FLASH FRIDAY Special Edition: The Music & Magic of PHANTOM 25

In honor of this Sunday's once-in-a-lifetime worldwide live movie theater showing of the 25th anniversary celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Fathom - the same company who recently brought us LES MISERABLES, Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY, and Shakespeare's Globe Series, among others - today we are going to take a look at many of the various aspects of the world's most successful entertainment as it swings like a wonton chandelier into cinemas worldwide direct from the Royal Albert Hall for the next two weeks. By going back and revisiting the hallowed origins of the haunting operatic musical - Hal Prince, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman included - as well as a look at the various iterations of the show since its inception - such as the 2004 film version, PHANTOM VEGAS and the musical sequel, LOVE NEVER DIES - perhaps we, too, can bring back the music and memories and magical moments of so many years ago - 25 to be exact - with this super-special spotlight of intense illumination on all aspects of what makes PHANTOM a sensation, now and forever.

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PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 25 LIVE AT THE Albert Hall is a Fathom Event showing at hundreds of movie theaters around the world starting this Sunday, October 2. To see the nearest available Fathom-equipped multiplexes in your area and to pre-order tickets to PHANTOM 25 please go to the official site here. Be sure to continue checking out BroadwayWorld for more interviews, views, reviews and more as the Phantom takes over cinemas worldwide in this epic theatrical event for the ages!

One Love, One Lifetime - One Show

How do you define a generational touchstone of musical theatre? What can be said about something that has had such a significant impact upon hundreds of millions of people and potentially changed the course of many lives in its wake? The simple fact that it is the longest-running show in Broadway history is enough to make many want to cement its place in history with that - and, maybe, that alone. Yet, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is so much more than merely a money-making machine or some sort of fluke gargantuan smash hit. There are two other essential Ms in that mix that may matter more than any of the others - the music and the magic. While it may seem slightly cliché or even hokey to dare intone the term magic when discussing an entertainment event such as this, the true power and draw of this musical lays squarely in the manner in which Andrew Lloyd Webber, Hal Prince, Charles Hart and the creators tell the story more than the actual content of the story itself - although, in this case, magic actually has a lot to do with that, too. Actually, magic has all to do with PHANTOM - more so than with perhaps any other musical in existence. And, it makes magic real for those that let it happen to them. It is a story largely about a master magician who also happens to be a master musician, after all. Furthermore, it is also about a young woman learning to find her own inner-magic and her voice in the world - literally and metaphorically - and how the manifestation of that benevolent gift the Phantom grants her by helping her find her musical voice - and, thus, her gift - nonetheless yields moribund repercussions for many involved. It is a story about finding out who you are and going out and making your dream come true - and possibly betraying or compromising relationships with your friends, family (deceased or otherwise), employers, significant others and even your mentor in order to do so. Fame, success and happiness do not come cheap - and neither does love. Yet, as the musical sequel's title tells us, love never dies, either. While we may safely assume Christine would not have ever been content to wile the rest of her days away at the Paris Opera with the Phantom as her guide through life and career, now, thanks to Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical continuation, LOVE NEVER DIES, we know for a fact what happens after the events of the first experience, and, knowing the ultimate outcome, we can form a more rounded and deeper understanding of the original musical and the Phantom's complex relationship with Christine in it - and hers, in turn, with him (as well as with Raoul; and, later, her son, Gustave). Nothing is easy or simple or pat - just as in life; and, just as in magic. And, just as in music. Nothing is easily explained, either. Mystery is a part of life, too, is it not?

What appeals most intensely to the senses and makes our hearts race and our hair stand on end may very well betray what our brains tell us to enjoy, and, ultimately, what our hearts know is true. We can get caught up in the moment and forget everything else. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is that moment of surreal ecstasy, propelled ever forward by the mesmerizing music and magic conjured up by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hal Prince and suspended for two hours time. Everyone's experience of PHANTOM may be slightly different, but the onus of its power is precisely that - compelling, seamless storytelling enacted with assured, precise and exhilarating flourishes of magic and mystery. The music is the heart, soul, passion and drive. The mystery is everything else. All together? It is even more than the sum of its many marveous parts.

So, let's now take a look at some of the most memorable and beloved moments in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in its different versions over the years that best express its indescribable allure and also sample some of the sonorous sounds that have made this Andrew Lloyd Webber's most treasured score to its many millions of fans worldwide.

Sing My Angel, Sing

First up, let's analyze the show's title song in its various forms and see how the score's sole contemporary flourish has ingratiated itself over the years with fans and Phans alike.

Here is the original video version of the title song for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA before it had even begun rehearsals, directed by vaunted British visionary Ken Russell (of TOMMY, THE BOYFRIEND and WOMEN IN LOVE fame/infamy) and starring Sarah Brightman along with the first proposed Phantom, rocker Steve Harley. What do you think of Russell's vision for the piece - complete with gold Medusa masks and snakes? What about this very early version of the lyrics (penned by Mike Batt and Richard Stilgoe)? Most importantly: is the Phantom now your mastermind, too? See and hear for yourself!

Since you've perused the original pop single version of the title song, now hear how Andrew Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart finessed the song into the thrilling duet we now know and love, as can be heard here in the title track taken from the Original London Cast Recording of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, performed by original Phantom and Christine, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman.

Take that track one step further and hear how Andrew Lloyd Webber and David Cullen re-orchestrated and re-arranged the number for the 2004 Joel Schumacher-directed film version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, here sung by Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. Where's Keith Richards with a electric guitar solo when you really need him? In the Phantom's Lair, apparently! Yet, it works! The Phantom was emo before emo was emo, after all!

Now, take a look at these three live versions of the title song, all featuring original Christine, Sarah Brightman!

Angela Lansbury introduces Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performing a special medley of the title song and "The Music Of The Night", with this clip taken from the 1988 Tony Awards.

From more ten years ago - Andrew Lloyd Webber's star-studded 50th birthday concert at the Royal Albert Hall - here is Sarah Brightman and EVITA star Antonio Banderas taking on the title song in a particularly sexy and frenzied mode.

Sarah Brightman discusses the writing of the title song and how the role of Christine was custom composed for her by Andrew Lloyd Webber in this touching and absorbing interview and solo performance of the title song as only Sarah can do and does. Do you think Ms. Brightman will make a cameo come Sunday night's show? What about Michael Crawford? We will have to wait and see!

As a title song bonus, lastly, here is a clip collection ending with the grand Act One Finale of HEY! MR. PRODUCER - a celebration honoring famous CATS and PHANTOM producer Cameron Mackintosh - with original Toronto Phantom Colm Wilkinson, alongside Michael Ball and Lisa Vroman, performing the title song, "Music Of The Night", "All I Ask Of You" and its harrowing reprise.

This Kingdom Where All Must Pay Homage To Music

Since no discussion of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA would be complete without a look and listen to its most famous song, "The Music Of The Night", here are some considerably compelling iterations of the song - ranging from its originator to an American Idol to opera and pop stars.

Michael Crawford's performance of this song is everything that has been written in this column about the power of the music and the magic of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in one moment and a perfect expression and explanation of why the show works so well and will endure forever more. It truly can be experienced almost in full bloom right here in the original music video (even with the original, slightly tentative lyrics).

Here is the final version of the now famous song, as performed by Sarah Brightman at Andrew Lloyd Webber's 50th Birthday Celebration in my personal favorite version of it.

Many a Phan's post-Crawford favorite Phantom, here is stalwart Brad Little's singing of the song.

Now, for curiosity's sake, here is AMERICAN IDOL winner David Cook's studio version of "The Music Of The Night" taken from the week in 2007 when Andrew Lloyd Webber himself mentored the reality competition hopefuls.

Continuing on that theme of idiosyncratic covers, here is Andrea Bocelli's particularly operatic reading of the classic Phantom ballad with a fabulous orchestra and an audience of many thousands cheering him on.

Next up, here is recording industry superstar Josh Groban doing the song justice in his own way. Talk about caramel-covered vocal cords! Utterly delicious.

As a special bonus, check out the very first version of the melody that eventually became "The Music Of the Night" here, with newlyweds Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sarah Brightman premiering the song "Married Man" on a television talk show in the early 1980s, when it was intended for a very early version of what became the PHANTOM follow-up musical, ASPECTS OF LOVE. Although, those lyrics are not a mere coincidence, methinks!

Till We Hear Them Sing

With a look to PHANTOM 25 and a look back at LOVE NEVER DIES, here is the sleek music video for the Phantom's big first song in the musical sequel, "Till I Hear You Sing", performed by that show's original Phantom and PHANTOM 25's eponymous lead, Ramin Karimloo. Has Lord Lloyd Webber tapped into the magic yet again with this sensational new score? It seems clear to hear and see!

Now, here is PHANTOM 25's Christine performing the title song from LOVE NEVER DIES, accompanied by Andrew Lloyd Webber on the South Bank Show.

Finally, take a look at this mysterious preview for Sunday's PHANTOM 25! Chandeliers will crash and heads will roll for sure, but will history be made? Furthermore - will magic happen yet again? Make sure to be there and see for yourself - whether at the Royal Albert Hall or a Fathom movie theater near you!

So, what is your personal favorite PHANTOM musical moment? What song possesses the most magic for you? Will Sunday night's performance contain a moment we will be writing about in a column much like this for Phantom's 30th anniversary? Only time will tell, but with Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess essaying the lead roles, we could not be in better hands or have better performers making it all come alive for us as we watch it happening live!