Anybody Seen the 25th Anniversary PotO?

[ever_maedhros]

(Here's a link to the full video, which I can't embed, sadly.)

If so, what do you think of it? I thought it was good, though I still have special place in my heart for the 2005 Emmy Rossum version, flaws and all, because it was the first version of the musical I saw.



Ramin Karimloo was incredible as the Phantom (his facial expressions leap through the mask, and his command of voice and emotion--GAH). However, I still maintain that nobody's prettier in a mask and a waistcoat than Gerard Butler. And I still could listen to his rendition of Music of the Night on loop for the rest of my life.

Wendy Ferguson practically stole the show as Carlotta--she was absolutely hysterical. I actually wished there were more scenes and songs with Carlotta. I've never done that before. XD

Sierra Boggess is completely adorable, both as Christine and as herself, and I really enjoyed watching her--but Emmy Rossum will ALWAYS be Christine to me. I'm still blown away how well she did with the role, considering she was cast when she was so young.

Hadley Fraser was incredible as Raoul, though I was a little annoyed that the character of Raoul was purposely made a little more cranky and controlling, to better fit with the huge transformation of his character in Love Never Dies. (Don't get me started on the mixed feelings of rage and bliss that sequel inspires in me. The music is lovely--but the plot, ugh!)

And . . . I have to confess that whenever he was on stage, I was distracted by his eye-makeup. VERY distracted. I stared at his eyes almost as much as I did at all the AMAZING costumes.

Again, I ask, what say you? Yea? Nay? Don't know, don't care?

Comments

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, this is the only other version I've seen besides the movie and it is really lovely! (Same with me, I saw the movie first and it will always be my favorite) I especially loved when all the old Phantoms sang together at the end, it was amazing!

I actually liked this version of Raoul better because he seemed more sensible. And he was really funny in the underground cave scene at the end. I was pretty sure he was going to pop through the rope he was so angry the Phantom was wooing Christine!

One thing that kind of bugged me was most of Sierra Boggess' costumes were cut off below the knee and looked really weird to me. I much perfer Emmy Rossum's gorgeous gowns in the movie!

[ever-maedhros.livejournal.com]

I especially loved when all the old Phantoms sang together at the end, it was amazing!

I know! That was so adorable and heart-warming.

I was pretty sure he was going to pop through the rope he was so angry the Phantom was wooing Christine!

ROFL. Yes. And you're right that he was more sensible--I liked that. It's just sometimes he came off as a little too overbearing--that I didn't like.

Nothing will beat Emmy Rossum's movie costumes. NOTHING!!! :D

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

That's true, I do still prefer Hadley Fraser but neither of them are perfect.

AGREED!!