Anthony Crivello: Las Vegas' Phantom

Anthony Crivello likes Las Vegas.   "Yes," he says, "there's a different topography between the Las Vegas Strip and Broadway, but the signs, the lights, are very similar...The great thing about it is that they — Las Vegas and Broadway — can exist side by side and Vegas has provided a great deal of work for a lot of actors."

The Tony Award-winner, who alternates the title role in Phantom: The Las Vegas Experience with Brent Barrett, will be in Las Vegas for at least the next six months, when the show celebrates its second anniversary.

Crivello left Marquette University in Milwaukee to try his luck in Chicago. At 22 he was understudying the role of Ché in Evita with Valerie Perri playing the title role.   It was there he first worked with Harold Prince, who also hand-picked him to perform the role on Broadway opposite Lonnie Ackerman. His first exposure to Prince, he recalls, "was a wonderfully shocking experience.   Prince is interested in the art of the piece.   But I believe I owe my career to him."

He worked with him again in Kiss of the Spiderwoman and, now, in Phantom: The Las Vegas Experience.   Prince is clearly is his main theatrical influence and, he hopes, will be his mentor. 

When recalling his "most significant musical experience.," Crivello is quick to cite "seeing West Side Story.   That's why I do what I do.   The jagged edges of the conflict and the classic love story really got to me.   Yes, there's murder in West Side Story, but there's also love, romance and eroticism.

"The same is true of Phantom.    But people find the character of the Phantom very erotic.   It's probably that edge of danger.   This man kills two people, but in the center of it you've got this wonderful love story.   It's like an opera.   It's a tragedy."

His interpretation of the role, he says, "is not conventional compared to others who play it.   My interpretation is more like Lon Chaney in the original silent movie."

Crivello — with a notable part on Seinfeld and several films to his credit, including Independence Day, Jane Austen's MAFIA!, and Slaves of New York— refers to himself as "an actor who sings."

When he talks about his life as an actor Crivello is constantly enthused; one get the distinct impression that he's very aware of his good fortune, especially when he says, "I know so many talented people who cannot find a part."

In reflecting on his career he is always careful to name those who, he says, "have been so great to work with and great to know."

Aside from Prince, he names Graciela Daniele (director of Marie Christine), Trevor Nunn (Les Miserables), John Caird (Jane Eyre), Gary Griffin (A Flea In Her Ear), Lynne Taylor-Corbett (workshop production of Deep Song) John Rando (Steve Martin's comedy The Underpants), John Kander and Fred Ebb, Trevor Nunn, Terrence McNally…..his list is seemingly endless and he is seemingly absolutely sincere in his gratitude to have worked with them.  

"When you're working with the likes of people like Hal; sending Christmas cards to John Kander and working with others (like Chita) who are the noted people of their generation — well, it's hard to believe."

But, of course, he isn't finished.   He's written scripts and wants continue to write and to direct ("I'd love Hal Prince to be my mentor, as Mr.   Abbott was his.   After all, George Abbott lived to be 101, so Hal and I have a lot of time left") and, of course, continue to act.

Asked about acting technique, Crivello immediately talks about the moment when Robert DeNiro, portraying a young Don Corleone, picked up a pear to give to his wife. "That small gesture was one of affection toward his wife and it touched me deeply. It was as if he was saying, 'The gift is not of a large monetary value, but to nourish the love we have. What price can you place on real love?'"

Two-and-a-half years ago Crivello and Dori Rosenthal "were married in our backyard in L.A., under a canopy, with a DJ playing 'Inamorata.' It was beautiful."

He's settled into Las Vegas with Dori and their son Enzo.   He takes advantage of what Las Vegas offers and enjoys it.   And, he clearly believes that "theater doesn't have to be just on Broadway or in London.   There's theater — great theater — in Chicago, LA and lots of other places.  

"Of course, it's a business, so I understand why they have to shorten shows that play in Las Vegas.   Good theater can adapt to its surroundings and that's why Las Vegas will have good theater."

What's next for him? "I have six more months in Phantom," he says, "then I'll decide.   But, meanwhile, I'm having a great time."

Photos: Anthony Crivello (headshot); Anthony Crivello (right) with wife Dori Rosenthal and Tom Jones

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