687 replies to this topic

[djp]

ABowlerHat, on 10 August 2012 - 12:41 PM, said:

Sofia's leaving in June, isn't she? Anna will more than likely get the role full time then.

Looks a strange cast. - an older Phantom, and a young looking Raoul and a Christine  who has just played  herself 10 years on,  and played  the role 5 years ago. More suitable  for LND - where some  may be destined for in time - given ALW sems to prefer his Australian version and wanted an older Phantom?  Fits ALW's superstar comments about there not being any current  male stars by  going abroad again though - he seems to believe it if his casting is anything to go on. You really wonder when they will actually cast one of the capable  up and coming brits to play the role if they can't keep on rotaing it between JOJ, Ramin and Earl?  The tour cast should be free by mid 2013 so I would hope they would feature in the next cast change too .

[Titan]

There is an element of truth to what Webber says. Many West End men are ok for the younger pretty boy leads or the older character roles but straight (not as in sexyality) masculine leading men in the classic sense are harder to come by. Look at how many valjeans and phantoms have been recycled over the years.

[ABowlerHat]

Well yes, if you try and list the amount of London actors who could actually play The Phantom, who are appropriate age-wise and vocally and the list is not long (Ramin wouldn't even be on my list).

Yes, Marcus is older but I'm glad they've cast someone who is actually the right age and clearly has amazing vocal ability.

[robintusin]

Do we know for certain yet when Anna will be performing?

[London-phan]

robintusin, on 16 August 2012 - 05:35 PM, said:

Do we know for certain yet when Anna will be performing?

Anna will be performing on Mondays and Fridays. Her first night will be the 3rd September with the rest of the new cast, as it's a Monday.

[danneawright]

I know its a long way of but does anyone know the date of the last performance of this new cast?

[London-phan]

danneawright, on 05 September 2012 - 08:45 PM, said:

I know its a long way of but does anyone know the date of the last performance of this new cast?

Not sure of an exact date but they're contracted for a year so I'm thinking end of August/first week of September 2013. Some of the cast may stay on, although I think Marcus will only be there for the 12 months.

[tommo2k]

Saw the new cast last night (chose a Monday so I would see Anna O'Byrne) and I was underwhelmed.  Marcus Lovett was good at times (Liked his Final Lair) but not so good at others (All I Ask of You Reprise!) and he was often out of time with the music which was odd.  Anna was OK but I expected more after seeing her on the LND DVD.  She seemed to struggle with the cadenza in Think Of Me but anything is an improvement on Sofia Escobar so I won't complain too much.  Simon Thomas had a really strong voice (quite Phantom-ish I think) but I didn't really feel much connection between his Raoul and Christine, which quite often seems to be a problem in the show for me.  It is not at all the worst cast I have seen but I am probably not going to rush back to see them either.