - plus they only had 2 weeks to put it all together!

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

@@RB-747 WHAT - 2 WEEKS?!? 😵‍💫 I can't even wrap my head around that lol theater people are next level haha

[@RB-747]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL Absolutely insane! Originally they were just going to do an extended performance in the normal theatre but changed their minds last minute haha

[@RB-747]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL Hadley had also never played Raoul before!

[@SongbirdAlom]

"Waiting for that PTSD to trigger." I have PTSD, and I have to tell you, that line made me BIG LAUGH. Thank you. I'm enjoying this so much 5 minutes in so I'm probably gonna leave like 17 comments, sorry.

[@Equus21]

I recently watched this version in my home theater with a 90-inch screen and 6.1 surround sound and the volume blasted. It was amazing. I cried a bit.

[@windycitydreaming]

I now have a goal for 2022...

[@TheBestVideosEver333]

All this Meg slander hurts my heart so much 😭😭😭 she’s always been my favorite character in the show

[@nevelyn3960]

Love your comments about how Raoul can change so much depending on performance with the script remaining the same. I think that's equally true of Christine but especially the Phantom. This Phantom is super controlling but he's got much less self-control than say Crawford's. I don't even know which is better. They're just different.

[@julianalichtenstein5757]

YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WHO POSTED A COMMENTARY TO THIS VERSION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@lilyann168]

So disappointed the mirror bride wasn't included in this production. I know they had to do the staging a bit different because of the location, but I don't see any reason in this staging why they couldn't include it. It's such a signature phantom piece.

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Ohhh is that why? I agree - it doesnt seem like it would have been too hard...interesting nonetheless~

[@rubyslipper1939]

According to the Leroux novel, both Christine and Raoul are 20 years old. Erik is in his mid to late 50s.

[@em-ily1227]

I love seeing this live because there’s always people in the audience who’ve never seen it before and there’s always at least one person gasping when Meg takes the cloak off at the end and he’s gone. I’ve seen it 7 times now and it’s happened each and every time. Something about getting to witness someone seeing Phantom for the first time is so wholesome.

[@robwilliamson5082]

Legit costume thing, if you want a hood to sit in a particular way, cheap hair combs sewn into the hood are the easiest way to achieve the look

[@selectedshipper8282]

Yes, justice for Carlotta she’s my fave!

[@ewicanteven3741]

Died at the Ben Platt slander at 31:46 it made me die. Also LND is the most cursed garbage I've ever seen, please do a commentary lol

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

I'm so happy someone caught that 😝 You're the first!

[@lilyann168]

I'm a hardcore phantom fan. I was the teenager with a big poster of the phantom in my bedroom. I've read or seen all the variations of the story and although I don't like some as well as others, I can usually find some positive things to say about each "take" on the story. So when I say I could not even get through "love never dies" (even with ramin and sierra, who i love) you know how bad it is. I googled the ending out of curiosity and it did not make me want to finish watching it. Its SO bad. I did not like Phantom of Manhattan either, which I thiink LND is supposed to be based on. But if that had just stayed a random fanwork book, it would not have bothered me. But "someone" decided it had to be given the canon treatment. Because money, like they all aren't rich enough. SO DISAPPOINTING. Glad to see i'm not the only "phan" who thinks LND is a trash fire! (Wow, I did not start out meaning to write such a long rant, hehe)

[@ewicanteven3741]

@@lilyann168 pretty sure LND is just ALWs way of coping with his divorce😳😂

[@lilyann168]

@@ewicanteven3741 Wow, that had not occurred to me...very insightful point..... And since I'm full of thoughts about this today....I wish the 04/05? phantom movie had been directed by Guillermo Del Toro.......

[@ewicanteven3741]

@@lilyann168 what? The man who brought us nipple-suit batman not good enough? Bahaha

[@beneddiected]

Christine being 15 is a translation mistake. She’s actually 20

[@williamrota559]

omg, just realised that during "all I ask of you" when ramin covers his ears.... HE WAS TRYING TO CRY!!!! I HATE HIM WITH SO MUCH LOVE FOR THAT

[@williamrota559]

they slept on piangi I swear, he had such funny moments we can hear on the back and he deserved to have his funny bits

[@williamrota559]

I wanted to say too that the 2004 movie's music slaps much harder because they actually had a much larger orchestra, I think it was like double what they have on stage here

[@clairdeloona]

"he almost anakin'd her" oml as a star wars and POTO fan i was dying... although it took me a second. i was like "younglings?? where?"

[@GenAqua]

I love this version. It SUCKS so much that they're closing Phantom Of The Opera. I always wanted to see it, and never got to till the 2005 movie, and this performance on DVD. I love Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo.

[@Thatdumbgremlin]

The half mask is also there because Michael Crawford’s mic didn’t jive with the full mask. 😂

[@elizabeth-098]

Oh my goodness! I'm so glad you made this! It felt like I was watching it with a good friend who has just as much passion as I do for this show! Also callout moment: I totally wrote a huge analysis (about 30 pages worth) of the 2004 movie musical (of its content, not the execution), and I loved it to its core - but that was only because it was the version I grew up with (and the only one I had every seen). Literally six months later I saw this version for the first time and YES it is the best version! I certainly hope to see the show in New York or London one day! Also also, Ramin is the definitive phantom. Sorry, not sorry.

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Oh, Faith that's so nice of you to say 🥺 That's the vibe I get when I watch those other commentary channels so I'm happy I could do that for others too! That is INCREDIBLE - I'm a computer science major so I don't think we wrote anything over 10 😵‍💫 BRAVO!

[@anunderstatedinfinity]

I loved your commentary on Phantom!! It felt like a cozy musical night with a friend. 😊I'd love to see more of your commentaries in the future!

[@SalmonTiger7589]

There is in fact Electric Guitar in the movie version, that i think adds to it being a banger cause that goes so hard

[@kamillebautista436]

OMG, I really love this commentary! You are so fun to listen to, and I don't mean that I'm glad you felt sad, but I always smile whenever you cry because that means you got carried away with the scene and you love it, just like I do. I just discovered POTO recently with this version (Ramin is my first/favorite Phantom) and I INSTANTLY LOVED IT! I've been wanting to watch reviews about it coz I want to see other people's reaction and I am so happy that someone out there, like you, love it as much as I love it too. Gosh, I watch it everyday for several weeks now and I am still in awe every single time. I also watched the 2004 movie after and I extremely regret watching the 25th version first because I didn't like the movie anymore at all. Maybe if I watched it first, I'll probably love it for some time, but sadly, I found the best first so... Anyway, thank you so much once again. I enjoyed it and I hope you'll do more of this. OHHH, I also think it would be VERY fun to watch your commentary on Love Never Dies, I'd love to hear your complaints and roasts HAHAHA P.S. You kinda remind me of Leah in The Good Doctor who is played by Paige Spara. You both are very pretty!

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Well shoot, this comment just made my day - THANK YOU! 🥺 I love that you've found Phantom recently and loved it as much as I have! Now that Broadway's back open, I hope you get to see it live too! If you're looking for more, there's another novel called "Phantom" by Susan Kay that covers his entire life from his POV. It's pretty good!

[@kamillebautista436]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL OMG, Broadway does sound majestic, but unfortunately I live in Asia and we don't have theaters here in our country so I'll be stuck on the DVD version. But it's fine, the 25th version is already perfection to me. (Ramin and Sierra's performance was just... *chef's kiss*) I've heard of Susan Kay's "Phantom" before from Hugh Panaro's Q and A interview (He was also a famous phantom) and he mentioned that he read that novel as well to study Phantom's character. It sure must be awesome. I'll go check it out. Thank you and have a nice day!

[@GoDanceInTheRain]

So good! I like how you talked through it and explained things. I only watched the movie years ago and couldn’t get into it. Your knowledge about the show, book and film brought more understanding to the storyline. Thanks for sharing!

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

That’s so kind of you to say! Thank you 🥰

[@K5butterfly]

Loved this review video. And don’t worry, I cry during the entire “Down once more” final lair scene too. Like full body sobs 😩

[@oohbaguette299]

22:31 Fun Fact! The only known proof of Raoul's mask is in a photo of when the show first opened. Steve Barton (Raoul's actor) wore it on the top of his head.

[@laysmaxx5789]

Your dog is so frickin cute. When the POTO theme was playing, it was chewing the blanket. AAAA SO ADORABLE. Great reaction btw!

[@varuna6795]

GIRL I SWEAR I HAVE NEVER FELT SO UNDERSTOOD. EVERYTHING U SAID HERE SO REAL BESTIE I FEEL THE EXACT SAME WAY PERIOD

[@PatrickKCompton]

Yes, so love this and have probably watched my DVD 1000 times. Also love the super full orchestrations for this special performance. Watching this cast, especially Ramin and Sierra perform is like taking a masterclass. Still gutted it's gone from Bway. I'd always take a few peeks at the facial expressions of the audience near me during the journey sequence. Loved to see have many jaws were on the floor when the candles come in and they reveal the gondola. Classic 80s stage magic that is still stunning! Now I'll go check out your LND vid. So much to say there, lol.

[@blakebevill730]

“Christine…I loooooooove you” OH MY GOD MY HEART

[@kino9643]

25:54 yknow what i think the problem is? it's tone and mouth/vowel shape. the harmonizing girl has a very nasally sound quality to her voice specifically during "that i lie with" and though they both sing vowel a(pple), the girl on the right has hers more towards the front of her soft palate while the girl on the left has hers placed more on the back of her soft palate and closer to her throat. So while on paper the notes work perfectly, the dichotomy between the executed soft palate placements is what throws everyone off you can even see/hear at 26:03 that the girl on the left changes her placement to go more towards the front and it sounds so much more cohesive than the previous notes

[@brookejansen6498]

I LOVED THIS SO MUCH

[@kylarawlins-]

This is the video I NEEDED!!

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Aw thank you - happy new year! 🥂May or may not be filming the "Love Never Dies" one this weekend... 👀

[@kylarawlins-]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL omg yes!!

[@emirachelnatalie3397]

it's June 2023 but I was in my local theatre's production of Phantom and was OBESSED. I like mourned the experience when it was over lol, it was so good! Then after loving it for so long I went to watch the movie and found the 25th anniversary video and OMFGGGGG I WAS DEAD. so freaking good! Obsessed with Sierra and Ramin in this production and Hadley was great too. Fell into a youtube rabbit hole of Ramin/Sierra's friendship which made me love the whole thing even more!!! let's just say the 25th anniversary is my new obession lmao

[@Christine_Afton]

I always cry during phantom, mostly at the last part of the musical

[@SurinaSlackArt]

Aww, I loved this so much. 💜 Btw, there is in fact a book basis for "Love Never Dies" - it was a book that ALW had written by someone for hire called "Phantom of Manhattan." It's probably even more bonkers than LND, and I choose to ignore them both lololol

[@LingLing_Wannabe]

YES! I love relating to someone so much - I could mouth the lines with you and screamed with you at the awesome musical cues :D This whole performance was just PERFECTION and Ramin is like one of my favorite people EVER Edit: and yes, I cried with you at the end of Act 1.. I don’t know how the heck Ramin does it but he is so emotionally manipulative in the best way

[@johnrupert5606]

25:20 ”The third of the operas, in Act Two, is a new version of Don Juan - created by Andrew and the librettists as a twelve-tone opera, indicating that the Phantom’s composing is decades ahead of Schönberg and Stockhausen.” (Hal Prince, October 2009) So basically, the Phantom's music is so ingenious that it's way ahead of its time. This is portrayed by using the above mentioned twelve-tone technique/dodecaphony (developed by Arnold Schönberg in the 1920s) for the orchestra opening and the chorus in "Don Juan Triumphant" (although not in Point of No Return for obvious reasons 😅). Have a look at "Four Pieces for Chorus and Ensemble, op. 27" by Schönberg here on KZbin and you get the idea. This kind of music would have sounded horrible and very alien to people in the 1870s (as it did to many people 50 years later and still today), hence their reactions and Piangi having a very hard time rehearsing his part. The opera world in late 19th century France was used to works in the style of French Romantic Opera ("Hannibal") or 18th century Italian Opera ("Il Muto"). All the operas ALW invented for Phantom are supposed to more or less mimic the respective styles (both musically and thematically).

[@seattlesusieq6945]

This is exactly how ALW describes how the Phantom composes. In's interviews he says the Phantom is way ahead of his time.

[@bernacarangan]

this video has become one of my comfort videos -- 3rd time watching this

[@erinsanders4449]

Anthony warlow is brilliant with the hands too.

[@por1821]

Excellent performance... when the 4 phantoms come out in the aftershow encore he definitely steals the show performance- wise... straight out the gate awesome😊.

[@CindersSpot]

Me and my boyfriend were also wondering about the hood! We came to the conclusion it's either a magnet hidden in the wig or a comb sewn to the inside of the hood. I think it's a comb, because that's a very common (and historically accurate!) way to attach hats. It would also be really easy to stick into Christine's hairstyle

[@PinkPatriot]

Ugly face or not, I’d marry him. He was my first love 😂 ever since I was a little tiny girl. 5 years old, listening to the CD over and over again!

[@cristinacoelhoborgescheinq2625]

this was great!! I also saw the show as a child (I was 6, my grandmother took me), and I must agree with you even though it is my favorite musical that it doesn't have a lot of humor without the side characters, ALTHOUGH the Phantom has some pretty funny takes like he's just so mischievous dropping the set on top of Carlotta and sending letters to the owners, it does take a few laughs out of me everytime 😂

[@l.n.3372]

Tbh the Phantom makes me laugh all the time. His voice in Notes 1 where he's like such a prick but so sarcastic to the managers. His voice during Seal my fate tonight. He's awful to Carlotta but he's so funny during poor fool, he makes me laugh (accurate lol, he really does). He's just such a snarky bastard.

[@elevnknigthegre7361]

31:44 HAHAHA I CANT BELIEVE U ADDED DEAR EVAN HANSEN

[@frankandrik]

Sarah Brigham and all other phantoms singing at the end was epic

[@CanadianGuy2004]

Brightman

[@SequinShoeGal]

Hi. Phantom obsessed for YEARS… Broadway and the other mediums. Many different Raouls and the knight / morally gray thing never crossed my mind. And I never noticed that a Christine wasn’t singing to him at the final AIAOY. Now I can’t unsee it. So heartbreaking 💔 Love my good ugly cry tho hahaha Thanks xo cool insight! Ps or the music from Psycho before JB dies! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@simonhassnilsson7009]

Justice for Erik, had to put up with Carlotta's Caterwauling for three years, no wonder he snapped 😂

[@user-fc1yf7zj6i]

That must’ve been the most tortuous thing ever

[@autumnreacts10]

I totally agree with you on the Phantom's masquerade outfit. They screwed it up so bad in the movie. Like, that is one of the MOST iconic Broadway costumes.

[@kathrynwicklund5880]

YES! Would love more videos like this. You should review the 10th anniversary Les Miserables concert

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Adding it to the list! Great idea!

[@lilyann168]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL I second this. ITS SO GOOD

[@vanchella1]

Love your enthusiasm here! I also enjoy headbanging to most of the Phantom soundtrack! :D ALW has a weird knack for making musicals out of subjects you...wouldn't think to make musicals out of, when you think about it. Phantom, but also the crucifixion, the wife of Argentinian Hitler (basically), and...trains and cats... ? Yet, somehow, most of the time it works.

[@sandymilenko]

Ive cried like a baby several times watching the same show,but this finale hurts absolutely deep,indeed,is as a prologue for the facts of LOVE NEVER DIES,there we realize that Christine search the phantom and when find him they live this crazy and wild love❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ohazeldean]

This was so fun, please do more of these! Would also love to see you react to the 2004 movie

[@Deityyyyy]

29:15 Look closely, there faces rub and she feels the mask, small detail but when you see it it makes you 100x more appreciative.

[@Charlie-cq2oc]

In the book they say a horse has gone missing from the stables and believe the phantom has stolen it so that might be why they included it in the film. Also I can’t tell if ur from the UK or not but if you are u need to see Rhys Whitfield as Raoul but he’s leaving the show in 2 weeks but he is amazing! Definitely my favourite Raoul.

[@mikurtis1767]

In the novel, there were stables in the opera house. And, one of the horses is stolen. That's the horse the Phantom uses taking Christine down to his lair. Also, if you ever watch the movie version's bonus DVD, the choreographer of the original show has an explanation for why Christine faints at the end of "Music of the Night"... she seems to forget there's the weird Christine doll in that scene. Her explanation *might* ruin the song for you.

[@BrianBisetti]

It’s true that there’s not a live electric guitar in the pit, but for the Overture and title song the pit plays along to a guide track that has the organs, synths, guitar and drums.

[@valentinogal781]

Finally someone like minded and me. I hated the movie adaptation of the great masterpiece. I thought the 25th Anniversary live was by far the best. They really knew how to cast the best actors and voices foe each role. At the time Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess had already opened up at the West End with the Sequel Love Never Dies..

[@happyjellycatsquid]

I will live and die simping for Hadley’s Raoul, so this is also my favourite production ! And obviously Sierra and Ramin are such wonderful performers as well ! Also, besides All I ask of you, my favourite musical number in POTO is Wishing you were somehow here again. Kicks me in the feelings every times, I never cry for the Phantom but also at this bit

[@JoshMonreaux]

Oh PLEASE review Love Never Dies! But also be sure to read "The Phantom of Manhattan." Loved your reactions by the way. This is a great react/review video.

[@captaincrunch784]

I just found that book in a little free library!!!!

[@Catch_Fire_]

Thank you for putting some light on Hadley Fraser. People tend to not care for Raul, which is a crime considering its the TALENTED hadley fraser

[@TheHestya]

This edition in particular rips my heart out every time. His facial expressions at the end. Stockholm syndrome? Fudge it, I'm ill and weeping.

[@jimgunther3378]

Yours is one of the most entertaining (and insightful) "reaction" videos I've seen on KZbin. I especially enjoy seeing young people (that's almost anybody but me) react to "old" (pre-1980's) music. The 25th Anniversary is IMHO the best rendition of POTO. I saw the play several times during its first couple years on Broadway - Michael Crawford's HANDS were mesmerizing - hypnotic - erotic (and not by accident as a deep dive on KZbin will reveal ). That said, while I still enjoy the Original Cast recording of MC and SB, many of the Christines and Erics have surpassed them in technical ability. Being a kinda' Fan-Boy of Sierra, I'd have to say "She's the best" She not only has extraordinary pipes but gives "great-face" at all times. Probably no surprise (to you) that she began her performance career as an ice skater where (is it amplitude or?) projection is so important. Lastly, agree 100% on "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" - so underrated. Keep it up!

[@sharpaycutie2]

The only props o can give the movie was the throat croaking scene wher they did show him replacing her throat spray. When is Saw the anniversary one I didn’t know how he did it, and assumed he was making her scared so she needed up croaking but this was a statue play so they couldn’t make it noticeable to the audience even if they wanted to

[@VladDraculaIII]

Never knew that Colm Wilkinson was once the Phantom. I only knew him as Broadways Jean Valjean. Ramin Kiermloo did Les Miserables occasionally as well. I read he also plays Raoul once in awhile

[@ajmalaika1287]

Ohhh love your comments on tone changing without script changes. You see it SOOO MUCH IN JCS as well as the various staging. In each the dynamics between Jesus, Judas and Mary are different from a tight friend group being torn apart, to Judus being concerned about his friends relationship with a "prostitute" to a full blown love triangle

[@ahmeehan]

okay so i went down the phantom rabbit hole again and THE PICTURE OF BEN PLATT from DEH when you’re talking about how bad the Phantom is supposed to look has me in absolute tears

[@RangerA52]

There was an Electric Guitar in the orchestra for the 25th. The guitarist is ripping insane licks throughout the entirety of the title song.

[@ark2335]

33:00 i always found this staging so funny because obviously in the actual stage production there are no stairs but here he could just.. he could just walk up the stairs? come on raoul

[@o-stone8339]

I think they changed the red death mask too only cover the centre of his face in the movie because there were a lot of close ups of the phantom in that scene and they wanted you to see the emotion in his face when talking to Christine.

[@emilypruett5330]

Would love to hear your critique on the Phantom Movie. Love your videos!!!

[@eristineforever6934]

The 25th Anniversary concert of ALW’s The Phantom of the Opera had actors in it who have played the Phantom and Christine and who will play those roles. For instance, Katie Hall is in the Masquerade song/scene.

[@LaurenPaigeSQL]

Oh! That’s makes total sense - didn’t know that! Cool fact 😃😃😃

[@eristineforever6934]

@@LaurenPaigeSQL you’re welcome. Here’s another one. Sofia Escobar is in the Ill Muto/Poor Fool, He makes laugh scene. Also, Earl Carpenter plays the auctioneer.

[@maggieaishalee3829]

She is also Christine's body double during the bridge part in the title song

[@maggieaishalee3829]

Celia Graham, Killian Donnelly, Simon Bailey, Rachell Barrell, Mathew Camelle and some others are in it but not sure where

[@eristineforever6934]

@@maggieaishalee3829 Gardar Thor Cortes is in it too.

[@melissacurran2184]

This is my all time fav musical

[@emmadumais2337]

Just now seeing this. Have you reacted to Les Miserables? You should watch the 10th anniversary concert! It's sooooo good, and deserves more recognition!

[@wesleybradshaw3374]

It’s always such a struggle to decide wether I feel bad for the phantom or not. He loves Christine but he also killed a man so…

[@blissinchains]

As a child he was kidnapped and enslaved basically in a circus to bare his face for people to throw rotten evegtables and spit at him to make money for someone who ultimately abused him. Humanity wasn't kind to him, either. Not an excuse, but I can get why if threatened he would do it. (Also, I don't miss Bouquet; it's implied that he harrassed the young ballerinas.)

[@emirachelnatalie3397]

lol, when in my theatre's production, always watching the christine/phantom scenes I was always so sad for him lmaooo.

[@l.n.3372]

I mean why not both lol We feel sympathetic and feel bad for his hard life. But yes, he's a murderer. He also kills 2 men: Buquet and Piangi.

[@captaincrunch784]

"looking like a Jedi" YUP

[@CoynieReads]

I’m really glad the pizza roll GIF lives on 😂

[@nigelmenard4967]

In the new tour the chandelier hangs covered over the audience when you enter and it falls straight down. I believe Raoul masquerade costume is a police officer and he wore a mask in the new tour. Also, for LND to make more sense at the end of phantom Meg blocks the mob from getting to him and when she drops his cape he is gone with the mask in the cloak.

[@captaincrunch784]

Who else loves the rad guitar riff in the title song film version LOL. It's so noticeable

[@bethchills]

I know you haven't uploaded in a year, but I desperately need more! I grew up with the original recording, then watched the movie when it came out, then through that shit in the trash when the 25th Anniversary came out. I ugly cried watching you watch it. I would love for you to do Cat's on broadway since the movie was absolute ass (surprise). But I'll literally take anything.

[@dylancragle5039]

I would LOVE to watch you roast the 2004 film version!!

[@josephbanet5410]

I've always kinda liked the ending in the film where Raoul takes the monkey to Christine's grave and sees the rose left by Erik. Also, I know you skipped over part it in the video, but (aside from the title song) the mirror scene has to be my favorite in the whole show. When he tells Christine to look in the mirror and he sings "I am there inside!" it always gives me chills. One last thing, I AGREE COMPLETELY that the Red Death costume in the show is 10 times better than the one in the film, it's the costume that got me obsessed with the show to begin with, after seeing it in a commercial for a local production of Phantom.

[@mishmishbarnes3630]

Bit long, but my friends and I were obsessed with Phantom as kids. We used to act it out and sing the songs (esp the one where they get the letter from the phantom). Also we played a lot of Minecraft so my friend downloaded a build of the Paris Opera House and we would play as OCs in Phantom or act out the musical. My friend dug out the Phantom's lair underneath the main build and since we watched the movie the most, she had that random horse too. Also we made her play the Phantom al the time and she dug a pit full of pufferfish called the Raoul Pit. We were interesting children...

[@lizmagu3189]

Glad to see I'm not the only one who sobs like a lil baby watching this. And, like you, I hated Meg.. lol.. Ramin and Sierra are perfectly cast in this. Def my all time favorite version.. ❤

[@captaincrunch784]

I'm drunk and drying watching this. Good times LOL. I had a rough day