New Phantom Las Vegas Review

[ChewingTheScenery]

Hello!

Here is a review of The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas from 03/08/2011;

http://chewingthescenery.com/2011/09/20/review-the-phantom-of-the-opera-the-venetian-las-vegas-03082011/

Warning: It's very, very honest.

- Harry Zing
Chewingthescenery.com
Phantom Review

[moncruzz]

exactly my sentiments when I saw it 6months ago. The actors looked and felt tired. It was very clear they just didn't wanna be on the stage!!

[Gaveston2]

My younger sister saw this last month and was very disappointed. To put things in perspective, she has seen Phantom before and liked it, but probably doesn't own the OBC CD; in other words, she attends the theater on occasion but isn't a fanatic.

Even so, she found the Vegas Phantom almost like watching the Cliff Notes for the real show. All the hits were there, but with everything else eliminated, it was more like watching a synopsis than the actual show.

And FWIW, her husband went back to their room to get a blanket because it was so cold in the house.

[morosco]

Surprised the show would be in such a deteriorated condition. Hal Prince has kept other companies in good shape.

[uncageg]

I stayed at the Venetian when I was there and wanted to see it but decided against it because they play the music constantly around the hotel. I was over hearing the music constantly.

[LizzieCurry]

Even so, she found the Vegas Phantom almost like watching the Cliff Notes for the real show. All the hits were there, but with everything else eliminated, it was more like watching a synopsis than the actual show.

I'd seen the full show over a dozen times by the first time I saw it in Vegas. I didn't realize until then how much I would appreciate how abridged it was.

[ravnquest1]

I've seen this three times across about 4 years, each unfortunately with Crivello as the Phantom. The best by far was the first time when it was still fresh with the magnificent Elizabeth Loyacano as Christine. Each repeat viewing it has been worse, with Crivello's performance ballooning to flat-out obnoxious levels. He definitely cannot hit any of the big notes, and his curtain call was so self-serving and ridiculous it has put me off from ever seeing him again in anything. I keep hoping for an understudy since I'm pretty sure he doesn't do all of the shows each week, but I keep missing a cover by one show. It's frustrating. I really wish I had seen Brent Barrett when he was doing it.

[phantomvegas2]

I disagree with the past comments on Crivello's performance. I have seen his performance five times and I believe he is one of the few actors, in the show's history, whom keep the show exciting. I would give reasons and details as to why I believe he is giving such a performance, but I know no one really gives a rats ass... So I'll save time and I'll just say: I will pay to see the show in Vegas, as long as he is there.

[BenjaminNicholas2]

I've seen Brent in the role, along with the absolutely incredible Sierra Boggess and they were the perfect pair. Brent brings a physicality to the role that no other Phantom has, as well as easily being able to hit the big notes. It's his delivery of the soft, almost ghostly notes that makes his characterization so damned good.

Crivello needs to be replaced. Immediately. I didn't like what he was doing in the show in the beginning and now, it's just a farce. He mush-mouths it through the show. I can't imagine anyone who isn't familiar with the score being able to follow a thing he sings. It's really a shame.


Yes, they're bored. It shows. Phantom in Vegas is able to survive, as the set and tech keep people entertained, not the actors.

[Hanna from Hamburg]

Perhaps, since they already have the wax figures in the box seats, they could partner with Madame Tussauds and replace the entire cast with wax figures and just play the cast recording. It could be like an updated version of the Disney Hall of Presidents.

LOL

[sparrman]

Am I the only one who saw Brent Barrett's disastrous "Music of the Night" on the MD telethon a few years back? I guess it was just a bad day for him...but it was really terrible. He sure didn't have the top notes that day! Glad to hear it was apparently just an aberration.

[phantomvegas2]

Sparrman- both performances (preview and his final) I saw of his, he was vocally shot. I heard he wasn't dedicated, by various crew members. Ah well, comments on here couldn't change my mind about Crivello. Crivello and Panaro are the only madmen/damaged souls who have kept me coming back for more.

[TheatreDiva90016]

I finally saw this production this last week and was blown away by it. No one seemed tired or bored at all and the technical aspects were fantastic! I sat in row P right under the chandelier and almost pooped mt pants at how fast it came down.

They have posted that it is closing in a few months, so of you want to see it, I say hurry up!

[bwayphreak234]

^ I was blown away when I saw it too. I saw it when Sierra Boggess was playing Christine. One of the most memorable theatrical experiences I have had.

[AEA AGMA SM]

I also finally saw this just a few weeks ago and was thrilled. The cast was fine. Crivello is not my favorite Phantom, but I would hardly say he looked bored or was tired, and the same goes for the rest of the cast.

I personally thought the cuts made to Act I worked quite nicely and there was nothing that I really missed in it (I got worried since "Prima Donna" was not listed in the program and I really do enjoy that song). There were a few things that got from Act II that I did miss (mainly the rehearsal scene that segues into the graveyard), but I LOVED the transition from the end of "All I Ask of You" reprise into "Masquerade" and the chandelier, both rising and falling, was breathtaking.